Lower School Character Development

The Character Cornerstones serve as the foundation for our JK-12 grade Character Education program. The Cornerstones curriculum provides direct instruction around a developmentally appropriate set of social-emotional skills, creating a foundation on which students build academic achievements while instilling qualities that students will use at Collegiate and beyond. The goal is to equip students with the tools to manage their personal conflicts and successes while developing a deeper awareness of their feelings. The Cornerstone lessons present a social skill-building opportunity that supports more thoughtful, intentional, restorative, and kind interactions with their classmates. The curriculum also seeks to build problem-solving and coping skills at all grade levels.

Respect is an attitude of caring about people and treating them with dignity. Respect is valuing ourselves and others. Respect shows up not just in what we say, but also in what we choose not to say or do, and in our willingness to hold one another accountable.

Responsibility is exercising accountability for one’s choices. You are willing to be accountable for your actions. When things go wrong, and you make a mistake, you make amends, not excuses. Being responsible means others can depend on you. 

Compassion is empathizing with another, accompanied by the motivation to take action. It is caring deeply and wanting to help, even if you don’t know a person.

Honor is living with a sense of respect for what you believe is right. It is living by character and virtues, showing great respect for yourself, others, and the rules you live by.