Jackson Academic STEAM Academy

Jackson Academic STEAM Academy (JASA) is a public, fully virtual K–12 academy under Jackson-Madison County Schools, located at 1938 Emporium Drive in Jackson, Tennessee. As the district’s magnet online option, it integrates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) principles into a flexible digital curriculum. Students attend live online classes, complete project-based work, and engage in interactive modules, while maintaining access to extracurriculars and hands-on learning events hosted in person.

JASA partners with higher education and career institutions to offer dual enrollment, Advanced Placement courses, and work-based learning pathways. Extracurricular opportunities include esports, robotics, DECA, drone programming, and STEAM enrichment days. The school’s mission emphasizes self-paced growth, innovation, collaboration, and readiness for the future digital workforce. JASA leverages technology, flexible scheduling, and community partnerships to support diverse learners who may thrive outside traditional classroom settings.

In 2025, JASA expanded its dual enrollment offerings in collaboration with Union University, Jackson State, and TCAT, allowing students to earn college credit while in high school.

The school highlighted its Open Enrollment application window for 2025–2026, inviting new students to join its virtual STEAM model.

The JASA “Chronicle” series for 2025 featured student showcases in esports, drone competitions, and STEAM club highlights.

Q1. How does JASA manage student accountability and pacing in a virtual environment?

A. Students attend live scheduled lessons, complete assignments in learning management systems, and undergo progress checks. Teachers track engagement and hold virtual office hours to ensure students stay on schedule.

Q2. What types of hands-on or in-person experiences does a virtual STEAM academy provide?

A. JASA offers STEAM enrichment days, robotics meetups, drone competitions, and occasional in-person project labs or workshops to supplement virtual instruction.

Q3. What advanced and career pathways are available to high school students?

A. High school students can enroll in dual enrollment, Advanced Placement courses, and specialized Programs of Study like Environmental Resource Management, Cybersecurity/Gaming & Coding, and Marketing & Logistics.

Q4. How do extracurricular clubs and student activities work in a virtual school?

A. JASA supports eSports, robotics, DECA, drama, Beta Club, piano club, and STEAM-related clubs. These may meet virtually or blend virtual and face-to-face formats depending on activity needs.

Q5. Who is eligible to enroll, and how does the open enrollment process work?

A. Any student in the Jackson-Madison district can apply through open enrollment. Lottery selection is used when applications exceed capacity. Enrollment is not restricted by zone.