#Grand Rapids #National Heritage Academies #Character Development #Moral Focus

The Power of Character Development at National Heritage Academies®

National Heritage Academies® (NHA®) is pioneering a transformative approach to education by placing a strong focus on building character among students. This initiative, known as the Moral Focus™ program, aims to instill fundamental virtues such as respect, compassion, integrity, and perseverance from a young age. This holistic approach to education not only helps students achieve academic success but also prepares them to make positive choices throughout their lives.

One poignant example of the impact of the Moral Focus program can be seen through the experiences of Elijah Martin, a sixth-grade student at Pembroke Academy in Detroit. Elijah’s mother, Kimberly, has observed notable changes in his behavior after two years in the program. She highlights the way Elijah interacts with his younger cousins, integrating the virtues he learns at school into his everyday life. “I see it when he responds to his younger cousins,” she expressed. “Elijah is showing how they need to control themselves and practice compassion.”

NHA's Moral Focus™ program is designed to cater to students of all ages. Morgan Faasse, the lead for the Moral Focus team, emphasizes that the curriculum meets students where they are developmentally. This approach is validated by a recent satisfaction survey where over 15,000 parents voiced their approval of the program's positive impact on their children, with a remarkable four out of five agreeing.

The foundation of the Moral Focus program involves monthly lessons focusing on a specific virtue. Each month, students are introduced to a definition of the virtue, real-world applications, personal reflections on its relevance to their lives, and opportunities to practice what they have learned. By the end of the school year, students will have explored and practiced nine distinct virtues, providing them with essential tools to navigate choices in school, home, and their wider communities.

For instance, December's highlighted virtue is self-control, a timely selection given the holiday season's demands and the accompanying emotional challenges. Teachers passionately integrate these virtues into their daily lessons, ensuring they are part of every discussion and activity within the classroom.

A recent Moral Focus Contest saw students express how the program has shaped their understanding of character. Hundreds of submissions featured art and writing that articulated their personal reflections. Notable entries included a poem by Ashley, a fifth grader, encouraging perseverance, and another by Camila, a seventh grader, which contemplated integrity in profound terms. These works resonate with the mission of NHA to cultivate an environment where character development equates to student empowerment.

Faasse reflects on the unique approach of connecting virtues to students' daily experiences, stating, “The more they practice these virtues, the more it can become a part of who they are.