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.
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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.
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:
Business Ownership and Finance Academy
Maritime and Marine Exploration Academy
Law and Criminal Justice Leadership Academy
Culinary Arts & Baking and Pastry Academy
The school also offers the AICE Diploma curriculum
Athletics
Football
In 2010, the Dragons won the Class 3A State Championship. They finished the year 15-0 and ranked #8 nationally
in 2024, the Dragons won the Class 3A District Championship and had an undefeated season.
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.
Honors clubs
Beta, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, French Honor Society, Tri-M National Music Honor Society.
Magnet clubs
DECA, FBLA, FCCLA, FPSA (Florida Public Service Association), Tri-M Music Honor Society, Mock Trial Team
Interest clubs
, FCA, Crochet, Psychology, Book, Speech & Debate, First Priority, Male/Female Weightlifting,Health Club.
Additional
School newspaper, literary magazine, yearbook.
Notable alumni
Coleman Bell, NFL football player
Ventell Bryant, NFL wide receiver
Andre Caldwell, NFL football player
Reche Caldwell, NFL football player
Rick Casares, NFL football player
Kirby Dar Dar, NFL football player
André Davis, NFL wide receiver
Lenny Faedo, Major League Baseball player
Stephen Garcia, former quarterback for the South Carolina Gamecocks, Canadian Football League, and arena football
Luis Gonzalez, Major League Baseball player
Jimmy Herget, Major League Baseball player
Tarence Kinsey, NBA Basketball player, continued playing 2016 to 2020 in Israel and Europe.
Tony La Russa, Major League Baseball player/manager. Member Baseball Hall of Fame.
Fred McGriff Major League Baseball player. Member Baseball Hall of Fame.
Chris Moore, NFL wide receiver
Bob Martinez, former Tampa mayor and Florida governor
Tino Martinez, Major League Baseball player
Sam Militello, Major League Baseball player