Meet the new principal of Ripperdan Community Day School 

James Jackson is the new principal of Ripperdan Community Day School.

Jackson was born and raised in the Bay Area. His journey with education has been fascinating, as he was once a high school dropout who never imagined being in an educational leadership position. 

However, his life's passion and "why" has always been working with fellow kindred-spirited children from disenfranchised situations alongside other dedicated professionals and providing a positive influence.

He has worked in human services since 2004 after receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from California State University, Northridge (CSUN), when he started as floor staff in residential facilities for "at-risk" kids. Jackson was quickly promoted to administration and worked for various organizations, including Boystown.

Over the years, Jackson grew tired of seeing young men and women entering and leaving the juvenile justice system. 

He was given some advice that would change his life and that would set him on a new path where he would return to school and work towards earning his Master’s in Education and Clinical Counseling from Azusa Pacific University. 

During his last semester at Azusa Pacific, Jackson was hired as an elementary school counselor at Madera Unified at Millview and James Madison Elementary Schools. He then worked at Madison and James Monroe for four years. 

During this time, Mr. Jackson earned his Administrative Credential and an opportunity to become an assistant principal at Washington Elementary in Visalia for three years.