Upper School News

Students Experience Skill of Flexibility

Jackson Academy’s signature outdoor experiential program, SOAR, helps students develop skills known as the 6 C’s of education. These skills include critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity, citizenship/culture, and character/connection. Educators believe these skills are integral to preparing students for the dynamic future workplaces they will face.

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Perry Initiative Offers Hands-On Surgical Experience to Inspire Girls’ Career Choices

Morgan Cheatham, Sarah Yung, Lydia Murphy, Caroline Flechas, Mamie Barton, and Crystal Gao were selected to participate in the highly notable Perry Initiative all-day event in September. This competitive program selects applicants around the country to participate in an educational event during which female students learn hands-on about the fields of orthopedic surgery and engineering. JA students attended the event at UMMC.

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JA DU Named No. 1 Varsity Chapter in the Nation

For the fourth consecutive year, the JA Ducks Unlimited Varsity Chapter has earned elite status among high school chapters from across the nation. Earning the top spot and the coveted Duck Bowl trophy for Mississippi the past three years, the JA chapter has just been ranked #1 in the nation for 2024!

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Service From the Heart

When a person serves, their focus is on the recipient. However, an altruistic lifestyle benefits the giver, too. According to the online news source Mental Floss, teenage volunteers have better grades and a higher self-image. The site notes that volunteers are believed to live longer, manage stress better, experience less depression, and have greater life satisfaction. Service also has a ripple effect, influencing peers to get involved.

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Homecoming Court Named

Jackson Academy has announced the students who have been elected to the homecoming court for 2024. These students will be honored during Homecoming festivities on October 4, beginning with a pep rally presentation of the court and culminating in the formal recognition of the court and the presentation of the Homecoming Queen at halftime of the JA -Madison St. Joe football game. First grade attendants to the court are the children of JA faculty and staff members.

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Student Ambassadors Selected from the Class of 2025

Jackson Academy Student Ambassadors serve as leaders and role models in all aspects of campus whether it’s helping with events, assisting with campus tours, welcoming new students, or networking with current and prospective families. Students selected as ambassadors possess strong leadership skills and have knowledge of JA history, academic programs, and extracurriculars. Through their volunteer service, they obtain community service hours. Rising juniors are eligible to apply in the spring of their sophomore year on the basis of academic performance, nominations by faculty and staff, and personal interviews. The Student Ambassador program is coordinated by the Office of Admission.

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College Fair Connects Students with Opportunities

JA sponsors an annual College Fair where students meet face-to-face with more than 60 Admission officers and alumni representing colleges and universities throughout the country. Today, seniors through sophomores attended the College Fair by grade, speaking with representatives about the admission process, entrance requirements, majors, activities, and student life.

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Students Excel in AP Scholar Program

Jackson Academy offers a robust Advanced Placement program with 11 classes. Students who seek greater academic challenge and the potential for college credit while in high school can select AP coursework beginning in the tenth grade. AP is administered by the College Board.

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Club Fair Garners Signatures for Campus Groups

The Gallery of the Performing Arts Center was abuzz Monday with students signing up for roles in their areas of interest. The annual Club Fair is a way for students to learn about organizations they want to join – whether it is Fellowship of Christian Athletes or Chess Club, Interact Club or Outdoor Recreation Club. Each club had a booth with members of the club telling students about the club’s purpose and activities.

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Interact Club Helps Seniors Connect with We Will Go Ministries

On Saturday, August 10, 38 JA seniors served at We Will Go Ministries Food Pantry during Senior Service Day. Head of Upper School Kyle Nichols and his two-year old son, and faculty members Theresa Berman, Gloria Hirn, and Susan Ingram and several senior parents joined in serving food to 100 neighbors in need in downtown Jackson. 

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