Upper School Ninth through Twelfth Grades

A strong core of English, math, history, and science provides the footing for Jackson Academy students as they explore opportunities and hone interests throughout Upper School.

Electives encompassing everything from Latin to sports broadcasting, bolstered by Honors, Advanced Placement, and dual enrollment options, give students ways to test the waters as they envision college and beyond.

In addition to academics, JA clubs, activities, events, service opportunities, and fellowship options too numerous to list enrich the whirlwind four years of Upper School.

Honors and Advanced Placement courses as well as Academic Resource Center (ARC) availability assist each student in reaching his or her individual potential in preparation for the college admission process and college years.

As students grow into their own, the supportive JA community keeps an eye on their futures, guiding them to explore their world and achieve their dreams.

Upper School Curriculum

Each student brings important, different academic interests, talents, and abilities to the JA community, and JA considers it the school’s mission to equip each student for a life of purpose and significance. The school works intentionally to bring about academic achievement within a nurturing and spiritual community.

Students and families should also explore the Arts & Music, Athletics, and Campus Life sections of the website to understand the full range of JA programs.

The Apple One-to-One program continues with the use of iPads in the Upper School. Students examine and refine effective online research practices, develop computer-aided presentation and communication skills, and explore the world through the information and connections available online—all while learning to be good digital citizens.

From jazz band to show choir, from fast-pitch softball to the Harry Potter Club, and from the Cum Laude Society to Habitat for Humanity, students can develop their talents and passions through a variety of extracurricular, athletic, and service outlets.

Cherished traditions and events like Grad Night, annual musicals such as the award-winning “Newsies”, and more bring Upper School students together, creating lifelong memories of their time at JA.

A variety of electives such as sports broadcasting, Theatre Tech, Latin, and financial management (among many, many others) helps students engage with particular interests and career opportunities.

Upper School students also take great pride in serving as leaders within the JA community through student government, service opportunities, Alpha and Omega, sports buddies, and other mentorship programs.

A strong guidance-counseling program keeps students on track with the ACT testing, college admissions, and financial aid processes. Counselors alert students to scholarship possibilities, ways to strengthen their applications, and more. JA also sponsors a college fair for students.

JA graduates have attended more than 160 colleges and universities. In three recent years, 10 percent of the medical graduate students enrolled at the University of Mississippi were JA alumni.

Upper School students explore spirituality and faith during four required chapel services each year. Additional chapel attendance is voluntary and encouraged.

Meet Our Division Leader

Brandi Richardson
Head of Upper School

Brandi Richardson joined JA in 2021, serving as the Head of Upper School, which comprises grades nine through twelve. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and Spanish from the University of Alabama and a master’s degree in secondary education and social science/history from Spring Hill College.

Upper School Events

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Visit Jackson Academy

Schedule your personal tour of Jackson Academy’s campus to learn more about JA by calling 601.364.5761 or signing up online.