What is Character Counts?

Founded by Michael Josephson, Character Counts is a nationwide character education program administered by Josephson Institute and the Center for Youth Ethics. Character Counts leaders, also known as coaches, instill the programs importance in everything they do. For learning in the classroom, the honor above all, addresses academic honesty. Students focus on trustworthiness and fairness as guiding pillars in their academic learning.

Kings River School actively supports Character Counts and the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. The six pillars are the foundation for showing good character from the time a student rides a school bus, to learning in a classroom, eating lunch, and interacting with others. The six pillars of character have become part of the language among students and staff, and students are encouraged and recognized for showing good character. Banners, murals and posters are displayed throughout the campus. The Character Counts framework is not only visible through displays, but more importantly, it is evident in how students and staff respectfully treat each other every day.

• Character Counts is the nation's most widely used character development framework.
• It is used in schools, sports, and civic organizations.
• It is based on shared beliefs and consensus values called the "Six Pillars of Character."
• It provides an easy to understand, readily acceptable common language for youngsters, parents and character educators.
• Character Counts is a national grassroots initiative based on voluntary citizen action.
• It's the only character education program with a certified training course for educators, youth development professionals and community organizers.

Character Counts is not…
• A means to introduce religion into public education
• An "add-on" program
• Just a "feel-good" program