3 Local Schools Among Under 75 in US Designated National Schools of Character

Two schools in Tuscaloosa and one in Northport received high honors this week as they were named National Schools of Character - a title bestowed upon fewer than 75 schools in the United States this year.

“Each of these schools and school districts has put in place a comprehensive approach to help their students understand, care about, and consistently practice the core values that will enable them to flourish in school, in relationships, in the workplace, and as citizens,” said Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org.

The outstanding local performers are Central Elementary School and Northridge Middle School in Tuscaloosa and Huntington Place Elementary School in Northport.

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HPES, a star of the Tuscaloosa County School System, is receiving the honor for the second time - they were also designated a National School of Character in 2020 and had their status renewed this year after it expired.

In a press release celebrating the honor Friday, a TCSS spokesperson highlighted the success of the Wildcat Way - HPES's character education initiative developed in a collaboration with the Hope Institute at Samford University.

"The Wildcat Way reinforces the school’s core values of kindness, respect, compassion, honesty, and responsibility," they said. "In addition to building positive character traits, the Wildcat Way creates a shared language and value system that goes beyond grade levels and home rooms, strengthening the sense of community among students, faculty, and staff."

In the TCSS System, other past honorees include Northside Middle School in 2024 and Walker Elementary in 2020. Several TCSS schools have earned the designation of State School of Character.

In city limits, Tuscaloosa City Schools saw Central Elementary and Northridge Middle named 2025 National Schools of Character, joining five other TCS schools that have earned the designation.

“Central Elementary and Northridge Middle have done remarkable work in shaping school cultures rooted in respect, support and high expectations,” said outgoing Superintendent Mike Daria. “To have both schools recognized at the national level affirms the deep impact of their work and our districtwide commitment to character education.”

Central Elementary School in West Tuscaloosa has seen marked academic improvement in the last three years, and principal Cynthia Huff said behavior has also gotten better.

“Our ‘Character Houses’ program has helped foster a strong sense of belonging among students, while reinforcing positive behaviors and relationships,” Huff said. “We’ve seen a notable decline in discipline incidents, and an increase in mutual respect and pride throughout our school.”

At Northridge Middle, Principal Jami Rainey said her staff is working every day to make sure each Jaguar is being taught to be a respectful, supportive, excellent community member.

“This recognition is a testament to the daily efforts of our students, staff and families,” said Principal Jami Rainey. “It reflects who we are and the culture we’ve built together. We are honored to be a National School of Character.”

“These recognitions show that our character work is not just transformative, but sustainable,” Daria said. “We’re proud of our schools and the values they instill in our students every day.”

Congratulations to the staff, students and parents of all three schools for this terrific recognition.