High School
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Jackson Day School provides rigorous academic core programs and a variety of elective courses, preparing students for lifelong learning. Students complete seven to eight courses a year on a semester-long schedule with the exception of Math I, Math II, and Math III, which are year-long courses. Through course work and extracurricular activities, students experience the relevance of high school life and develop relationships that will enrich their lives and prepare them for life beyond graduation, whether it be college or career. Elective offerings are available for high school students in Fine and Performing Arts, World Language, Career and Technical Education, and Health and Physical Education.
Jackson Day offers numerous academic tracks designed to support student's educational needs and career interests: College Preparatory, Career and Technical, and Occupational. JDS supplements the Common Core and North Carolina Essential Standards with Pearson/Savas and McCraw Hill curriculums.
JDS has an MOU agreement with Belmont Abbey and CPCC, providing advancement opportunities for students to accelerate the completion of college certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees while earning an HS diploma. (See the VOYAGER PROGRAM page for more information) The Voyager Program provides a rigorous college experience for students seeking academic challenges and hands-on, skills-based learning while being in a responsive and supportive environment before transitioning to a full-time, independent college student.
High School students are required to complete 22 graduation requirements for an HS diploma, see chart below;
Graduation Requirements
Character Education
JDS has a shared belief that all students are entitled to a school environment that supports their intellectual, physical, social, and emotional needs. Developing positive character traits is essential to a student's growth. JDS focuses on the universal values of Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, and Excellence. Teaching these values in high school improves student achievement, reduces behavior incidents, increases compassion and empathy, and improves the overall school climate and culture. JDS incorporates character education in classroom lessons and activities and through group assemblies.
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Bell Schedule
7:30 - 7:45 a.m. - Arrival / Morning Work
7:45 - 7:55 a.m. - Morning Meeting
7:55 - 8:57 a.m. - Block 1
8:59 - 9:56 a.m. - Block 2
9:58 - 10:53 a.m. - Block 3
10:57 - 11:54 a.m. - Block 4
11:57 - 12:27 p.m. - Lunch
12:29 - 1:33 p.m. - Block 5
1:35 - 2:40 p.m. - Electives
2:40 - 2:45 p.m. - Return to Homeroom
2:45 - 3:15 p.m. - Dismissal
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​​Building Community
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JDS is excited to reintroduce students to the new and improved "house" system in the 2022-2023 school year. In short, students are divided into "houses." Students earn points for their "houses" for good behavior, notable accomplishments, and more throughout the school year. Since each "house" includes kids from various grade levels, it fosters a sense of community throughout the school. The "house" system enables students to form stronger bonds and connections. It provides leadership opportunities. The sense of camaraderie and inclusion created by the "house" system offers students both educational and social-emotional benefits.
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JDS offers many opportunities for students and families to unwind together and build a community outside the classroom. The Fall Festival, Valentine's Day Dance, and Field Day are student favorites. We gather for Veteran's Day programs, STEAM nights, Spirit Nights, numerous Arts Showcases, and holiday programs. Students can join a fee-based after-school club, a competitive dance or cheer team, participate in middle school athletics, or the marching band. Participation in the various social events, programs, and athletics improves student productivity, builds relationships, develops empathy, and teaches students critical relationship-building skills.
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College and Career Counseling
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JDS's Voyager Dual Enrollment Program and College Counseling department provide group and individualized high school planning to ensure students meet graduation requirements and complete coursework necessary for future goals. JDS aims to provide students with information about admission requirements, scholarship opportunities, and applications for any post-secondary education institution.
Technology
JDS students' curriculum requires each student to bring a device that enables them to access the internet and create documents during the school day. We recommend a Chromebook that boots up quickly, has a long battery life, and is economical. Other reliable devices are permitted but must have a keyboard, at least a 10" screen, and Windows 10. Every JDS student enrolled in high school math courses must purchase a TI-83+ or TI-84+ Graphing Calculator.
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Dress Code
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The purpose of Jackson Day School's dress code is to guide students and parents as to appropriate attire for school and at any school function. The dress code is the primary means of helping students learn a skill required for success in getting and keeping employment linked to attire. As adults, we know that there is a difference between dressing for our jobs and dressing for recreation, and therefore having students practice this distinction while at JDS is a way to promote long-term success.
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