Character Education
“Everything is useful which contributes to fix in the principles and practices of virtue.”― Thomas Jefferson
Academic and personal integrity are essential to the success of our educational mission. The school helps parents develop the student’s intellect and character by grounding them in strong morals and responsible citizenship. Liberty Common invests thirteen years of character education into the lives of its students, providing scholars with the moral tools needed to live in a democratic republic and share in common virtues.
Foundation Stones
Liberty Common School defines a standard of behavior using seven foundation stones (emphasized in grades k-6) and six capstone virtues at the junior-high and high-school outlined below to help students internalize virtuous character based on moral habits.
Respect
Showing consideration for others and their property; listening to and following instructions of those in authority; honoring others.
Responsibility
Doing what we have said we will do; being accountable for our actions and consequences because we know right from wrong; being dependable.
Self Control
Taking charge of our actions and feelings, even in difficult situations; making good and right decisions; being able to deal promptly with problems.
Cooperation
Using skills to contribute to the common good; serving others with patience and a positive attitude.
Citizenship
Using the rights and privileges one has as a member of the community to make that community a better place.
Integrity
Knowing the difference between right and wrong and having the courage to do what is right, even when it is not easy to do so.
Perseverance
Sticking to a purpose and never giving up on what one has to do; being determined to improve; being committed to justice.
Capstone Virtues
Character education expands to include six capstone virtues and the Keystone Virtue of Wisdom. These capstones are fundamental virtues indicating honor and maturity. These qualities are studied and advanced through rich literature and biographical example. They are also reinforced through dedicated character assemblies and serve as the pillars of the school’s House System.
Prudence
Predicated upon practical reason, prudence entails discernment of the true good surrounding every situation and seeks the moral means of achieving it.
Temperance
Restraint in passions of ambition and pleasure. Temperance places intellect, balance, and reason above impulsiveness, setting limits in order to attain that which is honorable.
Justice
Balance between self-interest and the rights of others. Justice entails a mature appreciation of what is due another whether among equals, superiors, or subordinates.
Fortitude
Including forbearance, endurance and the ability to withstand fear, uncertainty or intimidation, Fortitude is the strength to defend what is good.
Gratitude
An inclination to express thankfulness and gratefulness to others for their gifts and gestures of kindness, Gratitude kindles virtue in both ourselves and others.
Patriotism
Devotion and dedication to the country – allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and justice for all.
Wisdom - The LCHS Keystone Virtue
The soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of experience, knowledge, and good judgment.
*With regard to Prudence, Temperance, Justice, and Fortitude, Plato identified these virtues with the classes of the city described in The Republic, and with the faculties of man. They are also known as the “cardinal virtues,” indicating “the hinges upon which the door of the moral life swings.”