The National Geographic Society sponsors the National Geography Bee every year for students in grades 4 - 8. The purpose of the nationwide competition is to encourage the teaching and study of geography. At Thomas Jefferson the first step in the Geography Bee is a paper and pencil test for students in grades 4 - 8. The highest scoring students in each class move on to a regular Bee in the Concert Hall. The winner of this event then takes a 100 question multiple-choice test. If this student has one of the 100 highest scores in Missouri, he or she will move on to the state competition at the University of Missouri – Columbia. The winner of that competition goes to the National Competition in Washington, D.C. Students at TJ participate in the Geography Bee annually.