Thomas Jefferson High School, usually referred to as Jefferson High School, is a public high school in South Los Angeles. Founded in 1916, it is the fourth oldest high school in the school district. Jefferson's school colors are kelly green and gold and the sports teams are called the Democrats, or Demos for short.
Serving 564 students in grades 9-12, Thomas Jefferson Senior High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 6-9% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-34% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 564 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 76% (Btm 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Thomas Jefferson Senior High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Thomas Jefferson Senior High School's student population of 564 students has declined by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 36 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
564 students
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
Year Founded
1916
School Motto
Home of the Demos!
School Rankings
Thomas Jefferson Senior High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Thomas Jefferson Senior High School is 0.21, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#8068 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
12%
Hispanic
89%
56%
Black
6%
5%
White
3%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
76%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
97%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thomas Jefferson Senior High School's ranking?
Thomas Jefferson Senior High School is ranked #8068 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Thomas Jefferson Senior High School often compared to?
Thomas Jefferson Senior High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like El Segundo High School, Culver City High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6-9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Thomas Jefferson Senior High School?
The graduation rate of Thomas Jefferson Senior High School is 76%, which is lower than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Thomas Jefferson Senior High School?
564 students attend Thomas Jefferson Senior High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
89% of Thomas Jefferson Senior High School students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Black, 3% of students are White, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Thomas Jefferson Senior High School?
Thomas Jefferson Senior High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Thomas Jefferson Senior High School offer ?
Thomas Jefferson Senior High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Thomas Jefferson Senior High School part of?
Thomas Jefferson Senior High School is part of Los Angeles Unified School District.
In what neighborhood is Thomas Jefferson Senior High School located?
Thomas Jefferson Senior High School is located in the South Los Angeles neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA. There are 201 other public schools located in South Los Angeles.
School Reviews
Review Thomas Jefferson Senior High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
