100% HONESTY:
Ethos: I went here in the years of 2013-2016. I got honor roll all 3 years. My parents were sold by the idea of the pre IB program and decided to put me here into this "magnet" school that pulled a kid 30 minutes away from east Orlando.
Academically: For IB teachers ; the majority are highly qualified instructors that truly want to see their students succeed. The Spanish teacher was heavily invested into curating a relation ship with the students. The English teachers (especially Mrs.zeeb, if she's still teaching) were all very affectionate and open minded towards their students. The social studies teachers would assign a good amount of work, but it was work that was necessary in order to truly understand the course. My only complaint would be the math department. My 6th grade year I had a pre-algebra teacher called Mrs. Zwolinski, and she was the best. This all went downfall in algebra in geometry. I believe that the topics could have been covered in a more inspiring and creative manner rather than through instructional videos of other teachers showcasing the material (especially in such a critical class such as algebra 1). Geometry was the same as it yielded an instructor that has been notorious for creating conflict with faculty and students. Maybe it's changed.
Culturally: I am hispanic, so I fit in with the majority demographic in this school. There was great diversity in the IB program and this was very cool coming from a predominantly all white elementary / neighborhood. The kids were unique and creative and truly made me feel a part of something great because I was in a classroom, with intelligent people of different backgrounds. Outside of IB the other kids were fine. Middle schools across America are the grounds that kids mold into their characters and have their personalities expressed.
Sports : the sports teams at Jackson are decent. The basketball gym and soccer fields need some retouching and the coaches are ok. The track seems to need some work as well. Besides the unchangeable follies, Jackson breeds athletes.
Performing arts: Jackson has a standard band program with showcases every winter. Maybe it's changed, but I wish Jackson would incorporate a jazz band, choir, and theatre program. School funding, performance , and activism says otherwise.
Transportation: I took a 30 min bus ride every morning and afternoon for all 3 years. The buses were top quality and the drivers were friendly.
Clubs: Jackson had very few clubs and after school activities.
Closing statements: Jackson is a big part of who I am today as it's molded me into a more open- minded and creative individual. My middle school experience was heightened by the talented, intelligent, and funny kids at this school. If I were to do my middle school years all over again, without a doubt, I would do it at stonewall Jackson.
- Edgar lucero (12th grader) read more