Program

Character Education

The character education program is the vehicle through which a school culture of character is created. Many schools have weak, porous cultures that are easily overcome by the toxic culture of our mass media, a permissive culture of self-indulgence, promiscuity, rudeness, and escapism. Most students have to learn how to filter these diversions and make the correct choices that allow them to pay attention, study the material, and do their homework carefully if they are to do well in school. Our educational program clearly recognizes the obvious link between good character and academic achievement.

Crafting the student character is a top priority at Benton Harbor Charter School. We have expanded the duties of our teachers and ask that they fulfill the role of moral authority and to embrace the responsibility of character educators. All of the teachers and staff work diligently to incorporate core values in everything from activities programs to the disciplinary code. Behavior codes support the expanded role for teachers.

Character Education is integrated across the curriculum and uses monthly themes to help students actualize the concepts they are learning. Additionally, we recognize the value of reinforcing lessons learned in school with non-classroom activities such as athletics, performing arts, choral groups, etc, and encourage participation of all students in character-building activities outside of the classroom.

It is our goal to help students establish a moral compass and form habits they will need for a successful life through strong work ethics and personal integrity.

Why It Works

When you combine highly qualified teachers and a sound curriculum that incorporates citizenship, leadership, and character development, you produce children who are eager to learn, confident about their abilities, excited about achieving, and interested in becoming an active partner in the world around them.