About Us
School Governance

Friday, July 31, 2020

Dear JH Classical Academy Parents,  
 
Last spring, as our nation faced the rapid spread of a new virus, JH Classical Academy made the transition to distance learning in a matter of days.  Robust instruction continued to the end of the school year, with parents providing great support, empowering students to complete the majority of the planned material for each course. 
We know that for many of you, the virtual learning experience -- while appreciated and valued -- didn’t provide the same rich environment that you want for your child.  We understand.  The new modality was, to be honest, draining and difficult for teachers, too.  Might we be forced, by a renewed surge of the virus, to adjust once again?  No one knows.  But we do know that this year’s expanded roster of talented instructors stands ready to deliver on the school’s mission regardless.
 
When you joined Jackson Hole Classical Academy, you chose a strong curriculum, and you recognized the benefits of a classical education presented by capable Christian teachers.  Our commitment to this challenging and rewarding program stands firm: we seek to equip a generation of clear thinking, articulate, and capable citizens.  We need you, now more than ever, to commit with us to authentic education.  Your involvement represents not only a way to educate your children, but an investment in their future as contributing members of the communities they will one day join.
 
Our plan to re-open Jackson Hole Classical Academy on Tuesday, September 1st gives priority to the physical safety and emotional well-being of our entire learning community, and adheres to the Wyoming State and Teton County recommendations and ordinances. The Academy’s 40 acres of land, 18,000 square feet of teaching space, and 12,000 square feet of athletic/gathering space together allows for social distancing, classroom handwashing, outdoor learning, meal preparation, and proper gathering.  The attached “Back to School 2020-2021 Plan” lists our 30 faculty and staff, with their teaching and managerial responsibilities.  We have an exciting academic year ahead, with gifted new teachers and new courses!
 
The success of our school community in minimizing any impact of COVID-19 will depend upon more than policies.  Lord Moulton, in a 1924 essay in “The Atlantic Monthly” titled “Obedience to the Unenforceable,” described an essential element of what will assure our success in this effort.  He states there are three domains of human action:  First, Positive Law, where our actions are prescribed by laws binding us.  Second, Free Choice, which includes all actions we claim and enjoy in freedom.  And finally, the “domain in-between,” where there is no law which determines our course of action, and yet where we also sense we are not free to choose as we would: Obedience to the Unenforceable.
 
“The real greatness of a nation, its true civilization, is measured by the extent of this land of Obedience to the Unenforceable. It measures the extent to which the nation trusts its citizens, and its existence and area testify to the way they behave in response to that trust. Mere obedience to Law does not measure the greatness of a Nation. It can easily be obtained by a strong executive, and most easily of all from a timorous people. Nor is the license of behavior which so often accompanies the absence of Law, and which is miscalled Liberty, a proof of greatness. The true test is the extent to which the individuals composing the nation can be trusted to obey self-imposed law.”
 
This is my hope for our school, and our country.  The middle domain is filled with truth, beauty, and goodness.  Thank you for your partnership during these turbulent times.  Please send me any questions or comments as we prepare to open.
 
With patience and perseverance,
 
Mrs. Polly J. Friess
Head of School
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Physical Address:
2500 S. Park Loop Rd.
Jackson, WY 83001
 
Enrollment Inquiries:
Lisa Landis, Admissions 
(307) 201-5040 
 
All Other Inquiries:
School Office
(307) 201-5040

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 7466
Jackson, WY 83002

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Nondiscrimination Policy: Jackson Hole Classical Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Jackson Hole Classical Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.