JC/LISD Academy: A Regional Middle College

• College Credits Earned: 5,129
• Number of Graduates: 73
• Number of Associate Degrees: 49
• Phi Theta Kappa Membership
• Jackson College Writing Fellow Award Winner
• Leading the county in FAFSA completion rates
• Forensics and Quiz Bowl Competitions
• In the top 20 for SAT scores in Michigan three straight years!
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Service Award Winner
• Mackinac Center for Public Policy “A” rated school

• Adrian College
• Baker College
• Calvin College
• Central Michigan University
• Cornell University
• Eastern Michigan University
• Grand Valley State University
• Indiana Wesleyan University
• Jackson College
• Kettering University
• Liberty University
• Michigan State University
• Michigan Tech
• Northwood University
• Nova Southeastern University
• Siena Heights University
• University of Denver
• University of Detroit Mercy
• University of Michigan
• University of Michigan Dearborn
• University of Toledo
• United States Air Force Defense Language Institute
• Wayne State University
• Western Michigan University

Why should a student enroll?

• Opportunity to complete a two-year associate's degree or up to 60 college credits at no cost to the student or family
• Access to six academic pathways with numerous degrees to choose from at Jackson College
• Primarily located on a college campus with college-level expectations for behavior and academic quality
• Opportunity to complete high school early
• Instruction by highly qualified teachers and college instructors
• Small class sizes and a tight-knit student community
• Access to LISD TECH Center programming related to selected career path

What steps are in the enrollment process?

1. Submit a completed application signed by your local district superintendent
2. Student entrance file review
3. Parent/student interview
4. Committee review
5. Attend required student orientation
6. Mandatory attendance at parent information night

What are the completion requirements?

JC/LISD Academy grants a general education, college prep high school diploma. Academy students are expected to complete the Michigan Merit Curriculum high school requirements by overlapping a Jackson College Associates Degree program of their choice through a fifth year of high school, earning a minimum of 15 transferable college credits. In addition, students must complete 100 hours of community service or 40 hour job internship experience.

What calendar does JC/LISD Academy follow?

The academy's calendar is closely aligned with Jackson College's academic calendar.

Can I participate in extracurricular activities in my resident school district?

Yes, as long as your home school allows. However, you will be responsible to arrange your schedule and provide for your transportation.

Can I start taking college classes right away?

The Academy allows you to accelerate through the program based on skill acquisition, not credit accumulation. Your progress is based on your customized academic and career pathway.

Is transportation available?

Transportation is not provided to students. Students and families are encouraged to consider private transportation, carpool options, or public transportation as available.

Can special education students enroll?

Yes! Additionally, special education students who join the Academy work directly with Jackson College’s office of Academic Support Services. Students are expected to learn how to monitor their own educational progress, advocate for their own learning needs, and successfully negotiate their way through the post-secondary environment. We believe that successful JC/LISD Academy students must be willing to take responsibility for their own effort, education and behavior.

How will I know if the program is the right fit for me/my student?

It's up to you and your parents to decide if the program is right for you. Students who consistently make poor personal choices and/or require strong external controls to moderate their behavior are, in general, not successful in programs of this type. You're required to learn and consistently demonstrate strong life management, emotional, social, and academic skills prior to transitioning to, and enrolling in, college-level coursework.

After a reasonable period of time, if you and your parents decide JC/LISD Academy is not the right fit, you can "opt out" of the program. We will work with you, your family and your resident district to facilitate this process.

Kim Dusseau, Program Coordinator

Kim Cooley-Dusseau attended and graduated from St. Mary’s College in Orchard Lake, Michigan (now part of Madonna University) in 1991. Kim assumed the duties of Principal of the JC/LISD Academy after ten years of service as a Career Preparation Services Coordinator with the LISD TECH Center. Prior to her tenure with the LISD, Kim worked for the Monroe ISD as a Work-based Learning Coordinator. She grew up and graduated from Dundee High School where she met her husband, Jeff. Together they have three sons – Nate, Noah and Hayden.

"I am passionate about helping students find the educational pathway that fits them best. For this reason, I am thrilled to be a part of the JC/LISD Academy.”

Abbey Smith, Instructor

Abbey is a graduate of Spring Arbor University, majoring in math and minoring in chemistry. She is in the process of obtaining her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Spring Arbor University as well. Abbey began her teaching career at Sylvan Learning Center in Jackson, MI where she helped students improve their reading, writing, and math skills in order to be successful in the classroom. Abbey has also taught at Starr Commonwealth/Montcalm School located in Albion, MI. There, Abbey worked with students to meet their educational, social, and emotional needs in order for them to transition to the next stage of their lives. Abbey is very excited for the opportunity to be a part of the JC/LISD Academy teaching staff.

"I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with the students of the JC/LISD Academy. The Academy seems to be a unique environment where students can reach their full potential. I am very excited to be a part of their success."

Rachel Morrison, Instructor

Rachel has crisscrossed the state to complete her educational career beginning with obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in biology with a group science minor from Western Michigan University. She worked for six years teaching high school students biology and anatomy before beginning her family. Rachel married her high school sweetheart and has two children, Luke and Veronica. After the birth of her son, she decided to go back to school. She graduated with a Master’s degree in biology from Eastern Michigan University in 2004. She has been an adjunct faculty member at Washtenaw Community College and Schoolcraft College where she has taught students biology and anatomy and physiology. When not teaching, Rachel is driven to release her creative passions. She loves to dabble in re-purposing old furniture, making mosaics, and trying her hand at stained glass. She also loves to go camping, boating, water skiing, and spending time with her family.

"I feel the best teachers are those that uplift the student, and who believe in the student at all costs even when the student does not believe in himself or herself. In addition, I feel that humor in the classroom is a necessity. A good laugh can alleviate tense situations or aid in retention. My motivation as a teacher includes the desire to assist in the cultivation of young minds in the field of science and to aid all students in reaching their maximum academic potentials."

Kathy Ewing, Instructor

Kathy graduated from Grand Valley State University, majoring in Group Social Studies and minoring in Political Science and Psychology. After graduating from college Kathy moved to South Carolina where she began her teaching career at Midlands Middle College. While she was in South Carolina she earned a Master’s Degree from Walden University in Integrating Technology into the Classroom. Kathy has experience teaching 6th grade social studies, high school US History, World History, Civics, Current Events, and Economics. Kathy moved back to Michigan in 2009 where she taught at Adrian High School. Kathy is very excited to begin teaching at the JC/LISD Academy. When Kathy is not teaching she enjoys reading, traveling, gardening and spending time with her family and friends.

"I am thrilled to be a part of the JC/LISD Academy. I believe this program truly meets the needs of every individual student and I am grateful to be part of this learning community."

Nick Muehling, Instructor

Nick earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Toledo, a teaching certificate from Lourdes University, a Master’s degree in teaching and learning from the University of Michigan, and a PhD in Literacy, Language, and Culture from the University of Michigan. He has taught high school and middle school English in both private and public schools and has taught education classes at the University of Michigan. His goal is to provide students with high quality texts and high quality assignments to improve students’ reading, thinking, and writing.

“I believe that when students are provided with high quality texts and assignments, they can better understand their selves, others, and the world we live in.”

Bennett Thomson, School Social Worker

Bennett Thomson graduated from Spring Arbor University, obtaining a degree in Psychology. Upon graduation, Bennett began working in the classroom as a Teacher Assistant with the Jackson ISD at the Lyle Torrant Center and Kit Young Center. While with the Jackson ISD, Bennett was accepted into Eastern Michigan University, where he earned his master’s degree in Social Work. Bennett supports the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students at the JC/LISD Middle College and the LISD TECH Center. Outside of work, Bennett enjoys officiating high school soccer, hunting, fishing, and working with rural youth through his church.

Deanna Case, Secretary