Defining Experiences That Set JPEC Apart

From free associate's degrees to real college campuses, here's what makes JPEC unlike any other school in Jackson, MI

While other students are just starting college, Jackson Preparatory & Early College (JPEC) graduates are already two years in. JPEC high schoolers take real college classes on Jackson College's campus, earn actual college credits, and can walk away with a full associate's degree, completely tuition-free. Students have gone on to the University of Michigan, Michigan State, and even Princeton, with a head start that most of their peers won't get until their sophomore year of college. If college isn't your only goal, JPEC's partnership with the Jackson Area Career Center means you can leave high school with industry certifications and job offers already on the table. 

What else can JPEC give you that other schools just can’t offer? 

Competency-Based, Personalized Learning

We focus on each student’s strengths, passions, and interests and move students along a competency-based approach. This approach lets students accelerate or take the time they need to master subjects and craft their personalized education plan.

Academic Achievement

JPEC has been the highest-scoring district in the county on the SAT for the past TWO years, outperforming the average benchmark. These results reflect the performance of all students, not just those planning to attend college.

FREE Associate's Degree alongside a High School Diploma

Receive your associates degree at the same time as your high school diploma, without you or your parents having to pay a dime. That’s a head start that other schools can't offer.

Later Start Time

We listened to the National Education Association (NEA) on this one – JPEC's school day begins at 9:00 AM and ends at 4:00 PM. By starting later, we are able to align with the adolescent biological sleep rhythms, which helps improve students mental health, academic performance, and increased graduation rates.

Unique College & University Partnerships

Michigan Transfer Agreement is baked into JPEC's graduation requirements, which means credits are structured to transfer seamlessly to any Michigan public four-year university, like University of Michigan, Michigan State, Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, Grand Valley State, and Central Michigan. 

Through the vocational career partnership, Jackson Area Career Center (JACC) gives JPEC students the ability to pursue certifications in fields like automotive technology, healthcare, culinary arts, and more, also tuition-free.

With our 13th year, and partnership with Albion College, students can pursue junior and senior level classes (300 and 400 level college courses) without paying a dime. JPEC has also recently partnered with Adrian College, expanding dual-credit opportunities for JPEC students, strengthening the transfer pathway.

Michigan's Only Whole-School Early College with a Middle School

Looking for the only dedicated Early College school in the state with a fully-fledged middle school and an athletics program? You found it! JPEC gives students the ability to reach collegiate academic standards and is the only educational program designed from 6th grade all the way through college.

Located on a College Campus

We are conveniently located on the campus of Jackson College, giving students real exposure to a college environment years before most of your peers experience it.

Student Activities

Are you a Robotics fan, Speech and Debate Champ, or Bowling aficionado? Do you play basketball, football, volleyball or run cross country? JPEC has competitive teams that play against other high schools in the area, and a variety of student organizations. We’d love to have you join one of our teams or clubs.

Career & Technical Education Access

Students have access to free college classes right on campus, and access to the Jackson Area Career Center right across the street. JPEC students who have gone through the Career Center while enrolled have been hired locally in industry, hospitality, and health fields right out of high school.

JPEC isn't just a school, it's a two-year head start on the rest of your life, completely tuition-free. Whether you're eyeing the University of Michigan, a career certification, or something in between, JPEC gives you the tools to get there faster than any other school in Jackson. Applications are open now for students entering grades 6th-12th. Apply today and start building your future before graduation day even arrives. 

About Jackson Preparatory & Early College (JPEC)

As a public school academy for middle and high school students Jackson Preparatory & Early College (JPEC), Michigan’s only whole school Early College program with a middle school, offers 6th – 13th graders the opportunity to foster independence safely. Founded more than a decade ago and housed at Jackson College, JPEC offers access to world-class facilities which enables us to provide an excellent tuition-free education that includes credit-earning college courses and career-defining certifications. We value competency-based learning -- what you know how to do, not just what you know. Achieve an associate’s degree and a high school diploma simultaneously. Every student can succeed here. Enroll now. Find us at jacksonpec.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.