Education is and has always been a cornerstone of Jackson, shaping not only individual futures but the strength and character of the community as a whole. Here, learning is viewed as a lifelong pursuit, one that begins in early childhood and continues well beyond the classroom.
This community offers a rich range of educational opportunities designed to meet learners at every stage of life. From strong early education programs that lay essential foundations, to public and private schools committed to academic excellence and character development, families have meaningful choices when it comes to shaping their children’s paths. These schools are supported by dedicated educators who understand that education is about more than test scores, it’s about curiosity, confidence, and connection in and out of the classroom.
Local Higher Education
Bethel University
Freed-Hardeman University
Jackson State Community College
Lane College
Tennessee College of Applied
Technology-Jackson
The University of Memphis
The University of Tennessee at
Martin Jackson Center
Union University
For older students and adults, the greater Jackson area’s colleges, technical programs, and continuing education opportunities provide pathways to careers, advancement, and personal growth. Workforce training, trade certifications, and higher education options ensure that students can pursue both traditional academic routes and hands-on, skill-based learning close to home. Libraries, museums, and community programs further extend education beyond formal settings, creating spaces where knowledge is shared multi-generationally.
What makes education in Jackson especially powerful is its accessibility and community support. Learning is not confined to one age, one building, or one definition of success. Instead, it is supported by families, educators, and institutions that believe education is the key to opportunity, progress, and a thriving future – a thriving community.
Malesus STEM Innovation Center
Jackson-Madison County School System’s Malesus STEM Innovation Center, designed to immerse middle school students in hands-on, career-focused learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, is groundbreaking in its opening.
With a strong existing facility but a growing need for expanded STEM offerings, JMCSS reimagined the former Malesus Elementary School into a dynamic, technology-rich innovation hub for middle schoolers. Completed through extensive phasing in just one year, the STEM program equips students for the modern industrial workforce with courses in mechatronics, robotics, cybersecurity, gaming and bio-STEM.
The revitalized 38,500-square-foot facility transformed traditional classrooms into expansive lab environments, converting the cafeteria into an exhibit hall to showcase student work and introducing collaborative zones and additional office space for events such as robotics competitions. Students can also engage with technology-driven community partnership programs like the Toyota EM2 Institute, Cyber Command Institute and MakerSpace, where they can explore a dedicated environment that encourages creativity and entrepreneurial thinking.
Union University’s Ethos Forum
Union University’s new Ethos Forum is a 40,204-square-foot academic building that houses the McAfee School of Business, the computer and engineering departments, and a variety of innovative learning spaces. The “HUB” offers learning spaces such as the business incubator and makerspace which give members the resources to effectively design, collaborate, and create.
Located between White Hall and Pleasant Plains Extended on the Great Lawn, the Ethos Forum is a part of Union’s campus master plan approved by trustees in 2019. On March 21, 2025, the hopes of creating a space centered around innovation and entrepreneurship were realized.
Local Schools
Alexander Elementary School
Andrew Jackson Elementary School
Arlington Elementary School
Augustine School
Community Mofantessori
Denmark Elementary School
East Elementary School
Faith Homeschool Tutorial
Family Christian School
Homelife Academy
Isaac Lane Elementary School
Jackson Academic STEAM Academy
Jackson Career and Technology School
Jackson Central-Merry Early College High
Jackson Central-Merry High School
Jackson Central-Merry Middle School
Jackson Christian
Liberty Technology High School
Lincoln Elementary School
Madison Academic High School
Malesus STEM Innovation Center
North Parkway Middle School
North Side High School
Northeast Middle School
Nova Early Learning Center
Pope School
Rose Hill School
South Elementary School
South Side High School
St. Mary’s Catholic School
Thelma Barker Elementary School
Trinity Christian Academy
University School of Jackson
West Bemis Middle School
Similar to Union’s library, “Logos,” the title of the building utilizes Greek roots to reveal its missions of education and collaboration. “Ethos” is translated to “character,” which represents the ways students are called to live their faith through both personal and professional experiences. The latter half of the building’s title, “Forum,” draws its meaning from the ancient forums – where communities gathered to exchange ideas. President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver wants the Ethos Forum to be not only an academic building, but a resource for the entire city. This new facility offers a place for both the Union and Jackson community to unite their faith to their minds, hearts, and hands as they work to build a better world.
I want the Ethos Forum to be not only an academic building, but a resource for the entire city. This new facility offers a place for both the Union and Jackson community to unite their faith to their minds, hearts, and hands as they work to build a better world.
Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver, President, Union University
University of Memphis New PT School
In the fall of 2026, the University of Memphis will launch a new Doctor in Physical Therapy (DPT) program on its Lambuth campus in Jackson. The UofM DPT program will be the campus’s largest graduate cohort, admitting 40 students annually. This program will be led by director Dr. Jacque Bradford, a well-established clinician, professor, and administrator. Bradford hopes this program will equip more young professionals with skills to better meet the needs of smaller healthcare communities.
Barriers to healthcare such as access to physical therapy treatment, greatly impact the social determinants of health and wellness on the population. The UofM DPT program consequently emphasizes developing student leaders in the field of PT practice with a focus on the communities they serve. Additionally, the close relationship with the College of Health Sciences research enterprise will inform evidence-based clinical practice. The program aims to combat the labor shortages in healthcare by creating more educated professionals to fill its gaps. Choosing to develop this initiative on the Lambuth campus highlights the intimate nature of the cohort-based program and the numerous opportunities to collaborate with the UofM Nursing Program, the Jackson State PTA program, and the Jackson area PT clinics and medical facilities.