Jackson Academy Unveils $17.5M Expansion

Arts center is the centerpiece of private school's 10-year project

By Sylvain Metz
smetz@clarionledger.com
October 14, 2005

Special to the Clarion-Ledger Pictured is an architectural rendering of Jackson Academy's planned $17.5 million expansion project.

A fine arts center with an 800-seat auditorium for theatrical productions and concerts is the centerpiece of plans for a $17.5 million expansion at Jackson Academy unveiled Thursday to the public.

There also will be rehearsal space for choral music, and a black-box theater — a simple, large square room with black walls for performances.

That center will "give more students the opportunity to develop talent," said Judy McKeigney, who chairs the school's foreign language department.

"The school has done so much in so many ways ... to improve academics," said Libby Cajoleas, who has one son in high school. "Now it's time to offer things like fine arts."

In all, the expansion will provide more space and facilities for the 46-year-old private school's 1,500 students, Headmaster J. Peter Jernberg said.

The school announced the expansion last year. The project will be completed in two phases within 10 years, officials said.

Much of the aesthetic components, including green space and a new entrance on Ridgewood Road, should be completed by the time school begins in 2006, Jernberg said.

The school purchased 10.8 acres from The Oaks apartment complex, which sat next door and was demolished earlier this year.

The performing arts complex is expected to take at least two years to build. Construction will begin early next year, said Tim McWilliams, JA's director of development.

The addition also includes a 2,000-seat gymnasium, student commons replete with dining area, 150 new parking spaces and new buildings for the elementary school, and junior and senior high schools.

Funding will come from a campaign that has raised half of its $10 million goal, said McWilliams. The balance will come from tax-exempt bond financing, he said.

The new junior and senior high building falls under Phase II of the capital improvements project. Completion is expected within seven to 10 years, Jernberg said.

The additional facilities included in the building program means exhibits will have a longer shelf life, said fourth-grade teacher Harriett Eppes. For example, a recent exhibit on Native Americans had to be retired early because the display space was needed by another class.

Students believe the results will enhance the future of the school.

"It will mean a lot of new opportunities ... more school pride," said senior Rob Puckett.

The expansion doesn't bother longtime resident Mary Vaughn who lives on Sheffield Drive, between Ridgewood and Old Canton roads. Yes, there's traffic, but it's not been a problem for her, she said. "I seem to put up with it."

The expansion follows improvements at other private schools in the metro area.

Jackson Preparatory School on Lakeland Drive began the school year with the new 15,000-square-foot Ruth W. and Arthur C. Guyton Science Center, featuring six labs, classrooms and a 206-seat auditorium.