Character Education

In the lower school, boys are taught to identify and practice values. Each grade takes on a value at the beginning of the year—integrity, compassion, teamwork, respect, etc.—which is then woven throughout the curriculum and activities outside the classroom. The culmination of character education in the lower school comes in fifth grade. Fifth graders, who focus on the School’s motto, Esse Quam Videri—To Be Rather Than To Seem, ask themselves big questions like, Who is your authentic self? What are your beliefs? Knowing yourself is a lifelong pursuit. On Lake Avenue, boys start in kindergarten.

The middle school years can be a particularly challenging time for boys, but we have found that this provides incredible opportunities for growth. During dedicated middle school advisory time, teachers work closely with students to tackle difficult subjects in a caring manner, engaging in lessons focused on social and emotional learning.  These workshops focus on several topics, such as mindsets and goals, values and relationships, coping skills and friendship and peer conflict.