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IS YOUR SCHOOL ON THE JOURNEY TO BECOME A SCHOOL OF CHARACTER? APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

The 2026 Schools of Character application is now live! If your school is ready to grow its character education journey—or if you’re just starting to explore the process—now is the perfect time to begin.

Our prestigious National Schools of Character program certifies schools and school districts throughout the United States and across the globe that have embedded a set of shared “core values” that serve as the beating heart of the school. More than 3 million educators, students, parents, and community members have been positively impacted by creating a culture of character.

Visit our Schools of Character page to:

Determine your school’s readiness,

Explore new and updated resources,

And begin your application with confidence.

Don’t miss the newly updated Guide to Apply, which walks you through the redesigned evaluation cycle and offers step-by-step support for a successful application. Click below to start!

2025 NATIONAL SCHOOLS OF CHARACTER DIGITAL YEARBOOK

We are beyond thrilled to celebrate 71 extraordinary schools and 3 inspiring districts who have earned national recognition for their outstanding implementation of the 11 Principles of Character Education!

These remarkable school communities have done more than meet a standard—they’ve transformed lives. Because of their unwavering dedication, thousands of students now walk into schools where they’re not just taught academics, but how to lead with courage, act with compassion, and serve with humility.

The 11 PRINCIPLES FRAMEWORK

Based on decades of research, the 11 Principles is a guidepost to plan, implement, assess, and sustain your school’s commitment to cultivating a culture of character.

Since 1999, the 11 Principles Framework has helped thousands of schools develop and implement a comprehensive and sustained character initiative that is woven into all aspects of the school’s culture, teaching, and student learning.

Click below to learn more about how the 11 Principles can help guide every aspect of school life, including everyone’s choices, actions, and behaviors.

RECOGNIZING SCHOOLS FOR A

PROMISING PRACTICE

Each year Character.org is proud to recognize and celebrate schools that have implemented a Promising Practice that has helped the school build an intentional culture of character. A Promising Practice is an innovative approach that promotes a particular character strength, fosters a sense of belonging, highlights the importance of service learning, or engages caregivers and the community.

Click below to learn how your school can be recognized for a Promising Practice.

LEARN MORE ABOUT

CHARACTER.ORG

POWERED BY

CHARACTERPLUS

 

In a bold and collaborative step forward for the character education movement, CharacterPlus is proud to announce that it has assumed the operations of Character.org, one of the nation’s most respected and influential voices in character development. This historic transition unites two legacy organizations with a shared mission: to help schools, educators, and communities cultivate excellence in character, culture, and leadership.