Jefferson High School (Cedar Rapids, IA)
History
Thomas Jefferson's first class graduated in 1958, but first competed in athletic events starting in the fall of 1957. The school's original population was made up of two formerly separate high schools, Theodore Roosevelt High School, and Woodrow Wilson High School. They merged into one school in April 1958, upon the completion of the construction of the school. Since then, Jefferson has been housed at its current location. The school added a new gymnasium addition to the school in 1990. In addition, a new science wing and music wing were built in 2003. The school has been named a "Blue Ribbon National School of Excellence" two times, one of the few traditional schools to earn this honor twice. In 2012, Jefferson received new geothermal heating.
Statistics
Jefferson has 170 staff members, and 1,516 students. The student to teacher ratio is 17:1.
Academics
Jefferson offers four years of French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. All four languages also offer an AP replacement for 4th year.
Extracurricular activities
Fine arts
Jefferson offers multiple instrumental programs, including marching band "The Band of Blue" under Thad Kelly Driskell Directors of Band, three concert bands, one jazz band, and two pep bands. They also offer six choirs, and three show choirs. In addition, Jefferson has one orchestra ensemble.
Athletics
The J-Hawks compete in the Mississippi Valley Conference in the following sports:
- Cross Country
- Girls' 1980 Class 3A State Champions
- Volleyball
- Football
- 3-time State Champions (1964, 1965, 1972)
- Basketball
- Boys' 1967 Class 2A State Champions
- Girls' 1993 State Champions
- Wrestling
- 3-time State Champions (1962, 1973, 1974)
- Swimming
- Track and Field
- Boys' 1962 Class AA State Champions
- Golf
- Boys' 1965 Class AA State Champions
- Soccer
- Softball
- 3-time State Champions (1983, 1997, 1998)
- Baseball
- 1961 State Champions
- Tennis
- Girls' 1990 Class 2A State Champions
- Bowling
Notable people
Alumni
- Landon Cassill, NASCAR driver
- Jacob Jaacks, professional basketball player
- Larry Lawrence, former Oakland Raider, played in the Super Bowl
- Todd Taylor, Iowa State Senator, District 35
- Jarrod Uthoff, basketball player for the Iowa Hawkeyes, former Mr. Basketball in Iowa, forward for the Dallas Mavericks
- Connor Van Scoyoc, professional baseball player in Colorado Rockies organization
- Mark Walter, founder and the chief executive officer of Guggenheim Partners and Chairman of the Los Angeles Dodgers
Faculty
- Wally Horn, former teacher, former Iowa State Senator
- Bob Vander Plaats, former teacher and coach