Come be a TJ student for the day.

A Shadow Day gives you the chance to step into an ordinary day at TJ and experience the school as a student. You'll follow a TJ student through classes, meet teachers and other students, eat lunch with us, and have plenty of time to see how the school feels from the inside.

Our classes are only 35 minutes long, so you'll see quite a few of them. You may find yourself discussing a novel in English, working through a problem in math, or listening to a conversation take an unexpected turn. You don't need to prepare anything or know how TJ works before you arrive. The point is to join us for the day and see what you think.

We'll plan your schedule with your grade and interests in mind and pair you with a student host who can show you around, introduce you to people, and answer the questions you might not think to ask an adult. And yes, there will be cookie break.

What to expect   Your own TJ schedule We'll build your day around your grade and interests and pair you with a student host. When we can, we'll choose someone close to your age who shares some of your interests. You'll move through the school day with them and see TJ from a student's point of view.   Real classes You'll join whatever is happening that day. Some classes may be lively discussions; others might involve problem-solving, a lab, writing, or independent work. You're welcome to participate, but no one is evaluating how much you raise your hand. This is your chance to experience TJ, not an audition.   You'll see more than classes A TJ day has breaks between classes and open time when students meet with teachers, work, talk with friends, or simply take a breather. You'll experience that part of the day too.   People to help you feel at home Your host will stay with you, but you'll meet plenty of other students and teachers along the way. Ask questions, including the ones you'd rather ask another student than someone in Admissions.   Lunch and cookie break are on us You don't need to bring lunch. You'll eat with students on campus and join us for cookie break, the daily pause when the TJ community comes together between classes.   Nothing special to prepare Wear something comfortable and school-appropriate and bring your questions. We'll send you the details you need before your visit, and your host will help you find your way once you're here.

Parents, we'd like to meet you too.

The Shadow Day itself is for the student. We want students to have the freedom to experience TJ on their own, get to know their host, and form their own impressions of the school.

Parents are an important part of the process too, and we'd like time with you as well. We welcome families for a separate visit of about 90 minutes, including a campus tour and time with Admissions to talk about your child, TJ's program, and the questions that matter to your family.

Your family visit can happen on the same day as your student's Shadow Day, which is often convenient for families coming from farther away, or we can schedule it on another day. We'll work with you to arrange what makes the most sense.