USJ: 40 years old and still growing

Happy Anniversary! University School of Jackson, West Tennessee’s College Preparatory School, turns 40 this year. “Reaching 40 years is a milestone of achievement,” said Clay Lilienstern, Head of School. “Those who were instrumental in the formation of Old Hickory Academy and Episcopal Day School laid the foundation for the academic excellence we have today.”

USJ has its roots in the fall 1970 openings of two schools: Old Hickory Academy (OHA) and Episcopal Day School (EDS). Both schools opened after endless preparations by determined and supportive parents and faculty.

USJ’s turning 40 has special significance for faculty members Ruth Ann Morrison and Johnny Herriman as they have the distinction of being the only faculty members on staff today who were among the first students to attend Old Hickory. Morrison, Class of 1974, was a freshman and Herriman, Class of 1973, was a sophomore, when OHA opened its doors on Hollywood Drive in a building that was still being completed. “There were just light bulbs hanging down and no ceiling tiles in yet,” said Morrison.

Teachers Ruth Ann Morrison and John Herriman were students at Old Hickory Academy when it opened.

Old Hickory and its Fighting Generals educated from elementary school through high school.

“We were such a close knit group,” said Herriman, a member of the school’s first football team. Many of us spent weekends with our parents at the school, helping out in any way needed, just like families do today.”

EDS opened its doors in St. Luke’s Episcopal Church downtown, but moved in 1971 to property on Old Humboldt Road. The school was founded on the idea that a quality education is one that addresses each student as an individual. Smaller than Old Hickory, EDS was rooted in small student-teacher ratios, fine arts, and a unique understanding of how students best receive instruction.

For 17 years, the two schools grew, independent of each other, often competing for the same students. In many ways, the schools were similar. Both were founded on Judeo-Christian values; both valued strong academic programs, fine arts, and athletics. Academically, the schools were competitive up through the ninth grade – when EDS graduated its students to other high schools in the area, including Old Hickory Academy.

By 1987, each school had achieved a level of comfortable success. EDS had recently finished an $800,000 building for a high school, while OHA was in negotiations to build an $800,000 structure to house an expanded lower school program.

Although the thought of consolidating the two schools was not new, it was newcomer-to-town Frank Bloom, who took the initiative to point out the positive benefits of combining the two schools. Bloom felt consolidation would allow OHA and EDS to achieve their goals and provide the best possible education in the area. He organized a meeting of board members from both schools to start the discussions.

In March 1987, after many failed attempts, confidential talks, and long nights of work, the boards of Old Hickory Academy and Episcopal Day School made the decision to consolidate into one leading, independent school. On March 26, the plan to merge was announced publicly, and the two schools began the process of becoming one.

In fall 1987, 343 EDS students and 560 OHA students began attending the University School of Jackson. The youngest students used the two former EDS buildings on Old Humboldt Road, while older students attended the Hollywood Drive campus.

USJ leadership understood that in order to continue the success of the school, major renovations to both campuses were necessary. In 1995, USJ began raising money for a new campus on McClellan Road. Property was bought the same year, and with financing in place, the school broke ground in the spring of 1996 for a new Upper and Middle School.

Over a weekend in October 1997, parents, faculty, and students pitched in to move from the Hollywood Drive campus into the new building. In 2004, Lower School students, from 3 year olds to Fifth Graders, moved into a new facility on the 125-acre McClellan Road campus. Having all students on one campus was the fruition of a long-time goal for the school and strengthened a sense of community.

When the new Lower School opened, USJ implemented another major change — student uniforms.

USJ’s strength continues to be its strong academic environment, both Herriman and Morrison say. The new campus and use of technology are the biggest improvements they’ve experienced over the last 40 years.

“USJ is strong in every area,” said Herriman, whose youngest daughter Beth is a USJ graduate. “I am so fortunate to get to work with such knowledgeable folks, who really care about their students and their success. It is a great environment.”

“I would have to say the love for the school is the same as it was the day OHA opened,” said Morrison, whose children also graduated from USJ. “Everyone is like one big family. Parents are so supportive of what we do, and the faculty is very dedicated to the students and the school.”

Lilienstern agrees: “When you look at the many families we have that are sending their children and grandchildren to USJ and the number of long-time faculty members, you see the belief in this school. It is this commitment that has allowed USJ?to earn the reputation of being West Tennessee’s college preparatory school.”