Head of School

Head of School Palmer Kennedy and his wife, Karen, relocated to Jackson in 2021, joining the Jackson community from Birmingham, Alabama. Kennedy’s 39-year career as an independent school educator, which includes roles as headmaster of two other schools and director of an Upper School at a third, has provided the expertise to lead one of Mississippi’s largest and most respected independent schools, now serving K2 through twelfth grade. 

Since Kennedy’s arrival at Jackson Academy, the college preparatory school has completed a master plan, opened a new Middle School building, created a K2 program, launched a strategic planning cycle, received renewal as one of the few Apple Distinguished Schools worldwide, and been chosen by the community as Best Private School for four out of the past five years. With colleagues at the school, he enjoys opening the doors of JA to schools throughout the region to share best practices and learn from one another.

Kennedy’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards is evident in his service on the Board of Trustees of the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), of which JA is a member. He has also been a frequent contributor to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), SAIS, and Advanced Ed/Cognia accreditation teams. This active involvement in accreditation processes underscores his dedication to ensuring JA’s academic excellence, his commitment to continuous improvement, and his interest in supporting other schools as they seek accreditation. 

His previous administrative, athletic, and teaching roles give him the experience to connect with Jackson Academy faculty and coaches as they work together to help students reach their peak potential. It is important to him to invest deeply as part of a learning community where each family can claim that the teachers and coaches do not just teach, tolerate, or manage their students. Instead, they love and cherish the students as precious gifts from God. He frequently speaks of the school’s mission as a nurturing and spiritual community to inspire and equip each student to lead a life of purpose and significance. 

Kennedy holds a Master of Arts in history from the University of South Alabama and a Master of Arts in education from the University of Mobile. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics and history from the University of South Alabama and completed the British Studies Program at the London School of Economics. 

He and Karen are the parents of two children and have two grandchildren.