Lower School News

On Teaching, Sharing, and Changing Lives

There is no more fitting time to reflect on third grade teacher Beckie Lee’s completion of her doctorate in education than during Women’s History Month. Teaching, she believes, is one of the most powerful forces for change that exists. It works quietly, one classroom at a time, shaping not just what young people know but how they see themselves and the world around them. For her third graders and the faculty she works alongside every day, her achievement is a living reminder that education never stops.

READ MORE ▸

Blast Off with JA Summer Camps!

Jackson Academy Summer Camps have something for everyone, from rising sports or stage stars to future artists, scientists, and chefs. With more than 50 camps to choose from, there is fun to be had by ALL AGES! Camps are for RISING grades, so make sure to select the grade level appropriate for the 2026-2027 school year.

READ MORE ▸

Grandparents visited their first graders at JA for Grandparents Day.

Grandparents Step Back into School with JA First Graders

Grandparents didn’t mind returning to school one bit—as long as they got to sit near their grandchildren in class. More than 200 grandparents, relatives, and special friends attended First Grade Grandparents Day on Friday, rotating through a full day of learning experiences alongside JA’s young Raiders.

READ MORE ▸

Scholastic Book Fair Inspires Young Readers

There’s nothing like watching your child choose their very own book based on their own interests and reading level! Join us for the annual Scholastic Book Fair, February 9-13, in the Lower School Library. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade will explore hundreds of titles, and every book purchased supports reading programs that benefit all Lower School students.

READ MORE ▸

Pete the Cat Brings Alpha and Omega Buddies Together

Senior and kindergarten Alpha and Omega buddies gathered in the PAC lobby for a morning of reading Pete the Cat books together and enjoying snacks. The seniors settled in with their kindergarten buddies, reading the beloved children’s stories aloud while the younger students listened intently. Laughter and conversation filled the room as the pairs bonded over the colorful adventures of Pete the Cat. After finishing their reading time, kindergartners took their books home as keepsakes from their special friendship with their senior buddies. The morning combined literacy, mentorship, and meaningful connection as JA’s oldest and youngest students spent quality time together.

READ MORE ▸

Learning About Unity, One Handprint at a Time!

In preparation for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, students learned about the remarkable Civil Rights leader’s life and held activities to honor his legacy. JA teachers encouraged their students to contemplate the foundation that King laid and how they will contribute to a world of justice and equality for everyone. 

READ MORE ▸