University School of Jackson (USJ) is a college preparatory school located in northern Jackson, Tennessee

Jackson, Tennessee

Jackson is a city in Madison County, Tennessee, United States. The total population was 65,211 at the 2010 census. Jackson is the primary city of the Jackson, Tennessee metropolitan area, which is included in the Jackson-Humboldt, Tennessee Combined Statistical Area...

, that educates students from PreKindergarten through the 12th grade. 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 Old Hickory Academy was an independent, non-church-related school which included primary education through a high school curriculum. 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. In 1987 the two schools consolidated, forming University School of Jackson..

Academics

The University School of Jackson, known as West Tennessee's College Preparatory School, offers a strong academic curriculum that includes AP and honors courses. According to the school's 2009-2010 College Profile, USJ students took a total of 140 AP exams in Spring 2009 in 16 AP subject areas. 56 percent of USJ's Class of 2009 scored a three or higher (out of 5) on at least one AP test during their high school career at USJ. In a May 2009 section in "The Jackson Sun," the school reported that all members of the Class of 2009 were accepted to a college of their choice; members planned to attend 32 colleges across North America. The section also noted that 90% of the Class of 2009 had an ACT score of 21 or higher, qualifying them for Tennessee's Hope Lottery Scholarship of $4,000. USJ students routinely do well in regional academic competitions. For example, Upper School math teams earned first place in every category they entered in the TMTA regional math contest in Spring 2009. One student earned first place in the state for his score in Algebra and Advanced Topics II. Besides a strong academic curriculum, USJ offers students extensive programs in athletics, fine arts and leadership.

Administration

In 2007, the Interim Head of School, Don Coffey, 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. The current Upper School Director is Dr. Scott Phillipps, who came from the Walker School

The Walker School

The Walker School, formerly known as the Joseph T. Walker School, is located on Cobb Parkway in Marietta, Georgia, in what was originally Sprayberry High School. The school, considered to be one of the state's pre-eminent private schools, was founded in 1957 as the St. James Day School at St....

in Marietta, GA.

Soccer

The USJ soccer team has been very successful during the 2007 and 2008 seasons. USJ was ranked first in the state with a 15-0 record during the 2007 season. The first boys soccer team from the Jackson Area to be ranked top in the state. During the 2008 season USJ reached the state Semi-Finals. This is the farthest stage of the state tournament that any Jackson Area, boys soccer team has ever reached. USJ ended the 2008 season ranked 3 in the state behind Knox Catholic and CAK. The 2009 season was very promising for the Bruins. They went undefeated to the district final, in the process winning the Best of the West Tournament. After suffering a loss to Jackson Northside, USJ powered their way to the region finals and defeated the Northside Indians for the 3rd time in 2009. The Bruins ended their season with a record of 22-2 after a disappointing loss to Hume Fogg in the state quarter finals. The Bruins controlled the game but couldn't capitalize on their chances.

Track and field

The University School of Jackson has statistically proven itself in the realm of Tennessee Track and Field. Most prominently, the girl's track division has excelled brilliantly in many of the short and longer distance relay races. Coached by Edgar Willis, the track team continually stands strong against local competition and quite often sends students in a variety of events (ranging from the 4x400 relay to pole vault) to the State Competition. In Spring 2009, the school won a state championshiop in the girls 4x800 relay.

Golf

Both of the school's boys and girls golf teams have earned state-wide distinction in the last few years. Many of the teams key competitors have passed on their knowledge of the sport to up and coming golf athletes. This tradition has contributed to a variety of state championship victories throughout the program's existence. The school excels so profoundly in the trials of the 18 hole pastures of Tennessee that it has attracted the attention of much local media. USJ's golf team placed second in state-level competition in the fall of 2009.

Rivalries

USJ holds a deep-seated rival with Jackson Christian School, a local Church of Christ high school. The JCS website itself describes USJ as its "arch rival". JCS's mascot is the Eagles.

Reputation

USJ is known widely for its prestigious reputation as an academic institute. It is where all graduating students have taken the ACT, SAT, and all have been accepted at some college, university, or school of design, etc. The student population is growing rapidly and the graduating class of 2008 set a record with 114 students, the largest class to graduate since the founding the of the school.

Much of USJ's strong reputation can be credited to the staff and faculty. With the absence of tenure, teachers strive to educate their students as proficiently as possible. Various professors at the University School have dedicated decades to helping build the school's reputation. One notable teacher, Mr. Don Newman, is known throughout the mid-south for the number of his students who take the gold year after year at the TMTA regional competition (Tennessee Math Teachers Association).

Alma mater

All hail to thee, dear USJ,

Now hear us as we sing;

We pledge our hearts and minds to thee,

Our loyalty we bring.

A beacon bright, a shining light;

An inspiration too,

Our loyalty belongs to you;

Our Alma Mater true.

Chamber and marching band

Directed by Tom Grant, the school's band competes in various competitions year long including musical, dance, and performance. The school's band room houses a variety of instruments which make possible the myriad of styles such as Jazz Band, Amazon Grooves Band, Louisiana Lullabies Band, and the Samba Band.