Two St. Charles County Schools Named National School of Character

CHARACTERplus congratulates the eight area schools that have been named National School of Character by The Character Education Partnership.  Among them are Discovery Ridge Elementary in Wentzville and Independence Elementary in Francis Howell.  Only 29 schools nationwide were selected for this honor, again demonstrating that St. Louis is a national leader in the field of character education. 

Those selected as National Schools of Character demonstrate growth in terms of academics (increasing or high test scores), behavior (reduction in disciplinary actions), and climate (survey results show students feel safe and respected).   All of the schools have created caring, supportive school communities that meet the needs of students.

These schools underwent an intensive screening process for the award that included site visits and analysis of the impact of their character-related efforts on academics, student behavior, and school culture. They each were previously named a Missouri State School of Character. 

The winning schools are:

Francis Howell School District

• Independence Elementary School

Mehlville School District

• Beasley Elementary School

• Bierbaum Elementary School

• Hagemann Elementary School

• Mehlville High School

Rockwood School District

• Chesterfield Elementary School

• LaSalle Springs Middle School

Wentzville School District

• Discovery Ridge Elementary School

“We know how hard these schools have worked to create a culture where every student, staff member and parent has a sense of belonging,” said Liz Gibbons, director of CHARACTERplus.  “We were thrilled to play a small part in helping them receive this premier award.”

CEP will honor these selected schools at the 20th National Forum on Character Education in Washington, D.C. on October 24-27. CEP is a national advocate and leader for the character education movement. CEP’s mission is providing the vision, leadership and resources for schools, families and communities to develop ethical citizens committed to building a just and caring world.

CHARACTERplus is the coordinator for Missouri’s State Schools of Character Award.  A ninth Missouri State School of Character, Jefferson City Academic Center in Jefferson City Schools, was also honored as a National School of Character and is a CHARACTERplus member. 

Started 25 years ago by a group of educators, parents and business leaders who wanted to advance the cause of character education and sustain its impact on the lives of teachers and students, CHARACTERplus is a program of Cooperating School Districts of Greater St. Louis.   For more information visit www.characterplus.org.