Minnesota Schools of Character

Schools of Character is a certification given to schools and districts that have achieved a standard of excellence in character development through their exemplary implementation of Character.org’s 11 Principles Framework for Schools: A Guide to Cultivating a Culture of Character, a tool for whole-school improvement.

Becoming a School of Character isn’t limited to a curriculum or a single aspect of school life. It is centered on a set of shared core values, chosen by the stakeholders of the school, that embody what the school stands for and serve as the anchors and guideposts that unite the school community.

The School of Character application and evaluation process are designed to support a school’s growth. Reflecting on the scores and feedback is critical to the continuous improvement process.

Synergy & Leadership Exchange is the state sponsor and partners with Character.org to provide the program in Minnesota. The application is submitted online through Character.org.

Tools, resources, and assistance are available to support schools with the process and application. Download the Guide to Applying for School and District of Character. View application. Start an application.

National School of Character Trends from Character.org:

87.3% report students feeling safe
88.3% of schools with math scores on the rise or high
87.7% of schools with reading scores on the rise or high
95.4% average attendance
89% saw a decline in the suspension rate
87% saw a decline in discipline referrals

Wondering what a School of Character looks like? Check out the video of Community of Peace Academy, a three-time Minnesota and National School of Character.

For More Information Contact Barb Bergseth 507-389-5112

2025 Program Dates

July 1, 2024 — Application Opens

Nov. 8, 2024 — Application Closes

Jan. 24, 2025 — State Schools/Districts of Character Announced

May 13, 2025 — Character Recognition Awards

May 22, 2025 — National Schools/Districts of Character Announced

11 Principles Framework

The 11 Principles is a framework for whole-school improvement. Based on decades of research on effective schools, the 11 Principles serve as guideposts for schools to cultivate a culture of character in a school.

The 11 Principles focus on all aspects of school life, including school culture and climate, social and emotional learning (SEL), student engagement and academic achievement, as well as MTSS, PBIS, RTI, restorative practices, teacher morale, and parent engagement. The framework can be used as a tool for planning and assessment to improve school climate and culture, complementary to other initiatives (e.g. – PBIS, Responsive Classroom, social-emotional learning, restorative practices).

The 11 Principles serve as an assessment tool and rubric for the Schools of Character application. Visit the 11 Principles page for more information, resources and training opportunities.

Why Apply?

In Schools of Character, teachers, administrators and staff work together with parents and community members to positively shape the social, emotional and character development of young people. In these schools, students feel safe, respected and connected to those around them, allowing them to thrive academically and socially. Schools of Character report:

● Increase in test scores and academic improvement

● Decline in disciplinary incidents and bullying

● Higher attendance and graduation rates

● Strong community and stakeholder engagement

● Lower teacher turnover rate

Application Process

The Schools of Character application is a rigorous process. Before applying, we recommend you review the resources and guides on the Character.org website.

Participation in the state or national Schools of Character program utilizes the same online application through Character.org. Using the 11 Principles of Effective Character Education as a guideline, schools and/or districts submit a self-assessment and portfolio that demonstrates how character has had a positive effect on academic achievement, behavior and school climate. Trained evaluators review the application and provide written feedback to applicants. An application fee is collected by Character.org.

Minnesota applicants reaching a standard of excellence at the state level are named State Schools of Character by Synergy and maintain this status for five years. Applicants named as a Minnesota School of Character, and meeting the guidelines, may submit their application for national review (an additional application fee is collected by Character.org). Those schools and districts meeting a national standard of excellence are named National Schools of Character by Character.org and maintain this status for five years. These schools and districts become part of a state and national network that serve as models and mentors to other educators.

Ready to apply? Apply online through Character.org.

Honorees

Congratulations to all the honorees!

Minnesota Schools of Character

2024 Community of Peace Academy
2020 Cologne Academy, Cologne
2020 Waseca Jr. & Sr. High School, Waseca
2019 Community of Peace Academy, St. Paul
2016 Saint Mark’s Catholic School, St. Paul
2015 Waseca Jr. & Sr. High, Waseca
2014 Community of Peace Academy, St. Paul
2013 Orono Public Schools, Orono
2012 Waseca High School, Waseca
2011 Lakes International Language Academy, Forest Lake
2010 Horace May Elementary School, Bemidji
2010 Lakes International Language Academy, Forest Lake
2010 Phalen Lake Hmong Studies Magnet School, St. Paul
2009 The Blake School, Hopkins
2009 Schumann Elementary School, Long Lake

**Minnesota District of Character **

2013 Orono Public Schools, Orono
2008 Orono Public Schools, Orono

Honorable Mention Minnesota Schools of Character

2023 Woodbury Middle School, Woodbury
2016 Cologne Academy, Cologne
2015 Maple Grove Senior High, Maple Grove
2015 St. Mark's Catholic School, St. Paul
2014 Maple Grove Senior High, Maple Grove
2011 Waseca High School, Waseca

** Honorable Mention Minnesota District of Character**

2017 Duluth Edison Charter Schools

Emerging Minnesota Schools of Character

2018 Cottage Grove Middle School, Cottage Grove
2010 Bamber Valley Elementary School, Rochester
2009 Waseca High School, Waseca
2009 SAGE Academy Charter School, Brooklyn Park
2008 Trailview School, Mora