Upper School Counseling
We partner with family, community, and fellow educators to empower all Jackson Academy Upper School students to become active planners in their academic, professional, and personal goals.
The Upper School Counseling Team at Jackson Academy services students in grades 9-12. The goal is to provide an academic and social support system for students, parents and teachers. Counselors listen to students’ concerns about academic, emotional or social problems and help students process their problems and plan goals and action. Additionally, we provide classroom guidance and individualized support to students as they learn about and navigate the college admissions process.
Our goal is to be here for you and your child and to make your child’s Upper School experience as smooth as possible. The Upper Counseling Office strives to reach each child and give him or her the tools needed to be successful.
Some of the opportunities the Upper School Counseling Team offers include:
- Consultations with students individually and in small groups; interventions; and referrals to outside professionals.
- Scheduling and course selection guidance.
- Coordination of parent/teacher conferences.
- College admissions preparation and support.
- ACT, PSAT, and AP testing, including registration, facilitation, and score interpretation.
- Coordination of Dual Enrollment course offerings through Belhaven University.
- Inviting Special Topics speakers to campus and hosting parent-focused events.
- Service projects & community engagement events.
JA Upper School students can make appointments on their own to meet with a member of the counseling staff. When making an appointment, avoid scheduling during tests or core classes (English, math, science, history, foreign language, etc.).
Meet the Counseling Staff
Austin Fortenberry
Associate Head of Upper School / Academic Counselor
Austin Fortenberry holds an Ed.S. from Mississippi College, an M.A. from Baylor University, and a B.A. Mississippi State University. He can be reached at 601.364.5750 or afortenberry@jacksonacademy.org.
Contact Austin for assistance with:
- ACT-related questions
- Scheduling requests
- Academic concerns
- Parent/teacher conferences
- Student involvement avenues
- Community service opportunities
Amy Bush
College Counselor
Amy Bush holds a Bachelor of Arts from Mississippi College. She can be reached at 601.364.5769 or abush@jacksonacademy.org.
Contact Amy for assistance with:
- College admissions preparation
- Mock interview practice
- Scholarship opportunities
- Transcripts
- SCOIR
- NCAA questions
- AP and PSAT-related questions
Mandy Robertson
Student Services Support
Mandy Robertson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations from Mississippi State University. She can be reached at 601.364.5724 or mrobertson@jacksonacademy.org.
Contact Mandy for assistance with:
- Dual Enrollment through Belhaven University
- Records requests for incoming/outgoing students
- Graduation information
- Standardized testing scores
- General student support questions
Upper School Calendar
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Jul 12Saturday
National ACT Date @ JA
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Aug 04Monday
Upper School New Student Reception
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Aug 06Wednesday
Early Dismissal Schedule
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Aug 20Wednesday
MS/US Chapel
Visit Jackson Academy
Schedule your personal tour of JA’s campus by calling 601.364.5761 or clicking the link below.