Mission

Teacher Loyal Bearss inspired others with his emphasis on teaching children reading by phonics during an era when sight-reading was the favored method. So much so that, in 1959, he and 10 families took a chance on phonics and formed Jackson Academy. With small classes, a challenging curriculum using classical literature, daily devotionals, and adequate time for play, JA’s progressive methods soon had students reading well beyond their grade level.

While JA grew to become a K3 through twelfth grade college preparatory school, (invited to be a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and The Cum Laude Society), the individual attention, small class size, and well-qualified, dedicated faculty that distinguished the school in its early years are still essential elements of the institution’s character. Led by inspired teachers, students are surrounded by a community of supporters who are dedicated to helping them lead lives of purpose and significance.