Character Education

We believe that education has to do with growth not only of the mind, but of the whole person; therefore, we seek to create a moral climate in our school community that encourages the development of good character.  We believe that teachers, staff and parents must work in partnership to create this moral climate both through example and our own commitment to doing the right thing. The focus of character education at Summit School is to promote the practice of respect and responsibility by students, staff and parents.

Our approach to character education varies with the developmental needs of the student.  Our goal is for all members of the Summit community to respect and take responsibility for themselves, their community, and the environment.  To that end, the following core tenets are emphasized:
            Compassion
            Integrity
            Fairness
            Perseverance
            Community

Ultimately, our desire is that each Summit student will develop a strong value system and habits of virtue related to the core tenets of our character.  Students at all levels are involved in community projects, and junior high students are required to take part in community service projects off campus as well.  All ninth graders participate in the Life/SCALE course.  They take the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), study Life Management Skills, donate 12 hours of school and community service, attend five Leadership Lunches to hear from community leaders, and experience one-day career internships and a four-day camping trip to the Pisgah National Forest.