First Day of Lower School

Lower School, as well as After School, begins on Thursday, August 7.

Lower School Hours

Kindergarten-5th Grade Students

• Drop off: 7:30-8 a.m.
  Students are considered tardy after 8 a.m.
• Full Day: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
• After School: 3-5:30 p.m.

Kindergarten-5th Class Lists

On Thursday, August 1, class lists will be emailed to parents. We cannot wait for you to meet your new class!

Lower School New Students and Parents Reception (Kindergarten-5th)

All newly enrolled Lower School students and parents are invited to a reception on Monday, August 4, at 9 a.m. in the Performing Arts Center. New students and parents will meet JA teachers and faculty and tour the Lower School with their host family.

After School Program

For information on JA After School, visit the After School webpage or contact Hope Burford at 601.368.7398 or hburford@jacksonacademy.org.

Uniform Updates

Please pay close attention to the uniform updates for 2025–2026 as there have been several updates and changes in an effort to streamline our policies.

Uniform Updates for 2025–2026

Conference Day

Lower School parent conferences will be held on Monday, October 21. No school or After School for Lower School students on this day.

Meet the Teacher

On Tuesday, August 5, all Kindergarten-5th grade students and parents are invited to visit their new classrooms to meet the teachers.  In addition to meeting teachers, pertinent information about the start of school will be given. Carpool numbers will be distributed on this day to the youngest student of the family. Families will come in alphabetical order at a designated time from 9-11:45 a.m. to visit their new classroom.

• Last names A-G: 9-9:45 a.m.
• Last names H-N: 10-10:45 a.m.
• Last names O-Z: 11-11:45 a.m.

Back to School Night

Lower School Back to School Night for grades Kindergarten-5th will be held on Tuesday, August 20.

• Kindergarten and 2nd grade: 5:30 p.m.
• 1st and 4th grade: 6 p.m.
• 3rd and 5th grade: 6:30 p.m.

Please come to your child’s classroom at the designated time. This is for parents only.

Fifth Grade Summer Reading

Be sure to check the summer reading information for 5th grade students.

Fifth Grade Summer Reading

Chapel Dates

School Supplies

School Supply List (1st-5th)

School supplies do not need to be purchased for students entering Kindergarten.

School supply lists are also available on the Parents Information page under the Resources heading.

Birth Certificates

All new Kindergarten students must have their original birth certificates on file at the school by Friday, August 1. The birth certificates will be returned.

Certificate of Immunization Compliance

ALL students must must have a current Certificate of Immunization Compliance (MDH Form 121) or an immunization exemption form (MDH Form 122) on file with the school by Friday, August 1, 2025. The forms can be obtained from the State Department of Health or your child’s pediatrician. Age groups requiring immunizations prior to this start of school are primarily K4 and 7th graders. If you already have a current form on file, you do not need to do anything. If not, current immunization forms can be dropped off at the Preschool or Lower School offices, or emailed to Kathy Sheffield at ksheffield@jacksonacademy.org.

First Day of Middle School

The first day of Middle School is Thursday, August 7. Classes begin at 8:15 a.m.

Middle School New Students and Parents Reception (6th-8th)

All newly enrolled Middle School students and parents are invited to a reception on Monday, August 4, at 10 a.m. in the Performing Arts Center. New students and parents will meet JA teachers and faculty and tour the Middle School with their host family. New students will also pick up their school-issued iPads at this time.

Welcome Back Open House for Middle School

On Tuesday, August 5, Middle School 6th-8th grade students and parents are invited to visit their new classrooms from 1–3 p.m. to meet their teachers.

Sixth Grade Parent Meeting

This summer, there are two opportunities to attend a Sixth Grade Parent Meeting:

• Monday, July 14, at 9 a.m.
• Monday, July 21, at 1 p.m.

Teacher Office Hours

Middle School teachers will hold office hours from 7:45–8:15 a.m. each morning.  Office hours are designed to allow students the opportunity for additional help, clarification, and to turn in or collect work from absences.  All students are encouraged to use office hours as this is designed to prevent students from needing additional tutoring.

Uniform Updates

Please pay close attention to the uniform updates for 2025–2026 as there have been several updates and changes in an effort to streamline our policies.

Uniform Updates for 2025–2026

Summer Reading

Be sure to check the summer reading information for grades 6-8.

Middle School Summer Reading list

Chapel Dates

Calculator Requirements

This year, the Jackson Academy math department will require each 7th and 8th grade student to have the TI-30X IIS calculator. No other brands or models should be purchased.

School Supplies

• 6th Grade School Supply List
• 7th Grade School Supply List
• 8th Grade School Supply List

School supply lists are also available on the Parents Information page under the Resources heading.

Certificate of Immunization Compliance

ALL students must must have a current Certificate of Immunization Compliance (MDH Form 121) or an immunization exemption form (MDH Form 122) on file with the school by Friday, August 1, 2025. The forms can be obtained from the State Department of Health or your child’s pediatrician. Age groups requiring immunizations prior to this start of school are primarily K4 and 7th graders. If you already have a current form on file, you do not need to do anything. If not, current immunization forms can be dropped off at the Preschool or Lower School offices, or emailed to Kathy Sheffield at ksheffield@jacksonacademy.org.

First Day of Upper School

First Day of Upper School will be Wednesday, August 7. All students in grades 9-12 will meet in the PAC at 8:30 a.m. After the Upper School assembly, students will meet with all classes in an abbreviated schedule to gather books, assignments, and instructions for the new year.  Each student should bring his or her iPad to school. The school day is complete by 11:45 a.m. The first full day of school will be Thursday, August 7.

Upper School New Students and Parents Reception (9th-12th)

All newly enrolled Upper School students and parents are invited to a reception on Monday, August 4 from 11 a.m.–noon in the Performing Arts Center. New students and parents will meet JA teachers and faculty and tour the Upper School with their host family. All new students in grades 9-12 are strongly encouraged to attend as pertinent information will be shared, including, but not limited to setting up JA email accounts and OnCampus access.

Upper School Back to School Night

Upper School Back to School Night will be held on Tuesday, August 27. Parents will meet in their student’s first period class at 5 p.m. and will run through all seven periods to meet their student’s teachers. Parents are encouraged to attend!

College Fair

Save the date for the 2025–2026 JA College Fair!  On Tuesday, September 10, from 12:30–2 p.m., college admissions representatives will meet with JA students in the lobby of the PAC.  Representatives from various colleges and universities will share topics such as navigating the admissions process, pursuing scholarships, and selecting a field of study.  All JA students in grades 10-12 will have the opportunity to attend during the school day. It is never too early to start thinking about the college admissions process!

Student Parking Information

All student drivers must register their vehicles with the Upper School Office.  Parking registration will take place online using the Google Form link below.

Click here for parking registration

Once vehicles are registered, student drivers will receive car decals for parking.

Students in the 12th grade will be assigned a parking spot on the main campus, while students in grades 10-11 will be required to park at the East Campus parking lot and will be shuttled to the main campus.

Uniform Updates

Please pay close attention to the uniform updates for 2025–2026 as there have been several updates and changes in an effort to streamline our policies.

Uniform Updates for 2025–2026

Summer Reading

Be sure to check the summer reading information for grades 9-12!

Upper School Summer Reading list

Teacher Office Hours

Upper School teachers will hold office hours from 7:45–8:15 a.m. each morning.  Office hours are designed to allow students the opportunity for additional help, clarification, and to turn in or collect work from absences.  All students are encouraged to use office hours as this is designed to prevent students from needing additional tutoring.

Chapel Dates

Calculator Requirements

Students taking Algebra I, Geometry, and Honors Geometry will be required to have the TI-30X IIS calculator.  Students enrolled in Algebra II or higher will be required to have a TI-84 Plus, TI-84 Plus SE, or TI-84 Plus CE calculator.  No other brands should be purchased.

Summer School and Academic Recovery Dates for 2025

Please note the dates below as you and your family plan ahead for summer vacations and activities.  More information for both programs is available in the JA Parent and Student Handbook.

Summer School 2026
June 2- July 11, 2025

Recovery Dates 2026
Any student that does not successfully pass core subjects will recover classes at Jackson Academy. 

• June 9-27 – Language Arts (English and Literature)/Math
• July 7-25 – History/Science

School -Issued Devices

The new iPads are here! Apple’s 10th generation iPad with USB-C and Apple Pencil combined with the Logitech Combo Touch case will further enhance our campus learning environment. Be on the lookout for an email with further details about when and where you can pick up your new school-issued iPad for this school year. You will be required to return your old iPad and accessories in order to pick up your new device. All new students will pick up their iPad and accessories at the new student reception.

Competitive Sports

Click the tabs below for social media accounts to follow for individual sport coverage, scores, photos, and more!

Disney’s The Little Mermaid

In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the enchanting Disney animated film, The Little Mermaid is equal parts love story and adventure tale.  After Ariel rescues the dashing Prince Eric from a shipwreck, she makes a deal with the sea witch, Ursula, for a chance to to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab, to restore order under the sea.  This fishy fable boasts such irresistible songs as “Part of Your World,” “Kiss the Girl,” and the Academy Award–winning “Under the Sea,” along with a colorful cast of characters that the whole family will enjoy!

Audiences will have three opportunities to enjoy The Little Mermaid:

• Saturday, October 18 at 7 p.m.
• Sunday, October 19 at 2 p.m.
• Monday, October 20 at 7 p.m.

For more information, contact Kerri Sanders at ksanders@jacksonacademy.org and follow us on social media!

• Facebook:  Jackson Academy Performing Arts
• Instagram:  @ja_performs

Staff Updates

Jackson Academy Performing Arts is thrilled to welcome Reese Overstreet ’19 back as K2-8th Performing Arts Instructor and Associate Head of After Care.  Reese Overstreet, a summa cum laude graduate of The University of Mississippi, has spent the past two years in New York City working as an educator. As a teaching artist, she has taught theatre, dance, and music across the U.S., including a national tour with Missoula Children’s Theatre. Most recently, she led enrichment programming and managed a team of educators at NYKidsClub. Reese continues to develop and teach theatre classes for ages 3-18 and has directed and choreographed numerous productions. She’s excited to return this summer to her favorite place: Jackson Academy.

Performing Arts Center Events Schedule

	2025
Sept 17-19	One Act Auditions
Sept 20	Band Marching Contest @ Arlington
Sept 27	Band Marching Contest @ Ridgeland
Oct 4	Band Marching Contest @ Copiah
Oct 18	MAIS Band Marching Contest @ JA
Oct 18-20	Disney’s The Little Mermaid Performances
Nov 19	One Act Performance
Dec 5-6	Dramafest Theatre Competition @ MSU
Dec 10-12	MS Band Masters Clinic @ Natchez
Dec 15	Christmas with the Arts
	2026
Jan 8-10	MAIS Band Clinic
Jan 15-18	MTA Theatre Competition @ North MS
Jan 20	Show Choir Debut Performance
Jan 23-24	Show Choir Competition @ South Jones
Jan 30	Showtime Competition @ PRCC
Feb 6-7	14th Annual Jackson Academy Show Choir Invitational (JASI)
Feb 9-12	Spring Play Auditions
Feb 12-16	Encore Competition @ Homewood
Feb 18	One Act Student Performance
Feb 20-21	Show Choir Competition @ Petal
Feb 27-28	ThesCon Theatre Competition @ Meridian
Mar 5-8	Show Choir Competition @ Biloxi
Mar 18-22	Band Contest @ Universal Studios
Mar 19	Show Choir Student Performance
Mar 20-21	Show Choir Competition @ Madison Central
Mar 25	Rising 6th Grade Performing Arts Meeting
Mar 28	Encore Competition @ Brandon
Mar 30-Apr 2	Show Choir Auditions
Apr 10	MAIS Concert Band Competition
Apr 17-19	Spring Play Performances
Apr 21	Spring Band Concert
Apr 27	Spring Spectacular
May 1-2	Thespian Festival & Inductions
May 4-7	2025 Fall Musical Auditions
May 13	Middle School Musical Performance

Raider Network All-Access Pass

This year The Raider Network is making it easy by offering an All-Access pass. This pass grants you lifetime access to our entire online digital library. You will gain access to every Raider athletic event, chapel service, lower school and middle school program, graduation, and more (excluding JASI, Musicals, and Plays). Additionally, this pass includes all events from the current school year (2025–2026). Your access will never expire, ensuring a lifetime of unforgettable experiences. Don’t wait — sign up before July 31 and enjoy a 10% discount as an early subscriber using the coupon code EARLYBIRD. Remember you must be logged in with your account to purchase the pass and make sure you hit apply after entering the coupon code. (There is no charge to create an account.) If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to us before purchasing at info@raidernetwork.org.

Letter from the JAA President and President Elect

Dear Jackson Academy Families,

On behalf of the Jackson Academy Association, we would like to welcome you as we embark on the 2025-2026 school year! We are looking forward to upcoming activities and can’t wait to see you at the yearly events that have become such an important part of our traditions at JA.  

For those new to JA, the Jackson Academy Association (JAA) is Jackson Academy’s parent organization. Every parent with a student at JA is automatically considered a member of the JAA – our JAA village is strong! The mission of the JAA is to promote unity of spirit and enhance the overall experience for our students. We provide valuable tools and resources for our students and teachers throughout the school year. We welcome you to become involved and visit our website at jacksonacademy.org/jaa.  

We started off the year with one of our most helpful traditions – the summer Uniform Exchange! The Uniform Exchange took place on June 20 from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Activities Building and was a great success! If you couldn’t make this date, look for other uniform exchange opportunities throughout the year as inventory allows. Feel free to bring any uniforms that your child no longer needs with you to donate at future Uniform Exchanges while you scout gently-used uniform pieces and spirit wear at fabulous prices! All proceeds go to support the JAA and our school.  

On Sunday, August 3, at 2 p.m. in the PAC lobby we welcome you to join us for our annual Prayer Walk. This tradition provides a firm foundation to begin our school year by praying over our school, faculty and staff, and students! We will begin with a small welcome and group prayer and then lead into a self-guided walk around campus where each participant is encouraged to be purposeful and diligent in covering our school with prayer. All parents, teachers, students, and community members are encouraged to join us!

Next up is our annual A Blue and White Night on Saturday, August 16, at the Country Club of Jackson. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and a special way for parents and faculty to kick things off!  Expect great food and beverages, entertainment, and enticing auctions. A Blue and White Night is a fun opportunity for parents and JA faculty and staff members to spend time reconnecting and making new connections with one another while supporting the JAA and our school! 

The JA Fall Carnival will take place the evening of Tuesday, October 28, on Raider Field at The Brickyard and is always a family favorite!  This is one of the most beloved events at Jackson Academy and is great for all ages. Participants can enjoy a variety of dining options as well as entertainment with games, activities, rides, prizes, and more!

Our cookbook, “Always in Season,” is a JA home essential! The featured recipes, which were provided by our JA parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and alumni, have become a staple in so many households. The cookbooks also make great gifts!  What a special present for graduation, weddings, birthdays or even a keepsake for your children to use forever! Copies are available in the JA Campus Store or you may contact any member of the JAA Board to purchase your copy.

Jackson Academy is truly a special place. We have an amazing community of students, parents, teachers, and staff. Contributing to the JAA only enhances and strengthens these relationships and our school. We will continue to achieve great things on our campus and for our students thanks to the overwhelming support of our families, staff, and community partners. Your volunteer time, financial contributions, and advocacy for our students and school is noticed every day and is immeasurable in making a difference at Jackson Academy!

For more details on the JAA, please visit us at jacksonacademy.org/jaa. Here you can find key JAA information, sign up to volunteer, or purchase a ticket for A Blue and White Night and JA Fall Carnival! You can also follow the JAA on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with us and see all of the exciting events and happenings of the Jackson Academy Association!

We look forward to seeing you in August and working to serve our school family! Go Raiders!

Morgan Samuels
JAA President

Maggie Jones
JAA President Elect

JAA Committee Chairmen 2025–2026

JAA Grade Chairs 2025–2026

A Blue & White Night Committee 2025–2026

2025–2026 Athletic Booster Club Membership

Dear Raider Family and Friends,

Jackson Academy is ready for another great year on and off the field. We are excited to work together to support our Raiders and can’t wait to see what the future holds for our community and our student athletes. The Jackson Academy Athletic Booster Club (JAABC) was organized to support and enhance the athletic-centered extracurricular experience of JA students – and we continue to embrace that mission.

Over the course of the 2024-2025 school year, the JAABC supported our Raider families and athletes in multiple ways – funding new scoreboards for softball & baseball, a new weight room floor, football practice equipment, upgrades to coaches’ offices, dryers for the tennis courts, free admission for students for playoff & championship games, and lots of team dinners and travel support.  Throughout the course of the year, we assisted EVERY sport at JA in some way and we have no plans to stop now!  We have big plans for the upcoming year, including continuing to upgrade our athletic facilities and support our student athletes.  From senior banners to intramural sports to state championships, the JAABC is here to support our JA families throughout their athletic experiences.

We could not do all of this without our Raider family and friends.  We ask for your continued support as we endeavor to ensure that every Raider sees and feels the support of his and her Booster Club. We are thrilled to announce that we will no longer be using Hometown as a ticketing platform for the 2025-26 school year. Jackson Academy’s own Josh Hinkle has redesigned our athletic website, GoRaiders.org.  As a part of that redesign, Josh has developed our own ticketing platform that will allow individual event tickets and All Sports passes to be scanned at the event gate. For those who prefer a non-tech option, we will also be offering a key ring card that can be shown at the gate for admission. 

Family memberships will remain $50 per family.  Information on all available options will be released soon, including All Sports passes and reserved seating at The Brickyard and Raider Park. We look forward to a great year – Go Raiders!

Sincerely, 
Jennifer and Frederick Salvo
Directors of Membership

Courtney and Paul Williams
Directors of Membership-Elect

Email Jennifer at jfsalvo@gmail.com and Courtney at courtney@wnwlegal.com

JA Prayer Walk

This year the JA Prayer Walk will be Sunday, August 3, at 2 p.m. in the PAC lobby.

Fall Carnival

The JA Fall Carnival will take place on Tuesday, October 28, on Raider Field. Our Carnival is the perfect family-filled night for children of all ages, so come and celebrate!

Homecoming

*Attention classes of 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019! If you are interested in helping plan your reunion during Homecoming Weekend, please reach out to fbussey@jacksonacademy.org.

Campus Store

Come grab all of your back-to-school gear! Spirit wear, outerwear, backpacks, and so much more are available at the Jackson Academy Campus Store!

• Summer: Open Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• School Year: Open Monday-Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. starting Wednesday, July 31.

Technology Tips for Parents

The new school year is almost here which means JA will soon be distributing Apple devices to all students in grades 1-12. To help our families promote safe and productive use of their devices, the JA Tech Center has written the following article to cover some practical and effective technology tips for parents in navigating the digital landscape. From setting screen time boundaries to discussing online safety, these suggestions provide a jumping-off point for a healthy discussion on fostering responsible and balanced technology use.

Connect with JA

Our families and friends can stay connected to events around campus without pause, because JA stays active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This is your child’s story, and we’re here to tell you about it.

Below are links to the official JA social media accounts. Check with academic divisions, teams, and extracurricular programs for specific social media accounts.