Lower School Progress

The Lower School construction progress is continuing right on schedule to be completed in June 2023. We have been capturing the progress of the construction via drone footage over the duration of the construction courtesy of one of our faculty members, Bill Richardson. In looking through the photos, I was struck by a particular simple photo. The timing of this photo was just after dawn with the lighting enough to begin work and the sky still painted morning orange. The workers had started a new day on a new project. In the same sense, this building represents a new dawning in the history of Jackson Prep with not only a new facility, but also a new dynamic to our school culture with the addition of our youngest students. It is exciting to be a part of this transition.

As construction continues, we are beginning to see plans and concepts come to life. The exterior designs can be clearly seen and should be completed in early spring.

by Denny Britt Chief Operations Officer

PHOTOS BY HUBERT WORLEY

Design concepts that support curricular and age-appropriate developmental objectives will be what sets Jackson Prep apart. Functionality and flexibility in spaces will be an important consideration for the facility. We are beginning to see spaces evolve. On the first floor, the entrance area will have a ruler -- a measuring column for parents to track their student’s physical growth along with an Explore Hall common space with books and reading zones.

Adaptability has been a key focus in the design and execution of the Lower School during construction. All classrooms are designed with writable wall paint, mobile furniture, and age-appropriate technology accessibility. Outdoor classroom areas are created to engage students in learning beyond the typical classrooms, and the playgrounds are designed to support motor, cognitive, and social skills development.

The second floor will house our STEM and robotics space, art room, additional classrooms, and dining space. We are pleased with the construction progress of this state-of-the-art Lower School building and will be fully operational to open school with an expanded Jackson Prep in August 2023. We are grateful for our partnerships with Ferguson and Associates Architecture along with Brasfield and Gorrie General Contractors in bringing this strategic initiative to life.

Digital Extra: Want a bird’s eye view of construction? Watch drone footage from an August 5 flight here and from a December 6 flight here.