Upper School News

Morgan Cheatham and Crystal Gao Named National Merit Semifinalists

/ News Releases

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced Wednesday that Jackson Academy seniors Morgan Cheatham and Crystal Gao are semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. “Jackson Academy is thrilled that Morgan and Crystal are being recognized. For many years, they have represented the best of Jackson Academy in the classroom and the greater community,” said Head of Upper School Kyle Nichols. “As long as they have attended JA, these students, their families, and Jackson Academy have partnered to foster their pursuit of excellence.”

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Alpha & Omega Buddies Find Their Match

/ Lower School

Jackson Academy’s beloved Alpha & Omega program kicked off another year of meaningful connections this morning as seniors and kindergartners came together for their first meeting. Excitement filled the amphitheater as JA’s oldest students and those just beginning Lower School discovered their special buddy or buddies for the year ahead.

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Lifting Each Other Up!

/ Upper School

The JA Raider football team treated the school’s spirit squads to cookie cake leading up to the MAIS Spirit Competition. The activity was a great way to show appreciation for the hard work of the cheer squads, Accents, and Steppers, who show so much support for sports teams throughout the year.

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Students Advance Their College Search

/ Upper School

Sophomores through seniors attended the annual College Fair by grade today, speaking with representatives about admission processes, entrance requirements, majors, activities, and student life. Students met face-to-face with Admission officers and alumni who represented colleges and universities throughout the nation. This year, JA welcomed 65 institutions of higher learning.

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JA Policy Changes Maximize Climate for Learning

/ Middle School

Academic excellence is the cornerstone of Jackson Academy’s identity as a college preparatory school in Jackson and as a leader in independent schools in the Southeast. Today, we highlight Eligibility for Participation in Extracurricular Activities and Requirements for Graduation policies as part of JA’s series about notable changes to our Student and Parent Handbook.

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JA Students Recognized as Changemakers

/ News Releases

Goodwill Industries will honor Jackson Academy seniors Morgan Cheatham, Crystal Gao, and Shelby Grant on August 21 at the Country Club of Jackson as Goodwill Salute Outstanding Youth Volunteers for 2025. Each year, Goodwill recognizes young leaders who positively impact their schools and communities through compassion, leadership, and service.

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Class of 2025 Enjoys Outdoor Graduation Ceremony

/ Upper School

Both the valedictory and salutatory addresses at Jackson Academy’s graduation ceremony on May 15 focused on themes of overcoming obstacles in the future. Valedictorian Sophie Henderson, who plans to attend New York University, spoke to her classmates about facing challenges and finding solutions when the path forward seems unclear. Salutatorian Aniya Bradley, who will be attending Spelman College, gave the opening remarks, emphasizing that the faculty had prepared the Class of 2025 with valuable lessons on treating others, leadership, critical thinking, as well as resilience and grace in the face of trials. 

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