Seniors Named 2027 National Merit Semifinalists
Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced this month that Jackson Academy seniors Bess Borne and Macy Garrard are semifinalists in the annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
JA Recognized for Innovation, Leadership, and Educational Excellence
Jackson Academy is pleased to announce it has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for the 2026 through 2029 term. Schools apply and are selected for this distinction based on their commitment to continuous innovation in education and using Apple products to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning.
Accents Earn Eighth Straight State Title; Spirit Teams Deliver Strong Performance
The Jackson Academy Accents are the 2026 MAIS Spirit Competition State Champions in the Kick Large Division, claiming their eighth consecutive title. The Accents also earned Runner-Up honors in the Pom Large Division. Varsity Cheer had a strong showing in the Tumbling Large Division, bringing home Runner-Up recognition. The Silver Steppers, JA’s middle school dance team, also delivered an impressive performance, earning a Runner-Up distinction in the Jr. High Pom Large Division. Congratulations to all of our Spirit Teams on an outstanding day of competition!
Roxie Hood Presents at Statewide Mathematics Conference
Upper School Teacher Roxie Hood attended the Mississippi Council of Teachers of Mathematics annual conference last week in Starkville. This year’s theme was “Rolling the Dice on Deep Mathematical Thinking,” and over 300 educators gathered to talk about exploring new strategies, taking calculated risks in their pedagogy, and deepening the mathematical journey for every student in Mississippi. Sessions ranged from individual lesson content to best pedagogical practices, from owning the AI moment to how to effectively use groups to maximize learning.
Prioritizing Good Sportsmanship
Fall sports are in full swing, making now a good time to revisit Jackson Academy’s Code of Good Sportsmanship. As students take the field, court, and course each week, the atmosphere in the stands matters as much as the action on it, and Raider fans are in a position to set the tone. Fans who practice self-control become the role models students notice most. Cheering loudly, celebrating good plays, and supporting our teams make game day fun — and doing so with class makes it memorable for the right reasons.
Swim Teams Open Season With Strong Showing
Jackson Academy’s Swim Team is made up of students from first through twelfth grade. Students in the elementary division, which covers first through sixth grade, kicked off their season Sept. 1 with a dual meet against St. Augustine and Parklane. JA swimmers turned in several Top 5 finishes. The team returns to competition tomorrow afternoon at The Jackson Yacht Club.
Doolittle Raid: The Story Behind JA’s Beloved Mascot
Every time a Jackson Academy athlete pulls on a jersey, laces up a pair of cleats, or steps onto a field of competition, they carry a name with them. Raiders. It is a name that has defined this school’s athletic identity for more than five decades, but for many students, the story behind it has remained largely unknown. Chuck Box, in his first year as head baseball coach at Jackson Academy, intends to change that.
Education Matters Tutoring Inspires Student Volunteers to Work for Literacy
This summer, Education Matters Tutoring (EMT) continued its work providing academic resources to underserved youth across Mississippi. The student-led nonprofit partnered with 12 local restaurants and JA benefactors to raise funds for Talk From the Start and provide books for youth across the state.
Biomedical Sciences Program Inspires Future Career Possibilities
Jackson Academy’s Biomedical Sciences program gives students a two-year, collegiate-level look at the medical field before they ever set foot on a college campus. The curriculum is expansive, covering anatomy and physiology, organic chemistry, genetics, microbiology, healthcare careers, and healthcare ethics, while also bringing the profession to life through guest speakers and spring shadowing opportunities students choose themselves. As much as it is about building knowledge, it is about helping students discover whether medicine and science is the path they want to pursue. That kind of clarity heading into college is invaluable, and JA is committed to giving every student the tools and experiences they need to walk confidently into whatever comes next.
JA Nurse Shares Wellness Tips for Back-to-School Season
Jackson Academy’s School Nurse and Preschool and Lower School Counselor Kathy Sheffield recently reviewed an article by Broward Health that highlights ways to keep students healthy as they return to school. She is sharing these tips with the school community.