Thomas Jefferson School (2026-27 Profile)

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About the School

Nationally recognized academics for bright, motivated students. Ranked among the top boarding schools in the U.S. and the #1 college prep private high school in Missouri, TJ offers a challenging curriculum designed for students who are eager to think deeply, ask questions, and grow academically.
Intentionally small, deeply personal. With fewer than 90 boarding and day students in grades 712, TJ is small by design. Every student is known personally by teachers, advisors, and peers in a close-knit community built on genuine connection and support.
Discussion-based learning that builds confidence and independence. Students participate actively in class every day through discussion, writing, problem-solving, and collaboration. Small classes allow teachers to challenge students thoughtfully while helping them develop confidence in their own voice and ideas.
A fully integrated boarding experience. Learning continues beyond the classroom through shared meals, evening study, athletics, clubs, travel, and daily life together. Students learn how to manage time, live with others, advocate for themselves, and become increasingly independent in a supportive environment.
Rigorous and happy. TJ combines serious academic challenge with a warm, joyful community where students build close friendships, laugh often, explore new interests, and genuinely enjoy being part of school life while growing into curious, capable, and well-rounded young adults.

Quick Facts (26-27)

Grades: 7-12
Enrollment: 88 students
Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $72,500
Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $40,750
Acceptance rate: 70%
Average class size: 12 students
Application Deadline: Jan. 13 / rolling
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Thomas Jefferson School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 269 schools) for:

School Overview

2026 School Data

Thomas Jefferson School

Boarding School Avg.

School Focus

College Preparatory

Grades Offered

7-12

8-12

School Type

Co-ed

Yes

Religious Affiliation

Non-denominational

Year Founded

1946

1906

Campus Size

20 acres

130 acres

Last Day of School

Sun. Jun 6, 2027

Student Body

Enrollment

88 students

320 students

40%

27%

21%

% Students Boarding

33%

65%

1450
(Out of 1600)

* National Avg. »View

1400 - 1580

Average ACT score

31
(Out of 36)

*National Avg. »View

Academic Profile

Saturday Classes

Classroom Dress Code

Casual
Casual dress Monday through Thursday. Formal dress each Friday.

Casual

Average Class Size

12 students

* National Avg. »18

Student-Teacher Ratio

6:1

7:1

Yes

90%

73%

Summer Program Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

View Summer Program Details

Accreditations

Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)

Courses

AP BiologyAP Calculus BC

AP ChemistryAP Comparative Government & Politics

AP Computer Science AAP Computer Science Principles

AP English Language & CompositionAP English Literature & Composition

AP Physics CAP Statistics

AP U.S. Government & PoliticsAP U.S. History

Language APs may be taken at the discretion of the department.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Endowment Size

$3 million

$30 million

Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)

$72,500
(5-day boarding and 7-day boarding options are available.)

$71,900

Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)

$40,750

$40,000

Tuition international students

$72,500

$59,000

Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)

$66,750

$50,000

% Students on Financial Aid

31%

40%

Avg. Financial Aid Grant

$28,000

$25,000

Merit Scholarships Offered

Yes

Weekly

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Admissions

Application Deadline

Jan. 13 / rolling

Jan. 15

Accepts Standardized Application (SAO and/or Gateway)

Yes

Acceptance Rate

70%

64%

Director of Admissions

Alexis Boyer-Meyerman

Sports

# Interscholastic Sports Offered

Sports

BasketballSoccer

Volleyball

Colors

Greek word ὴ ἀρετή ('Excellence')

School Mascot

The Titans

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations

Extracurriculars

Club or Organization:

Art and Literature MagazineBoarding Council

Chess ClubCoffee Shop

FIRST RoboticsGay Straight Alliance

Music ClubNewspaper

PhotographyPhotography Club

Spirit ClubWhispers (Yearbook)

Arts and Music Programs:

DrawingImprovisation

Music AppreciationMusic Ensemble

Set Design

Recreational Athletic Programs:

Fitness ClubYoga

College Matriculation

Year: 2021 - 2025

10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)

New York University

Washington University in St. Louis (WashU)

Columbia University

University of California San Diego

Vanderbilt University

Cornell University

University of Cambridge

University of Chicago

University of Pennsylvania

Yale University

View Matriculation Data

School Notes

Thomas Jefferson School is a nationally recognized boarding and day school for academically motivated students in grades 712. Intentionally small by design, TJ combines rigorous, discussion-based academics with a deeply personal community where students are known, challenged, and supported.
Ranked among the top private high schools in the country, TJ is recognized in the Top 2% nationally for STEM and college preparation by Niche. Since 1946, TJ has prepared students not only for exceptional colleges and universities, but for thoughtful, independent, and engaged lives beyond them.
With fewer than 90 boarding and day students, TJ offers an unusually close-knit environment where learning extends beyond the classroom through shared meals, athletics, clubs, travel, and residential life. Students benefit from small classes, daily writing and discussion, and faculty mentorship that builds both intellectual confidence and personal growth.
Average SAT score: 1450, ACT: 32
Application deadline: January 10, with rolling admission thereafter.
Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Hon. Thomas P. Griesa, '48 - Frmr US District Judge
- Mr. Bernat Rosner, '50 - Frmr General Counsel of Safeway; Author
- Mr. John H. Biggs, '54 - Director of Boeing Co.; Frmr CEO of TIAA-Cref
- Mr. Irv Williamson, 61 - US International Trade Commissioner
- Dr. Richard Levy, '63 - Pediatric Endocrinologist
- Mr. Keith Williamson, '70 - Senior VP and General Counsel for Centene Corporation
- Ms. Aimee Dowl, '92 - US Department of State; Author
- Dr. Dave Messina, '92 - COO at Cofactor Genomics
- Ms. Alisa Tang, '92 - Editor, Washington Post

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Thomas Jefferson School cost?

Thomas Jefferson School's tuition is approximately $72,500 for boarding students and $40,750 for day students.

What is the acceptance rate of Thomas Jefferson School?

The acceptance rate of Thomas Jefferson School is 70%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 64%.

Who are famous alumni from Thomas Jefferson School?

Thomas Jefferson School famous alumni include: Hon. Thomas P. Griesa, '48, Mr. Bernat Rosner, '50, Mr. John H. Biggs, '54, Mr. Irv Williamson, 61, Dr. Richard Levy, '63, Mr. Keith Williamson, '70, Ms. Aimee Dowl, '92, Dr. Dave Messina, '92 and Ms. Alisa Tang, '92.

What sports does Thomas Jefferson School offer?

Thomas Jefferson School offers 3 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Soccer and Volleyball.

Does Thomas Jefferson School offer a summer program?

Yes, Thomas Jefferson School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.

What is Thomas Jefferson School's ranking?

Thomas Jefferson School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Small student body (number of students), High percent faculty with advanced degrees, High average SAT scores and High ACT scores.

When is the application deadline for Thomas Jefferson School?

The application deadline for Thomas Jefferson School is Jan. 13 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 13 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

Student & Alumni Reviews

Review

Description

Thomas Jefferson School Alumni #1
Class of 2004
5.0010/19/2004
Wesleyan University

while T.J. advertises itself as a bastion of classical education, I think that its size and its English program really make it stand out. English at Thomas Jefferson is a serious matter; students learn the. . .

Thomas Jefferson School Alumni #2
Class of 2001
5.001/18/2004
University of Richmond

Thomas Jefferson academics are extremely rigorous and are the central focus of the student body and faculty. That said, the school has broadened the variety of extracurricular activities and options over the last few. . .

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Quick Facts (26-27)

Grades: 7-12
Enrollment: 88 students
Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $72,500
Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $40,750
Acceptance rate: 70%
Average class size: 12 students
Application Deadline: Jan. 13 / rolling
Source: Verified school update

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Thomas Jefferson School

About the School

Top Rankings

School Overview

Student Body

Academic Profile

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admissions

Sports

Extracurriculars

College Matriculation

School Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

Student & Alumni Reviews

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