Thomas Jefferson Education (TJEd) is a homeschool philosophy developed by Oliver DeMille that emphasizes classics-based learning, mentorship, and developmental phases to raise leaders who think independently rather than follow prescribed curricula.
What is Thomas Jefferson Education?
Thomas Jefferson Education (TJEd), also called Leadership Education, is an educational philosophy developed by Oliver and Rachel DeMille. The approach draws inspiration from how great leaders throughout history were educated—particularly Thomas Jefferson and his mentor George Wythe. Rather than following a packaged curriculum, TJEd emphasizes reading classic works, building mentoring relationships, and progressing through natural developmental phases. The philosophy focuses on teaching children how to think rather than what to think, with the ultimate goal of cultivating leaders prepared to make meaningful contributions to society.
Key Takeaways
- Uses five developmental phases from Core (birth-8) through Mission (adulthood)
- Emphasizes classic literature and primary sources over textbooks
- Relies on mentoring relationships rather than lecture-based instruction
- Parents model lifelong learning—"You, Not Them" is a core principle
- More philosophy than curriculum—requires significant parent investment to implement
The Five Phases of Learning
The Seven Keys of Great Teaching
TJEd is built on seven core principles: Classics, Not Textbooks (use original works and primary sources); Mentors, Not Professors (personal guidance over lectures); Inspire, Not Require (create conditions for intrinsic motivation); Structure Time, Not Content (set study schedules but allow freedom within them); Quality, Not Conformity (pursue excellence over standardized benchmarks); Simplicity, Not Complexity (keep the approach straightforward); and You, Not Them (parents must model the learning they want to see).
Is TJEd Right for Your Family?
TJEd works best for families willing to invest heavily in their own education alongside their children. The "You, Not Them" principle means parents should be reading classics, pursuing their own scholar phase, and modeling intellectual engagement. Families who want a structured, teacher-directed curriculum may find TJEd frustrating—it offers philosophy rather than daily lesson plans. That said, many families successfully blend TJEd principles with other approaches, using the phases as a framework while incorporating more structured materials when needed.
The Bottom Line
Thomas Jefferson Education offers a compelling vision of education focused on developing leaders and independent thinkers. Its emphasis on classics, mentorship, and developmental readiness resonates with families seeking something beyond conventional schooling. However, TJEd requires significant parent commitment—you're not just facilitating your child's education but actively pursuing your own. For families drawn to its philosophy, TJEd can be transformative. Those preferring ready-made curricula may want to explore how TJEd principles can complement rather than replace more structured approaches.
