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 School system.[3]
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.[4] 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.[5]
Demographics
Jefferson HS is 53% Hispanic, 34% Black, 9% White, and 4% Other [6]
Magnet Program
In 2001 Thomas Jefferson High instituted a magnet program with courses focusing on international studies.
International Business & Global Finance Honors
International Culinary Arts Honors
International Law & Criminal Justice Honors
Maritime academy
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:[7]
Business Ownership and Finance Academy
Maritime and Marine Exploration Academy
Law and Criminal Justice Leadership Academy
Culinary Arts & Baking and Pastry Academy
Athletics
Football
In 2010, the Dragons won the Class 3A State Championship.[8] They finished the year 15-0 and ranked #8 nationally[9]
Music
The Music programs offered at Jefferson High School are:
Marching Band
Winter Guard
Jazz Band
Symphonic Band
Percussion Ensemble
Orchestra
Extracurricular activities
Jefferson High students participate in clubs, groups, and organizations.
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.