Academics

At Jackson Christian, we believe in nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and soul. This foundational principle shapes our approach to curriculum, instruction, and the entire K–12 experience.

Academic growth is just one part of a much bigger picture. While grades and test scores matter, true growth goes beyond the classroom. It’s about developing the mindset, character, and life skills students need to thrive—not only in school, but in all areas of life.

The K–12 years are a pivotal time in a student’s development. During this journey, we focus on shaping:

• Intellectual curiosity and critical thinking

• Social awareness and emotional resilience

• Personal responsibility and spiritual maturity

These formative years lay the foundation for future personal fulfillment, professional achievement, and a life grounded in faith and purpose.

Here are a few key reasons why we prioritize growth at every stage:

1. Academic Mastery and Knowledge Building

• Cognitive Development: The K-12 years are critical for building foundational skills in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and the humanities. Academic growth during this period helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Content Mastery: As students progress through their academic journey, they accumulate knowledge and skills that prepare them for higher education, the workforce, or other future endeavors.

2. Personal Development and Self-Confidence

• Building Resilience: The academic journey involves overcoming challenges, such as difficult assignments or subjects. Developing the ability to face academic setbacks and bounce back fosters resilience, a key life skill.
• Confidence and Self-Efficacy: As students master new concepts and skills, they gain confidence in their abilities. This fosters a sense of self-efficacy, motivating them to take on more challenges and pursue future opportunities.

3. Social-Emotional Skills

• Collaboration and Communication: Through group work, discussions, and interactions with peers and teachers, students develop important social skills like teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution.
• Emotional Regulation: Growth in academics often requires students to manage stress, meet deadlines, and handle both successes and failures, contributing to emotional maturity.

4. Preparation for Future Success

• Career Readiness: The K-12 journey helps students explore their interests and develop skills that are foundational for future careers. Exposure to different subjects, activities, and learning methods helps students identify their strengths and passions.
• College and Beyond: Growth in academic performance and learning habits lays the groundwork for success in higher education. College admissions, scholarships, and future opportunities often rely on the skills, knowledge, and work ethic developed during the K-12 years.

5. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

• Independent Thinking: Growth in academic settings encourages students to ask questions, analyze information, and form their own conclusions. These skills are essential not just for academic success but for being informed, engaged citizens.
• Adaptability: As students learn to engage with new material, technologies, and methodologies, they become more adaptable. This flexibility is important in a rapidly changing world, both in education and the workforce.

6. Building a Growth Mindset

• Learning from Mistakes: Encouraging a growth mindset during the K-12 years teaches students to view challenges as opportunities to learn rather than as obstacles. This mindset fosters perseverance and a love for learning.
• Self-Reflection: As students progress through the grades, they learn to reflect on their own learning processes, which can enhance their ability to manage their academic journey independently.

7. Social and Cultural Awareness

• Diverse Perspectives: Growth in the K-12 journey includes exposure to diverse perspectives through literature, history, and social studies. This fosters empathy, global awareness, and a deeper understanding of different cultures, helping students become well-rounded individuals.
• Citizenship and Responsibility: Students learn how to participate in their communities and contribute to society. This may include engaging in school activities, volunteering, or advocating for causes they care about.

8. Lifelong Learning

• Fostering Curiosity: A focus on academic growth helps students develop a lifelong love of learning. When students learn how to learn, they carry these skills with them into adulthood, keeping them intellectually engaged and adaptable throughout their lives.
• Opportunities for Innovation: Students who experience academic growth may also be more open to new ideas and innovations. Encouraging curiosity and creativity during the K-12 years lays the foundation for future inventiveness in various fields.

We believe incorporating Biblical principles into education provides a moral and ethical framework that informs student character development, decision-making, and worldview. Biblical principles enrich the learning experience by guiding students not only in academics but also in how they relate to others and their purpose in the world. Incorporating Biblical principles into education is about more than teaching scripture; it’s about fostering an environment where faith, character, and academic growth are integrated. By emphasizing Biblical values such as love, responsibility, respect, and purpose, our educators help shape students who not only excel academically but also grow in wisdom, moral integrity, and spiritual maturity.

Here are ways in which we incorporate Biblical teaching into our classrooms and curriculum:

1. Fostering a Biblical Worldview

• Integrating Scripture into Curriculum: One way to incorporate Biblical principles is by weaving Scripture and Biblical narratives into lessons across subjects. For example, when teaching history, educators can highlight how Christian figures and values have influenced significant events and movements. In literature, students can read Biblical stories or explore themes like justice, love, and redemption.
• Critical Thinking and Discernment: Encourage students to evaluate information through a Biblical lens, developing their ability to critically assess ideas and align them with Biblical teachings. For instance, while discussing ethics or current events, a teacher can ask students to reflect on Biblical perspectives about right and wrong, justice, or compassion.

2. Promoting Character Education

• Teaching Virtues: Biblical principles emphasize values like love, kindness, patience, humility, integrity, forgiveness, and respect. These virtues can be directly incorporated into character education programs or daily interactions. For instance, teachers can highlight Biblical verses that encourage these traits and discuss how students can practice them in their relationships with others.
  • Examples of Biblical verses:
    • Love one another as I have loved you (John 13:34)
    • Do unto others as you would have them do unto you (Luke 6:31)
    • Let all that you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14)
• Service and Compassion: The Bible emphasizes service to others (Matthew 25:35-40, Philippians 2:3-4). Encouraging students to engage in community service projects or acts of kindness can help them put their faith into action, fostering a sense of empathy and social responsibility.

3. Encouraging Stewardship

• Stewardship of Resources: Biblical principles teach that the earth and its resources are entrusted to humanity’s care (Genesis 2:15). Students can learn the importance of environmental stewardship, such as taking care of the earth, conserving resources, and showing responsibility in the use of time, money, and talents.
• Personal Responsibility: Proverbs and other parts of Scripture emphasize the importance of diligence, hard work, and wise decision-making (Proverbs 12:24, 2 Thessalonians 3:10). Incorporating these principles into educational practices helps students develop a strong work ethic and an understanding of the importance of being responsible in all aspects of life.

4. Building a Loving and Respectful Community

• Cultivating Relationships: Biblical teachings on love and community can help create a positive, supportive environment in the classroom. The Bible teaches students to honor one another, build each other up, and work toward unity (Romans 12:10, Ephesians 4:29). This can influence classroom behavior and peer interactions.
• Forgiveness and Conflict Resolution: The Bible’s teachings on forgiveness and reconciliation (Matthew 18:21-22, Colossians 3:13) can serve as a model for resolving conflicts between students. Teaching the value of resolving disagreements peacefully and reconciling relationships can prevent bullying and foster a positive, collaborative environment.

5. Spiritual Formation and Faith Integration

• Daily Devotions and Prayer: In Christian education settings, time for prayer and reflection can help students develop their spiritual lives. Daily devotions or Bible studies can create opportunities for students to reflect on Scripture and apply it to their lives. Even in secular schools, students can be encouraged to find ways to incorporate spiritual practices into their daily routines.
• Role Models and Mentorship: Educators can act as mentors, demonstrating Biblical principles in their interactions with students. Teachers who model patience, kindness, and humility provide students with tangible examples of how to live out their faith in practical ways.
• Discipleship and Evangelism: Christian educators may also see their role as fostering students’ spiritual growth by offering discipleship opportunities, teaching students how to walk in faith, and equipping them to share their beliefs with others.

6. Encouraging Biblical Literacy

• Studying the Bible: A key way to integrate Biblical principles is by directly teaching the Bible as part of the curriculum. Students can learn about the historical and literary aspects of the Bible while also exploring its spiritual and moral teachings.
• Memorizing Scripture: Encouraging students to memorize key Bible verses helps them internalize God’s Word and apply it in their lives. Verses on wisdom, strength, and guidance can provide comfort and direction as they face challenges.

7. Teaching the Value of Purpose and Calling

• God-Given Purpose: The Bible teaches that every individual has a purpose and calling (Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 2:10). Educators can help students discover their unique gifts and talents and encourage them to pursue careers and vocations that align with God’s plan for their lives. This can be particularly valuable as students approach high school graduation and begin to consider their future paths.
• The Value of Each Individual: Biblical principles also affirm the inherent value of every person (Psalm 139:13-14). Educators can create an environment where each student feels valued, regardless of their abilities, background, or achievements. This encourages a positive self-image and fosters an inclusive atmosphere in the classroom.

8. Balancing Faith and Learning

• Faith in Academic Excellence: The Bible encourages excellence in all endeavors, from work to studies (Colossians 3:23). Students can learn that academic pursuits are not separate from their faith but are a way to honor God by doing their best. This can inspire students to strive for academic excellence and to view their studies as an opportunity to glorify God.
• Integration of Faith in All Subjects: Teachers can help students see how Biblical principles can relate to any subject. For example, in science, students can learn about the wonder of God’s creation; in math, they can explore the order and logic that reflects God’s design; in literature, they can analyze moral and ethical themes through a Christian lens.

Jackson Christian has been accredited by the the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1978, and was the first SACS accredited school in Jackson. 

In the fall of 2009, Jackson Christian added another layer of accreditation credibility from the National Christian School Association. The National Christian School Association (NCSA) established the Accreditation Commission over 30 years ago. The mission of the Commission is to establish and maintain academic and spiritual standards that are designed to produce high-quality, Christ-centered education on the pre-college level. In partnership with Cognia (AdvancEd), NCSA is able to provide joint accreditations that are nationally and internationally recognized to all our member schools.

In the fall of 2017, Jackson Christian sought to receive STEM certification from Cognia (AdvancEd). Completing the standards and producing evidence of excellence in STEM initiatives, Jackson Christian was recognized in 2018 as the first independent school in Tennessee to achieve STEM certification. Jackson Christian is also the first independent school in Tennessee to receive a second STEM certification in 2023. In the 2023 re-accreditation, Jackson Christian received a perfect score from the visiting accreditation team.