Junior Academy
Elevating the Standard
Middle school at Drew is a time of incredible growth and exploration. The journey accelerates here. In the Junior Academy (Grades 6–8), students build directly on their elementary foundation, taking their STEAM and literacy skills to the next level. Our Project-Based Learning model challenges middle schoolers to tackle deeper research, sophisticated collaboration, and public presentations. Backed by an expansive roster of sports, trips, and clubs, our students are actively shaping who they want to become.
Principal's Message, 2026-2027
Welcome, Junior Academy Families,
We hope that you enjoyed a summer of connection and well-deserved downtime. Welcome to a brand-new school year at JA – a place where EVERY child is known, valued, and inspired to thrive!
We know that the middle school years can bring significant changes. Students start to discover who they are, form new friendships, and take on more responsibility both inside and outside the classroom. This is an exciting time, and we are dedicated to supporting students every step of the way.
We’re ready for an incredible year of learning, growth, and community—and we’re so glad to have you on this journey with us. Let’s make this a year to remember!
Sincerely,
Dr. Cynthia A. Gunner
Junior Academy Principal
Dr. Gunner at the NAESP 2026 National School Leaders Conference in Orlando, where she represented Drew on the national stage, co-presenting a session on "Leading a Schoolwide Instructional Comeback: Data, Decisions and Real Results" with JA Instructional Coach, Shanae Jackson.
See What's New
![8th Grade Slide - Week of Aug. 17]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1786919562/drewcharterschoolorg/ig3mybpj6wxzhxkfizps/8th.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1786919562/drewcharterschoolorg/ig3mybpj6wxzhxkfizps/8th.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1786919562/drewcharterschoolorg/ig3mybpj6wxzhxkfizps/8th.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1786919562/drewcharterschoolorg/ig3mybpj6wxzhxkfizps/8th.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1786919562/drewcharterschoolorg/ig3mybpj6wxzhxkfizps/8th.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1786919562/drewcharterschoolorg/ig3mybpj6wxzhxkfizps/8th.png","width":2000}])
8th grade families, here is your student's weekly slide...
![7th Grade Slide - Week of Aug. 17]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1786919482/drewcharterschoolorg/z9c3wo0qezuumbhowi6j/2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1786919482/drewcharterschoolorg/z9c3wo0qezuumbhowi6j/2.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1786919482/drewcharterschoolorg/z9c3wo0qezuumbhowi6j/2.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1786919482/drewcharterschoolorg/z9c3wo0qezuumbhowi6j/2.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1786919482/drewcharterschoolorg/z9c3wo0qezuumbhowi6j/2.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1786919482/drewcharterschoolorg/z9c3wo0qezuumbhowi6j/2.png","width":2000}])
7th grade families, here is your student's weekly slide...
![6th Grade Slide - Week of Aug. 17]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1786919355/drewcharterschoolorg/jrbgehozo3efnjhypjwy/1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1786919355/drewcharterschoolorg/jrbgehozo3efnjhypjwy/1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1786919355/drewcharterschoolorg/jrbgehozo3efnjhypjwy/1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1786919355/drewcharterschoolorg/jrbgehozo3efnjhypjwy/1.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1786919355/drewcharterschoolorg/jrbgehozo3efnjhypjwy/1.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1786919355/drewcharterschoolorg/jrbgehozo3efnjhypjwy/1.png","width":2000}])
6th grade families, here is your student's weekly slide...
![JA Remind Reminder]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1785715800/drewcharterschoolorg/jrtiwmunzfwpd5tmpbs3/Remind.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1785715800/drewcharterschoolorg/jrtiwmunzfwpd5tmpbs3/Remind.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1785715800/drewcharterschoolorg/jrtiwmunzfwpd5tmpbs3/Remind.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1785715800/drewcharterschoolorg/jrtiwmunzfwpd5tmpbs3/Remind.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1785715800/drewcharterschoolorg/jrtiwmunzfwpd5tmpbs3/Remind.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1785715800/drewcharterschoolorg/jrtiwmunzfwpd5tmpbs3/Remind.png","width":2000}])
JA families, please remember to join your grade level Remind via the code that was provided to you during Open House or one of our other back-to-school events. We emailed the official guardian contacts for each grade level with your specific code last week, so if you have not signed up and do not have the code, please check your email messages.
![Student to Parent Emails]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1786316200/drewcharterschoolorg/wadw9fnaeq6azqp6sctf/JAletterwriting.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1786316200/drewcharterschoolorg/wadw9fnaeq6azqp6sctf/JAletterwriting.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1786316200/drewcharterschoolorg/wadw9fnaeq6azqp6sctf/JAletterwriting.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1786316200/drewcharterschoolorg/wadw9fnaeq6azqp6sctf/JAletterwriting.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1786316200/drewcharterschoolorg/wadw9fnaeq6azqp6sctf/JAletterwriting.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1786316200/drewcharterschoolorg/wadw9fnaeq6azqp6sctf/JAletterwriting.png","width":2000}])
Starting August 17th, JA students will email their parents/guardians during the 1st and 3rd weeks of every month with updates on their school progress. The goal of this task is to foster student independence and responsibility while keeping families connected. If you do not receive an email on a scheduled week, please reach out to us.
![Makerspace Open Hours]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1786316309/drewcharterschoolorg/feqx1qztclxdobb2n8si/MakerspaceOpenHours.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1786316309/drewcharterschoolorg/feqx1qztclxdobb2n8si/MakerspaceOpenHours.png","width":500}])
Does your student want to make something cool, or do they need to craft something for their PBL? Let them know the Makerspace holds open hours every Thursday after school!
![JA Dress Down - Aug. 21st]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1786315982/drewcharterschoolorg/hj1qoj4orpnvbxg2mr9z/JADressDown.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1786315982/drewcharterschoolorg/hj1qoj4orpnvbxg2mr9z/JADressDown.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1786315982/drewcharterschoolorg/hj1qoj4orpnvbxg2mr9z/JADressDown.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1786315982/drewcharterschoolorg/hj1qoj4orpnvbxg2mr9z/JADressDown.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1786315982/drewcharterschoolorg/hj1qoj4orpnvbxg2mr9z/JADressDown.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1786315982/drewcharterschoolorg/hj1qoj4orpnvbxg2mr9z/JADressDown.png","width":2000}])
JA students will have the opportunity to earn their first JA Dress Down Day on Friday, August 21st. Students who earn a pass will receive a dress down wristband on Thursday, August 20th, to wear on Friday. Further details regarding Dress Down Day will be shared as the date approaches.
![MAP Testing Update - 6th Grade]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1785715089/drewcharterschoolorg/azglobf4deameyapoht8/Testing.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1785715089/drewcharterschoolorg/azglobf4deameyapoht8/Testing.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1785715089/drewcharterschoolorg/azglobf4deameyapoht8/Testing.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1785715089/drewcharterschoolorg/azglobf4deameyapoht8/Testing.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1785715089/drewcharterschoolorg/azglobf4deameyapoht8/Testing.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1785715089/drewcharterschoolorg/azglobf4deameyapoht8/Testing.png","width":2000}])
Fall MAP Testing is rescheduled for 6th grade for August 11th and 12th! To help your student start their test smoothly and stress-free, please make sure they arrive at school on time each morning.
![Locker Assignments and Decorations]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1785715527/drewcharterschoolorg/fh9bciunpcgadlueqafw/lockers.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1785715527/drewcharterschoolorg/fh9bciunpcgadlueqafw/lockers.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1785715527/drewcharterschoolorg/fh9bciunpcgadlueqafw/lockers.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1785715527/drewcharterschoolorg/fh9bciunpcgadlueqafw/lockers.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1785715527/drewcharterschoolorg/fh9bciunpcgadlueqafw/lockers.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1785715527/drewcharterschoolorg/fh9bciunpcgadlueqafw/lockers.png","width":2000}])
JA student locker assignments will take place next week for all grade levels. Students may bring locker decorations Monday. Please ensure all decorations are non-adhesive (no stickers or tape) so they do not damage or stick to the lockers.
Friendly reminder: Fall MAP Testing is scheduled for this week on August 4th and 5th for all JA students! To help your student start their test smoothly and stress-free, please make sure they arrive at school on time each morning.
![Randomized Security Screenings]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1785117129/drewcharterschoolorg/srkqeevydymsc834kjxx/Safety.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1785117129/drewcharterschoolorg/srkqeevydymsc834kjxx/Safety.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1785117129/drewcharterschoolorg/srkqeevydymsc834kjxx/Safety.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1785117129/drewcharterschoolorg/srkqeevydymsc834kjxx/Safety.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1785117129/drewcharterschoolorg/srkqeevydymsc834kjxx/Safety.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1785117129/drewcharterschoolorg/srkqeevydymsc834kjxx/Safety.png","width":2000}])
JA and SA families, our full launch of this procedure will happen at the start of the 2026-2027 school year, providing students and families with the ability to engage with us after a few screenings have occurred, and providing our safety and security team with time to test and refine the process...
![Uniform Changes - Reminder]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1785124393/drewcharterschoolorg/xex2aputj5cmffj4hdcx/JAuniforms_2627changes.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1785124393/drewcharterschoolorg/xex2aputj5cmffj4hdcx/JAuniforms_2627changes.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1785124393/drewcharterschoolorg/xex2aputj5cmffj4hdcx/JAuniforms_2627changes.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1785124393/drewcharterschoolorg/xex2aputj5cmffj4hdcx/JAuniforms_2627changes.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1785124393/drewcharterschoolorg/xex2aputj5cmffj4hdcx/JAuniforms_2627changes.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1785124393/drewcharterschoolorg/xex2aputj5cmffj4hdcx/JAuniforms_2627changes.png","width":1718}])
Don't forget about the changes to our uniform policy for the 2026-2027 school year!
![icon showing a person walking from point A to point B]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784234550/drewcharterschoolorg/ky68fezmjkzx2lcpxdhx/Step4.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784234550/drewcharterschoolorg/ky68fezmjkzx2lcpxdhx/Step4.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784234550/drewcharterschoolorg/ky68fezmjkzx2lcpxdhx/Step4.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784234550/drewcharterschoolorg/ky68fezmjkzx2lcpxdhx/Step4.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1784234550/drewcharterschoolorg/ky68fezmjkzx2lcpxdhx/Step4.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784234550/drewcharterschoolorg/ky68fezmjkzx2lcpxdhx/Step4.png","width":2000}])
Drop off begins at 7:15 a.m. (enter via the cafeteria) and you may drop your student off at any time between 7:15 and 8:15.