Student Honoraries & Clubs

Chi Alpha Mu

A national organization for students with high achievement in mathematics and interest in the field as a career. Open to Middle School students who meet academic requirements.

Cum Laude Society

Chapter of the national, selective, and prestigious academic organization. Criteria for membership are based on performance of national standards, including the PSAT and ACT, as well as maintaining an exceptional GPA, and on performance within a rigorous curriculum of honors and AP courses.

Latin Honor Society

Latin Honor Society is the honor society endorsed by the National Junior Classical League and is open to any student currently enrolled in a Latin course at Jackson Academy. To be eligible for membership in the Latin Honor Society, students must be members in good standing of the National Junior Classical League’s state and national organizations, maintain at least a 90 average in the current Latin course through the end of the 3rd term, and exemplify good citizenship.

Mu Alpha Theta

National mathematics honor society recognizing outstanding achievement in math. Standards of admission are set by Mu Alpha Theta and Jackson Academy.

National Honor Society

Each January, qualified Upper School students are invited to apply for National Honor Society membership. Sophomores must have a cumulative GPA of 95 or above after 3 semesters, juniors must have a cumulative GPA of 92 or above after 5 semesters, and seniors must have a cumulative GPA of 90 or above after 7 semesters. The student must then provide evidence of service, leadership, and character on the application. A committee of faculty members selects members based on these applications.

National English Honor Society

Organization that recognizes students with outstanding achievements in English and literature and is open to students in grades 11 and 12. To be eligible for the NEHS, one must have an overall GPA of at least a 90 and have completed of at least three semesters of English at Jackson Academy.

National Junior Honor Society

National Junior Honor Society is an organization that recognizes and promotes academic achievement while developing other characteristics such as character, service, leadership, and citizenship. Students are eligible to be considered for membership in the seventh and eighth grades based on a minimum unrounded average of 94.5 from the previous year and the first semester of the current year. The tapping of new members occurs in February each year.

Rho Kappa

Rho Kappa is a national honor society for students that excel in social science and is open to students in grades 11 and 12. To be eligible for induction in Rho Kappa, one must have completed two years of social studies courses and have a minimum overall GPA of a 90.

Science National Honor Society

This Society recognizes students with outstanding achievement in science coursework and is open to students in grades 11 and 12. To be eligible for SNHS, one must have completed at least 3 semesters of honors level science courses at Jackson Academy and still be enrolled in the honors science curriculum.

Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (Spanish Honor Society)

The Spanish Honor Society recognizes Jackson Academy students in grade 10 or above who have a three-semester Spanish average of 95 or above.

Société Honoraire de Français (French Honor Society)

This Society recognizes Jackson Academy students in grade 10 or above who have a three-semester French average of 95 or above.

Book Club

JA’s Book Club gives students in grades nine through twelve the opportunity to meet and discuss books with their peers in an informal setting. The students also collect children’s books to take to an after-school care center to read and distribute to younger students who do not have access to books.

Biology Service Club

Students who are interested in biology are invited to gather for service projects with a faculty advisor. It is a great way to interact with others interested in the sciences and consider ways to serve the greater good.

Chess Club

The Chess Club allows students the opportunity to show off their intellectual prowess and to hone their strategic planning skills. The Chess Club is always looking for new members. All ages are welcome to come and learn to play!

Ducks Unlimited

JA’s Ducks Unlimited Club was organized in the fall of 2018 by student McNeil Dinkins and a group of his peers interested in hunting and conservation.  Members compete against fellow varsity chapters for the coveted MS Varsity Duck Bowl trophy each year with criteria set through membership, fundraising and community service. JA members host an annual fall banquet complete with seated dinner, raffles, and a live and silent auction.  JA’s chapter currently holds the top varsity chapter title in Mississippi for the past three years and is ranked #5 nationally.  2023-24 student chairmen are Newell Eatherly and Harper Mars.  Faculty club sponsor is Jim Wilkirson.  The 2023 JA DU Fall Sportsman’s Banquet will be held at Bridlewood of Madison on Monday, November 13 at 6:00pm.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

The goal of FCA at JA is “to present to athletes and coaches and all whom they influence the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church.”

Habitat for Humanity

The Habitat for Humanity Club is made up of students from grades nine through twelve who want to make a difference in others’ lives. Club members strive to help the Jackson Habitat for Humanity organization in any way possible. From sweeping to painting to entertaining, club members put their best effort forward with any project they are given.

Interact Club

Interact Club brings together young people to serve their school and their community by developing leadership skills and pursuing the motto of “Service Above Self.” In partnership with the Rotary Club of Jackson, Interact Club connects students with leaders in the Jackson community and with opportunities to serve others. Through service and leadership, students are encouraged to become compassionate neighbors to those in need and responsible global citizens. Interact Club hosts guest speakers to inform students about local businesses and organizations that are active in serving the metro Jackson area. Interact Club also strengthens international understanding and peacebuilding activities in the local community and around the world. The faculty sponsor for the Interact Club is Mrs. Theresa Berman.

Film Club

The JA Film Society welcomes students with an interest in watching and discussing good movies. Society members vote on a theme or genre for each semester. Teachers then curate film selections that are fun, relevant, and historically or aesthetically interesting. Join us for discussions and movie nights throughout the semester.

French Club

The French Club is open to anyone in grades nine through twelve who is interested in learning more about the French language and culture. We have many members who don’t even take French. Our goals are education, service, and fun!

Interior Design

Students interested in future careers in interior design or the ability to design and decorate homes and businesses are invited to join the Interior Design Club. In this club, students develop knowledge and skills in color, fabric, architecture, and art, while having fun as a group.

Junior Philanthropist Foundation

Students who have a heart for service are invited to participate in the Junior Philanthropist Foundation, a national organization that encourages students to develop a lifelong interest in serving their communities.

Outdoor Recreation Club

Outdoor Recreation Club is an organization for students who enjoy nature and adventurous activities. Membership is open to all Upper School students. Activities include camping, day hiking, backpacking, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, geocaching, and other outdoor activities. Trips are organized for weekends during the school year, and a summer trip is offered each year. Devotionals are held every morning and evening during trips and focus on strengthening faith and appreciation for God’s world.

Pickleball Club

The Pickleball Club offers fun competition in one of the fastest-growing court games. Similar to tennis, yet played on a smaller court and with lighter balls, Pickleball is a great way to get moving and to make friends.

Pre-Med Club

The Pre-Med society is an organization that provides students an opportunity to view the medical profession by touring hospitals, attending surgeries, and hearing speakers from the medical field.

Latin Club

Latin Club is the local branch of the state and national Junior Classical League. Prospective members must be enrolled in or have completed at least one year of language studies in Latin. Each January the Roman Banquet, which is attended by students dressed in togas and other Roman attire, is the highlight of the year. The club also participates in the JA Carnival, Raider Night, Club Fair, and in the state JCL Convention. In April, the group celebrates Rome’s birthday.

Rowdies

JA Rowdies create a positive and school-spirited environment during and centered around Jackson Academy sporting events.  They create an atmosphere of excitement for our fans and for our players at pep rallies and on the playing field and encourage active participation from the student body as well as the rest of the Raider family during athletic games. The Rowdies will strive to maintain a positive, exciting, and respectful attitude while on the Raider campus and off, both during and surrounding JA sporting events.  The Rowdies are not a social group but rather an organization made up of senior boys who properly and actively represent the spirit of our school and their families. Faculty club sponsor is Dean Arnold.

Service Club

Service Club allows students to develop a heart for lifelong service by leading and participating in various community service projects. Coordinated by the Upper School counseling office, students can also learn about ways to record their service hours for college applications.

Speech and Debate

Speech and Debate allows students to develop their public speaking, critical thinking, and performance abilities by competing in tournaments and practicing in front of peers. Anyone interested in pursuing a career in law, politics, or acting is highly encouraged to join.

Spanish Club

Spanish Club membership is available to all students who are current or former members of a Spanish class. In addition to selling tacos at the JA Carnival, the club hosts parties to celebrate la Navidad, Cinco de Mayo, and other Hispanic holidays. For many years, the club has sponsored an Ecuadorian family, sending a contribution each month. The Spanish Club invites guests to present programs and participates in various service projects.

Students Against Destructive Decisions

The SADD chapter of JA exists to help students avoid the dangers of drinking and driving and has since expanded to deal with underage drinking, drug usage, bullying and a plethora of other destructive decisions.