About Shirley

Shirley Elementary is one of 22 elementary schools in the Jackson Public School District. It serves students in grades pre-K-5.

School Namesake

Shirley Elementary School (formerly Lee Elementary)
Dr. Aaron Shirley (January 3, 1933–November 26, 2014), a native Mississippian, became the first African-American resident at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1965. He became a physician and served as an associate professor of pediatrics at the medical center. Shortly after his residency, he helped to establish the Jackson Hinds Comprehensive Health Center. He also established a comprehensive school-based clinic to provide health and counseling services. Later in life, Aaron Shirley served as Chairman of the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation Board.

Dr. Ollye Shirley (January 10, 1934–September 10, 2016) was a long-serving member of the JPS Board of Trustees, including serving as President of the Board. She assisted in a significant School Board referendum that allowed the District to expand and improve its facilities. Additionally, she was instrumental in expanding Mississippi Educational Television's programming in this area to include Sesame Street despite initial opposition because of its ethnically diverse cast of adults and children.

The Shirleys will be remembered for their individual and collective accomplishments. The community regarded them as heroes for their lifetime of tenacious advocacy. The renaming of Lee Elementary recognizes the Shirleys' outstanding contributions to Jackson's welfare.

Mission

At Shirley Elementary, we strive to build and provide scholars with prepared quality learning experiences to meet the demands of college and career that support every scholar’s growth academically, emotionally, and socially to engage as productive citizens of the world!

Vision

At Shirley Elementary, our students know how to read, write, speak, and think about grade level content and we also know that our students won’t gain these skills if we do the work for them. We check the ratio of teacher work to student work in each lesson and ensure that our students get many opportunities to be critical thinkers, readers, writers and speakers, offering our support and feedback to help them find success. Our goal is to foster a community of learners who see themselves as capable and prepared to navigate and contribute to the world confidently.

Shirley Elementary School Namesake

Dr. Aaron Shirley (1933–2014), a native Mississippian, became the first African-American resident at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1965. He became a physician and served as an associate professor of pediatrics at the medical center. Dr. Ollye Shirley (1934–2016) was a long-serving member of the JPS Board of Trustees, including serving as President of the Board. She assisted in a significant School Board referendum that allowed the District to expand and improve its facilities. 

School Profile

Motto: “In Living Colors: Blending Who We Are into a Rainbow of Success”

School Colors: Red, White, and Blue

Student Uniforms: Students may wear Navy or White colors as part of the school uniform Monday-Friday. Khaki or Navy pants, skirts and dresses may also be worn with shirts with the for mentioned colors. Students may wear the Red color polo shirts on Friday Only.

*Jeans are only to be worn on special occasions. A note will be sent home in advance for these special days.