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The Jacksonville Independent School District is an exceptional school district big enough to offer incredible opportunities while small enough to know every student by name. We are proud of our tremendous success in providing a high-quality student experience across all grade levels.
The 2025 – 2026 school year began in August with the theme“ On the Road Again,” and we are pleased to report a smooth and successful start. Jacksonville ISD opened the year with a student enrollment of 4,554 across eight campuses, supported by 887 dedicated staff members who make up the JISD family.
We are proud to be a Teacher Incentive Allotmentapproved district and to have maintained a Superior rating in the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas every year since its inception in 2001.
Our district continues to shine in the community through the JISD Student Ambassador Team, a group of outstanding students in grades four through 12 who are selected through an interview process to represent JISD at monthly community events.
JISD is also home to the Historic Tomato Bowl Stadium in downtown Jacksonville— recently voted the # 1 High School Stadium in Texas. We take great pride in our rich history, strong traditions, and the unwavering support of our community.
Students today have diverse interests and learning styles, and Jacksonville ISD is proud to offer innovative educational choices at every level. Our four elementary campuses each provide unique areas of focus and serve students in Pre-K through fourth grade.
East Side Elementary features the Applied Learning Community, emphasizing
EDUCATION IN JACKSONVILLE
Jacksonville Independent School District
hands-on, project-based learning. Fred Douglass Elementary is home to a premier Dual Language Program with a proud 30-year history of bilingual excellence. Joe Wright Elementary focuses on STEM-based learning, inspiring young minds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. West Side Elementary is recognized as a Leader in Me Lighthouse Campus, helping students build leadership and character skills.
Elementary students have opportunities to participate in Academic UIL competitions across multiple categories, a district-wide choir performance and a variety of after-school clubs. An outstanding Gifted and Talented program further challenges and nurtures students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and creativity. Nichols Intermediate School proudly welcomed Stacy Pineda as its new principal this year. Serving 690 students in fifth and sixth grades, Nichols offers a wide variety of learning experiences designed to help students transition smoothly from elementary to secondary school.
Students have access to numerous elective options, including a thriving early band program, choir, art, pre-athletics, student council and several after-school clubs. Academic UIL competitions are a popular tradition at Nichols, allowing students to showcase their talents across multiple subjects.
Academic support and enrichment opportunities include access to Instructional Strategists and Coaches, the Fifth Grade Applied Learning Community, the Dual Language Program, Honors classes for sixth graders, the Gifted and Talented Program and representation on the JISD Student Ambassador Team.
The Nichols staff works diligently to ensure that every student feels welcomed as they“ come together” from each of JISD’ s elementary campuses— a spirit perfectly captured in the school’ s motto:“ Where We All Come Together.”
Jacksonville Middle School continues to thrive under the leadership of Principal Darren Vossler. The campus proudly features an active Junior National Honor Society, recognizing students for their academic excellence, leadership, and service.
JMS students enjoy a wide selection of athletic opportunities, including football, boys’ and girls’ basketball, cross country, track and field, tennis, volleyball and soccer. The campus also celebrates a large and spirited cheerleading squad, the talented JMS Twirlers, and the exciting addition of a new Pre-Dance class.
Beyond athletics, students can explore their interests through a variety of clubs and organizations, such as Robotics / STEM Club, Chess and Puzzles Club, E-Sports, Spanish Club, JMS FFA, Junior Historians, and the Card & Board Games Club. UIL Academic competitions and a wide selection of Honors classes further enrich the academic experience.
JMS offers a variety of Honors classes, some of which provide High School credit opportunities. These include Algebra I, Introduction to Principles of Agriculture, Spanish III and AP Spanish. In addition to rigorous academics, JMS features a robust Career & Technical Education program, as well as a dynamic Fine Arts department with thriving band, choir, art, and theater classes.
Each year, Middle School students have the opportunity to interview for the prestigious JISD Student Ambassador Team, with four to five students selected to represent JMS. To further support student success, instructional strategists and subject-area coaches play a vital role in guiding and assisting our 631 middle school students.
Jacksonville High School continues to demonstrate excellence in education, innovation, and student success. Serving approximately 1,235 students in grades 9 – 12, JHS offers a wide range of academic, career and extracurricular
20 | Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce | www. jacksonvilletexas. com | 903-586-2217 opportunities designed to prepare students for college, careers, military and life beyond graduation.
JHS students have the opportunity to graduate with up to 62 hours of college credit through Dual Credit courses, along with 11 Advanced Placement course offerings. The Career & Technical Education Department continues to grow, providing 58 courses across 15 career pathways and access to 18 Industry-Based Certifications. The Health Sciences Program continues to expand, offering advanced students hands-on experience through weekly on-the-job training at local hospitals, as well as certified Emergency Medical Technician courses.
The FFA Program maintains strong student involvement and success, while the Audio / Video Production Program is recognized as one of the premier A / V programs in the state. JHS students also excel in UIL Academics, consistently producing state winners and earning consecutive District Academic Team titles.
Jacksonville High School offers a wide range of athletic programs, including football, boys’ and girls’ basketball, soccer, cross country, track & field, tennis, golf, baseball, softball, volleyball and weightlifting.
Beyond athletics, JHS proudly showcases its award-winning band, choir, cheer and dance programs.
Students also thrive through active involvement in Student Council, the National Honor Society, the National Art Honor Society, and a variety of student clubs that celebrate the diversity of our campus— representing 23 cultures. In addition, seven exceptional students serve on the JISD Student Ambassador Team, proudly representing Jacksonville High School.
The Compass Center / Empowerment Academy is an alternative campus dedicated to guiding students toward a new direction. Each year, the Empowerment Academy supports students who, for various reasons, may have struggled in traditional settings, helping them successfully complete their education and earn a high school diploma. Through the dedication of our exceptional staff, 40 to 50 students graduate each May. This program provides a fresh start and opens doors to brighter possibilities and future opportunities.
Jacksonville ISD continues to grow and remains committed to providing a quality education for all students. The future is bright for our district
— once an Indian, always an Indian!