Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School

Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School opened in August 1993, and today has more than 340 students enrolled in grades PK – 12. A Board of Trustees governs the school, and the school is directed by the Head of School. Students are engaged in a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, with all students taking several Advanced Placement courses during their Upper School years. Extracurricular activities include performing and visual arts, academic and athletic competitions, field trips, and clubs. Enrollment at TJIDS is open to all, and financial aid is available to qualified students. The school awards more than $1,000,000 in financial aid annually to approximately 50 percent of the student population. In addition, significant privately funded merit-based scholarships are available. The school has graduated more than 300 students, with virtually all enrolling in four-year institutions immediately following graduation.

TJIDS is located in Joplin, Missouri, a community of 50,000. The "greater Joplin area" has a reported population of 250,000. The community is the economic center of a four-state area (Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma). The quality of its work force, cost of housing, low cost and availability of energy, and general hospitality to commerce and industry make Joplin and Southwest Missouri a thriving area. Dominant industries are furniture components manufacturing (Leggett & Platt), building product manufacturing (TAMKO), food processing (Tyson Foods, Hudson Foods, Butterball Turkey), and trucking (Con-Way Truckload). Joplin is a medical center for the region, with two hospitals and more than 400 physicians

Through a dedication to academic excellence, Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School stands accountable for educating students to make the most of their abilities. The School educates students to acquire and refine essential academic knowledge and skills; cultivate an appreciation of the arts; develop lifelong fitness skills; assume responsibility for their behavior; seek out challenge, welcome criticism, test new capacities; practice self-discipline; and find joy in learning. The school brings students together with teachers who exemplify intellectual curiosity, a dedication to truth, and the advantages of living the examined life. Our Mission is one of the things that sets our school apart from every other school.

We prepare students for success in college by offering a rigorous curriculum in the best of the classical academic tradition. Through a commitment to a liberal arts education, our caring and committed faculty develop engaged, ethical graduates who are confident in their abilities. At “TJ” you’ll find integrity, a respect for others, and a belief that everyone should be given the tools to succeed in college and beyond. As a PK-12 school, Thomas Jefferson offers consistency and a sense of community that allow all of our students to grow in a safe and nurturing environment. Foreign languages, fine arts, music, science, and technology are integrated at every level of the program. Our college-preparatory program includes everything you expect -- and more: 18 Advanced Placement courses, college counseling beginning in 9th grade, study skills and SAT and ACT preparation as part of the core curriculum, and school-sponsored college trips to help students and parents make the best choice.

Success does not happen by accident. It takes a strong work ethic and an unyielding commitment to excellence. But most of all, success takes preparation. At Thomas Jefferson, we lay the foundation for success in life by offering a curriculum that prepares your child to excel in all facets of life. Critical thinking skills and solid study habits are learned, and parents are engaged to play an integral role along the way. Thomas Jefferson does not waste time by following fads. Our focus is on a classic Western Civilization curriculum with texts that have stood the test of time. By learning about the history, culture, origins, and literature of Western civilizations, our students are able to better understand and appreciate other cultures. Foreign language, art, and music offerings, which begin early on, further broaden the cultural scope of our curriculum.

While our curriculum is time-honored, we also believe in the value and importance of having the latest technology. We are committed to providing leading-edge tools to enhance the educational environment for our students, faculty, and parents. The use of technology is an integral part of our students’ daily lives. Video conferencing and “virtual” tours also help bring the world outside of our community into our classrooms.