George Jackson Academy

Bedford, NH – WhippleHill Communications has been selected to create and launch a web presence for a new independent school located in New York City. George Jackson Academy will open its doors this fall to the future eighth grade class of 2007. Enrolling 50 students in its first year in grades 4 and 5, GJA will eventually accommodate an enrollment of 150 students. What makes GJA special is that it will specifically and with great determination offer an amazing educational opportunity to young, urban lower-income males in grades 4-8. Headmaster James Turner, former Associate Dean of Students at St. Paul’s School (Concord, NH) and founder Brother Brian Carty of De La Salle Academy in NYC were inspired by the vision of George Jackson, a former student of Brother Carty’s and CEO of Motown Records until his death in 2000. Mr. Jackson was raised in Harlem by his mother and through her influence combined with a solid and nurturing educational environment eventually went on to gain admission to Harvard and great personal success in his career. He always remained committed to the idea that something needed to be done to reverse the trends among young men of color who are increasingly placed at risk through a combination of personal circumstance as well as cultural and environmental influences. His dream was to open a school dedicated to this high risk group, whom he knew from his own experience, have so much to offer to the world. Upon his untimely death, a group of friends pledged to see his vision to fruition. New Headmaster James Turner is quoted as saying, “The other night I dreamt about our first graduation class, where they are going to go, and what we do to prepare ourselves for them to walk out the door and present themselves on the doorsteps of places like St. Paul’s and say, “I am an athlete, I know how to write a speech, I have taken Latin and I went to George Jackson Academy.” WhippleHill is honored to have been asked to sponsor a site for this new school and wishes the new faculty, administration and students our very best wishes for success. Please look for the new site to launch later this year.