About Friends of Jefferson

Friends of Jefferson (FOJ) exists to help make Jefferson Elementary a place where students, families, and staff feel connected, supported, and proud to belong.

As the parent-teacher organization for Jefferson Elementary School in North Park, San Diego, and a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our mission is to enrich the education of every Jefferson student while strengthening the community that makes our school so special.

We bring that mission to life by creating opportunities for families to connect, organizing beloved school traditions and events, supporting our teachers and staff, and funding programs that help every student thrive. Through the generosity of our community, FOJ helps provide enrichment programs like Art, Garden, and Dance, along with after-school clubs, campus improvements, classroom support, and other experiences that go beyond what district funding alone can provide.

In 2021, Jefferson families and teachers voted to unite Friends of Jefferson and the school's PTA into a single organization. As an independent nonprofit, FOJ has the flexibility to think creatively about how we raise funds and invest those resources where they'll have the greatest impact on our school community.

FOJ began with a simple vision: to celebrate and strengthen our neighborhood public school. Today, that vision continues to guide everything we do. Whether you're a new family, a longtime Panther, a teacher, or a community partner, we're so glad you're here. Together, we're building a school community where every child can learn, grow, and belong.