Character Education

Collegiate Academy's roots as a Core Knowledge school are still alive and well in our emphasis on character education. Core Knowledge emphasizes moral decision making, which comes alive through the "seven virtues" of justice, respect, responsibility, integrity, self-sacrifice, diligence, and courage. These principles connect seamlessly with our community's Core Values (quality, integrity, perseverance, ownership) and are the center of our positive behavior system.

Character education is integrated into every aspect of classroom life, but is also explicitly taught through the Second Step program. Students in grades K-6 participate in mini-lessons, role-playing and skits to practice real life response skills to prevent bullying and escalation and develop useful skills such as mediation, conflict resolution and cooperative problem solving with peers and adults.

In our middle school, all students participate in character education integrated in our Leadership program, helping students to identify their individual interests and talents while also emphasizing the responsibility of leaders to conduct themselves with high moral character. High school students continue this journey by leading with character in their Outdoor Education PBLs and in their community service requirement for graduation. Secondary students also apply moral decision-making and character-driven leadership in their interactions with younger students as assistants and mentors in Elementary classrooms. 

Character education promotes a school community that is safe, inclusive and respectful of its members who have many differences, such as in learning styles and strengths or in socio-economic backgrounds, but are unified by our shared responsibility to our values and to one another.