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Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology will soon be led by one of its own graduates for the first time.
Michael Mukai, a member of TJ’s inaugural magnet-school class, has been selected as its next principal following a nationwide search. He currently leads West Springfield High School and is expected to begin his new position later this month.
Mukai succeeds Dr. Ann Bonitatibus, who departed in November after roughly seven years as principal to become Fairfax County Public Schools’ executive director of talent acquisition and management.
Bonitatibus’ tenure included major changes to TJ’s admissions process intended to diversify enrollment. Those changes fueled community debate and a legal fight that lasted several years.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid described Mukai as a leader with exceptional passion and vision, saying she expects him to advance both excellence and opportunity at the school.
Mukai attended TJ when it opened as a magnet program focused on science, technology and mathematics in 1985. He later studied chemistry and earned a master’s degree in mathematics education from Virginia Tech.
He began working for FCPS in 1995 as a math and science teacher. During his school-based career, he also coached four varsity sports before becoming West Springfield’s principal in 2014.
“I am deeply honored to be named the next leader of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and will continue the legacy of excellence that shaped my own academic journey nearly 40 years ago,” Mukai said.
He added that he wants every TJ student to succeed academically, strengthen critical-thinking abilities and use innovation to prepare for future challenges.
During Mukai’s tenure at West Springfield, the school expanded access to and achievement in advanced academics, earning gold recognition on the College Board’s AP School Honor Roll. It also increased the number of students recognized through the National Merit Scholarship program.
West Springfield students collected honors in theater, band and music education while its athletic and activity programs won district, regional and state championships.
FCPS did not immediately provide details about how it will choose Mukai’s successor at West Springfield.
TJ, located at 6560 Braddock Road in Lincolnia, serves students from Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun and Prince William counties, along with the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. Enrollment stood at 2,105 students in November 2024.
Applications for the coming fall were due Nov. 15, 2024, with decisions scheduled by April 30. The school offered admission to 550 students the previous year, including applicants from every FCPS middle school.
TJ’s admissions system has changed substantially since the Fairfax County School Board eliminated a standardized entrance test in 2020. Applicants are now evaluated using GPA requirements, a problem-solving essay, a student portrait sheet describing their skills and experience factors such as economic hardship, disability or challenges related to learning English.