The Clarion-Ledger announced Sunday that Jackson Academy was named Best Private School in its poll in which Mississippians vote for their most admired businesses, organizations, people, and events. In three other categories, voters named JA the Best Place to Work, the Performing Arts Center the Best Live Music/Concert Venue, and the JA Carnival Best Festival/Fair.
Head of School Palmer Kennedy believes that the recognition is in large part due to the strong school mission and culture. “All facets of a JA experience – academics, athletics, the arts, or a variety of other co-curricular programs – are student-centered and mission-driven. Our mission and culture are advanced by a superior and committed faculty and staff, parents, Board of Trustees, and of course, students. We deeply appreciate this recognition of our efforts. We also understand that ‘to whom much has been given, much is expected,’” Kennedy said.
Best Place to Work
Voters selected JA again as the Best Place to Work. This is the school’s fifth time since 2018 to be selected for recognition as an exemplary employer. Settled in the Sheffield Drive neighborhood of northeast Jackson, JA serves the Jackson metropolitan area as an independent, college preparatory day school for grades K2 – twelve. The 38-acre campus has been described as one of the finest school environments among the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools.
While location and facilities are important, the heart of a school is made up of teachers who know students individually and care about them personally. Southern Association of Independent School surveys tell us JA faculty do just that. JA’s 200 professional faculty and staff serve more than 1,250 students.
Best Live Music/Concert Venue
This weekend, JA will host the annual Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.” The ballet company has chosen JA as its performing home since the Performing Arts Center opened in 2010. Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet recently acknowledged JA and its staff in a “Hometown Madison” magazine article.
The Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet is one of many organizations to use the PAC. Past groups have included the Mississippi Symphony for performances, the International Ballet Competition for practice sessions, local and international musicians, and many other groups.
“Beyond its architectural and performance design, what sets the JA Performing Arts Center apart are the teams that operate and perform in it,” said Performing Arts Center Coordinator Stacy Bates. “While the PAC welcomes many outside events through community organizations, it shines the brightest when its award-winning show choirs, theatre, bands, and other arts take the spotlight.” Director of Performing Arts Kerri Sanders shared that the performing arts faculty and staff strive to give students an experience that mirrors that of a professional company. “We hold our performers and technicians to a very high standard, from the way we run our rehearsals to the visual spectacle of our sets and costumes to our stellar orchestrations. The base for these operations and the catalyst for this standard is our incredible facility,” she said. “In the PAC, students can work on one of the most impressive stages in the state and be exposed to the newest and best equipment thanks to the support of our parents, community, and administrators.”
Best Festival/Fair
JA’s fourth award in the Clarion-Ledger poll was Best Festival/Fair. The JA carnival, organized by the Jackson Academy Association, is one of the oldest and largest fall festivals in the Jackson area. This community-wide event held each October features old fashioned carnival games, a costume contest, jump houses, a bake sale, a pumpkin decorating contest, and more. The JA Carnival is a tradition passed down from family to family. It is also an event where many guests receive their first introduction to the community atmosphere of JA.
JA was founded in 1959 for the purpose of teaching the phonetic method of reading to elementary students. It is now a K2-12 college preparatory school that continues to place emphasis on reading as well as the knowledge and skills necessary in all areas of study to be successful in college and life. In addition to an emphasis on preparation for college, JA seeks to support parents in guiding students to be productive, well-rounded members of society. JA emphasizes character and partners with students inside and outside of the classroom to cultivate good life principles from an early age.
