Only 15 campuses in Texas and 73 in the U.S. earned the prestigious honor
Nine campuses from Harmony Public Schools were named official Texas “State Schools of Character” for their outstanding efforts in promoting cultures of character in their schools and communities.
The awards were announced this week by Character.org, a national advocate and leader for character development in schools.
Each year, Character.org certifies schools and districts at the state level that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development, which the organization says has a positive effect on academic achievement, student behavior and school climate.
Only 15 schools in Texas, and 73 across the U.S. earned this honor. Harmony earned more State School of Character honors than any other U.S. school system.
“A culture of character infuses everything we do at Harmony,” Harmony CEO Fatih Ay said, “because we believe that with a strong character, our students will be able to take on whatever challenges and opportunities await them with integrity, determination and empathy for those around them.”
The nine Harmony campuses selected were:
- Harmony School of Achievement-Houston
- Harmony School of Excellence-Laredo
- Harmony School of Exploration-Houston
- Harmony School of Fine Arts & Technology-Houston
- Harmony School of Innovation-Dallas
- Harmony School of Science-El Paso
- Harmony Science Academy-Dallas High
- Harmony Science Academy-El Paso
- Harmony Science Academy-Houston
Thirteen other Harmony campuses previously earned the honor, which remains with campuses for five years after designation. Seven of those campuses also won National School of Character honors. Those campuses were:
- Harmony School of Advancement – Houston*
- Harmony School of Excellence – Houston*
- Harmony School of Innovation – Garland
- Harmony School of Innovation – Sugar Land
- Harmony Science Academy – Dallas Middle
- Harmony Science Academy-Cedar Park*
- Harmony Science Academy-Pflugerville
- Harmony School of Innovation-Fort Worth*
- Harmony Science Academy-Garland
- Harmony School of Endeavor-Houston*
- Harmony School of Innovation – Houston*
- Harmony School of Science-Houston*
- Harmony School of Innovation-Katy
*Both a State School of Character and National School of Character recipient
Each of these schools has put into place a comprehensive, multi-year approach to character education that inspires their students to understand, care about and consistently practice a set of core values that will enable them to flourish in school, in relationships, in the workplace, and as citizens. The schools then underwent a rigorous evaluation process to achieve their certification, documenting how they have implemented character education best practices and structures at each school.
Harmony Public Schools is a Texas-born, Texas-wide public charter school system with campuses serving PreK-12 students in 23 cities across the state, including Greater Houston, DFW, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Waco, Lubbock, Odessa, Bryan, Beaumont, and the Rio Grande Valley. Harmony’s curriculum places a heavy focus on STEM skills, Character Education, project-based learning, and college readiness.
Harmony is now accepting applications for both students and team members for the 2023-24 school year.