Positive School Culture
Shared values help create a safe, respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment where students feel connected and ready to learn.
Character Education
EDUCATING THE WHOLE CHILD
Building Strong Students and Strong Character
RCSA believes academic achievement and character development go hand in hand. Our character education program helps students build the values, habits, and social-emotional skills needed to succeed in school, relationships, and life.
Through classroom instruction, schoolwide activities, service learning, monthly character traits, and positive recognition, students are encouraged to become responsible, compassionate, and confident members of their communities.
RECOGNITION & ACHIEVEMENT
Recognized by Character.org
River City Science Academy is proud to be recognized for its commitment to character development, school culture, and whole-child education.
National School of Character
Florida State School of Character
Florida District of Character
MONTHLY CHARACTER FOCUS
Character Traits of the Month
| Program Level | Adnations Session |
|---|---|
| August | Responsibility & Respect |
| September | Empathy |
| October | Courage & Teamwork |
| November | Gratitude |
| December | Generosity |
| January | Perseverance & Leadership |
| February | Kindness |
| March | Citizenship |
| April | Honesty |
| May | Self-Esteem |
Why Character Education Matters
Skills That Support Success in School and Life
Character education supports student well-being, strengthens relationships, improves school climate, and helps students make thoughtful and responsible choices.
Responsible Decision-Making
Students learn to consider consequences, act with integrity, take ownership of their choices, and respond thoughtfully to challenges.
Social & Emotional Growth
Character education helps students build empathy, self-awareness, confidence, resilience, communication, and healthy relationship skills.
Service & Citizenship
Service-learning and community involvement encourage students to contribute positively, support others, and understand their role as responsible citizens.
Character education is reinforced through classroom learning, schoolwide activities, student recognition, and service opportunities.
CHARACTER IN ACTION
Learning Values Through Everyday Experiences
Students strengthen character through classroom discussions, service projects, leadership activities, recognition programs, teamwork, and community involvement.
WHAT WE DO AT RCSA
Character Development from Kindergarten Through Grade 12
Every RCSA student receives character education and participates in age-appropriate service-learning opportunities. Each month, students study a selected character trait and explore how it applies to their choices, relationships, and school community.
Students who demonstrate strong character are recognized and celebrated, while projects and activities provide meaningful opportunities to practice empathy, responsibility, leadership, and citizenship.
What We Do at RCSA
• K–12 character education
• Service learning
• Monthly traits
• Student recognition
• Character integration across projects and activities
Character.org Recognition
• State District of Character
• State School of Character
• National School of Character
• Campus-based achievements
Resources & Activities
• Character.org
• Department of Education State Pilot Projects
• Importance of Character Education
• CharacterEd.net
• Talking Tree Books
• Character Counts
• Learning to Give
CORE CHARACTER VALUES
Four Pillars of Character Development
RCSA helps students develop the values, habits, and interpersonal skills needed to make responsible choices and contribute positively to their communities.
Respect
Students learn to value others, listen thoughtfully, and contribute to a safe and inclusive school community.
Responsibility
Students develop accountability for their choices, behavior, learning, and commitments.
Compassion
Students practice empathy, kindness, service, and care for others.
Leadership
Students build confidence, integrity, citizenship, and the ability to positively influence others.
Resources
STEM Education Designed for the Future
RCSA combines rigorous academics, hands-on STEM experiences, and character education to prepare students for success in a changing world.
Schools of Character
Learn about the Character.org recognition process and the Schools of Character program.
Character Education Pilot Projects
Review character education lessons and findings from U.S. Department of Education pilot projects.
