Founder's Message

 

Middle school is an important stepping stone in a student's transition from childhood into adulthood. I grew up in Los Angeles and as a former middle school and high school teacher, I saw firsthand how important a rigorous K-12 education was needed in order for students to become successful and productive adults.

 

I created James Jordan Middle School in 2005 to provide students with a strong educational foundation so that they could compete academically in high school, college, and beyond. According to UNCF, "A college degree remains one of the most effective tools for boosting job prospects and earning potential."

 

I'm also passionate about helping our students become ethical, problem-solving adults who care about their community and who want to make the world a better place for everyone.

 

Thus, I built our school on the following three pillars that provide the foundation for our school's mission and vision:

CHARACTER:  Do what is right, not what is easy. Choose to be fair, compassionate, honest, and hard-working. Choose to think strategically about the impact your behavior will have on the world. Be strong when you are tempted to do something that you know isn't right. Be someone who would make a good boss or a great friend. Think before you act. Care before you choose. When you have a choice to make, go down the path that will make you proud of your life.

COLLEGE:  Academics are important. College opens doors and gives people the tools to have choices. We believe that middle school is far too young an age to decide that you aren't the college type. No matter what you decide to do later on, our mission is to give students the skills that they need to get a college degree. The skills you need to succeed in college will also be valuable in living in a complex world and making smart choices. We aren't training our students for minimum wage jobs; we are preparing them to be able to choose any career or profession.

COMMUNITY:  Human beings are social creatures. Our lives are shaped by those who live around us. Our individual lives are better, happier, and more productive when we live in a community that has compassion and a sense of responsibility. We want our students to understand that who they are and what they choose to do has meaning and impact on everyone around them. We want our students to feel that being an active part of a group, school, neighborhood, company, city, or nation is important and meaningful. Our students will believe that they matter and that the world is a better place because of them. 

Whether you're a parent/guardian, student, staff, teacher, or community partner, we ask you to join us on this journey. Choose to be part of a school community that will challenge and nurture you. Choose to help us make our school, city, nation, and world a better place with the highest expectations. Choose James Jordan Middle School.

 

Together We Rise,