Certification Process

For schools in the United States, there are two levels of certification: State and National. Both reviews take place annually.

All National Schools and School Districts of Character are formally recognized and celebrated at Character.org’s annual Forum. One of the largest character development conferences in the world, the Forum brings together teachers, school leaders and experts in the field eager to share and learn the latest approaches, practices and research in character development.

State Review

The state review takes place in December and January. State review teams evaluate applications based on the standards found in the 11 Principles Framework. Schools receive a score-sheet with comments citing strengths, areas of growth, and potential Promising Practices. Character.org announces the schools and districts that have met the criteria for state certification at the end of January. State certification is valid for five years. Schools and districts that achieve state certification are invited to participate in the national review that same year using the same application.

Schools that receive state certification may choose to wait before applying for national certification. This option provides schools time to address feedback received from the state review team that will help strengthen their application. Schools that receive state certification have five years in which they may apply for national certification. Schools may use the same application but are encouraged to submit a new application if they have made significant changes to their initiative or if applying in years 3, 4, or 5 of their state certification period. When submitted, the application will only be reviewed at the national level.

National Review

The national review, based on the information highlighted in the state application, takes place in February, March, and April. Character.org assigns a national evaluator to visit each school or district. The type of site visit (virtual or in-person) will be determined by current conditions and other factors.

All national applicants receive a score-sheet and a detailed report citing strengths and areas of growth. Character.org announces the schools and districts that have met the criteria for national certification in May.

International Review

Schools outside the United States submit their application in English and follow the same review process but use the name of the city where the school is located for certification if they meet the criteria of the first level of review, and the name of their country if they meet the criteria of the second level review. Schools invited to participate in the second level of review will receive a virtual or in-person site visit. The type of site visit will be determined by current conditions and other factors.

Recertification

National Schools and Districts of Character applying for recertification submit a complete application in the year they are to be recertified. (Note: Please apply for recertification in the beginning of the 5th year of your National designation to prevent a lapse in status. For example: 2022 NSOCs would apply in the fall of 2026 for certification in 2027.) They are recertified first at the State level and then at the National level.

Commitment

Parents need to commit to model and reinforce to their children the core values and character strengths that mean the most to them. They also need to be creative and offer meaningful experiences that illuminate how important these character strengths are to the family’s core values.

Conversations

We know “We need to talk” freaks kids out, but too often parents avoid having conversations about character, especially as children get older. While it may not be easy to talk sometimes, we know from the research that parents who avoid talking to their children about serious matters quickly lose trust and connection.

Celebration

Parents need to find ways for their children to be active participants in their own character growth. Optimal character development occurs when children begin to make self-motivated commitments to consistently practice a core value (e.g. “I want to be the kind of person who is always honest and shows up on time.”) Parents need to celebrate these moments to shape and define individual character.