About Our School
Jefferson Middle School is located on the west side of Olympia and was established in 1957 as a junior high school. The District changed its philosophy, and Jefferson made the transition to a three-grade middle school (6, 7, 8) when the building underwent a complete remodel in 1994. The science wing was restructured to house the JAMS (Jefferson Accelerated Math and Science) Program in 2012. All science classrooms were redesigned and enlarged providing rich interactive spaces for scientific work.
Fostering Growth, Inclusion, and Culturally Responsive Education
Jefferson Middle School is dedicated to continuous improvement and creating an inclusive and respectful campus environment that celebrates individual and group differences. Inclusionary practices and universally designed lessons are embedded throughout our curriculum to ensure all students have access to quality education. We also prioritize culturally responsive education, recognizing and valuing our students' diverse backgrounds and experiences. This commitment is supported by a strong emphasis on organization and a dedication to learning, fostered by the exemplary work ethic exhibited by all members of our school community.
Jefferson Middle School: A STEM-Focused Comprehensive Middle School
Jefferson Middle School, situated in Olympia's west side, was originally founded as a junior high in 1957 and evolved into a three-grade middle school in 1994 after a notable remodel. A significant overhaul in 2012 included introducing the JAMS (Jefferson Accelerated Math and Science) Program, offering accelerated science and math courses. In 2022, the school expanded its STEM offerings, catering to all students.
Schoolwide Program — TITLE I, Part A: Equity and Support for All Students
Jefferson Middle School embraces a schoolwide approach that supports all students. Every student benefits from interventions and services to meet academic standards through our schoolwide program. However, our instructional emphasis is on learners who face challenges in meeting these standards, ensuring they receive the necessary support for academic success. We strive to exceed the learning goals defined by state academic standards, working towards equity of opportunity for all students, particularly those who are low-achieving. Title I, the oldest and largest federal education program, promotes educational equity.
Electives and Jefferson Accelerated Math and Science Program (JAMS)
At Jefferson Middle School, we recognize the importance of giving students various choices and opportunities to explore their interests and talents. We offer a wide selection of elective courses that cover various subjects, including visual and performing arts, technology, engineering, robotics, gardening, and more. These electives allow students to delve deeper into areas they are passionate about and further develop their skills and knowledge.
In addition to electives, we offer accelerated advanced courses for students who demonstrate exceptional abilities and a strong desire for academic challenges. These courses provide a more rigorous curriculum and pace, allowing students to learn more in-depth and explore advanced concepts within their areas of interest. Our goal is to provide an enriching and stimulating educational experience that meets the needs of all our students, whether they seek additional challenges or want to explore different subjects.
Consistent Academic Growth and Strong Foundations for High School and Beyond
Jefferson Middle School is committed to fostering academic growth and preparing students for success through culturally responsive education and a focus on character-building skills and social-emotional learning. As a Title I school, collaboration among staff is prioritized to support all students regardless of socioeconomic background. Our motto, "Fiercely Dedicated to Excellence," underscores our commitment to academic excellence and preparing students for the challenges of the 21st-century workforce. We provide a rigorous curriculum emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, ensuring students leave with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in high school and beyond.
2024-25 School Data
The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction School Report Card provides detailed information about each K–12 school, including enrollment, student performance on state assessments and demographic data for students and educators. The data reflects student enrollment as of early October each year.
This total number DOES NOT provide a complete count of students Full-Time Equivalency (FTE) which districts receive funding.
Based on the October 2024 enrollment report, there were 467 students enrolled at Jefferson Middle Elementary.
Families, educators and community members can explore these reports to learn more about individual schools and districtwide information for the Olympia School District.
When students finish their MAP Growth testOpening in a new windowOpening in a new windowOpening in a new windowOpening in a new windowOpening in a new windowOpening in a new windowOpening in a new windowOpening in a new window, they receive a number called an RIT score for each area they are tested in (reading, language usage, math, or science). This score represents a student’s achievement level at any given moment and helps measure their academic growth over time. The RIT scale is a stable scale, like feet and inches, that accurately measures student performance, regardless of age, grades, or grade level. Like marking height on a growth chart, and being able to see how tall your child is at various points in time, you can also see how much they have grown between tests.
The higher the RIT score, the more achievement the student has in the subject. The student's percentile ranking and conditional growth percentile can show how much the student has achieved in comparison with their peers. You can also refer to the Comparative Data to Inform Instructional Decisions to understand how students are performing relative to other students in the same grade level according to our national norms.
The Olympia School District District Operating Budget Financial Report provides an overview of revenues and expenditures for the 2024–25 school year.