History of JMA

Jean Massieu Academy (JMA) is an open-enrollment charter school originally founded in 1999 to serve deaf, hard of hearing, their siblings, and peers. The Academy is unique in that instruction is provided in both English and American Sign Language (ASL). This bilingual environment removes communication barriers that normally exist for deaf and hard of hearing students within the traditional public school systems as well as providing acquisition of ASL for our hearing students.

JMA believes that our bilingual communication environment has greatly enhanced student academic performance. Our deaf students benefit from exposure to the professional deaf adult role models on our instructional staff, while all students benefit from the highly qualified staff, small class sizes, and caring atmosphere at the Academy. This is clearly evidenced by students "can-do" attitude, pride in achievements, and academic success.