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Academies of Jackson Overview

Overview

The Academies of Jackson is a community-supported plan that aligns local and state initiatives to provide every student with the foundation of knowledge, skills and character necessary to excel in higher education, work and life. Jackson Public Schools began district-wide, high school efforts to provide innovative options for scholars to prepare them to make critical post-secondary decisions about their career paths and for the world of work.  The Academies of Jackson is the primary initiative to achieve the Jackson Public School District’s vision and mission for scholars to graduate both college and career ready.

Mission

The mission of the Academies is to ensure every scholar has the foundation of knowledge, skills and character necessary to excel in higher education, work and life by providing innovative options that prepare them to make critical post-secondary decisions about their educational and career paths. With this in mind, JPS has worked with community partners to develop the Characteristics of a JPS Graduate.

The 4 R's

Within The Academies, all scholars take required core academic subjects, electives, and specialized courses in their career area to provide academic Rigor that prepares scholars for college. Academy teachers incorporate real-world examples from their career area into all academic and specialized courses to create Relevance for scholars. Scholars move through their academy with classmates who share their interests and a common team of teachers, which builds stronger Relationships that promote a sense of belonging. Local business and community partnerships provide scholars with interactions that ensure scholar Readiness for post-secondary education and career options.

Rigor Relevance Relationships Readines

 

Discover the Academies

Callaway Academy LOGO

Callaway High School

Dr. Demetric Williams, Academy Coach
(601) 987-3535

The Academy of Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM) at Callaway High School

The pathways of this academy will introduce students to the world of information technology and computer networking. Scholars will explore this field through the lens of networking principals, programming and coding.

Courses included in this academy are:

  • Information Technology Associate I
  • Information Technology Associate II
  • Work-Based Learning

Scholars enrolled in this academy have the opportunity to engage with academy partners by participating in industry visits, job shadows and internships. Other educational activities include participation in area and regional leadership conferences, hands-on experience simulating real-world scenarios, interdisciplinary lessons and interactive lessons with local industry professionals. Scholars completing this academy will have gained the knowledge base and experience to perform entry-level computer networking duties.


The Academy of Business, Marketing & Finance at Callaway High School

Scholars in the Academy of Business, Marketing & Finance at Callaway High School are introduced to key concepts in business management, marketing, human resources, finance, and entrepreneurship. This academy is designed to prepare scholars for careers in business leadership as well as opportunities in business ownership.

Courses included in this academy are:

  • Business, Marketing & Finance I
  • Business, Marketing & Finance II
  • Work-Based Learning

Academy Experiences: Scholars participate in a variety of hands-on and real-world learning opportunities, including:

  • Professional networking sessions
  • Shark Tank-style business pitch events
  • In-class business projects
  • Development of personal business plans

Through these experiences, scholars gain the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to become successful business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Lanier Academy Logo

Lanier Jr. Sr. High School

Latasha Banks, Academy Coach
(601) 960-5369

The Academy of Health Services at Lanier Jr. Sr. High School

The pathways of this academy will introduce scholars to the science of clinical services, clinical technologies, healthcare support services and gathering and analyzing evidence, documenting facts, and conducting criminal examinations. Lanier scholars enter the academy as sophomores and continue until graduation.

Courses included in this academy are:

  • Health Science Core I
  • Healthcare and Clinical Services 
  • Work-Based Learning or Pharmacy Technician

Scholars enrolled in the Academy of Health Services have the opportunity to engage with academy partners by participating in industry visits, job shadows and internships. Other educational activities include field classes at UMMC, symposium workshops, and participation in HOSA conferences and competitions. Scholars completing the academy will have earned CPR certification and have the opportunity to take national certification exams for EMT and CNA.

A blue graduation cap with %22MHS%22 on it sits above the words %22ACADEMIES OF JACKSON%22 and the tagline %22Not your ordinary. But your extraordinary.%22 against a white background.

Murrah High School

Johnathan Randolph, Academy Lead Instructor
(601) 960-5380

Academy of Engineering at Murrah High School

The Engineering Academy provides scholars with a dynamic and forward-thinking pathway into the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Designed for scholars who are curious, innovative, and eager to explore future careers in technical fields, the program combines rigorous coursework with real-world application to build the skills needed for success in college and beyond.

Courses included in this academy are:

  • Computer Science & Engineering
  • Engineering I
  • Engineering II
  • AP Computer Science Principles

Through these courses, scholars develop a strong foundation in coding, design thinking, problem-solving, and engineering principles—skills that are essential in today’s rapidly evolving workforce.

This academy experience goes beyond the classroom through hands-on learning, collaboration, and real-world problem solving, helping scholars apply their classroom knowledge in meaningful and practical ways.

Through partnerships with leaders in advanced manufacturing, engineering design, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, computer engineering and aerospace engineering, scholars gain exposure to a wide range of career pathways and industry practices. These partnerships help bridge the gap between education and the workforce, providing valuable insight into the diverse opportunities available in engineering fields.

Scholars that complete the Engineering Academy are well-prepared to pursue postsecondary education and careers across multiple disciplines, including engineering, computer science, and other STEM-related professions. With a strong emphasis on innovation, critical thinking, and technical expertise. The program equips students to become the next generation of problem-solvers, creators, and leaders.

Provine Academy LOGO

Provine High School

Katory Walker-Williams, Academy Coach
(601) 960-5393

The Academy of Business, Finance & Entrepreneurship at Provine High School

The pathways of this academy will introduce scholars to banking, business and marketing. Scholars will explore business ownership and banking through the lens of business law, finance, marketing, accounting, financial services, contracts, economics, marketing, banking systems, financial technology, money management and foreign and domestic currency, and ethics. Provine scholars enter this academy as sophomores and continue until graduation.

Courses included in the academy are:

  • Business, Marketing and Finance I
  • ​Business, Marketing and Finance II
  • Work-Based Learning 
  • Business Essentials

  • Business Law & Personal Finance

  • Entrepreneurship

Scholars enrolled in the Academy of Business, Finance, and Entrepreneurship have the opportunity to engage with academy partners by participating in industry visits, job shadows and internships. Other educational activities include competitions at area and regional DECA conferences, creating your own business, and working as a Hope Credit Union employee in the Provine Hope Credit Union branch office. Scholars completing the academy will have the opportunity to seek or continue employment with Hope Credit Union as a seasonal or full-time employee.

Academy Engagement

Jackson Public Schools is on the move to great things within the Academies of Jackson. To become a part of this movement, the process is simple. There are several opportunities for engagement with the academies that have been identified. You may choose to participate in any of them. In addition, if you have a service you wish to provide, we can help you as well. Jannifer Norwood, District Academy Lead for JPS, will assist in developing your engagement plan.

To date, many partners have established a relationship with one or several of the Academies of Jackson. As an integral part of this relationship, each partner has committed to the support of their chosen academy through professional development, sharing of material and financial resources, and/or promoting educational interactions that increase student engagement.

Jannifer Norwood, District Academic Lead

662 S. President Street
Jackson, MS 39201

(601) 352-6509

Academy Events

  • Career Fairs
  • Reality Fairs
  • Young Entrepreneurship Workshop
  • Youth Health Symposium
  • Employability Fair
  • Industry Visits
  • Job Shadow
  • Internships
  • Skills Sharing
  • Job Opportunities
  • Community Service Opportunities
  • Leadership workshops
  • Apprenticeship opportunities