University School of Jackson

University School of Jackson (USJ) is a college preparatory school located in northern Jackson, Tennessee, that educates students from pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade.^[2] It is located at 222 McClellan Road between various pockets of new suburban neighborhoods.

History

Old Hickory Academy and Episcopal Day School began as two separate schools in 1970^[3] Old Hickory Academy was an independent, non-church-related school which included primary education through a high school curriculum.^[3] Episcopal Day School was a smaller, parochial school which emphasized primary education, but had begun a high school program by 1986, enrolling grades nine and ten.^[4] In 1987 the two schools consolidated, forming University School of Jackson.^[5]

Academics

University School of Jackson uses a college preparatory curriculum. Students are taught on two adjacent campuses: the Lower School campus and the Middle and Upper School campus.

The Lower School accepts students who are 2 years old by August 15 in its Junior Cubs program.^[6] Grades include Junior Cubs, Cubs, Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and First through Fifth Grade. Enrichment programs include character education, foreign language, library, music, physical education, technology, visual arts and elementary science lab.^[7]

Middle School students are sixth through eighth graders Enrichment programs include art, band, computer studies, foreign language, literature, music and physical education.^[8]

Upper School students are ninth through 12th graders. In addition to college preparatory high school classes, USJ offers 15 Advanced Placement classes.^[9] Students also can join a variety of extra-curricular clubs.^[10]

Administration

Stuart Hirstein is the Head of School.^[11] He joined USJ in July 2013.^[12]

In 2007, the Interim Head of School, Don Coffey,^[13] was replaced by Clay Lilienstern, who came from Episcopal High School in Houston, Texas. In 2008, Upper School Director Dr. Roland Prudhon retired after 10 years.

Athletics

Lower School students join community recreation leagues. Students have physical education classes through Eighth Grade. Jody Evans is the Athletic director at USJ He joined the staff In 2010 and he coaches the defense of backs for the high school football team. Middle and Upper School, USJ offers more than 40 teams in 11 sports – baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, golf, football, soccer, softball, tennis, track, hockey, and volleyball.

The USJ Varsity Boys Tennis team has won seven TSSAA Team State Championships, in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2016. The team has claimed four Runner-Up titles, in 2008, 2013, 2014, and 2015. Singles State Championship titles were won by Lee Taylor Walker and Colton Norton, in 2000 and 2010, respectively. The school's Doubles State Championships number five: Matt Evans & Dan Matthews in 2002, Colton Norton & Lucas Guerra in 2006, James Roland Markos & George Markos in 2013, George Markos & Cade Reasons in 2015, and George Markos & Cade Reasons again in 2016. The current coach of the USJ Varsity Boys Tennis team is Ted Measly. ^[14]

USJ is a member of TSSAA’s Division II. Each year, USJ teams are well represented in regional and state tournament play.^[15]

Fine Arts

USJ’s fine arts program begins in the Lower School with visual art and music enrichment classes. Starting in Jr. Kindergarten, classes stage annual music productions.^[16]

Middle School students take classes in band or vocal music and visual art. They perform two musicals each year.

In Upper School, the fine arts curriculum includes drama, band, chorus, and visual art classes. USJ offers AP Studio Art and AP Music Theory. Each year, the Upper School stages two musical productions, band and vocal concerts, a student-designed fashion show with clothing made from recycled materials and other productions. Band students make up much of the live orchestra for musicals and have the opportunity to perform in several groups, including a jazz ensemble and pep band.

Students also perform in theater and musical productions, which include art students helping with sets and band students in the orchestra. Band students have opportunities to perform in several groups, including a jazz ensemble and pep band.

References