Upper School News

Natalie Roberson Honored by National Merit

Jackson Academy senior Natalie Roberson has excelled in academics, athletics, service, and leadership. On Thursday, the National Merit Corporation announced that she has been named a Commended Student in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. 

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JA Student Initiative Supports Early Reading

Education Matters Tutoring executed a fundraising campaign this summer to support an early literacy initiative for infants and young children in underserved areas of Mississippi. Funds raised will primarily benefit the statewide initiative “Talk from the Start.” The campaign’s goal was to provide funds to purchase reading resources for the parents and caretakers of newborns in areas of Mississippi where access to quality educational material is limited.

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Morgan Cheatham and Crystal Gao Named National Merit Semifinalists

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

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!

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

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

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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