Mission Statement

   Education is the collaborative responsibility of the staff, the students, the families, and the community. Therefore, the mission of JHS is to provide a quality curriculum to its diverse student body in a safe, structured environment; to empower students to strive for excellence in academics, the arts, technology, and life skills; and to create responsible citizens for a global society.

School History

   In the summer of 1831, Miss Silence D. Blackman opened a school in her home for her younger brothers and the children of the Jackson community. In the spring of 1833, a wooden building painted red was built on the corner of South Blackstone and West Michigan Avenue.

   In 1838 two school districts, divided by the Grand River, were created. As the population increased, longer periods of schooling were made available. The West Side High School graduated its first class in 1871; the East Side High School in 1876. In 1908, the "new high school" was merged at the corner of Washington and Jackson Streets. The present Jackson High School building was opened in 1927. Every student who has attended here appreciates the beauty and usefulness of this building.

   The first principal to serve in this building was Frederick L. Bliss. He was followed by Dean S. Spencer, W. Earl Holman, Carroll E. Fortress, Donque Ellis, George Kiesel, Robert DuBois, Thomas Mueller, Thomas J. Stobie, and James E. Graham.

   Jackson High School is one of five schools that were originally accredited by the University of Michigan in 1871 and is known as a University of Michigan Centennial School. In 1905, Jackson High School was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Although the University of Michigan has discontinued its accreditation program of high schools, Jackson High School continues to be accredited by the North Central Association.

   We presently serve over 1,700 students with a wide variety of backgrounds and interests. Several years ago, Web pages were created to display the contents of the dedication booklet. We invite you to look at the existing pages about the 1927 booklet.

Alma Mater (by James L. Moore, JHS 1952)

          We sing to you our high school
          Old friend we love so dear,
          The Viking memories we share
          Endure from year to year,
          And as we travel on through life
          In fortune, in defeat
          When’er we think of friendship true
          Our hearts with you will meet.

Viking Fight Song

          Fight, fight for Jackson
          Wave our colors to the sky
          they can never beat us
          Keep our spirits soaring high.

          Score, score you Vikings
          We are sure to win this game
          We will mark this win with all the rest
          In the Jackson Hall of Fame.