Reply to Which type of kids excel at TJ?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]My 8th grader son is strong.  Excellent math and verbal.  Introverted. Likes tech. Honesty holding him back in k helped immensely with maturity. He has August bday.  He is more mature than avg 8th grader.

How do I know he might do well?  Is there a certain type of kid that fits in there.  I, of course, am not assuming he would get in.  I'm trying to understand if he would benefit there or who benefits (thrives) there vs going to the average strong area HS. I looked at the college acceptance list. A ton of kids go to standard schools like James Madison, vcu etc. I am worried about him being excellent and then having to work super hard and being just average at TJ.

We are new to the area. We got a note about TJ from school (n Arlington ms). Looks like application process starts Mon

We are not far from area so we have heard @ TJ.  Seems like only mythical unicorn kids get in ....

Also, 
If we moved to fairfax could we still go if he was admitted from Arlington?  We are looking for houses and might not find what we are looking for in Arlington.  Mclean etc is right on border of Arlington.  [/quote]

I had a kid graduate from TJ recently so I will try to answer your questions:

How do I know he might do well? 
You do not. Most parents have the same nagging concern. It would definitely help if your kid likes math/science, will be in Geometry/Algebra II or higher in 8th, likes programming, genuinely curious about knowledge/learning, read widely (including some classic work or other dense material) and reads 2 to 3 grade level higher, writes well and likes creative writing, does not dislike or even likes history, govt/politics, economics etc. (Humanities).

Is there a certain type of kid that fits in there. 
Certainly kids taking Calculus BC as freshman/sophomore, programming wiz, math competition/science winners will thrive but also kids who enjoy/win at MUN conferences, debate/speech tournaments, writing/newspaper activities, band, orchestra, drama etc. will find plenty of other like-minded students.

I, of course, am not assuming he would get in. I'm trying to understand if he would benefit there or who benefits (thrives) there vs going to the average strong area HS. 
Admission is almost random in the sense some very bright kids are denied admission while some not very bright kids are admitted. Almost like college admissions to top 10-20 schools. Your kid would benefit if your kid enjoys being around other kids who are into academics and who are very ambitious and intelligent. Your kid would also enjoy the place more than other schools if your kid is nerdy since there is virtually no bullying, use of alcohol/drugs etc. He actually has a better chance of playing a team sport since practically everyone who wants to play gets to play. Your kid would have a better chance of acting in a drama (if that is what he wants) since most of the kids who try out get to play in some plays etc.

I looked at the college acceptance list. A ton of kids go to standard schools like James Madison, vcu etc. I am worried about him being excellent and then having to work super hard and being just average at TJ. 
Your kid will definitely work hard. However, your kid will learn things he may not learn in other schools and be prepared for college better than almost all the other HS graduates. Most TJ grads do well in any college and go on to grad/professional school. Many TJ grads go to VA colleges for in state tuition purpose and since they received significant scholarship money so that they can borrow/finance for grad/professional school after college.

We are not far from area so we have heard @ TJ. Seems like only mythical unicorn kids get in .... 
There are quirky kids, "normal" kids etc. but the difference is there is far less drama and other typical "bad" things you may find at other schools. Usually, hard working kids get in.

Also, If we moved to fairfax could we still go if he was admitted from Arlington? We are looking for houses and might not find what we are looking for in Arlington. Mclean etc is right on border of Arlington.
Yes, just involves some paperwork etc. to comply with school rules on residency etc.[/quote]

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