Choosing Courses for the 2025-26 School Year

The purpose of academic advising, K-12, is to guide and support students in their educational journeys. It aims to empower students to become self-directed learners and make informed decisions about their education and future. During this time, our students will obtain important information about Jackson’s programs, services, and resources. School counselors assist students in organizing their program of study, researching answers, and creating academic plans. They provide critical information about course placement, prerequisites, sequencing, and course selection information. 

Your child will bring home their course selection materials. You must review this information with your student as course offerings are dependent upon enrollment and school staffing decisions are based on the course selections students make. By meeting with their school counselors, students will be able to determine what is needed to make the best of their academic journey, create a strategy to graduate on time, and navigate the system to learn what is needed to transform their dreams into reality.

Timeline

Rising 7th Grade:

Information Sessions and Academic Advising:

  • January 30: Curriculum Night, 6-8 p.m., Luther Jackson Middle School
  • February 24: Pine Spring Elementary School
  • February 25: Graham Road Elementary School
  • February 26: Timber Lane Elementary School
  • February 27: Fairhill Elementary School
  • March 3: Woodburn Elementary School
  • March 4: Mantua Elementary School
  • March 5: Westlawn Elementary School
  • March 15: Courses available in ParentVUE
  • May 1-16: Window to change courses for the 25-26 school year

 

Rising 8th Grade:

Academic Advising Presentations:

  • January 21-24: Through Science classes

Academic Advisement:

  • February 3-7: through Health and PE 7 classes
  • March 15: Courses Available in ParentVUE
  • May 1-16: Window to change courses for the 25-26 school year

Course Catalog and Selection Sheets

  • Jackson MS Course Catalog
  • Rising 7th Grade Course Selection Sheet - Coming soon!
  • Rising 8th Grade Course Selection Sheet - Coming soon!

Meet your Luther Jackson Middle School Counselor

At Luther Jackson Middle School, our dedicated Student Services team is committed to supporting the academic, personal, and social growth of all students. Led by Director of Student Services, Mr. Nick Zubieta, the team includes school counselors assigned by student last names:

  • Ms. Jessica DeVault: Students with last names A-De
  • Ms. Tracy Marquina: Students with last names Dh-Lo
  • Mr. Brian Tickle: Students with last names Lu-Ro
  • Ms. Natasha Simmons: Students with last names Ru-Z

Our counselors provide individual and group counseling, facilitate parent conferences, and offer career exploration opportunities to ensure each student achieves their full potential. For more information or to contact our Student Services staff, please visit our Student Services Staff page.

FCPS Graduation Requirements

Honors Courses and Mathematics Placement

FCPS honors courses, available to middle and high school students, are designed as extensions of the FCPS Program of Studies. These courses challenge students through enriched learning experiences that build on their academic strengths and interests. Using the Parallel Curriculum Model, honors courses add depth and complexity to learning by incorporating critical thinking, inquiry-based projects, and abstract approaches to content. Honors courses are a strong foundation for success in future academic pursuits.

 

Mathematics Honors Courses

  • Mathematics 7 Honors: This open-enrollment course accelerates the mathematics curriculum and prepares students for the Mathematics 8 SOL assessment. Students who have not completed Advanced Mathematics 6 may require additional support and effort to be successful. Both Mathematics 7 and Mathematics 7 Honors provide pathways to Algebra 1 or Algebra 1 Honors in Grade 8.
  • Algebra I Honors: Open enrollment is available to all 8th-grade students. However, students seeking to enroll in Algebra I Honors in 7th grade must meet specific requirements:
    • Successful completion of the Advanced Mathematics Grade 6 curriculum or a year-long accelerated mathematics program
    • Score at or above the 91st percentile on the Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test (IAAT)
    • Score a Pass Advanced (500 or above) on the Grade 7 Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) test

 

To explore specific honors courses and detailed descriptions, please refer to the FCPS course catalog.

Advanced Academic Program

Luther Jackson Middle School is proud to be a Level IV Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Center, offering a full-time, advanced academic curriculum for eligible students. The program provides challenging learning experiences to develop students’ critical and creative thinking skills, fostering academic growth and preparation for future success. For more information about Advanced Academic Programs and available family resources, visit the FCPS AAP Family Resources webpage.

FCPS Online Campus

FCPS Online Campus allows students to take an additional course online to supplement what they take in school. Online Campus offers a variety of standard, honors, and AP level courses, and also provides access to additional courses not offered at Luther Jackson Middle School. Students must let their counselor know if they’re interested in taking a course through Online Campus, and work with their counselor to complete the required registration paperwork. For more information on Online Campus course offerings, how online classes work in general, and the registration process please click the link below.

FCPS Online Campus Site

Questions?

If you have any questions or need assistance related to academic advising during this time, please contact your school counselor or reach out directly to Mr. Nick Zubieta at [email protected]. For more information, visit our Student Services Staff page. Please bookmark this site for easy access to necessary information.