About Us

Friends of JCCS was founded in 2025 as a 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to support JCCS and its teachers for the betterment of the children attending JCCS. Founded in 1997 as one of Alaska’s first public charter schools, JCCS was created by families and educators who believed that children learn best through close community connections, experiential projects, and strong family involvement. Nearly three decades later, that spirit still defines the school as it continues to grow and adapt to meet the needs of Juneau’s children and families. Families of the school recognized that one of the ways to help the school grow and adapt was to create a nonprofit entity to engage in fundraising activities to support JCCS programs that respond to unmet needs in our community.

Current JCCS initiatives include:

• Pre-Kindergarten Pilot -January 2026. A trial program offering high-quality early learning to help fill the gap in accessible pre-K options in Juneau.

• Creative & Active After-School Program- A free or low-cost resource for families that allows options for creativity and movement while providing dependable care after school hours.

• Individual Learning Allotments for Middle School Students- Small, guided stipends empowering students to pursue personal interests. Whether it be science, arts, sports or community projects, while building portfolios within our new academy model.

• Integration of innovative technology - The world and skills of tomorrow are changing at an ever increasing pace hence a focus on bringing in emerging technologies to stretch student imagination and hands-on practical applications that can show students both what is changing and how to integrate into their problem solving skill set. 

These efforts reflect the JCCS mission to create a vibrant, community-based learning environment where children can follow their curiosities and develop as engaged citizens. Friends of JCCS is excited to support these programs through financial and volunteer contributions.