Fairfax County Public Schools Announces New Principal of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is pleased to announce the hiring of the new principal of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).
Michael Mukai, the current principal of West Springfield High School (WSHS), is a TJHSST alum and an exceptional leader with a track record of upholding academic excellence while driving innovation.
This is a full circle moment for Mukai, who was in the very first class of TJHSST when it converted to a magnet STEM school in 1985. He was selected following a lengthy nationwide search that yielded many highly qualified candidates.
FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid, said, “As we continue the tradition of excellence at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, we are thrilled to have found a phenomenal leader who is also an alum." She added,
“Michael Mukai has a passion and a vision that is second to none. I am excited to see the amazing work he will do moving forward for excellence and opportunity.”
TJHSST has long been regarded as one of the top STEM schools in the world. It serves students from Fairfax County, Arlington County, Falls Church City, Loudoun County, and Prince William County.
The leadership role became available after former principal Dr. Ann Bonitatibus was promoted to a central office position earlier this fall. Dr Bonitatibus served as principal for seven years.
Mukai has been the principal of WSHS since 2014. He has held a variety of school-based positions in FCPS since 1995, when he began his career as a math and science teacher. He also coached four different varsity sports.
His many accomplishments at WSHS, include:
- Significant gains in advanced academic access and success which has resulted in gold recognition by the College Board for the AP School Honor Roll.
- Increasing the number of students recognized through the National Merit Scholarship program.
- Cappies recognitions for theater arts, honor band recognitions, Virginia Music Educators Association recognitions, district, region, and state championships in Virginia High School League athletics and activities.
- Mukai said, “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. I am committed to ensuring every student here thrives academically, sharpens their critical thinking skills, and embraces innovation to navigate tomorrow’s challenges. Mukai added, “I cannot wait to walk the halls again as principal!”
Mukai majored in Chemistry at Virginia Tech and has a Masters of Curriculum and Instruction, Math Education, also from Virginia Tech. Mukai has also completed post-master’s graduate work in the Sociology of Scientific Knowledge through the Department of Science Technology and Society at Virginia Tech.
