Peter Jernberg with recent scholarship recipient

The Jernberg Scholarship

The Jernberg Scholarship, created in honor of former Headmaster and President Peter Jernberg, is a competitive scholarship that may provide partial to full tuition and fees to exceptionally gifted students who have some demonstrated financial need.

The scholarship is designed to help seventh through eleventh grade students–who demonstrate outstanding academic success and motivation to excel in a challenging environment-obtain a Jackson Academy education.

Eligibility

  • A 3.5 GPA and above average standardized test scores as identified by school records, standardized test scores, or other recognized assessment methods.
  • A sixth through tenth grade student in the 2021-22 school year.
  • Qualifying for some level of demonstrated financial need as determined by School and Student Services (SSS) by NAIS.
  • Current JA student or admission application with admission test scores and transcripts submitted.
  • Two recommendations (may be from teachers, principals, pastors, coaches, and other school leaders, with at least one teacher recommendation encouraged), two essays, and on-campus interviews for finalists.
  • Having exemplary citizenship in accordance with JA core values, and showing enthusiasm and motivation for maximizing educational opportunities.
  • U. S. Citizenship.

How Scholarships Are Awarded

All applicants must first register with the scholarship coordinator before starting the application process. Once a student submits transcripts and standardized test scores, the scholarship committee through the coordinator will notify the student if he/she meets the minimum requirements and is cleared to proceed to the next step. If cleared to proceed, a Jernberg Scholarship application form along with two essays, two teacher recommendations, and parent financial information submitted to the SSS (School and Student Services) is required. The scholarship committee will review all documents submitted, and finalists will go through an interview process to determine Jernberg Scholarship recipients. Scholarships awarded will follow the student through graduation, so long as eligibility requirements are maintained.

Recent Jernberg Scholars with Jackson Academy President Emeritus Peter Jernberg.

Steps to Apply (All Steps Must Be Completed by December 5, 2021)

  1. First register with the scholarship coordinator to indicate your intention to compete for the scholarship. This is separate from the application. (Scholarship registration is now closed.)
  2. Once registration is complete, current transcripts and standardized test scores must be submitted to the Admission Office to ensure minimum merit requirements are met before proceeding to Step 3.
  3. If you are not a current (2021-22) sixth through tenth grade JA student, you must complete a 2022-23 application for admission to Jackson Academy online.
  4. All applicants must complete the application for the Jernberg Scholarship (2022-23 application–available soon) and submit it along with the two student essays.
  5. New students will complete admission testing and/or scholarship testing requirements. Applicants will check in at 8:00 a.m. and test from 8:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on one of the following Saturdays: October 2, November 13, or December 4. Applicants must contact Admissions to schedule their test date (601-364-5450).
  6. Submit two letters of recommendation from teachers, principals, pastors, coaches, or other school leaders, with at least one from a teacher. As a courtesy, please request recommendations before Thanksgiving, since they are due on December 4.
  7. Complete the tuition assistance application and submit it online along with the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) to the SSS between September 15 and December 1, 2021. The 2021 tax return, W-2s, and 1099s must be uploaded to the SSS website on or before February 15, 2022.

Expectations of a Jernberg Scholar

Scholar Profile

scholarship recipient Dolph Maxwell

Dolph Maxwell ’18 balanced full days at Jackson Academy with grace and excellence–from academic pursuits to football to musicals to chapel leadership. He was selected as a Jernberg Scholar, was inducted into the prestigious Cum Laude Society, and earned National Merit Semifinalist and STAR Student recognition.

Now at Washington & Lee University, Maxwell helps lead a pre-orientation trip for freshmen on the Appalachian Trail, assisting new students as they make the transition to college. He also serves on the Reformed University Fellowship leadership team and continues to pursue music through the University Singers. He spent the summer of 2019 in Lexington cooking and delivering meals for the non-profit Campus Kitchen.