In August of 2002 Thomas Jefferson Elementary reopened as a kindergarten through fifth grade school. It was originally built in 1959 as a neighborhood elementary school for the tail end of the baby boomers. They would then go to Washington Intermediate School for 6 - 8th grades.

For the past twenty some years Thomas Jefferson has served the school district and the community in a variety of ways. Headstart and special education pre-school programs, early elementary classrooms, day care programs have been housed at 325 Park Ave. For a short time easels splashed with paint and creative pottery could be viewed through the windows as Studio 23, Bay City's most famous art studio now housed permanently downtown, made its home at this cozy neighborhood site.

That diversified history has appropriately laid the groundwork for today's educational program at Thomas Jefferson. We offer broad based learning experiences for our students including a hands-on science program that emphasizes experiential learning, math that focuses on basic skills as well as problem solving skills, and significant time daily working on reading and writing skills. Our students are involved in many field trip experiences culminating with our three day fifth grade outdoor education program in West Branch. Those same fifth graders might be heard playing recorders in music while the early elementary students' self portraits in art are guaranteed to tickle you!

Our small school of choice status draws students from our neighborhood as well as throughout the community. Our morning and afternoon young fives' classrooms gives the gift of time and a developmentally appropriate setting to students who turn five after July 1st.

Our active volunteer corps encourages you to join us for such fun events as The Fall Family Harvest Dance, Fun Fair, Valentines Day Family Dance, numerous family nights like science and math nights, and a host of volunteer opportunities ranging from popcorn popping to tutoring.

We are glad that you are visiting our web site. We would love to see you in person!