The admissions cycle for the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology (TJHSST) Class of 2030 is officially underway. Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has just released the schedule for its crucial admissions information sessions. For prospective students and their families, these meetings are the definitive source for understanding the rigorous application process and the unique academic environment at the nation's top-ranked public high school.
Attending one of the TJHSST information sessions for 2025-26 is the essential first step on your journey. Here, we have consolidated all the official dates and key deadlines to help you navigate the path ahead.
What to Expect at a TJHSST Information Session
Each session is led by a representative from the TJ Admissions office. This is your opportunity to hear directly from the source about the school's STEM-focused curriculum, research opportunities, and student life. More importantly, the presentation will provide a detailed overview of the multi-part application process, including eligibility requirements, the Student Portrait Sheet (SPS), and the Math/Science Problem-Solving Essay (PSE) . We highly recommend preparing questions in advance to make the most of this opportunity.
Full Schedule: TJHSST Information Sessions 2025-26
The following sessions are open to the public and are held at various middle schools across the participating districts. Find the date and time that works best for your family.
| Date | Day | School | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 4, 2025 | Thu | Glasgow MS | 5:00 PM |
| Sep 8, 2025 | Mon | Carson MS | 4:00 PM |
| Sep 10, 2025 | Wed | Cooper MS | 2:30 PM |
| Sep 11, 2025 | Thu | Rocky Run MS | 3:00 PM |
| Sep 15, 2025 | Mon | Jackson MS | 2:30 PM |
| Sep 15, 2025 | Mon | Stone MS | 6:00 PM |
| Sep 17, 2025 | Wed | Irving MS | 6:00 PM |
| Sep 18, 2025 | Thu | Herndon MS / Kilmer MS | 5:00 PM |
| Sep 24, 2025 | Wed | Frost MS | 2:45 PM |
| Sep 24, 2025 | Wed | Robinson SS | 6:00 PM |
| Sep 25, 2025 | Thu | Holmes MS / Key MS | 6:00 PM |
| Sep 29, 2025 | Mon | Thoreau MS | 6:00 PM |
| Sep 30, 2025 | Tue | Hayfield SS | 3:30 PM |
| Sep 30, 2025 | Tue | Poe MS | 5:30 PM |
| Oct 1, 2025 | Wed | Gunston MS | 6:00 PM |
| Oct 6, 2025 | Mon | South County MS | 3:00 PM |
| Oct 6, 2025 | Mon | Porter Traditional | 7:00 PM |
| Oct 7, 2025 | Tue | Longfellow MS | 2:45 PM |
| Oct 7, 2025 | Tue | Whitman MS / Liberty MS | 6:00 PM |
| Oct 8, 2025 | Wed | Stone Hill MS | 6:00 PM |
| Oct 9, 2025 | Thu | Sandburg MS | 6:00 PM |
| Oct 14, 2025 | Tue | Hammond MS | 6:00 PM |
| Oct 15, 2025 | Wed | Reagan MS | 6:00 PM |
Key TJHSST Admissions Dates for the Class of 2030
Beyond the information sessions, the admissions calendar is swift and unforgiving. Mark these dates down immediately to ensure you meet every deadline.
- October 20, 2025 (4:00 PM): Application portal opens.
- November 12, 2025 (4:00 PM): Deadline to begin an application.
- November 14, 2025 (4:00 PM): Deadline to submit the completed application.
- December 10, 2025: Notifications sent to any students deemed ineligible after initial review.
- January 24, 2026: Official administration date for the Student Portrait Sheet and STEM Problem-Solving Essay.
- February 4, 2026: Make-up and accommodations date for the essay and SPS.
- March 3, 2026: Formal application review process begins.
- April 30, 2026: Final admissions decisions are released (at the latest).
Please note: All dates are subject to change by FCPS.
A Snapshot of TJHSST Eligibility
Before diving deep into the application, it is critical to confirm your student's eligibility. The baseline requirements are:
- ✔️ Currently an 8th-grade student.
- ✔️ Enrolled in Honors Algebra I or a more advanced math course.
- ✔️ Enrolled in Honors Science and at least one other honors-level course.
- ✔️ A minimum GPA of 3.5 (calculated from all 7th-grade courses plus the first quarter of 8th grade).
- ✔️ A demonstrable passion for STEM.
For a complete and authoritative list of requirements, always consult the official FCPS eligibility criteria page.
Your Next Steps
Attending an official information session is the best way to begin your TJHSST application journey. Once you have a firm grasp of the requirements, the real work of crafting a standout application begins. At EduAvenues, our expert consultants specialize in helping students articulate their unique STEM passions and navigate the complexities of the Student Portrait Sheet and problem-solving essay.
Good luck, and be sure to mark your calendar for a TJHSST information session near you.
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