Upper School News

Students Learn Skills Through Volunteer Roles

Jackson Academy has a tradition of students participating in the Jackson Symphony League’s Sub Deb Program. Through Sub Debs, students gain experience as volunteers who assist with symphony concerts, support fundraising efforts, and receive professional development training. 

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JA Teacher Selected as Apple Distinguished Educator

Jackson Academy’s commitment to educational innovation has earned worldwide recognition, as Upper School English teacher Dr. Cassidy Swinney has been selected as an Apple Distinguished Educator for the Class of 2026. Dr. Swinney is the first educator from Jackson Academy to receive this prestigious and selective international honor.

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Christmas with the Arts Celebrates Student Talent

Jackson Academy hosted its annual Christmas with the Arts celebration, bringing together students from across the visual and performing arts programs for an evening of festive performances. The Performing Arts Center lobby showcased artwork from Lower School students, including elf creations from second and third graders. Ten of these student-designed elves were brought to life on stage by JA Theatre students in a special performance that connected younger artists with the Upper School performers.

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Accents and Cheerleaders Represent JA in NYC

JA senior State Champion cheerleaders and Accents once again performed at the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Thanksgiving Day. All of JA’s seniors performed together in the cheer segment between 11 and 11:30 a.m. Prior to the parade, Accents and cheerleaders participated in daily clinics to learn choreography with hundreds of other cheerleaders and dancers from all over the country.

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Upper School Art Classes Study Mississippi Abstract Artist

Upper School JA students enrolled in art classes visited the Mississippi Museum of Art last week to study a special exhibition of abstract art. The exhibition is devoted to the work of a pioneering, Mississippi-born painter. “Joe Overstreet: Taking Flight” brings together examples of three phases of the artist’s painting practice and features 25 works. 

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