A rooftop community farm and garden. Can you imagine that atop a high school? It is only one of the amazing features of Maynard H. Jackson High School.
Maynard H. Jackson High School stands proudly in southeast Atlanta. It is located along the BeltLine in Grant Park. This places the school just south of I-20. Maynard H. Jackson High School is more than just a place of learning. It is a testament to history and progress.
Let’s dive into the story of Maynard H. Jackson High School. The Atlanta Public Schools began in 1872. They started with seven schools including Girls High. In 1924, a new Girls High facility opened in Grant Park. Then in 1947, the city transitioned to community high schools. The Girls High building became Roosevelt High. Roosevelt High served the Grant Park area until 1985.
The current campus opened as Southside High School in 1986. It was on the same site as the former Girls High and Roosevelt High. Southside consolidated Roosevelt High and Hoke Smith High. East Atlanta High closed in 1988. Students from East Atlanta were then rezoned to Southside.
The school underwent significant changes in the 2000s. In 2002, it became a GE Foundation College Bound school. It received a five-year grant to boost college readiness. In 2007, Atlanta Public Schools began transitioning high schools to Small Learning Communities. This was funded by a grant from the Gates Foundation. Maynard H. Jackson High School was one of the first to move away from this model.
The school was renamed Maynard H. Jackson High School in 2008. This honored Maynard Jackson. He was the city’s first black mayor. In 2012, the school paid tribute to Maynard Jackson. The Maynard Jackson Youth Foundation sponsored a special archive.
From summer 2012, the school relocated to Coan Middle School. This was for a 13-month renovation. Students returned to the Grant Park location on January 8, 2014. The renovation cost $48.3 million. It included the rooftop farm and garden, a renovated auditorium and new classrooms.
Stephanie Johnson became the new principal in fall 2012. At that time, the school enrolled only 971 students. Under Principal Johnson, school spirit and performance soared. Enrollment increased and became more diverse. Principal Johnson was named Georgia’s Principal of the Year. She was also a finalist for national Principal of the Year in 2017.
Maynard H. Jackson High School offers the International Baccalaureate program. All students participate in the IB MYP program in 9th and 10th grades. The school launched the IB Career option a few years later.
The school boasts many extracurricular activities. These include a large U.S. Army JROTC program, marching band and various academic clubs. The school fields athletic teams in most high school sports. The girls track and field team has won multiple state titles.
Maynard H. Jackson High School maintains partnerships with community organizations. These include Atlanta Ballet, Delta Air Lines and Emory University. These partnerships enhance the educational experience. They provide students with unique opportunities.
Maynard H. Jackson High School stands as a beacon of progress. It is a place where history and innovation meet. It prepares students for a bright future. The school is not just a building. It is a community dedicated to excellence.