Tracey Magnet named Conn.’s only School of Character
NORWALK — Character.org named Tracey Magnet School as Connecticut's only School of Character, among 87 statelevel winners recognized nationally.
The school is under consideration for National School of Character status — it earned the honor in 2019, according to the school's website. In 2022 and 2023, though, no Connecticut schools were selected for the national designation.
“It is an honor that Tracey is a trailblazer for social and emotional learning, not only in Norwalk, but as Connecticut's only certified School of Character,” said the school's principal, Lindsay Esposito. “Working together, our strong school community will continue to shape generations of individuals who not only excel academically but contribute positively to society.”
The school 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,” according to a statement from Norwalk Public Schools.
To earn its singular statewide recognition, the magnet school completed an application that evaluated its adherence to Character.org's 11 Principles of Character.
For schools to embody the principles, they must immerse students in an established set of core values that are embedded into “all aspects of school life,” the website states. Community building, moral behavior and comprehensive planning of a character-based curriculum, among others.
“Character, in its essence, is the sum of a person's qualities, values, beliefs, and behaviors that define who they are and how they interact with the world. It is the moral compass that guides one's actions, decisions, and relationships,” Esposito said.
“Tracey Magnet School appreciates the consideration for being named a National School of
Character and remains committed to social emotional learning for all its students,” the NPS statement said. “The school is excited to be pioneers in the field as the state's only certified School of Character.”
Tracey was one of 178 schools and organizations internationally to earn Promising Practices of Character status last October. In the fall, school staff members also presented at the national Character.org forum in Washington, D.C.
Character.org is a Virginia-based nonprofit that provides global leadership, voice and resources for developing character in families, schools and organizations.