Description

Thomas Jefferson High School is a public high school located in the heart of the Westshore Business District of Tampa, Florida, United States. Thomas Jefferson High School is an Area 1 high school operates under the Hillsborough County Public School system.HistoryIn 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.DemographicsJefferson HS is 53% Hispanic, 34% Black, 9% White, and 4% otherMagnet ProgramIn 2001 Thomas Jefferson High instituted a magnet program with courses focusing on international studies. International Business & Global Finance HonorsInternational Culinary Arts HonorsInternational Law & Criminal Justice HonorsInternational Fire AcademyMaritime academy