This paper's purpose is to examine Thomas Jefferson's educational thought and his influence on the American education in the early American history centered on the founding of the University of Virginia . Thomas Jefferson (April 13, 1743–July 4, 1826) was the third President of the United States, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and one of the most influential Founding Fathers for his promotion of the ideals of republicanism in the United States. A polymath, Jefferson achieved distinction as, among other things, a horticulturist, statesman, architect, archaeologist, inventor, and founder of the University of Virginia and West Point which was America's the first military Academy, Jefferson has been consistently ranked by scholars as one of the greatest U.S. presidents. Jefferson's educational thought was developed from his own learning experiences, from his tutoring and schooling in Albemarle County through his years at College of William and Mary. His educational thought was spurred by his conviction that the new United States would survive and develop only if it encouraged education at all levels. He deeply believed that "knowledge is power" and "knowledge promotes the happiness of man". Jefferson's efforts to advance publicly supported education beginning in Virginia with the first bill he introduced promoting the "more general diffusion of knowledge" and continuing with national initiatives, including the founding of the University of Virginia, where he designed the buildings, selected the faculty, planned the curriculum and served as first rector. Jefferson's concepts of academic village, elective system, system of student government was based on his principles of intellectual freedom. The University of Virginia stands today as a lasting tribute to Jefferson's faith in the power of education and his belief that education was the central importance in insuring the very survival of the new nation and building the "American empire for liberty". Jefferson struggled unsuccessfully for four decades to establish a system of publicly supported elementary and secondary schools. But his founding of the University of Virginia indeed a remarkable achievement. Thomas Jefferson wished to be remembered by posterity as "Author of the Declaration of American Independence, Of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, and Father of the University of Virginia." Political freedom, religious freedom, and intellectual freedom; these were the touchstone of Jefferson's life and work. Among these things the founding of the University of Virginia is one of his most important and enduring contributions to his countrymen. As one of the great teachers of the world history, Jefferson greatly influenced and contributed not only to the American education but also the pursuit of truth and happiness of humankind..

This paper's purpose is to examine Thomas Jefferson's educational thought and his influence on the American education in the early American history centered on the founding of the University of Virginia . Thomas Jefferson (April 13, 1743–July 4, 1826) was the third President of the United States, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and one of the most influential Founding Fathers for his promotion of the ideals of republicanism in the United States. A polymath, Jefferson achieved distinction as, among other things, a horticulturist, statesman, architect, archaeologist, inventor, and founder of the University of Virginia and West Point which was America's the first military Academy, Jefferson has been consistently ranked by scholars as one of the greatest U.S. presidents. Jefferson's educational thought was developed from his own learning experiences, from his tutoring and schooling in Albemarle County through his years at College of William and Mary. His educational thought was spurred by his conviction that the new United States would survive and develop only if it encouraged education at all levels. He deeply believed that "knowledge is power" and "knowledge promotes the happiness of man". Jefferson's efforts to advance publicly supported education beginning in Virginia with the first bill he introduced promoting the "more general diffusion of knowledge" and continuing with national initiatives, including the founding of the University of Virginia, where he designed the buildings, selected the faculty, planned the curriculum and served as first rector. Jefferson's concepts of academic village, elective system, system of student government was based on his principles of intellectual freedom. The University of Virginia stands today as a lasting tribute to Jefferson's faith in the power of education and his belief that education was the central importance in insuring the very survival of the new nation and building the "American empire for liberty". Jefferson struggled unsuccessfully for four decades to establish a system of publicly supported elementary and secondary schools. But his founding of the University of Virginia indeed a remarkable achievement. Thomas Jefferson wished to be remembered by posterity as "Author of the Declaration of American Independence, Of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, and Father of the University of Virginia." Political freedom, religious freedom, and intellectual freedom; these were the touchstone of Jefferson's life and work. Among these things the founding of the University of Virginia is one of his most important and enduring contributions to his countrymen. As one of the great teachers of the world history, Jefferson greatly influenced and contributed not only to the American education but also the pursuit of truth and happiness of humankind..

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Thomas Jefferson, educational thought, University of Virginia, West Point, Monticello, education president, academic village, academic freedom(republicanism),empire of liberty