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High School

Introduction

As a public high school operating under a charter (or contract) approved in 1999 by the Jefferson County Board of Education, JAHS operates with autonomy while being held accountable for results. As a public high school our students are also responsible to follow the Jefferson County Schools Code of Conduct and pay many of the normal fees paid at the area high schools. Public charter schools are mission-led schools with a specific emphasis. JAHS focuses on a rigorous academic program in a disciplined environment that we believe will prepare our students for the challenges of college. The high school has set a cap of 235 total students with class sizes typically in the 25-30 students range. This small school atmosphere allows everyone to focus on many aspects of a student’s life – most importantly their academic success.

High School Instructional Goals

Building upon the solid foundation of the Core Knowledge Sequence, the high school program continues the content-rich, academically aggressive approach to education, with an intention to “prepare students for the rigors of college.” At the center of this curriculum is an approach to liberal arts education that we call the “coordinated humanities” in which the faculty correlate and attempt to integrate a student’s studies in history and geography, the English language and literature, and in the Freshman year their technology course as well.

Block Scheduling

The administration fulfills the interpreted mission and vision for JAHS by implementing a modified (4x4) block schedule that shall take into consideration and accommodate the fulfillment of graduation requirements and meet specific student needs.

High School Graduation Requirements

For the class of 2006 and beyond, the following credits are required for each student…

an expected sequence for most students…

For the classes of 2003, 2004, 2005…

Physical Education. and Art requirements may be met by participating in off-campus programs approved by the Principal.

Math Graduation Requirement

It was the intention of both the JAHS Administration and JA School Board to require Algebra II as a graduation requirement for the classes of 2006 and beyond. The formally announced requirement stated 3 units of math without listing courses. It is the interpretation and implementation of the administration to require Algebra II for every student without a formally expressed exemption (e.g., as contained in an IEP). It is expected that every student without an IEP “exemption” will complete Algebra II; individual cases will be considered for truly slower processing students–principal approval must be attained to graduate without Algebra II.

National Honor Society

JAHS students are eligible to apply for admission into the National Honor Society (NHS), based upon acceptance of a student’s application to the group. For specifics regarding the qualifications, see the guidance counselor. NHS members provide service to the community and pride themselves in exemplary behavior, in and out of school. NHS promotes high scholastic achievement and members serve as role models for the entire JAHS community.

Wait List Policy

JA enrolls students via a wait list. Because the school is actually three separate charters, students already enrolled in the elementary school or junior high will be notified that they are eligible for an opening in either 7^th (Junior High) or 9^th (Senior High) grades, as applicable. After a family has been notified of an opening, they have until April 1 to notify the school office if they will be accepting that opening. On April 1 the office staff will begin notifying wait list families of openings.If your family has siblings on the wait list, the annual re-sign time is between February 1^st and March 30^th in the school office. JA gives priority to families that reside in Jefferson County and will accept students living in other counties if no Jefferson County students are on the wait list. Jefferson Academy does not give sibling priority on its wait list. Each student will be admitted based on the above conditions, regardless of whether or not their sibling has been admitted

Athletic Program

JA attempts to encourage an attitude of individual responsibility towards the quality of life in the school community. The Board supports the principle that individuals should behave with self-respect, respect for others, and respect for their own and other’s property. Good sportsmanship is expected of all students who participate, either as athletes or spectators, in any form of school-related activities. Specific regulations pertaining to behavior and discipline during school-related activities will be developed and enforced by school administration. JAHS offers our students several athletic opportunities. The school is a member of CHSAA and participates in the 2A Mile High League. In the fall, students may compete in Cross Country (boys and girls), Golf (boys), and Volleyball (girls). During the winter, Basketball, (for both boys and girls) is offered. Spring sports include Baseball, and Soccer (girls). Students wishing to compete in a sport not offered at JA may do so at a school of their choice either in the school district in which they live or attend school. Please see the Athletic Director for details.Jefferson Academy Junior High offers many athletic choices to our students. In the fall we offer Volleyball (girls) in the Mile High League. During the winter season, students are able to compete in both boys and girls Basketball. The majority of the Junior High schedules are filled with fellow Mile High League teams. In addition, our teams compete with area schools of similar size and skills.