Tracey Magnet School Named National School of Character

Character.org, a national advocate and leader for character development in schools and communities, has recognized Tracey Magnet School as a 2024 National School of Character. The magnet school also was the only School of Character recognized in the State of Connecticut.

Tracey Magnet School was last named a National School of Character in 2021.

“Character education plays a vital role in shaping the hearts and minds of future generations. It is a tremendous honor to be recognized as Connecticut's only National School of Character. With the help of staff, families and the greater Tracey community, we will continue to extend our efforts beyond the classroom to guide our students toward becoming students that are able to perform morally and civically through a set of strong character values,” said Lindsay Esposito, Principal of Tracey Magnet School.

Tracey has implemented a comprehensive approach to help students understand, care about, and consistently practice character strengths that will help them flourish in school, in their relationships, and as citizens of an ever-changing world.

The magnet school completed a rigorous application process that included an evaluation by a team of individuals trained in the 11 Principles of Character to be named a state School of Character. The team looks to ensure that the principles are embedded into the school’s academics, the family component, community partnerships through service learning, and developing the whole child through social and emotional learning. Schools are scored on a rubric that measures proficiency of embedding character education throughout a child’s school experience.

“We are extremely proud of Tracey Magnet School for their national recognition as a School of Character. Principal Esposito and her staff have done an incredible job of instilling the school’s PRINT values into each student and incorporating those important social and emotional skills into their daily practices. Building strong character among our students will ensure they become positive contributors to our ever changing and diverse world,” said Dr. Alexandra Estrella, Superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools.

Character.org certified 73 schools across 13 states as National Schools of Character including Tracey.

“We are pleased to announce and celebrate the schools that have earned this national  recognition,” said Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org. “Each of these schools has  put in place a comprehensive approach to help students understand, care about, and consistently practice the character strengths that will help them flourish in school, in relationships, in the workplace, and as citizens.”  

Since its inception, the National Schools of Character program has impacted over three million students, staff, parents, and community members. The schools and districts that apply must meet the rigorous standards articulated in Character.org’s 11 Principles Framework for Schools: A Guide to Cultivating a Culture of Character. Each school is assessed by a team of trained evaluators. 

“There is an ethic of care at these schools,” adds Lori Soifer, who directs the Schools of  Character program. “Working together with students, parents and community members, these  schools are creating stronger communities focused on character.” 

Click here to see the complete list of schools certified as 2024 National Schools of Character.