“There was a lot of excitement and positive energy,” said Principal Landon Brown. “This community is very diverse, and parents were eager to meet teachers and staff.”
While the building was familiar to some, the first day of school served as a new beginning for students and staff. Jonquil, formerly known as the International Academy of Smyrna (IAS), will remain dedicated to its community. Brown said over 80% of staff members stayed through the transition because of their deep commitment to Smyrna and its families.
Principal Landon Brown meets with students on Jonquil Preparatory Academy’s first day of school on Aug. 3, 2026.
Brown even got families and students involved in choosing the school’s mascot, the Jaguars, with students deciding a final name soon. Thanks to this level of engagement, it’s no wonder the school is starting fast, implementing NHA’s procedures, routines, and Moral Focus™ curriculum.
“Parents, students, and teachers alike were very excited about the Moral Focus™ curriculum and what that entails as a daily routine,” Brown said. “Parents also like the idea of a student creed and school poem.”
Parents and students have been engaged with Jonquil as the school has been building procedures and expectations.
Jonquil is also implementing a twist on the homeroom experience for students. Each homeroom is associated with a college or university, setting the tone for college readiness from the beginning of a student’s academic journey. For example, you might hear Ms. Brown’s third-grade class called “Howard University.”
Another priority for the school’s first few weeks is laying a strong foundation and building school culture alongside students and families. Brown said when students are engaged in the process, it builds a sense of mutual respect from Day 1.
Each homeroom is associated with a different college, setting the tone for college readiness from the beginning of a student’s journey.
“What I like about the NHA process is that in the first week, teachers are creating social contracts with input from students,” Brown said. “It lets students know that they have a say in how we interact with them and holds us all accountable for the commitments we agree to.”
Even after 29 years in education, Brown said the first day of school brings butterflies to his stomach. When Brown got a glimpse of the great things ahead at Jonquil, his excitement only intensified.
Students walk through the halls of Jonquil Preparatory Academy on the school’s first day.
“I enjoy seeing students hug their teachers, meeting new friends, and engaging in learning,” Brown said. “A new school year creates a fresh start for many students, knowing that we will exhibit high care for them and do all we can to ensure safety, success, and progress.”
Congrats, Jonquil! Here’s to an amazing first year!
About Jonquil Preparatory Academy
Jonquil Preparatory Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Smyrna, Georgia serving students in pre-K through fifth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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