Indianapolis, IN, May 23, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Christel House Academy South (“CHAS”) has been recognized a 2018 National School of Character by Character.org. The nonprofit organization validates character initiatives in schools and communities around the world. Each year, Character.org and its state affiliates select schools and districts that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development programs and a positive impact on academic achievement, student behavior, school climate and their communities. Christel House Academy South is the only school in Indiana designated a National School of Character.
Through an in-depth and rigorous evaluation process, these schools were found to be exemplary models in character development. Criteria for selection are based on Character.org’s 11 Principles of Effective Character Education, a framework to assist schools in providing students with opportunities for moral action, fostering shared leadership and engaging families and communities as partners in the character-building effort.
“Character education is critically important to our mission,” says Carey Dahncke, Christel House Head of Schools. “Our schools are about more than just academics. Character education helps us establish a positive culture that supports learning and it provides a foundation for our students. It is an honor for Christel House Academy South to be recognized as a National School of Character.”
"At Character.org, we are extremely proud of this year’s National Schools of Character as well as our district recipients. Their dedication to character development is reducing the skills gap by equipping the future workforce with transferable relationship skills needed to meet tomorrow's challenges," said Doug Karr, Character.org’s President & CEO. "Validating character initiatives is at the core of what we do, because they create fertile conditions for multi-generational character growth in communities of character. This year as we celebrate our Silver Anniversary, we are excited to also recognize 20 years of incredible National Schools of Character.”
Character.org will honor the designated schools and districts at its 25th National Forum on Character to be held October 4-7, 2018, in Washington, D.C. Visit www.character.org to learn more about the National Forum, the Schools of Character Certification (State & National) and the 2018 national honorees.
About Christel House Schools
Established as a public charter school in 2002, Christel House Schools (CHS) operates four schools in Indianapolis—Christel House Academy (CHA) South, serving at-risk students in grades K-12; CHA West currently serving grades K-5, and two adult high schools, Christel House DORS South and Christel House DORS West. CHA provides a holistic human development approach that focuses on building strong character to complement each child’s rigorous academic foundation. Through its College & Careers program, CHA continues to support its graduates through post-secondary education and job placement so they become self-sufficient, contributing members of society.
Christel House Academy South was Indiana’s first charter school to receive the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform’s “School to Watch” designation. Additional recognition includes the Indiana Achievement and Breakthrough Schools Awards. It has also been named a 2017 State School of Character by Character.org. For more information, please visit
www.chacademy.org.
About Character.org: Founded in 1993, Character.org, is a national nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. The mission of the organization is to provide leadership and advocacy for character worldwide. It is dedicated to helping people everywhere become educated, inspired and empowered to be ethical and compassionate citizens. Character.org validates character initiatives in schools, sports, families and the workplace through certifications, convenings and the exchange of best practices. Results of effective character initiatives in schools typically include improved academic achievement, a decline in behavioral problems and an increase in an overall positive school climate.
About Character Education: Character education is an approach to school culture and climate improvement that supports the social, emotional and ethical development of students. It is the proactive and intentional effort by schools, districts, communities and states to help students develop important core ethical (recognizing what’s right) and performance (doing what’s right) values such as empathy, honesty, diligence, fairness, fortitude, responsibility, grit, creativity, critical thinking and respect for self and others.
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