First Day of Lower School

Lower School, as well as After School, begins on Thursday, August 13.

Lower School Hours

1st-5th Grade Students

• Drop off: 7:30–8:00 a.m.
  Students are considered tardy after 8 a.m.
• Full Day: 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
• After School: 3:00–5:30 p.m.

1st-5th Class Lists

On Wednesday, August 5, class lists will be emailed to parents. We cannot wait for you to meet your new class!

Meet the Teacher

On Tuesday, August 11, all 1st-5th grade students and parents are invited to visit their new classrooms to meet the teachers.  In addition to meeting teachers, pertinent information about the start of school will be given. Carpool numbers will be distributed on this day to the youngest student of the family. Families will come in alphabetical order at a designated time from 9:00–11:45 a.m. to visit their new classroom.

• Last names A-G: 9:00–9:45 a.m.
• Last names H-N: 10:00–10:45 a.m.
• Last names O-Z: 11:00–11:45 a.m.

Uniforms

Jackson Academy has grade-specific requirements regarding school uniforms. Click the link below to review uniform information for the 2026–2027 school year.

JA Uniform Requirements and Guidelines

After School Program

For information on JA After School, visit the After School webpage or contact Hope Burford at 601.368.7398 or hburford@jacksonacademy.org.

Back to School Night

Lower School Back to School Night for grades 1st-5th will be held on Tuesday, September 15.

Back-to-School Night will be come-and-go from 5:30–6:30 p.m. More information to follow. This event is for parents only.

Chapel Dates

School Supplies

Online school supply orders for Lower School were offered in the spring through the JAA. If you placed an order then, your child’s supplies will be distributed to their classroom before the start of school.

For those who would like to place an order now, click the link below and use code JAC040 for rising 1st-5th graders. Please note that these school supplies will ship to your home address.

Click to order online school supplies (1st-5th)

School supply lists are also available on the Parents Information page under the Resources heading.

Conference Day

Lower School parent conferences will be held on Monday, October 26. No school or After School for Lower School students on this day.

First Day of Middle School

The first day of Middle School is Thursday, August 13. Classes begin at 8:15 a.m.

Welcome Back Open House for Middle School

On Tuesday, August 11, Middle School 6th-8th grade students and parents are invited to visit their new classrooms from 1–3 p.m. to meet their teachers.

Teacher Office Hours

Middle School teachers will hold office hours from 7:45–8:15 a.m. each morning.  Office hours are designed to allow students the opportunity for additional help, clarification, and to turn in or collect work from absences.  All students are encouraged to use office hours as this is designed to prevent students from needing additional tutoring.

Uniforms

Jackson Academy has grade-specific requirements regarding school uniforms. Click the link below to review uniform information for the 2026–2027 school year.

JA Uniform Requirements and Guidelines

Summer Reading

Be sure to check the summer reading information for grades 6-8.

Middle School Summer Reading list

Chapel Dates

Calculator Requirements

This year, the Jackson Academy math department will require each 7th and 8th grade student to have the TI-30X IIS calculator. No other brands or models should be purchased.

School Supplies

Online school supply orders for Middle School were offered in the spring through the JAA. If you placed an order then, your child’s supplies will be shipped to your home address before the start of school.

For those who would like to place an order now, click the link below and use code JAC057 for rising 6th-8th graders.

Click to order online school supplies (6th-8th)

• 6th Grade School Supply List
• 7th Grade School Supply List
• 8th Grade School Supply List

School supply lists are also available on the Parents Information page under the Resources heading.

School-Issued Devices

Let’s talk tech! New students are assigned an Apple 10th-generation iPad, along with an Apple Pencil and a Logitech Combo Touch case, for a seamless, hands-on learning experience that supports creativity, organization, and academic success across all grade levels. All new 6th-8th grade students will pick up their iPad and accessories at the New Student Orientation on August 10.

Certificate of Immunization Compliance

ALL students must must have a current Certificate of Immunization Compliance (MDH Form 121) or an immunization exemption form (MDH Form 122) on file with the school by Monday, August 3, 2026. The forms can be obtained from the State Department of Health or your child’s pediatrician. Age groups requiring immunizations prior to this start of school are primarily K4 and 7th graders. If you already have a current form on file, you do not need to do anything. If not, current immunization forms can be dropped off at the Preschool or Lower School offices, or emailed to Kathy Sheffield at ksheffield@jacksonacademy.org.

First Day of Upper School

First Day of Upper School will be Wednesday, August 12. All students in grades 9-12 will meet in the PAC at 8:30 a.m. After the Upper School assembly, students will meet with all classes in an abbreviated schedule to gather books, assignments, and instructions for the new year.  Each student should bring his or her iPad to school. The school day is complete by 11:45 a.m. The first full day of school will be Thursday, August 13.

College Fair

Save the date for the 2026–2027 JA College Fair!  On Tuesday, August 25, from 12:30–2 p.m., college admissions representatives will meet with JA students in the lobby of the PAC.  Representatives from various colleges and universities will share topics such as navigating the admissions process, pursuing scholarships, and selecting a field of study.  All JA students in grades 10-12 will have the opportunity to attend during the school day. It is never too early to start thinking about the college admissions process!

Student Parking Information

All student drivers must register their vehicles with the Upper School Office. Parking registration for 9th-11th graders will take place online using the Google Form below.

Click here for parking registration

Once vehicles are registered, student drivers will receive car decals for parking.

Students in the 12th grade will be assigned a parking spot on the main campus, while students in grades 9-11 will be required to park at the East Campus parking lot and will be shuttled to the main campus.

Uniforms

Jackson Academy has grade-specific requirements regarding school uniforms. Click the link below to review uniform information for the 2026–2027 school year.

JA Uniform Requirements and Guidelines

Summer Reading

Be sure to check the summer reading information for grades 9-12!

Upper School Summer Reading list

Teacher Office Hours

Upper School teachers will hold office hours from 7:45–8:15 a.m. each morning.  Office hours are designed to allow students the opportunity for additional help, clarification, and to turn in or collect work from absences.  All students are encouraged to use office hours as this is designed to prevent students from needing additional tutoring.

Chapel Dates

Calculator Requirements

Students taking Algebra I, Geometry, and Honors Geometry will be required to have the TI-30X IIS calculator.  Students enrolled in Algebra II or higher will be required to have a TI-84 Plus, TI-84 Plus SE, or TI-84 Plus CE calculator.  No other brands should be purchased.

Summer School and Academic Recovery Dates for 2026

Please note the dates below as you and your family plan ahead for summer vacations and activities.  More information for both programs is available in the JA Parent and Student Handbook.

Summer School 2027
June 1–July 9, 2026

Recovery Dates 2027
Any student that does not successfully pass core subjects will recover classes at Jackson Academy. 

• June 8–25 – Language Arts (English and Literature)/Math
• July 6–23 – History/Science

Upper School Bell Schedule

School-Issued Devices

Let’s talk tech! New students are assigned an Apple 10th-generation iPad, along with an Apple Pencil and a Logitech Combo Touch case, for a seamless, hands-on learning experience that supports creativity, organization, and academic success across all grade levels. All new 9th-12th grade students will pick up their iPad and accessories at the New Student Orientation on August 10.

What to Wear on Gameday

Pep Rally Themes

Competitive Sports

Click the tabs below for social media accounts to follow for individual sport coverage, scores, photos, and more!

Hadestown: Teen Edition

The current Broadway smash hit is coming to life at Jackson Academy!  This moving folk opera takes audiences on a defiantly hopeful journey from the New Orleans-inspired world above the ground to the realm of Hades. Guided by Hermes and the Fates, the story follows Orpheus, a hopeful musician, and Eurydice, a survivor seeking shelter from the cold and poverty. While Persephone and Hades rule over a bleak, mechanized underworld where workers toil endlessly for safety, Orpheus struggles to write a song that will make spring come again and with it, hope.  Inspired by traditions of classic American folk music and vintage New Orleans jazz, this beguiling sung-through musical pits industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love.  Audiences will revel in riveting jazz numbers like “Way Down Hadestown” and be moved by ballads like “Wait For Me.”  Recommended for ages 10 and up and featuring a cast and crew of over 50 students in 6th-12th grade, Hadestown promises to be a theatrical journey you won’t forget!

Audiences will have three opportunities to enjoy Hadestown:

• Saturday, November 14 at 7 p.m.
• Sunday, November 15 at 2 p.m.
• Monday, November 16 at 7 p.m.

For more information, contact Kerri Sanders at ksanders@jacksonacademy.org and follow us on social media!

• Facebook:  Jackson Academy Performing Arts
• Instagram:  @ja_performs

Staff Updates

We would like to include information about our new Percussion Instructor. TBD

Performing Arts Events Schedule

	2026
Aug 31	One Act Auditions
Sept 19	Band Marching Contest @ Arlington
Oct 3	Band Marching Contest @ Copiah
Oct 17	Band Marching Contest @ Petal
Oct 24	MAIS Band Marching Contest @ JA
Nov 14–16	Hadestown: Teen Edition Performances
Nov 30	One Act Public Performance
Dec 4–5	Dramafest Theatre Competition @ MSU
Dec 14	Christmas with the Arts
	2027
Jan 8–9	MAIS Band Clinic
Jan 14–17	MTA Theatre Competition @ Riley Center
Jan 21	JASC Debut Performance
Jan 29	Showtime Competition
Jan 30	Encore Competition
Jan 30	Junior ThesCon Theatre Competition
Feb 5–6	15th Annual Jackson Academy Show Choir Invitational (JASI)
Feb 8–11	Spring Play Auditions
Feb 12	Showtime Competition
Feb 13	Encore Competition
Feb 19	Showtime Competition
Feb 20	Showtime Competition
Feb 24	One Act Student Performance
Feb 26	Showtime Competition
Feb 26–27	ThesCon Theatre Competition
Mar 5–8	Encore Competition
Mar 16 or 31	Show Choir Student Performance
Mar 19	Showtime Competition
Mar 20	Encore Competition
Apr 8	Encore Preschool/Lower School Performance
Apr 16–18	Spring Play Performances
Apr 20	JASC Spring Spectacular
Apr 21	Rising 6th Grade Performing Arts Parent Meeting
Apr 22	Spring Band Concert
Apr 25	Encore Banquet
Apr 30–May 1	Thespian 10-Minute Play Festival and Induction Ceremony
May 3–6	2027–2028 Showtime and Encore Auditions
May 10–13	2027 Fall Musical Auditions
May 12	Middle School Musical Performance
Jun 14–17, 21–25	Musical Theatre Summer Camps

* Dates will be confirmed by September 18

Letter from the JAA President and President Elect

Dear Jackson Academy Families,

On behalf of the Jackson Academy Association, welcome to the 2026-2027 school year!

The Jackson Academy Association (JAA) is the school’s parent organization; and every JA parent is automatically a member. The mission of the JAA is to promote unity of spirit and enhance the overall experience for our students. We are grateful for the chance to support our students, teachers, and families throughout the year and to help strengthen the JA community. We invite you to get involved through our JAA Interest Indicator which is emailed to each JA family in the fall and again in the spring.

We began the school year with one of our most popular traditions—the Summer Uniform Exchange. This year’s exchange was held on July 11 in the PAC using a brand-new digital system and was a tremendous success. If you missed it, watch for more Uniform Exchange opportunities throughout the year. Parents may donate uniform items that your child no longer needs and shop gently used uniform pieces and spirit wear. This allows you to add to your family uniform needs at a great price and all proceeds support the JAA and our school.

We would like to bring your attention to three upcoming events that are on our calendar.

First, on Sunday, August 9, at 2 p.m. in the PAC lobby, please join us for our annual Prayer Walk. This heartfelt tradition starts our school year out on a firm foundation by praying over our school, students and teachers. Led by the Moms-in-Prayer group on campus, we begin with a welcome by Head of School, Eddie Wettach, and a prayer by Raider Network’s own Bryan Eubank. We will then venture out on a self-guided walk around campus where each participant can purposefully and diligently cover our school in prayer. All parents, teachers, students, and community members are encouraged to join us.

Second is our annual A Blue and White Night on August 15 at 7 p.m. at the Country Club of Jackson. This is an exciting way to kick off the school year, get to know other parents, and participate in our biggest fundraising event! Join JA parents, faculty and staff while enjoying an evening of great food, an impressive list of items in our silent auction, and lively entertainment by The HonkyTonk Playboys, all while supporting the JAA and our wonderful school!

Third, the JA Fall Carnival will take place the evening of Tuesday, October 27, on Raider Field at The Brickyard and is always a family favorite!  This is one of the most beloved events at Jackson Academy and in the Jackson community. Participants of all ages can enjoy a variety of dining options as well as entertainment with games, activities, rides, prizes, and more!

The JAA also has its own cookbook, Always in Season, which is a JA home must-have! The carefully curated recipes, which were provided by our JA parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and alumni, have become a staple in so many households. There isn’t a bad recipe in the bunch! The cookbook also makes a great gift (for graduation, Christmas, birthdays or even a keepsake for your children to treasure forever)! Copies are available in the JA Campus Store, or you may contact any member of the JAA Board to purchase your copy.

Jackson Academy is truly a special place, thanks to our strong community of students, parents, teachers, and staff. Your generous support for the JAA strengthens these relationships and our school. Because of the commitment of our families, staff, and community partners, we will continue to accomplish great things for our students. Your volunteer service, financial support, and advocacy make a meaningful difference at Jackson Academy every day.

For more details on the JAA, please visit us at jacksonacademy.org/jaa, where you can find key JAA information, sign up to volunteer, or purchase a ticket for A Blue and White Night and JA Fall Carnival! You can also follow the JAA on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with us and see all of the exciting events and happenings of the Jackson Academy Association!

We look forward to seeing you in August and working together to serve our school family! Go Raiders!

Maggie Jones
JAA President

Katie Monsour
JAA President Elect

JAA Committee Chairmen 2026–2027

JAA Grade Chairs 2026–2027

A Blue & White Night Committee 2026–2027

2026–2027 Athletic Booster Club Membership

Dear Raider Family and Friends,

Sincerely, 
Courtney and Paul Williams
Directors of Membership

Shay and Rob Tatum
Directors of Membership-Elect

Email Courtney at courtney@wnwlegal.com and Shay at ???????????????

JA Prayer Walk

This year the JA Prayer Walk will be Sunday, August 9, at 2 p.m. in the PAC lobby.

Fall Carnival

The JA Fall Carnival will take place on Tuesday, October 28, on Raider Field. Our Carnival is the perfect family-filled night for children of all ages, so come and celebrate!

Connect with JA

Our families and friends can stay connected to events around campus without pause, because JA stays active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This is your child’s story, and we’re here to tell you about it.

Below are links to the official JA social media accounts. Check with academic divisions, teams, and extracurricular programs for specific social media accounts.