The nature of a progressive school is to keep pushing forward, to never be at rest. Jackson Academy’s original mission in 1959 was considered innovative: to teach reading by phonics. Counter to academic trends at the time, our founders believed—and evidence showed—that phonics, in-depth reading, time for play, and exploration of the arts all contributed to more robust student success. An independent college preparatory day school in the heart of Jackson, Mississippi, JA continues to embrace innovation today.
At Jackson Academy, no one goes it alone. Here, you are surrounded by a community of supporters–all dedicated to helping you identify your most extraordinary talents, develop your particular gifts, and live with a strong sense of faith and purpose. All of us, all behind you, with all our hearts. ALL FOR ONE. That is The JA Way.
We understand that choosing the right school environment for your child can be challenging. At a glance, most quality schools look remarkably similar — they boast academic excellence and a range of activities and extracurriculars that will enrich your child’s development. Jackson Academy offers all of those things and more. We invite you to peel back the first layers of academics, arts, music, and athletics and look more closely at the culture that we have built at JA.
Founded in 1959 (notably, before court-mandated integration) on a phonics-based curriculum, JA remains proudly independent. Counter to academic trends at the time, such as sight-reading, our founders believed — and evidence showed — that traditional methods of teaching and learning, including phonics, in-depth reading, time for play, and an exploration of the arts all contributed to healthier outcomes for student success.
We foster that same independent thinking in our students. While we retain a “traditional” curriculum focus, we believe that an environment of constant improvement brings the best possible experiences to our students. We strive to be the leading independent school in Mississippi and be a national example for teaching and learning.
However, we seek more than the next outstanding achievement or recognition. We believe that we must model the very idea of leadership for our students and each other. At JA, leadership means more than just joining clubs or earning an “A,” it means setting an example by living life to its fullest potential and making a positive contribution to the world. That is what makes Jackson Academy a special place for your child.
The JA academic experience focuses holistically on student learning success. Our college-prep curriculum prepares JA grads for more than college admittance. We develop students who will thrive and succeed. Our teaching practices nurture a love of learning and exploration that transcend simple knowledge acquisition.
Students need the core foundation of knowledge and skills that will prepare them for 21st Century citizenship. These skills include creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. While these skills are not new, they are an ever-increasing demand in a more digital and more globally connected world. Technology has evolved into a tool for fostering these 21st-century skills.
The Jackson Academy Service and Learning Plan is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. The Service and Learning Plan are based upon the principles found in the school’s mission statement. By committing to help others in need, students are challenged to become responsible citizens while growing spiritually, emotionally, socially, and physically.
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