Jackson School for the Arts is a visual and performing arts program located within Jackson High School. The program uses the arts as a keystone to reach and enrich its student population. It is designed for students who have interest in the areas of visual art, vocal music, instrument music, drama, and dance. JSA provides special opportunities and experiences that a traditional high school can not always offer, such as after school field trips, guest speakers, visiting artists, distance learning opportunities, performances, junior seminar, and senior internship, which are built into the curriculum. There are 100 JSA students.
Key Elements
Junior Seminar- Required of all juniors in the JSA program
- Meets at least twice a month before or after school
- Students hear speakers from the arts community, discuss careers, and opportunities in the arts, learn about college opportunities, and formulate internships for the senior year
Senior Internship
- Places students in their respective field of the arts to gain practical experience
- Take place at designated locations and are supervised by volunteer mentors who are leaders in the arts community
- Students may rotate internships after each quarter so that they can participate in four hands-on experiences throughout the senior year
- Students must log a set of amount of hours when are validated by the mentor
- Students participate in a weekly class at Jackson High School and complete research-based assignments
- Visual arts students combine the internship with advanced placement art portfolio
Application
- 8th and 9th graders in the Jackson Local School system submit and application, letter of recommendation, and participate in an interview
- Due to academic demands, a 3.0 GPA is suggested but not required for prospective students
Annual Budget
Funding for the Jackson School for the Arts is provided by the Jackson Local Board of Education. Additional funding for arts opportunities comes from grants and private donations.Staffing Needs
Volunteer mentors are needed to oversee each Senior Internship.Outcomes
JSA students gain a small school experience within a large high school population. They are given the opportunity to grow in all areas of the arts and academics and gain experience in their chosen field through advanced coursework and the senior internship.Contact Information
Susan Gardner, DirectorJackson School for the Arts
Phone: 330-837-3501, ext 1335
School of the Arts, Comprehensive Integrated Art Program