At Laura Jeffrey Academy (LJA), students are active architects of their learning journey and community. Our scholars play a significant role in shaping school policies and designing impactful projects, showcasing their leadership and commitment. Their voices are at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that their ideas, passions, and leadership shine at LJA.
A Social Contract Built by Students, for Students
Respect, responsibility, and community aren't just buzzwords at LJA—they are foundational values created by our students. Each year, our scholars collaborate to develop a school social contract, which sets the tone for how they want to learn, interact, and grow together. This process fosters a strong sense of ownership and teaches students how to negotiate, listen, and compromise—skills they’ll carry for life.
Advisory: A Space Where Every Voice Matters
At LJA, our advisory groups are spaces where scholars feel heard, valued, and supported. In these tight-knit groups, scholars share their thoughts, navigate challenges, and collaborate with peers and advisors to create solutions that enhance their school experience. Whether it’s improving school policies or discussing personal growth, Advisory provides a platform where student voices lead to meaningful action.
J-Term Class Selections: Learning Tailored by Scholars
At LJA, we believe that education is most powerful when scholars have a say in what they learn. This is why we have our J-Term (January Term), where scholars take the lead in selecting their classes based on their interests and passions. Whether they want to explore robotics, dive into creative writing, or tackle environmental activism, our J-Term offerings change each year to reflect the diverse interests of our scholars. This personalization ensures that learning is engaging, meaningful, and deeply personal for each scholar.
Lobby Lockers: Making an Impact Beyond the Classroom
Our scholars ideated, designed, and implemented Lobby Lockers, a space where they can write letters to their state representatives about issues that matter to them. This student-driven initiative empowers our scholars to advocate for change, engage with local government, and see firsthand how their voices can influence the world beyond the school walls. At Laura Jeffrey Academy Middle School, scholars don’t just learn about civic engagement—they actually practice it.
Lunch Groups Foster Connection and Friendship
Our lunch and recess hour is a space where student-led groups thrive. Scholars create and participate in groups that reflect their identities and interests. From the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) to affinity groups and informal friend circles, these groups provide a space to connect, support one another, and discuss topics that matter most to them in a safe and inclusive environment.
At Laura Jeffrey Academy, we believe students should not just be passive learners but active changemakers. By centering and honoring their voices in every aspect of our school, we empower them to think, dream, and do—not just in middle school, but for a lifetime.
Are you interested in seeing our student-centered philosophy in action? Visit us and discover what makes LJA a place where every voice matters.