About Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson Elementary School is a neighborhood school located in the business section of southwest Glendale.   Built in the 1950s, the school was modernized in 2004.  Housed on 4.2 acres of land, the campus consists of a main office building and six surrounding buildings. 

Jefferson serves approximately 820 students in grades K-6 and also houses a state preschool on its campus.  The families in the community are culturally and linguistically diverse, with English, Armenian, Spanish, and Russian among the languages represented.

The academic achievement has been recognized by being the recipient of the Title I Academic Achievement Award, California Distinguished School Award, Blue Ribbon nominee, Reading First Academic Achievement Index in the State of California, California Business for Education Excellence Honor Roll and the school's FLAG program has been recognized by the California Association of Bilingual Educators. This year, the school met the eligibility requirements and applied for the California State Gold Ribbon Award.

Jefferson is home to the first Armenian Language Immersion Program, which is part of the District's Foreign Language Acquisition of Glendale (FLAG) that includes a total of seven languages.  Selection and placement in the FLAG program are through a district-wide lottery following a parent application process.

The Dual Immersion model of the program began in the 2010-2011 academic year to develop bilingualism and biliteracy through a 50/50 program model.  Instruction in all core academics is provided in Armenian for 50% of the day and in English for the other 50%. 

Mission

Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, in collaboration with students, families, and the community, promotes a safe learning environment and prepares ethically responsible students to be college and career-ready. Our students demonstrate creativity and critical thinking through effective collaboration and communication in a diverse, ever-changing world.

Vision

The Jefferson community will work collaboratively to meet the social emotional and academic needs of all students in a safe and respectful environment.

All teachers and staff will work collaboratively to provide rigorous and differentiated instruction. 

All stakeholders will feel valued and be committed to a learning community in which every child reaches his or her potential.

All students will leave our school as confident, independent, successful members of society, filled with a desire to continue their education far into the future, knowing they have all the tools necessary to make their future dreams come true.

• Literacy for All
• Relevant, Student Centered Learning Experiences
• Learning is an Adventure for Students and Teachers