FAQ

Preparatory schools prepare students for advancement into our early college, and the possibility to immediately begin dual enrollment, as well as prepare for a competitive global workforce.

College Preparatory Course Sequence

Early college (also known as middle colleges) blend both high school and college courses into a rigorous, yet supportive program, reducing the time it takes to complete a high school diploma and an associate degree. Our early college high school is a five year program designed to allow students to earn their high school diploma and upwards of 60 credits through an additional 5th year of study. Our goal is simple . . . to prepare students for college, career, and life.

Early College Course Sequence

Our program is designed to provide students with a personalized learning plan, initially created by our JPEC team, and then further developed in collaboration with Jackson College academic advising. Student’s passions and interests are identified and integrated into their learning. We will engage with each student ensuring continuous progression, while motivating him/her to meet his/her potential, and demonstrate mastery of competencies.

• Students may complete a two-year associate degree at no cost to the student or family by participating in the intensive five-year experience at JPEC
• Opportunity to complete high school early
• Small class sizes with individualized instruction
• Instruction by highly qualified teachers and college instructors
• One-to-one technology as well as state-of-the-art facilities through Jackson College
• Safe and secure environment with a culture of excellence, support, and honor
• School environment that is responsive to student voice and choice

Competency based education is a model focused on measuring learning rather than time or compliance, and students’ progression in applying these skills to their learning. Students progress through skills directly connected to content standards at their own pace. Our expectation is that students work toward mastery of these skills, by demonstrating consistent and independent application of higher order thinking and constructing their own understandings.

We are a public school academy and therefore, there is no cost to attend. That’s right, your son or daughter can earn up to 60 credits or an associate’s degree free of charge!

No. We have designed our program for all students, regardless of their academic history or capabilities. Our philosophy is that all students have the ability to learn and progress in different ways and we will tap into their strengths.

In addition to state required assessments (M-Step and SAT), we will administer the following competency based assessments: NWEA-Measures of Academic Progress once each term which provides timely and valuable information on student growth and achievement, and the COMPASS Exam that provides course placement information in relation to college readiness.

Students will also formative and summative classroom assessments and non-academic assessments such as: Multiple Intelligences, Conflict Style Survey, Learning Style, and the Interest Inventory/Career Assessment. 

This will provide us with the information needed to personalize our approach, ensuring all students receive individualized attention and support.

Yes, our teaching staff must meet the State of Michigan Highly Qualified Certification in order to teach for JPEC. Our teachers also must represent the values and beliefs of JPEC and be committed to working tirelessly toward our vision.

School starts after Labor Day and ends in July. We follow similar breaks as other local schools with a 2-week winter break, 1-week spring break, and approximately 5-week summer break, with all major holidays observed. The academic year allows for more instructional days and instructional hours than state minimums:

State of Michigan: 1,098 hours and 175 days
JPEC: 1,225 hours (+127 hours) & 205 days (+30 days)

The school day runs from 9:00 a.m. until 3:55 p.m, except Wednesday's, the school day ends at 2:55 p.m. to allow time for staff to collaborate.  We will open the building at 8:00 a.m. for early drop-off. Morning programs may include light physical activity, tutor/study lab, and Genius Bar tech support.

We currently offer Band and Choir, in addition to three progressive levels of instrumental instruction. There are great opportunities to share resources with the college to offer performing and visual art coursework in addition to Art History and Music Theory.

We currently offer cross country, basketball, cheer, tennis, golf, bowling, track and volleyball.  Additional sports will be added in subsequent years based on student interest.

We value student choice and student voice. With that, we develop extracurricular activities based on student voice. We also want to draw on the experiences and talents of all JPEC employees to serve as program advisors. 

There are two standard dress codes for grades 6-8 and grades 9-13.  Please see the school handbooks for more information.

• College Prep
• Early College

JTA has daily runs to Jackson College for which students can take advantage of. JTA provides morning drop off at the College Prep and Early College buildings at 8:35 AM. Students who are picked up at the transfer station need to be there by 8:15 AM.  They also provide a pick up at 4:10 PM.  JPEC does not provide daily transportation at this time.

Click here to submit an on-line application or contact our office, [email protected] or 517.70.5732, for an enrollment packet.

Let us know you are interested!  We know how important parent engagement is in the success of a child.  We plan to provide you with plenty of opportunities to support and enhance the educational experience of your child and other children at JPEC.  For more information, click here.

General Study Courses Path

STEM Study Course Path