ExcellenceEd

What do guidance and advisory look like for Middle and Upper School students at USJ? In this episode of ExcellenceEd, MS/US Counselor Keli Gooch discusses how USJ supports students’ social, academic, and personal growth through guidance, advisory, leadership, and service.
Keli also shares details about USJ’s Community Service Expo, where more than 20 local nonprofit organizations will visit campus to introduce students to their work and help them discover meaningful new ways to serve the Jackson community.
Later in the episode, members of USJ’s student Advisory Council join the conversation to share their experiences, discuss their involvement with the Community Service Expo, and highlight the important work they are doing to strengthen connection and student involvement across campus.

There are several new updates in the USJ Business Office this year, and we’re breaking down what families need to know.
In this episode of Excellence Ed, USJ Chief Financial Officer Tiffany Hopper joins us to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about tuition and billing, Education Freedom Scholarships (EFS), financial aid, and the new LunchTab system.
Tiffany explains how to access and navigate the new billing system, manage payment plans and payment methods, understand online payment fees and autopay, and know who has access to a family’s billing information. She also walks families through how EFS works, what responsibilities belong to the school and the parent, and how EFS differs from traditional financial aid.
Plus, we take a look at LunchTab and how the new system makes managing student lunch accounts easier.
Whether you’re new to USJ or simply trying to keep up with the latest changes, this episode is a helpful guide to navigating the financial side of the school year.

There’s a lot of buzz around USJ’s new Middle and Upper School attendance policy, especially the opportunity for students to earn an exam exemption!
In this episode of ExcellenceEd, Middle School Head Margaret Livingston and Upper School Head Dr. Shane Jacobs break down the new policy, explain how the exam exemption works, and share what students and parents need to know as we begin the school year.
From attendance expectations and eligibility requirements to the reasoning behind the new incentive, this conversation answers many of the questions families have been asking and explains why, when it comes to student success, attendance matters.

A new school year brings new faces, new perspectives, and new opportunities for our students. In this episode, we're introducing you to some of the newest members of our Middle and Upper School faculty.
You'll hear from our new teachers as they share a little about themselves, what brought them to USJ, what they’re most looking forward to this school year, and what they hope students will experience in their classrooms.
We’re excited to welcome them to the Bruin family and give you the chance to get to know the people behind some of the newest faces on campus.
Let’s meet our new Middle and Upper School faculty!

As the new school year begins, Lower School Head Courtney Burnette joins us to help families prepare for a successful start. From easing first-day jitters to establishing routines, Courtney shares practical advice for parents of young learners and offers a look at what families can expect in the Lower School this year.
Whether you're a first-time USJ parent or a returning family, this conversation is filled with helpful insights, encouragement, and tips to help your child start the school year with confidence.

In this episode of ExcellenceEd, we sit down with nationally recognized digital wellness speaker Joey Odom to discuss one of the greatest challenges facing today's families: helping children develop healthy relationships with technology.
Joey shares practical strategies for reclaiming our time and attention in an increasingly connected world, offering insights on social media, smartphones, screen time, and the importance of intentional family habits. Whether you're a parent of a young child or a teenager, this conversation provides thoughtful, actionable advice for navigating the digital age with confidence.
Join us as we explore how putting people before screens can strengthen relationships, improve well-being, and help families thrive.

In this episode of Excellence Ed, we sit down with Jimmy Glosson, Upper School Foreign Language Chair and Middle/Upper School Dean of Faculty at the University School of Jackson, to discuss the power of learning a foreign language and the exciting opportunities that come with it.
Jimmy shares how USJ’s comprehensive foreign language program prepares students to engage with the world beyond our campus and introduces the upcoming Foreign Language Study Abroad Program—a transformative journey through Spain, France, and Italy.
From exploring Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia to walking the historic streets of Rome, this immersive experience allows students to connect language with culture, history, and real-world application.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at the University School of Jackson! In this episode of ExcellenceEd, we’re talking all about USJ’s Holiday Mart — a beloved community tradition that brings together vendors, holiday cheer, and the spirit of giving. Join us as we share what to expect at this year’s event, from the Preview Party and shopping highlights to the meaningful ways Holiday Mart supports programs that enrich the USJ experience for every student.

In this episode of ExcellenceEd, we sit down with two outstanding University School of Jackson students who know a thing or two about managing busy schedules and staying focused on what matters most. 🎭⚾🏀
Noah Martin, an active member of our theater program, and Haylen Ayers, a dual-sport athlete in softball and basketball, share how they balance academics, extracurriculars, and personal time. From early practices to late-night rehearsals, these Bruins open up about what keeps them motivated, how they stay organized, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Tune in for a candid and inspiring conversation about discipline, passion, and balance—straight from two students who make it look easy.
🎧 Available now on Podbean, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of ExcellenceEd: The Podcast, USJ Athletic Director Derrick Pritchard reminds athletes, parents, and fans to keep the “why” at the heart of sports. He shares how remembering the bigger purpose—growth, teamwork, and character—shapes a healthier athletic culture. Derrick also speaks directly to parents, offering guidance on how they can best support their student-athletes and help them thrive on and off the field.