Mr. Torrey A. Hampton

Principal’s Message

First, I want to thank all of the stakeholders who have supported the University of South Jackson since I became lead learner in July 20. Since that time, many aspects of our school have
changed. We were able to navigate a global pandemic and massive school renovations. Our job here at 2607 Raymond Road has not changed. We are in the business of educating scholars about academics and life. During this time, we were only able to increase our graduation rate and we did that. When I arrived, our graduation rate was 66%. Since then, it has increased each school year. We were able to move to 87.2% during the year we moved from a failing school. My staff, scholars, and I were able to move from an “F” rated school after the 21-22 school year. We achieved successful status. We always knew that failure was just a gateway to success as we moved to a “C” rated school for the 22-23 school year. We then set our goal for the next letter grade for the 23-24 school year, and we achieved “B” status.

Our mantra at USJ is “All Hands on Deck”. It is our goal to operate within those words each and every day. In order for us to continue our trend of success, we will keep striving to exhibit nothing less than our BEST!
Last, we have embarked on 187 days of Excellence for the 23-24 school year. This school year, we will tell our own story regardless of what social media and other outside entities try to portray our district and school to be!

Education

Proud graduate of Alcorn State University, Mississippi State University, and Jackson State
University. Currently, I’m in the last stages of completing a degree at Jackson State University.

Good, Better, Best, never let it rest until your Good becomes your Better, and your Better
Becomes your ABSOLUTE BEST! Let’s Be great!!  

Torrey A. Hampton, Principal

Mrs. Patrease Edwards

Patrease Edwards is a native of East St. Louis, IL She graduated from Lincoln Sr. High School and was recruited to Jackson State University (JSU) to play volleyball. Mrs. Edwards graduated from JSU in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Social Science and again in 2008 with a Master of Science Degree in Special Education. She received her Education Specialist degree from Mississippi College (MC) in 2012 and is currently a doctoral candidate at MC in the area of Educational Leadership Curriculum and Instruction. She is a National Board Certified Teacher.

 After graduating with her B.S. Ed., Mrs. Edwards moved to Daytona Beach, FL and began her career as an educator where she taught and coached volleyball, basketball, cheerleading and track and field at Deland High School. In 2005, Ms. Edwards returned to Mississippi to teach at Jim Hill High School. She served at the district level as a Transition Program Specialist in the Exceptional Education Services Office before accepting the role of assistant principal at Lanier High School. Mrs. Edwards served as the Freshman Academy Principal and Athletic Director at Lanier before coming to Forest Hill High School.

 Educational Philosophy

All children have unique needs, with various strengths, preferences and interests. As educators, we must cultivate the whole child through a stimulating educational environment focusing on the scholars’ post-secondary desires. 

Dr. Richard Chano