Formal Instruction in Character

[patronyork]

<p>Great character building is one of the reasons why top schools with long history became top schools. At Thacher, throughout its 125 years of the school history, the ‘honor code’ - honor, fairness, kindness and truth - has naturally been taught and instilled in students’ life. These values are not just buzz word but are everywhere in the school community and lead students in every possible way. If a student leaves a laptop or a wallet in the school yard by mistake, it stays there forever.
There is no formal instruction offered by the school because the honor code doesn’t need to be taught in the classroom. It naturally becomes part of students’ life.</p>

[ChoatieMom]

<p>Choate formally defines character development in its mission statement as part of the natural process of the residential experience:</p>

<p>

Two interwoven priorities define the Choate experience: a rigorous academic curriculum and an emphasis on the formation of character in a residential setting that allows for teachers and students to live with, and learn from, each other in important ways.</p>

<p>…</p>

<p>The development of character is a responsibility that rests with every member of the community. In classrooms, on playing fields, in residential houses, students grow in confidence and self-esteem, and are instilled with such fundamental values as honesty, integrity, teamwork, generosity, and compassion toward others.</p>

<p>Choate also fosters community involvement and service as it prepares students to assume leadership roles in an ever-changing world. As part of its commitment to character formation, the school offers regular community-wide reflections on moral and spiritual issues, as well as exposure to various religious traditions.</p>

<p>…</p>

<p>Choate is confident that its graduates will go forth from a school that values each of them for their particular talents and enthusiasms; that affirms the importance of personal integrity and a sense of self-worth; that inspires and nourishes joy in learning and love of truth; and that provides the intellectual stimulation to generate independent thought, confident expression, and a commitment to improve the welfare of others.

</p>

<p>We have seen the results of this last paragraph first-hand. Whether CK was pre-disposed to these values because they align with what we try to model at home or whether the environment he lives in at Choate defined and solidified them into the character he now presents, I’m not certain. However, I am certain that if a student comes away from Choate with no appreciation for these values, the fault does not rest with the school.</p>

[heartburner]

<p>Choate sounds like an awesome school</p>