Step onto Prospect Street. Imagine 1981. J Garfield Jackson Sr Academy didn’t exist yet. It was a year of construction. A year of anticipation.
This is J Garfield Jackson Sr Academy. This school stands as a testament to a legacy. A legacy of education excellence. It was named after Julius Garfield Jackson Sr. He was a pioneering educator. He was the first African American principal in East Orange. In Essex County too.
Mr Jackson’s story is remarkable. He was featured on NJN’s “Education Through the Years”. This was in 2003. His impact on the community is profound. The school opened its doors in September 1981. It started at the Ashland School.
Mrs Gladys Calhoun was the first principal. She served until 2010. Ms Yvy Joseph followed her. Ms Joseph continued the legacy for nine years. Today Dr Crystal Davis leads J Garfield Jackson Sr Academy. She navigated the school through challenging times. This includes school closures and distance learning during Covid.
J Garfield Jackson Sr Academy is a kindergarten through fifth grade school. It’s a public school in East Orange New Jersey. There are around 275 students. The student-teacher ratio is 11 to 1. The school spends about $27375 per student. It has 24 teachers.
Technology is a significant part of the curriculum. Students use Chromebooks and SmartBoards. The school aims to develop technology literacy skills. The goal is to use technology for creative collaborative and critical thinking projects.
Academically J Garfield Jackson Sr Academy strives for excellence. It aims to exceed expectations in Language Arts and Mathematics. The school uses differentiated instruction to meet individual student needs. The school has received numerous awards. These include the Benchmark School award in 2006 and an Honor Roll recipient in 2008.
The J Garfield Jackson Sr Academy family is dedicated to providing a safe and enriching learning environment. The school nurtures and develops the whole child. The teachers and administrators support the academic and emotional well being of every student. The vision is to create an environment for students to achieve their full potential. They work collaboratively with parents and the community. They believe that positive relationships lead to success. Together they make a difference. This is the spirit of J Garfield Jackson Sr Academy. A place where legacies are built and futures are shaped. Remember this when you leave today.