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. These policy changes aim to enhance the academic focus and growth of our students and reinforce a college preparatory climate that is conducive to learning and preparing students for the life ahead.
Eligibility for Participation in Extracurricular Activities
In grades six to twelve, student academic progress will be reviewed every three weeks on Thursday by the conclusion of the school day to determine a student’s eligibility for participation in extracurricular activities, including athletics, fine arts, and student leadership roles. At each checkpoint, any student who is failing two or more courses for the first time will be placed on academic probation for the following three-week period.
The first academic review will be on August 21. “Students, parents, and activity sponsors will receive a letter when a student is placed on academic probation. Recipients of the letter sign and return that letter to their division office. During the probationary period, students will be encouraged to take advantage of teacher office hours and Writing and Math Labs for support,” said Head of Upper School Kyle Nichols. “This support-focused period is designed and intended to give students opportunities and resources to regain academic standing.”
If you have any questions regarding this policy or would like to discuss academic support resources available for your student, contact the division-appropriate counselor or administrator.
Requirements for Graduation
When students graduate, the JA diploma they earn indicates a high degree of mastery of college preparatory curriculum. JA is adding to the coursework to meet graduation requirements, a step taken to reinforce the preparation of students for higher education.
The required number of credits per year has been moved from 5 to 5.5. Increasing JA’s academic electives is part of the Academic Strategic Plan to encourage students to take a wider variety of courses.
JA has also changed elective offerings to 0.5 credit courses per semester. “JA chose to widen the courses our students take so they can gain exposure to two areas of study per year instead of just one,” said Nichols. “We are attempting to maximize our students’ time on campus while also giving them exposure to as many areas of study as possible to see where their areas of passion lie as they prepare for the college level.”
Parents, for more policy details about Participation in Extracurricular Activities and Requirements for Graduation, log in to OnCampus and visit the Student & Parent Handbook or see the letter distributed to Upper School by the division leader.
