Jefferson Terrace Academy

Jefferson Terrace Academy

5601 Upton Drive 

Baton Rouge, LA 70809 

(225) 293-3210

jeffersonterraceacademy.com

ebrschools.org/schools/jeffersonterrace

Mascot: Tigers

PreK to 8th grade

683 students

Public School

Principal Joy Watson

jwatson1@ebrschools.org

Assistant Principal: Jermesha Clark jclark@ebrschools.org

Assistant Principal: Derek Wheeler, dwheeler2@ebrschools.org

Executive Secretary: Latrice Richard, lrichard7@ebrschools.org

Dean of Students: Micheleen London mchannel@ebrschools.org

Counselors: Tasha Hayes, thayes1@ebrschools.org and Roxanne Kennerson, rkennerson@ebrschool.org

History. Established in 1958, Jefferson Terrace Academy has served the South Baton Rouge community for over six decades.  Originally known as Jefferson Terrace Elementary, the school functioned as a neighborhood staple, educating generations of local children. The original campus was located on Cal Road. In 2019, East Baton Rouge Parish School System and BREC (local parks commission) partnered to retire the old site and repurpose the land for community recreation.  A new state‑of‑the‑art PK–8 facility was constructed on Upton Drive, opening in 2020. In a nod to its deep roots, the school’s name was chosen by a 5th grader from the neighborhood. She emphasized continuity with its 60-year history and its role in preparing students for citizenship 

No Tuition. Jefferson Terrace Academy is a public school and does not charge tuition. 

The school is a social hub for the Jefferson Terrace community, and it offers a 21st-century educational experience for students. We believe all students can achieve! 

Extracurricular Activities and Programs. The school offers creative spaces for engineering, robotics, STEM and arts integration.  

Enrollment. Enrolling your child in Jefferson Terrace Academy in Baton Rouge generally follows the enrollment process for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System.

Here’s a general guide, along with important considerations:

1. Determine if Jefferson Terrace Academy is Your Zoned School. Neighborhood public schools are assigned based on your residential address. You’ll need to confirm that your home falls within the attendance zone for Jefferson Terrace Academy. You can find an “Attendance Zone Finder” or “School Locator” tool on the EBR Schools website (ebrschools.org).

2. Gather Required Documents. The East Baton Rouge Parish School System requires several documents for enrollment. These include Child’s Original Birth Certificate in order to verify age and legal name. Child’s Up-to-Date Immunization Record (Shot Record). Louisiana has specific immunization requirements for school entry but immunization can be waived for any reason by the parent or student. Parent/Guardian’s Picture Identification such as a driver’s license or state ID. Proof of Residence (two recent bills): This is crucial to confirm you live within the school’s attendance zone. Acceptable documents include: Recent utility bills (light, water, gas), cable/internet bill, landline phone bill, current lease agreement, and mortgage statement.

If you live with someone and bills are not in your name, you may need a notarized Affidavit of Residency along with the homeowner’s proof of residency and IDs. Previous School Records (if transferring from another school): This might include a most recent report card or a “drop slip” from the previous school.

Proof of Income (for Pre-K): If enrolling in a Pre-K program, you’ll likely need income verification (e.g., two most recent check stubs, SNAP/Food Stamp benefits, or a signed letter from your employer).

3. Enrollment Process. Contact Jefferson Terrace Academy: It’s always a good idea to call Jefferson Terrace Academy directly at (225-293-3210) or visit their official website (http://www. jeffersonterraceacademy.com) for the most current and specific enrollment instructions. They can confirm the exact process and any school-specific requirements.

East Baton Rouge Parish School System Website. The EBR Schools website (ebrschools.org) has a section for “Prospective Families” and “Enroll a Student” where you can find general enrollment guidelines and forms.

Pre-K Enrollment. If you are enrolling a Pre-K student, there may be a specific application period and lottery system through the EBR Early Childhood Care and Education Network (EBR ECCN). Check the website for details on application windows and eligibility.

In-Person Registration. You will likely need to go to the school in person to complete registration and submit all required original documents.

Age Requirements. For kindergarten, children must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 30 of the calendar year in which the school year begins. For first grade, they must be 6 years old by Sept. 30.

School Choice/Transfers. If Jefferson Terrace Academy is not your zoned school, you might be able to apply for a “School Choice” transfer if your zoned school has a “D” or “F” letter grade, or if there’s a specific program you’re interested in and space is available. This process has specific application windows and is not guaranteed.

Always Verify. Enrollment require ments and procedures can sometimes change, so it’s crucial to confirm the latest information directly with Jefferson Terrace Academy or the East Baton Rouge Parish School System.