Jessica Lahey is a former Crossroads Academy teacher who, in 2013, wrote a powerful, first-person testament to the transformative potential of character education—especially when it’s deeply embedded, lived authentically, and part of an intentional school culture. As Head of School, I see our responsibility as ensuring that virtues are not mere ornaments but foundational to our students’ formation as morally grounded, intellectually curious, and emotionally resilient citizens.
By learning from her insights—and the broader research—we can continue fostering a school where character and intellect grow hand in hand.
There are compelling outcomes associated with a strong character education curriculum and culture. Academic climate improves when students exercise self-control and patience—qualities that foster focus and resilience in learning spaces. Community trust and safety grow when respect, responsibility, compassion, and diligence become shared norms. Student well-being and civic readiness are enhanced when we foreground virtues alongside intellectual pursuits.
Crucial to these outcomes is the need for virtue to be woven into the fabric of everyday learning, integrated into literature, discussions, and lived experiences. At Crossroads Academy, we do so intentionally and seamlessly. Stories bring virtue to life for students. They reinforce the idea that virtue is not abstract—it’s embodied.
By using “Strong Minds, Kind Hearts” as the umbrella, we can continue to foster a school culture where character and intellect grow hand in hand.
