Thomas Jefferson High School is a public high school located in the heart of the Westshore Business District of Tampa, Florida, United States. It is an Area 1 school under the Hillsborough County Public Schools system.

History

In 1939, due to the increasing high school population in the Tampa area, Thomas Jefferson High School was founded in the Old Hillsborough County High School building at 2704 N. Highland Avenue in the city's Tampa Heights neighborhood. Named after the third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, its first principal was D.W. Waters and its first class graduated in 1942. By 1967, the school board decided that its location no longer met modern educational requirements and the first Jefferson High School was closed. Upon closure of the school, students were sent to neighboring schools to complete their education. The original Thomas Jefferson High School building still exists today as the D.W. Waters Career Center. On August 27, 1973, the new Jefferson High School building was opened at its current location on West Cypress Street.

Demographics

Jefferson HS is 53% Hispanic, 34% Black, 9% White, and 4% Other

Magnet Program

In 2001, Thomas Jefferson High instituted a magnet program with courses focusing on international studies. The courses have since changed names and have slowly moved on from focusing on international studies to being college preparatory leadership academies for students. Thomas Jefferson High School offers the following College Preparatory Leadership Academies to magnet students who apply:

Athletics

Football

In 2010, the Dragons won the Class 3A State Championship. They finished the year 15-0 and ranked #8 nationally

Music

The Music programs offered at Jefferson High School are:

Extracurricular activities

Jefferson High students participate in clubs, groups, and organizations. Beta, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, French Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, German Honor Society, Thespians Tri-M National Music Honor Society. DECA, FBLA, FCCLA, FPSA (Florida Public Service Association), Tri-M Music Honor Society, Mock Trial Team Junior Civitan, Key Club, SAC (student advisory council), SADD, Shanti. Arriba, Ballroom Dancing, FCA, True Love Does Wait, Nubian Queens, Science Brain Bowl, YO, Model United Nations, Human Rights, Step, Male/Female Weightlifting, Hip-Hop, Crew, Best Buddies, Drama, Health Club. School newspaper, literary magazine, yearbook.

Notable alumni