A family preparing to move to Annandale, Virginia, initially inquired about the school's performance. They were asking about a public magnet school, specifically Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, commonly referred to as TJ.

TJ is a public magnet school that accepts students from Fairfax County, as well as Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William counties, and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. Students residing in Annandale are also eligible to apply. In the 2025 rankings by U.S. News & World Report, it was ranked 5th in the nation, and it even held the 1st position in the 2021-2022 academic year.

Let's first look at the admission competitiveness that the family was most curious about. For the 2024-25 academic year, 2,605 students applied, and 550 were accepted. This results in an acceptance rate of 21.1 percent. The eligibility requirements include a non-weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher and completion of Algebra 1 or higher in 8th grade. In the past, standardized tests in math, reading, and science were required, but these were eliminated starting in the 2020-21 academic year. Now, students are evaluated based on their application essays, problem-solving essays, grades, and family background factors.

The academic achievement metrics are also noteworthy. For the graduating class of 2020, the average SAT score was 1528 out of 1600, and the average ACT score was 34.5. According to 2014 data, over 97 percent of AP exam takers scored 3 or higher.

One of the biggest differences between TJ and private schools is that TJ is a public school, meaning there are no tuition fees. However, with an acceptance rate of only 21 percent, the preparation time and application strategy become more significant factors than tuition costs.

Looking at housing, according to City-data.com data from 2024, the median home value in Annandale is $706,960, and the median rent is $1,988. Compared to the median home value of $221,500 in 2000, this represents more than a threefold increase over the past 20 years.

Northern Virginia is adjacent to Maryland and Washington D.C., which means that the income tax and property tax structures differ significantly from Texas and other states. Families moving from other states should also check Virginia's income tax and local personal property tax items for safety.

From an investor's perspective looking for rental income, Annandale is relatively lower in entry price within Fairfax County while still being part of the Washington D.C. commuting area. However, this is only in comparison to other areas in Fairfax County, and it should be noted that the prices are already quite high compared to the citywide average.

Unlike regular public schools, magnet schools like TJ are not automatically assigned based on residency; students must apply separately and pass a document review instead of a test to attend. Therefore, if you are preparing to move with the goal of attending this school, it makes sense to prioritize the application preparation time over the residence.

Even if attending TJ is not the goal, it is important to consider the academic level of the general public school district remaining in Annandale. Checking the curriculum and the number of AP courses offered at the assigned regular high school, even if you do not get into a magnet school, provides a safety net regardless of the TJ application results.

Fairfax County is quite large, so there can be significant differences in assigned high schools and market prices even within the same county. Instead of focusing solely on Annandale, comparing several nearby communities within commuting range can broaden your options.

The eligibility criteria and school district boundaries for magnet schools, including TJ, can change each year. If you have a specific address in mind, it is advisable to check the latest eligibility requirements directly through the Fairfax County Public Schools resources. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult real estate and tax professionals before making any actual contracts.