FAQs for Incoming 9th Grade Families

If your child currently attends one of our feeder middle schools (King, ANCS, or Wesley) they are scheduled to visit MJHS with their 8th grade class in early February. Students will get an introduction to the expectations of high school, learn about the Pathways offered at MJHS, meet key staff and teachers, and tour the school.

Students who are not currently enrolled at one of our feeder middle schools can tour the school by attending one of our Parent/Family Tours, which take place in the fall and early spring each year. There are three remaining Parent Tours for the 2025-2026 SY: January 27, February 9, and March 9.  For more information, please reach out to our Parent Liaison, Ms. Amanda Oliver, at 404-802-5221 or amanda.oliver@atlanta.k12.ga.us.

Each Spring, MJHS Counselors meet with all 8th grade students attending one of our feeder schools to discuss course options, including academic courses, pathways, electives, world language, and more. Students not currently attending one of our feeder schools are invited to schedule a meeting with their child’s Counselor in April, when they can discuss course options.

MJHS students are able to take either on-level or honors classes in their core classes, and may choose a mixture based on their own academic strengths and interests. In general, honors classes expect a higher level of self-direction from students, may include a heavier workload, and may have less leniency with late assignments. When considering an honors-level course, MJHS recommends that students have:

• Earned an 87 or higher in previous classes in the content area; 
• Earned a 76 or higher on MAP assessments in the content area;
• Earned a 3 or 4 (proficient or distinguished) on the EOGs in the content area.

Note that these are only guidelines - students and families decide what courses are best for them. Families are strongly encouraged to discuss recommendations for placement with their 8th grade counselor and current 8th grade teachers in the respective core subject areas. This presentation provides additional guidance when deciding on classes for 9th grade.

Students attending MJHS feeder middle schools make the first draft of their classes in early March, when MJHS Counselors visit their schools to discuss course selections. Families not yet enrolled are welcome to complete the Rising 9th Course Request Form (which opens in February each year), however Counselors are unable to schedule students until they are fully enrolled in MJHS.  Please see the MJHS Academic Planning Guide for more information on our academic offerings, course descriptions, and much more.

Open House is the best way to meet your child’s 9th grade teachers. Open House is typically from 11am-1pm on the Friday before the first day of school. Open House is open to all MJHS families, and is an opportunity for students to pick up a copy of their schedule, visit classrooms and meet teachers, talk with other staff re: any additional supports your child might need, learn about extra-curricular/clubs, sports, bus schedule, and more. All families are welcome, and new families are especially encouraged to attend. 

Yes!  Summer Bridge is a 2-3 day orientation for our incoming 9th grade students, which takes place in late July, a few days before school begins. Summer Bridge aims to help students understand the expectations of high school, to introduce students to MJHS (building, teachers, opportunities, other students), and to build camaraderie among students across feeder schools. Students participate in workshops and mini info sessions, a scavenger hunt, games, win prizes, and get to pick up a copy of their 9th grade schedule and find their classes. Summer Bridge is free and open to all incoming 9th grade students, but we ask families to register.  Registration opens in April each year.

All registration/enrollment for Atlanta Public Schools must be done online. Visit the Student Assignment and Records site for step-by-step instructions, documents required for enrollment, and additional information. If you need in-person assistance with registration or records, you can visit our APS Student & Family Support HUB: 
601 Dr. Thomas W. Cole Jr. Way SW (Formerly 601 Beckwith St.),
Atlanta, GA 30314. 

Additional numbers that can provide support: Student Assignment 404-802-2233, and Student Records 404-802-2150. 

In order to ensure students are accurately scheduled to meet graduation requirements for the upcoming school year, we must have the final report card and/or transcript from the previous school once the semester has ended. We prefer the parent/legal guardian to complete the registration once they obtain this information so we would not have to place the application on hold pending documentation.  For additional information on registration, enrollment, or transferring, please see the contact info above.

The entire Maynard Jackson Cluster is an “IB Cluster”. Therefore, every elementary, middle, and high school is an authorized IB World School. This means that every school focuses on collaborative, inquiry-based, differentiated teaching, and lessons that highlight social skills, research skills, thinking skills, communication skills, and self-management skills. There are four IB Programs: The Primary Years Program (PYP), the Middle Years Program (MYP), the Career-related Program (CP), and the Diploma Program (DP). At MJHS, we offer the MYP, DP, and CP. The MYP at Jackson includes all freshmen and sophomores. But the DP and CP are selective programs only offered during junior and senior years. 

Each year, MJHS hosts an IB Informational Night which is geared toward rising 11th grade families, but is open to anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of the ins-and-outs of the program. This year, IB Info Night will be held on Thursday, January 8th, 2026. To learn more about the MYP, please reach out to Mrs. Emily Galloway-Khalid at ekgalloway@atlanta.k12.ga.us. To learn more about the IB DP and CP, please reach out to Dr. Yusef King at ygking@atlanta.k12.ga.us.

All MJHS students are IB MYP students throughout ninth and tenth grade, and thus there is not an official IB track. However, in order to prepare for the IBDP or IBCP in eleventh and twelfth grade, we recommend students do the following:

• Must remain in a Spanish, French or Chinese course in 9th and 10th grade to be eligible for DP.
• Must have at least taken Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra 2 prior to eleventh grade for the DP.
• Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in core classes prior to eleventh grade for either DP or CP.
• Must complete the MYP Personal Project sophomore year.
• We recommend that potential DP/CP students take at least one Advanced Placement (AP) course prior to junior year.
• Consider a CTAE or Fine Art pathway that you enjoy and would not mind sticking with for at least 3 years.

Students can start dual enrollment courses for CTAE classes ONLY (Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education) as early as 10th grade, however individual colleges may have their own enrollment requirements. To be eligible for any core courses they must be a rising junior.  Each year, the MJHS Counseling Team hosts a Dual Enrollment informational session for students and parents. This year, it will be held on February 11th, 2026 at 5:30 in the MJHS Auditorium. For additional information, you can reach out to our Dual Enrollment Point of Contact, Ms. Sakari Balam, sakari.balam@atlanta.k12.ga.us.

APS requires all students take and earn credit for HS General Health, Personal Fitness, and one other PE elective. Students are scheduled to take Health & Personal Fitness in their 9th grade year, and the PE elective either in 9th or in a subsequent year. It is not necessary to take these courses over the summer before entering 9th grade, although a few students choose to do so, which would allow space for an extra elective on their schedule in 9th grade. Students interested in this option should reach out to their 8th grade Counselor.

APS offers a full-time online option through the Atlanta Virtual Academy (AVA).  Enrollment and applications are managed completely by AVA.  For more information, please visit their website.

At MJHS, IEP services are delivered through a combination of co-teaching in general education classes, small-group instruction, accommodations, modifications, and targeted interventions such as reading and math support. Students may also receive behavioral and organizational support through check-ins, structured routines, sensory tools, or behavior intervention plans, depending on their needs. Our team - which may include special education teachers, general education teachers, counselors, related service providers, and administrators - works collaboratively to monitor progress, adjust supports, and ensure that your child’s services are implemented with fidelity. 

Students are assigned a Case Manager at the beginning of their 9th grade year. Families can ensure their child is receiving the appropriate support by staying engaged through regular communication with Case Managers, reviewing progress reports each grading period, and attending IEP meetings prepared to share observations, concerns, and successes. We encourage families to reach out at any time if they have questions or notice changes in their child’s performance so we can partner together to support their success.

Students will have a transition meeting with the Exceptional Education Lead Teacher (EELT) at their middle school at the end of their 8^th grade year to help prepare for high school. If you have additional questions beyond that meeting, you can reach out to our EELTs based on your child’s last name:  

• Ms. Elliott (A-M) dcelliott@atlanta.k12.ga.us 
• Ms. Downer (N-Z) quinyonta.downer@atlanta.k12.ga.us

A 504 Plan is meant to remove barriers so your child can access learning on the same level as peers. Ensuring it’s actually working requires a mix of monitoring, communication, and advocacy from students, teachers, and parents.

Teachers and Parents are able to access the 504 plan in Infinite Campus. The 504 plan from the prior school year continues until the next 504 meeting is held. Teachers are required to sign-off on all 504 accommodations. Implementation looks different in different classes. If there are any specific concerns on how an accommodation is to be implemented, please contact the teacher directly.

504 students will have their annual 504 meeting during their eligibility month, the same as the previous school year. These meetings can be held at any time, if and when, any concerns/issues arise with the current plan. Your 504 Contact is Dr. Hughes-Gorsuch email: nxhughes@apsk12.org, or 404-802-5227.

At MJHS, we know that extracurricular activities are crucial for 9th graders as they build essential life skills (time management, leadership, teamwork), boost academics, foster personal growth (self-esteem, discovering passions), improve social-emotional well-being, and make students more attractive to colleges by demonstrating initiative, commitment, and a well-rounded personality beyond grades. They offer a chance to explore interests, develop new talents, and create a strong foundation for future success. 

MJHS offers over 40 extracurricular clubs and activities, and we strive for 100% of our 9th graders to participate in some sort of club, sport, or musical activity. For a current list, visit here.  To join, students should reach out to the club sponsor. Don’t see something that interests you? Talk to a teacher or your counselor about starting your own club!

MJHS offers every sport recognized by the Georgia High School Athletic Association: Baseball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Cross Country, E-Sports, Football, Girls Flag Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Riflery, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, and Wrestling. To be eligible, students must have a current physical on file and must be on-track for graduation. For questions or additional information about eligibility, please visit APS’s website, or reach out to the MJHS Athletic Director, Coach Reginald Curry:  rcurry@atlanta.k12.ga.us. 

If your child is absent due to a doctor’s appointment or illness, please provide documentation to our Attendance Clerk, Mr. Dontavious Body. You can either email documentation to him at: dontavious.body@atlanta.k12.ga.us, or send a note with your student to hand in. The Attendance Office is located in room 1218. If you know of an absence ahead of time, you can notify Mr. Body. A heads up to your child’s teachers is also appreciated, although not necessary. Teacher emails can be found in Infinite Campus or on the MJHS website. If your child will be absent for an extended period of time, please reach out to their Counselor, who can help notify their teachers and, if necessary, create a plan to ensure they do not fall behind.

The current phone policy dictates that students put their phone in a Yondr pouch when entering school in the AM, and it should remain locked until the end of the school day.  All students are given their own Yondr pouch, and students keep the pouch with them throughout the day.

The very best way to stay informed on important updates and information from the school is by joining the REMIND group for your child’s cohort:

• CO2030 (Incoming Freshman):  www.remind.com/join/mjhs30
• CO2029 (Current 9th Grade): www.remind.com/join/mjhs29
• CO2028 (Current 10th Grade): www.remind.com/join/mjhs28 
• CO2027 (Current 11th Grade): www.remind.com/join/mjhs27 
• CO2026 (Current 12th Grade): www.remind.com/join/mjhs26 

Additionally, the school communicates with robocalls and emails sent to families via Infinite Campus. There are also Facebook pages managed by parents and various Instagram pages associated with the school (@apsmjhs and @mjjptsa).

The best way to monitor your child’s grade is through Infinite Campus. Parent Portal access to Infinite Campus can be obtained here: https://ic.apsk12.org/campus/portal/parents/atlanta.jsp.  If you have questions or need additional assistance, please contact our Parent Liaison, Ms. Amanda Oliver, at 404-802-5221 or amanda.oliver@atlanta.k12.ga.us.