In 1974, a group of parents, faith leaders, and educators changed the trajectory of our community with their desire to provide "a quality education in a Christian environment." Jackson Christian began in 1976 with 56 students ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade. The school met at Central Church of Christ. By 1979, a building had been constructed on 28 acres at 832 Country Club Lane. That fall, enrollment reached 200 students in kindergarten though 11th grade.
The years that followed showed continued growth and improvement. In 1995, a new elementary complex was built on Rushmeade Road. Other construction followed: a 1,600-seat gymnasium in 2001 and the Linda Tyler Early Learning Village for preK and kindergarten classes in 2008. The 21st Century Digital Learning Initiative brought iPad technology to all grade levels in 2011. Care of babies and toddlers was added in 2016. Interscholastic athletics began in 1976, with junior high boys basketball and cheerleaders. Other sports for both boys and girls, including baseball, softball, football, soccer, tennis, cross-country, golf and track, followed.
Today, enrollment stands at more than 880 students, with programs for infants though 12th grade. Jackson Christian is fully accredited by AdvancED through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the National Christian School Association. Our elementary received its second accreditation as a STREAM school, and our secondary hosts numerous athletic accolades, state championships, and academic scholars. We are grateful for our humble beginnings, and for the work of all our Jackson Christian family who paved the way to our reality.
The 2025-2026 academic year marks 50 years of quality education in a Christian environment in our classrooms. While we have strong goals for the future and immense pride for our past, one word rises: gratitude.
We stand on the shoulders of past visionaries, sacrificial givers, and educators who work to honor God above man. We rejoice with alumni who have graduated from our hallways and are presently making the world better. We praise God, whose faithfulness continues to sustain us with each new day.
This year, we will honor our past with events throughout the school year, including our 50th Anniversary Night of Thanks.
Jackson Christian is designated in our bylaws as an evangelical school.
An evangelical school is missional in outreach and places a strong emphasis on personal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, the authority of the Bible, and the importance of spreading the gospel. To attend a missional christian school, students and families are not required to endorse the belief statements of the school. Evangelical schools often prioritize teaching the Bible and Christian principles, and focus on evangelism, personal conversion, and a biblical worldview. Our curriculum integrates biblical teachings into all subjects, with a special emphasis on preparing students to live out their faith in society. The primary goal is often to prepare students to be strong Christian witnesses in the world.
A covenant school is typically more aligned with Reformed or Presbyterian traditions. The term "covenant" refers to the belief in God's covenant with His people, which includes both the parents and the children. It emphasizes nurturing children within the context of a community that is committed to living out God's promises and teachings. For this reason, families have to submit a faith statement that is in alignment with the school's stated beliefs and traditions.
Do you have to be a member of the Church of Christ to attend Jackson Christian?
Contrary to popular belief, approximately 30% of our student body identifies their home church as a "Church of Christ." Our students come to us from a variety of religious backgrounds, from Christian to Hindu. Though we are proud of our Church of Christ heritage, we've operated since 1976 as an evangelical school.
An evangelical school is missional in outreach and places a strong emphasis on personal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, the authority of the Bible, and the importance of spreading the gospel. To attend a missional Christian school, students and families are not required to endorse the belief statements of the school. Evangelical schools often prioritize teaching the Bible and Christian principles, and focus on evangelism, personal conversion, and a biblical worldview.
