About Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson Elementary School is a neighborhood school located in the business section of southwest Glendale.   Built in the 1950's the school was modernized in 2004.  Housed on 4.2 acres of land, the campus is comprised of a main office building and six surrounding buildings. The school is currently undergoing construction which will provide a two-story building with 8 classrooms that will replace the outdated portables. The project is expected to be completed in June of 2018.

Jefferson services approximately 670 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 Hindi being some of 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 is through a district-wide lottery following a parent application process. In 2016-2017, approximately 50% of the students are enrolled in the FLAG program at Jefferson.

The Dual Immersion model of the program began in 2010-11 with the goal of developing 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 student 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