Beginning with the 2023-24 school year, Jackson Academy added a K2 program and realigned its four academic divisions slightly. The construction of an 8,000 square foot Middle School building provided six new classrooms, allowing for reallocation and renovation of existing space to meet the growing needs of each division. Middle School now comprises sixth through eighth grades. Fifth grade is now part of the Lower School division.

Preschool

K2 Program

Katrice Hadley, B.A., M.Ed.

JA offers a K2 program that is an extension of the current K3-K4 curriculum. True to JA’s mission statement of equipping every child to lead a life of purpose and significance, this early childhood experience parallels all of JA’s current educational and spiritual programming to prepare students for their next step at JA.

Alongside Preschool Director Sandra Triplett and Head of Lower School Marcy McDonald, former first grade teacher Katrice Hadley aptly leads the K2 program. Hadley has long been involved in and is a proponent of early childhood education. This program falls under licensing guidelines of the Mississippi State Department of Health. Families with students enrolled in this program will have not only the best possible care but also the comfort of knowing their child will be prepared for the next steps in their educational journey.
Led by qualified teachers and assistants, JA’s K2 program is for full time students. It is offered from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and has limited classroom enrollment. Balanced nutritional meals and snacks are included in the tuition. Holidays follow school calendar guidelines.

K3-K4

Sandra Triplett, B.A., M.Ed.

JA continues to offer the sought-after preschool program that has become a signature part of the school’s curriculum. Leading JA’s Preschool is Sandra England Triplett ’09, who joined JA in 2014 as a Lower School teacher. During the last two years, Triplett has served as assistant to the head of Lower School and now serves as Preschool director.

JA’s Preschool gives young learners a superior start. The academic exploration and play in the JA Preschool years instill in children the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Through personal attention and a thoughtful academic curriculum, certified teachers stimulate the intellectual, creative, social, emotional, and physical growth of preschool students. In the end, children develop an excellent jump-start in reading, writing, listening, and speaking — all in an environment where children feel cared for and safe.

Lower School

K5-5th Grades

Marcy Rall, B.S., M.S., M.Ed.

Marcy Rall comes to JA with experience in the classroom and curriculum development. As an elementary math curriculum specialist for Rankin County School District, she spent five years leading professional development and supporting teachers and administrators with kindergarten through sixth-grade math curriculum. In the Clinton Public Schools, she taught fourth grade for ten years and was active in school committees, spearheading fundraisers and events. She is filling the role previously held by Head of Lower School Sarah Love, who retired at the end of the 2022-23 academic year.

JA’s excellent elementary-age instruction started 65
years ago to teach reading by phonics. Today’s Lower School builds on a strong reading core and immerses children in exploration with math manipulatives, STEM lab, digital presentations, and field trips. A lot of learning goes on in the Lower School, and that learning is enhanced by a significant focus on community. At the end of Lower School, children have the confidence and independence to take on the greater responsibilities of Middle School.

Middle School

6th-8th Grades

Matt Morgan, B.A., M.B.A., M.Ed.

Matt Morgan has a dual role, serving as head of Middle School while continuing as associate head of school and academic dean. Morgan also began as a teacher and has served in numerous roles at JA throughout the years, including working as an assistant to former Head of Lower School Sarah Love. His experience at JA spans all divisions, giving him perspective on the development of the entire student body.

The Middle School years can be exciting and sometimes challenging for students and parents. It is a time of growth and uncertainty and learning to navigate new privileges, opportunities, and challenges as children leave Lower School and become more autonomous in their learning experience. Building upon the work of the Lower School, students discover and flourish in their environment. There is greater independence in the Middle School, but there are also greater expectations on behavior and commitment.

Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students have the opportunity to explore new extracurricular activities and elective courses. This year, Middle School students and teachers have six new classrooms. Middle School offices, also in the new building, are more accessible to parents.

Upper School

9th-12th Grades

Brandi Richardson, B.A., M.A.

Brandi Richardson joined JA as head of Upper School beginning with the 2021-22 school year after serving as the upper school director at Cottage Hill Christian Academy for four years. From Grand Bay, Alabama, Richardson began her education career teaching AP History and Spanish at St. Luke’s Episcopal School in Mobile. She also served as department chair at St. Luke’s for three years. Additionally, she instructed courses in world and U.S. history at Coastal Alabama Community College.

A strong core of English, math, history, and science provides the footing for Jackson Academy students as they explore opportunities and hone interests throughout Upper School. Electives encompassing everything from Latin to sports broadcasting, bolstered by honors, Advanced Placement, and dual enrollment options, give students ways to test the waters as they envision college and beyond.

In addition to academics, JA clubs, activities, events, service opportunities, and fellowship options that are too numerous to list enrich the whirlwind four years of Upper School. Honors and Advanced Placement courses as well as Academic Resource Center (ARC) availability assist each student in reaching his or her individual potential in preparation for the college admission process and college years. The Upper School experience provides career exploration and self discovery through our unique and strategic partnership with NexTest Advantage. As students grow into their own, the supportive JA community keeps an eye on their futures, giving guidance as they explore their world and achieve their dreams.