Class of 2023 improves district’s portfolio with accomplishments JACKSON, Tenn. – Extraordinary efforts from the 766 graduating seniors from Jackson Academic STEAM Academy, JCM Early College High, JCM High, Liberty Tech, Madison Academic, North Side, and South Side have resulted in a districtwide scholarship total of $20,140,785.00, giving stakeholders in Jackson-Madison County Schools one of several reasons to celebrate. “At a time when the effectiveness of public education is questioned and under attack, the varied achievements of this senior class is a testament to the priceless service our teachers and schools provide to families in our community,” Superintendent Dr. Marlon King said. A number of schools have witnessed improvements in ACT scores this year, with JCM Early College High leading the way. In just one year, their ACT average leaped by 1.27 to an average score of 20.57 – placing JCM-ECH well above the current state average of 19.1 and current national average of 19.8. Madison Academic remains the pacesetter with a phenomenal ACT average of 23.9, exceeding the national average by 4.1 points. “These incremental improvements are the start of something special. Our investments to strengthen ACT prep in the middle grades are expected to strengthen ACT results across all high schools moving forward,” Deputy Superintendent Dr. Vivian Williams said. Students at all seven high schools took advantage of accelerated paths to post-secondary opportunities by gaining industry certifications or enrolling in dual enrollment classes with a local college or university. Students earned over 6,000 credit hours through dual enrollment opportunities. “The expansion of our Local Options and Opportunities (LOOP) program to include Jackson Energy Authority and West Tennessee Healthcare means many of our seniors will receive quality job opportunities immediately. Whether college or career, the class of 2023 is prepared,” Dr. Williams added. Many JMCSS graduates will walk away with high ACT scores, honors, and volunteer hours. However, only a select group of 38 seniors at JCM Early College High will walk away with two diplomas- a high school diploma and an associate degree from Jackson State Community College. Since 2019, approximately 136 students have been awarded an associate degree through this program. |
