Alabama Welcomes FOUR New Character.org National Schools of Character
Today, Character.org announced 84 schools as 2020 National Schools of Character. Four of these impressive schools are in Alabama, and The Hope Institute is proud to have partnered with each of them on their character journeys through their participation in the Hope Leadership Academy.
Each school has dedicated incredible time and effort into fostering a school culture that develops students into people of character, and we are thrilled to congratulate them all on this honor. Please join us in celebrating these deserving schools:
2020 National Schools of Character - Alabama
Hartselle Intermediate School, Hartselle
Huntington Place Elementary, Northport
Vestavia Hills Elementary at Cahaba Heights, Vestavia Hills
Walker Elementary School, Northport
Find the official press release (available here) below:
Washington, D.C. (May 15, 2020) — Character.org, a national advocate and leader for character
development in our schools and communities, today certified 84 schools and 7 districts in 15
states as National Schools of Character.
“We are pleased to announce and celebrate the schools and school districts who have earned
this national recognition,” said Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org. “Each of these
schools and school districts has put in place a comprehensive approach to help their students
understand, care about, and consistently practice the core values that will enable them to
flourish in school, in relationships, in the workplace, and as citizens.”
Since its inception, the National Schools of Character program has impacted nearly 3 million
students, staff, parents, and community members. The schools and school districts who apply
must meet the rigorous standards articulated in Character.org’s 11 Principles Framework for
Schools. Each school is evaluated by a team of trained educators and includes a site visit to
assess how a school’s “shared values” are motivating students to do the right thing.
“These schools and school districts serve as an exemplary model for all schools and districts
across the nation,” adds Lori Soifer, who directs the Schools of Character program. “The
educators at these schools are inspiring their students to treat all people with respect and
dignity. They are teaching their students to be honest and trustworthy, to contribute their time
and talents to the common good, and when necessary, to show the courage to stand up for
what is right.”
Character.org will honor the 2020 National Schools of Character during its next National Forum.
To learn more about the schools and school districts being certified today, please visit www.character.org/schools-of-character