News

JA Celebrates Being Part of the Community for 65 Years

/ All News

Jackson Academy’s first headmaster, Loyal Bearss, firmly believed that the key to unlocking a student’s greatest potential was the ability to read—that if a person could read well, they could learn anything. In 1959, this phonics pioneer and 10 forward-thinking families took a chance, founding a school based on teaching reading through phonics when sight-reading was the conventional method. Jackson Academy embraced phonics, and its students soon began reading well beyond all expectations.

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Students Experience Skill of Flexibility

/ Upper School

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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JA Service Project Supports Local Fire Station

/ News Releases

As part of its celebration of being a member of this community for 65 years, Jackson Academy will pursue service, events, and creative endeavors throughout the 2024-2025 school year. The initial service project to start the anniversary year is a campaign to help local firefighters renovate the station located within the JA neighborhood at Canton Mart Road.

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

/ News Releases

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

/ Upper School

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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A Fun Focus on Football

/ Preschool

It was a football frenzy last week at JA as students of multiple ages celebrated the game! First graders got time with their Upper School Football Buddies on Thursday when the buddies visited their classrooms. Varsity players joined first graders for a fun-filled party with food, games, and great conversation. This annual tradition fosters connections between our older and younger divisions. First graders joined their Football Buddies on the field Friday night for the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem to culminate the week. 

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Equestrian Team Begins Season at Winterview Show

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ackson Academy’s Equestrian Team will participate in four IEA shows this season at Winterview Farm. Riders participate in a fifth show for regional qualifying points in Alabama, where they can qualify to advance to Regional, Zone, and National competition.

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Service From the Heart

/ Upper School

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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Director of Performing Arts Honored

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Belhaven University will honor nine alumni in September, and Kerri Sanders, Jackson Academy’s Director of Performing Arts is among the honorees. Selected for her contribution to excellence in the arts, Sanders joins a distinguished group of alumni who have made an imprint within their professions. Belhaven will host a banquet in their honor on September 27.

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