Why Choose TJ

List of 8 items.

• What does it mean to be a Day and Boarding School?

  TJ offers three ways for students to experience our community:
  
  Day Students live locally and return home after classes. They enjoy full access to campus life including meals, study spaces, and evening events.
  5-Day Boarders live on campus during the week and go home on weekends, ideal for families within a few hours of St. Louis.
  7-Day Boarders live at TJ full-time, coming from across the U.S. and around the world. They enjoy a vibrant residential life filled with activities, friendships, and support from live-in faculty.
  
  
  Having both day and boarding students enriches the experience for everyone. Day students benefit from the diversity, independence, and global perspective that residential life brings to campus, while boarding students enjoy the warmth and connection of local friendships and community ties. Together, they create a lively, inclusive environment that reflects TJ’s commitment to preparing students for college and for life in a connected world.  

• Is TJ the right size for me?

  If you value being known - really known - then yes. With about 80 students and a 6:1 student-teacher ratio, TJ is small enough for everyone to be seen and supported, yet large enough for diverse perspectives and lasting friendships.

• How does technology fit into a TJ education?

  Technology at TJ enhances curiosity and creativity. In the classroom, it deepens discussion and research; outside class, it connects students to resources and collaborations that extend learning far beyond campus.

• What electives does TJ offer?

  TJ offers a range of electives and Advanced Placement (AP) courses across the humanities, sciences, mathematics, world languages, and the arts. Students are encouraged to explore their interests, take on academic challenges, and build strong preparation for college-level work.
  
  

  Electives let students dive into creative and interdisciplinary areas such as the fine arts, technology, and communication, while AP courses offer opportunities for advanced study and college credit. Together, they give students the freedom to personalize their learning and discover new passions within TJ’s rigorous and supportive environment.

• Where do TJ graduates go to college?

  TJ graduates consistently earn admission to some of the most selective universities in the United States and abroad. Recent graduates have enrolled at institutions such as Harvard, Yale, the University of Chicago, Washington University in St. Louis, and Oxford. Our College Counseling program focuses on helping each student find the best personal fit, balancing academic goals, size, location, and campus culture. Many TJ alumni pursue advanced degrees and careers in science, engineering, law, medicine, and the arts, building on the critical thinking and curiosity they developed here.

• Do day students ever spend the night on campus?

  Yes. Occasionally, day students stay overnight for special events, late practices, or family scheduling needs. We also offer short-term boarding for students whose parents are traveling.

• How many students and adults live on campus?

  TJ’s boarding community includes about 40–50 students each year, supported by resident faculty, staff, and student Resident Assistants. Adult mentors live in cottages and campus housing, helping to create a true home away from home.

• What do boarding students do on weekends?

  Weekends at TJ balance rest, fun, and connection. Boarding students enjoy a mix of structured activities and free time from movie nights, game tournaments, and art projects on campus to outings for shopping, dining, concerts, and cultural events around St. Louis.
  
  Some students take part in study sessions or athletic practice, while others explore local parks or visit nearby day-student friends. Resident faculty and student leaders help plan weekend programs so every weekend feels active, safe, and community-centered.