{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hot Springs Junior Academy","outOfStateSupporters":42.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1603801,"projectId":9882135,"letterContent":"Thank you for your kindness and donating to our project. We have been hard at work on the birdhouses for months! Designs are almost finalized and we have been printing prototypes to make sure they are going to last! Next week we will print the final designs and plan to start installing them at the park the last week in May. I am so grateful for all of you because this will be am amazing experience for my students to be able to take their family to show them their art was installed in a public place! I am so excited to get all of these put into the park and so are the students!","fullyFundedDate":1765384998285,"projectUrl":"project/functional-art-installation/9882135/","projectTitle":"Functional Art Installation","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1603801_orig.png?crop=177,177,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762539452688","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/aspen-ham"},{"teacherId":1603801,"projectId":10057064,"letterContent":"Because of you my students were able to build these incredible tables! They are almost complete and will be installed at the park the last week in May! The students have spent so many hours comping up with the plans and ideas. It was so awesome for them to be able to carry this out. We would never have been able to get all of the carpentry done if we did not have the tools! I cannot wait to have the students bring their parents to the park and their family for them to show what they created! Thank you so much! We will be able to use them for so many project for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1769391777683,"projectUrl":"project/outdoor-tables-for-local-bike-park/10057064/","projectTitle":"Outdoor Tables for Local Bike Park","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1603801_orig.png?crop=177,177,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762539452688","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/aspen-ham"},{"teacherId":6871092,"projectId":10035523,"letterContent":"The impact of these materials has already been incredible in my classroom. My students were genuinely excited the moment they saw the new supplies come in. Many of them immediately began talking about ideas they wanted to try, and several students who are usually hesitant to participate jumped right into creating. Having access to quality materials made them feel like \"real artists,\" and that confidence has carried over into their work and classroom discussions.\r\n\r\nWe have been using the markers, Sharpies, and heavyweight paper for mixed-media social commentary artwork and illustrated design projects. Students are taking more creative risks because the materials allow their ideas to look polished and professional. One especially memorable moment was watching a student who normally struggles with confidence proudly hold up a finished piece and say, \"This actually looks good enough to frame.\" Moments like that are why these resources matter so much.\r\n\r\nThe button-making supplies have quickly become a classroom favorite. Students are designing artwork based on themes of identity, kindness, school pride, and personal interests, then turning those designs into wearable buttons they can share with friends and family. It has created a sense of ownership and pride in their artistic voices.\r\n\r\nThe ceramic glazes have also transformed our pottery projects. Students are learning how color choices, layering, and craftsmanship affect the final outcome of their clay work. Many have never experienced professional-quality ceramic materials before, and seeing their fired pieces come out of the kiln has been exciting and inspiring for them.\r\n\r\nOur next steps include continuing our mixed-media and pottery units while helping students prepare pieces for display in school showcases and community art opportunities. We will also expand into collaborative projects where students combine drawing, design, ceramics, and wearable art to tell stories about themselves and their community. These materials are not just supplies they are opening doors for creativity, confidence, and meaningful self-expression every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1769177609019,"projectUrl":"project/because-every-child-deserves-to-create/10035523/","projectTitle":"Because Every Child Deserves to Create","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6871092_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762526661487","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6871092"},{"teacherId":6871092,"projectId":10141494,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my 7th and 8th grade students now have access to high-quality drawing books that have completely changed the way they approach art. These aren't just \"how-to\" books they're tools that teach students how to see, think, and problem-solve like artists.\r\n\r\nThrough these books, students are learning foundational skills like observation, shading, proportion, and perspective. More importantly, they're learning how to break down complex images into manageable steps, build confidence through practice, and reflect on their own growth. Many of my students struggle with perfectionism or fear of \"messing up,\" and these books give them structured, approachable ways to try, fail, and improve.\r\n\r\nReading in my classroom doesn't look like silent desks and worksheets it looks like students spread out with sketchbooks, flipping through pages, trying techniques, and sharing discoveries with each other. You'll hear things like, \"Wait, look how they did the eyes!\" or \"I figured out how to shade this!\" It's active, hands-on, and full of curiosity.\r\n\r\nI have several students who have really come alive with these resources. One student who rarely participated earlier in the year now eagerly comes in, grabs a book, and starts drawing immediately. Another student who used to say \"I can't draw\" now proudly shows me page after page of progress. These books have given them both the skills and the confidence to see themselves as artists.\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just provide supplies it created a space where students feel capable, engaged, and proud of their work. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1773712623513,"projectUrl":"project/sketching-ideas-drawing-books-for-young/10141494/","projectTitle":"Sketching Ideas: Drawing Books for Young Artists","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6871092_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762526661487","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6871092"},{"teacherId":10395572,"projectId":9979394,"letterContent":"As a class, we calculated the unit cost of every item used in each lanyard. Students then applied this knowledge by creating individual Excel spreadsheets to break down the total cost of their designs. This hands-on experience helped them better understand budgeting, pricing, and the true cost of production.\r\n\r\nThroughout the project, students eagerly explored color combinations and design ideas, often discussing which beads would pair best together. As they worked, they began to recognize that much more goes into creating a product than what is visible in the final piece. This realization was an important step in developing both their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we plan to continue designing and selling student-created items to support future classroom cooking projects. One student-generated idea is to expand into making keychains, which can be created using the same materials as the lanyards. This will allow us to build on what we've already learned while continuing to foster creativity, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this meaningful learning experience possible!","fullyFundedDate":1768939531739,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-design-lanyards-with-p/9979394/","projectTitle":"Learning Through Design: Lanyards With Purpose","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lambert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10395572_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767551341702","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10395572"},{"teacherId":6871092,"projectId":9877772,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my 7th and 8th grade students are actively using these new supplies to design and create handmade jewelry and custom buttons. Students sketched ideas, practiced techniques, and then carefully assembled pieces they were proud to give as meaningful holiday gifts. One powerful moment was watching a student who often struggles academically beam with confidence after finishing a bracelet and saying, \"I made this for my mom.\"\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students were eager to explore the tools, choose colors, and experiment with designs. Many had never worked with jewelry or button-making supplies before, and the hands-on process made art feel accessible and empowering.\r\n\r\nNext, students are refining their craftsmanship, reflecting on their design choices, and preparing artist statements to explain the meaning behind their work. These resources will continue to support future projects focused on personal expression, problem-solving, and creating art that connects to others. Your support made a lasting impact in our classroom thank you for believing in our students.","fullyFundedDate":1762692624809,"projectUrl":"project/creative-gifts-jewelry-and-button-art-f/9877772/","projectTitle":"Creative Gifts: Jewelry and Button Art for the Holidays","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6871092_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762526661487","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6871092"},{"teacherId":1603801,"projectId":2901880,"letterContent":"Thank you so much! I apologize this is late! I had a baby shortly after this and I honestly thought I already turned it in! This farm allowed us to feed our chickens at school with almost no feed bill. The kids loved it. Unfortunately, we had to take it down and get rid of the chickens when we moved buildings in 2020. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this! Please know that everyone who teaches and gets donations - it makes such a big difference! Funding projects for schools is really something amazing and I am so thankful you chose to fund my project!","fullyFundedDate":1513095496002,"projectUrl":"project/aqua-grow/2901880/","projectTitle":"Aqua Grow","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1603801_orig.png?crop=177,177,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762539452688","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/aspen-ham"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_51942","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":803,"numTeachers":43,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":37,"percentWhite":28,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":10,"gradesServed":"7 - 9","studentTeacherRatio":"18.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":57.5,"schoolId":51942,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hot Springs Junior Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hot Springs Junior Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arkansas/hot-springs-school-district/hot-springs-middle-school/51942"}
Join the 40 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Hot Springs Junior Academy is
an urban public school
in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas that is part of Hot Springs School District.
It serves 803 students
in grades 7 - 9 with a student/teacher ratio of 18.7:1.
Its teachers have had 24 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades 7 - 9
803 Students
43 Teachers
401 Emory StContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
60%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Hot Springs Junior Academy Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated May 27, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Hot Springs Junior Academy
$16,111
raised using DonorsChoose
24
projects
funded
14
teachers
funded
40
donors
1
project
for
basic supplies
5
projects for
technology
3
projects for
books
5
projects
for
art supplies
Hot Springs Junior Academy has received support from
23 individuals from Arkansas and
17 individuals out-of-state.