Jefferson High School (Portland, Oregon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thomas Jefferson High School |
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Viewed from the north in 2017
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| Address | |
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5210 N. Kerby Avenue
, , 97215
United States
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| Coordinates | 45°33′37″N 122°40′20″W / 45.5604°N 122.6721°W |
| Information | |
| Type | Public |
| Opened | 1908 |
| School district | Portland Public Schools |
| Principal | Drake Shelton |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Number of students | 656 (2018-19 enrollment) |
| Color(s) | Blue and gold |
| Athletics conference | OSAA Portland Interscholastic League 6A-1 |
| Mascot | Democrats |
| Rival | Roosevelt High School |
| Newspaper | The Pace |
| Website | Jefferson High School |
Jefferson High School, also known as Thomas Jefferson High School, is a public high school located in Portland, Oregon, United States. It's a special school that offers a unique program called the Middle College Program. This program is for students who want to get a head start on college.
Students at Jefferson High School take classes both at the high school and at Portland Community College. This helps them earn college credits while still in high school! Students in 8th grade from certain middle schools can choose to attend Jefferson. If you live outside these areas, you can still apply through a lottery system.
Contents
School History
Jefferson High School first opened its doors in September 1908. It was originally called Albina High School. But in early 1909, its name was changed to Jefferson High School. The school opened a bit early because other schools were too crowded. It was fully finished on February 6, 1910.
In January 1922, a newspaper called The Oregonian reported that Jefferson was the biggest high school in Portland. It had 2,063 students! Hopkin Jenkins was the principal from the very beginning until June 1940. In September 1991, some fires were set at the school.
On January 7, 2008, Tom Potter, who was the Mayor of Portland at the time, moved City Hall to Jefferson High School for a whole week! Mayor Potter held a City Council meeting and gave a big speech there. He wanted to show students how local government works. He also wanted to highlight the good things and challenges facing schools in Portland.
What Makes Jefferson High Special?
Jefferson High School is known for its diverse student body. In 2009–10, it was the only school in Oregon where most students were African American. By 2018, the student population included many different backgrounds. This mix of cultures makes Jefferson a unique place to learn.
In 2018, most seniors (84%) at Jefferson High School earned their high school diploma. This was higher than the average for the state of Oregon.
The Middle College Program
In September 2011, all new students joining Jefferson High School had to be part of the Middle College for Advanced Studies program. Here's how it works:
- Freshman and Sophomore Years: Students focus on their main subjects at Jefferson. They learn important skills like how to study well and stay organized. These skills help them get ready for college classes. Students often move through classes in groups with the same teachers.
- Junior and Senior Years: When students are ready, they start taking college-level classes at Jefferson. They also take courses at the Portland Community College Cascade Campus.
- College Pathways: Students can choose different paths. Some prepare for a four-year college. Others learn skills for specific jobs, like becoming an emergency medical technician (EMT) or a medical assistant.
- Free College Courses: A great benefit is that college courses are free for Jefferson students!
- Support for All: Students who need extra help, like those with special education plans or those learning English, can also join the Middle College program.
- Guidance: Counselors from both Portland Community College and Jefferson High School work closely to support students. A group called Self Enhancement, Inc. also provides tutoring and mentoring.
- Double Credit: Students earn their high school diploma from Jefferson. They also get 12 to 45 college credits from Portland Community College. These credits can be used at other colleges and universities later!
Dance Program
In the mid-1970s, Jefferson High School started a special arts program, including a dance program. This was done to attract students from different parts of Portland. The dance program was started by Mary Vinton Folberg. She is the sister of Will Vinton, who created Claymation films. Mary Vinton Folberg wanted the Jefferson Dance Department to be like the famous Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York.
The Jefferson dance program teaches many different dance styles. These include ballet, tap, African, modern, hip hop, and jazz. Students learn different levels of each style. Twice a year, in winter and spring, students show what they've learned in public performances at the school's auditorium. Ballet is a very important part of dance training. The Jefferson dance program and its dance company, the Jefferson Dancers, have worked hard to bring advanced ballet training back. In 2009, the Jefferson Dancers performed a ballet piece where dancers wore special "en pointe" shoes for the first time in about ten years.
The Jefferson Dancers
In the late 1970s, Mary Vinton Folberg also started a student dance company called The Jefferson Dancers. This company has grown a lot over the years. It teaches its members many different dance styles, such as ballet, modern, African, tap, jazz, and hip hop. The dance teachers for the company are very skilled and have had successful dance careers themselves. Some even still perform! Talented company members can earn scholarships at the spring performances. New dancers can try out for the company each spring.
The Jefferson Dancers perform twice a year at Jefferson High School. They also perform all over Portland, Oregon, and even around the world! For example, they toured Germany in 2009, Italy in 2011, and China in 2013.
Athletics
Jefferson High School has a strong athletics program. Its teams are called the Democrats.
Men's Basketball Success
The men's basketball team at Jefferson High School has been one of the most successful in Oregon. Many players from Jefferson have gone on to play college basketball at top universities. Some have even been ranked among the best high school players in the country. For example, Terrence Jones was named a McDonald's All American in 2010.
The team has won many state championships: 1951, 1972, 2000, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2017. Pat Strickland was the head coach for many years, from 2009 to 2021. He returned to coach the team again for the 2022-2023 season.
State Championships Won
Jefferson High School teams have won many state championships in different sports:
- Boys' basketball: 1951, 1972, 2000, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2017
- Girls' basketball: 2008, 2010
- Football: 1957, 1958
- Boys' swimming: 1951
- Girls' swimming: 1952, 1953
- Baseball: 1946, 1947, 1959
- Girls' tennis: 1951, 1953, 1954
- Boys' track & field: 1944, 1945, 1960, 1963
- Girls' track & field: 1984
Famous Alumni
Many talented people have graduated from Jefferson High School. Here are just a few:
- Terry Baker, a football player who won the Heisman Trophy in 1962.
- Emery Barnes, a former NFL player and politician.
- Joe Gordon, a Baseball Hall of Famer who played for the New York Yankees.
- Terrence Jones, a professional basketball player.
- Aaron Miles (basketball), a professional basketball player and coach for the Boston Celtics.
- Virginia Patton, an actress.
- Mel Renfro, a Pro Football Hall of Famer who played for the Dallas Cowboys.
- Terrence Ross, a professional basketball player.
- Renée Watson, an award-winning and bestselling author.
- Ime Udoka, a former professional basketball player and current head coach of the Houston Rockets.
See also
- Thomas Jefferson (Bitter), a statue on the school campus.
