Character Education serves as a cornerstone in the Birmingham Public Schools. Those character education efforts have received national recognition in years past. Eleven schools have now earned National School of Character status, and numerous Promising Practice recognitions have been earned through hard work at our schools, by our students and staff, and through exceptional programs.

We are so proud of the efforts made by our students to be the best they can be in terms of character. As a district, we know the recognition by the Character Education Partnership is not given lightly and speaks to the great work being done in our schools. 

To achieve National Schools of Character status, each school must submit a NSOC collaborative and illustrative portfolio outlining exemplary implementation on each of the 11 Principles of Effective Character Education. This portfolio is then sent to Character.org (www.character.org) for consideration. Schools selected as a National School of Character finalist undergo a rigorous onsite review, which includes discussions and interviews with parents, students and staff members.

The following schools are designated as National Schools of Character:

• Birmingham Covington School (2007)
• Greenfield Elementary School (2009)
• Beverly Elementary School (2010)
• Bingham Farms Elementary School (2011)
• Pembroke Elementary School (2011)
• Pierce Elementary School (2011)
• West Maple Elementary School (2013)
• Harlan Elementary School (2014)
• Derby Middle School (2014)
• Groves High School (2015) 
• Berkshire Middle School (2015)
• Seaholm High School (2020)

For more information about Character Education and Social Emotional Learning in Birmingham Public Schools, visit our Teaching and Learning Department webpage.