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 (2026)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 88 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $72,500
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $40,750
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 13 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Thomas Jefferson School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 277 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
Faculty Education
Student Test Scores
Student Test Scores
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered
7-12
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1946
1907
Campus Size
20 acres
130 acres
First Day of School
Thu. Aug 27, 2026
Last Day of School
Sun. Jun 6, 2027
School Motto
ὴ ἀρετή
Student Body
Enrollment
88 students
320 students
% Students of Color
40%
27%
% International Students
27%
20%
% Students Boarding
33%
66%
SAT range (25th-75th percentile)
1400 - 1580
-
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academic Profile
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
12
18
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
90%
73%
Summer Program Details
Accreditations
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
The Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)
The Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
12
18
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)
(Boarding Students)
$72,500
(5-day boarding and 7-day boarding options are available.)
(5-day boarding and 7-day boarding options are available.)
$69,500
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$40,750
$38,700
Tuition international students
$72,500
$58,300
Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)
(5 Day Boarding)
$66,750
$49,624
% Students on Financial Aid
31%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$28,000
$25,000
Admissions
Application Deadline
Jan. 13 / rolling
Jan. 15
Acceptance Rate
70%
64%
Director of Admissions
Alexis Boyer-Meyerman
Application URL
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
3
17
Sports
Colors
Greek word ὴ ἀρετή ('Excellence')
School Mascot
The Titans
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
19
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Art and Literature MagazineBoarding Council
Chess ClubCoffee Shop
FIRST RoboticsGay Straight Alliance
Spirit ClubWhispers (Yearbook)
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
College Matriculation
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Year: 2021 - 2025
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
New York University
7
Washington University in St. Louis (WashU)
5
Columbia University
3
University of California San Diego
2
Vanderbilt University
2
Cornell University
1
University of Cambridge
1
University of Chicago
1
University of Pennsylvania
1
Yale University
1
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
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 ).
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
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 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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The nearest boarding school to Thomas Jefferson School is Principia School (7.4 miles away)
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