Welcome to Just Outside DC — the only local newsletter with more goodies than your kid’s Halloween haul after they’ve gone to bed.

THE BIG IDEA

Thomas Jefferson High tanks in the national rankings (again!)

The once uber-prestigious Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is no longer the #1 public high school in the nation. It dropped all the way down to #14 in the latest U.S. News rankings.

Here's the beef — the school overhauled its admissions process in 2020 to prioritize diversity and a more well-rounded student body. Parents are complaining that this new equity focus lets in kids who can't hack the intense STEM curricula.

Others think that this was also a cynical attempt at reducing the overrepresentation of Asians attending the school, although TJ obviously never said this anywhere explicitly.

Regarding the new batch of students not being able to hack it… they might have a point.

The average GPA and AP exam scores are down, which has been tanking TJ's academic cred. Not to mention, TJ had a measly 81 National Merit semifinalists this year, barely over half its 2020 peak of 157!

But hold on...

The school district says the latest data is from 2021-22, before most diversity admissions really kicked in. They're calling BS on any link between the policy and rankings drop.

Our Take:

The courts upheld that TJ’s admissions process as legal, dismissing any of the suits challenging them.

So, if you’re a student who didn’t get in based on the new admissions process — keep your chin up, kid. There’s more roads to prosperity in this life than there are Nashville hot chicken places in NoVA (god, why are there so many?)

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Bulletin Board 📌 

Reader Restaurant Recommendation

One of our readers, Jessica, recommends you guys check out Tachibana, a Japanese owned sushi bar in McLean.

This place is so authentic, that even Japan’s ambassadors to the U.S. eat here when they’re visiting DC!

QUICK HITS

• Renovations on the century old Long Bridge have begun. The $2B project is projected to be done by 2030 🚃 

• DMV homebuyers seem to be giving up. Here are some of the challenges they’re facing 🏡 

• Here are twelve great spots to do brunch this weekend around Arlington, Falls Church, and Tysons 🥞 

LIVE EVENT LOWDOWN

• Alexandria Fall Fest | sip and savor with fun for the whole family at River Farm this weekend 🍁 

• Charleston Oyster Roast | a Sunday of shrimp, oysters, sausages, and more in Clifton VA 🦪 

• Artist Teacher Exhibit | the 17th annual exhibition showing Workhouse’s kids art teachers every week 🎨 

• Pickle and Grilled Cheese Fest | a culinary adventure and celebration this weekend in Chantilly 🥪 

• Dia de los Muertos | celebrate the Day of the Dead at the Wharf on Saturday evening 💀 

• Alexandria Film Festival | independent films of all genres kicking off on Sunday 🎞️ 

• DC Beer Festival | an afternoon and evening of craft beer and more at Nats Park tomorrow 🍻 

• Winter Lantern Festival | over 1000 handmade lanterns in Tysons warming up the season until January 🏮

• Railroad Museum FallFest | a Bavarian style fall festival at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum tomorrow 🚂 

• First Friday November | a fall gallery walk on Center Street in Manassas. Enjoy local cuisine, art, and more 🍂 

• Pumpkin Chunkin’ | one final ride for your leftover pumpkins at Great Country Farms in Bluemont 🎃 

• The DC Big Flea | the Mid-Atlantic’s largest antiques market returns to Dulles Expo Center this weekend 📦️ 

• Purcellville Artisan Tour | the 5th annual display of Purcellville’s best local talents kicks off tomorrow 🖌️ 

• Dino Fest | life-sized dinosaurs come to life at Great Country Farms until the end of November! 🦖 

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