Teaching Virtues. Building Future Leaders.

At National Heritage Academies^®, character development is an important part of learning. Through our Moral Focus™ program, students learn virtues like respect, courage, and compassion. They practice these virtues every day at school, at home, and in their communities.

We believe learning how to do the right thing is just as important as learning math or reading. When students treat others with kindness, make wise choices, and take responsibility for their actions, they build habits that help them succeed in school and in life.

Monthly Moral Focus Virtues

As part of the Moral Focus™ program, character building is at the heart of our approach, with a new Moral Focus virtue is emphasized each month of the school year. At least three days a week, students engage in stories, discussions, and fun activities designed to teach these virtues. Through this character-building process, they learn to use:

August/September

WISDOM to make good choices.

October

RESPECT to treat others the way they want to be treated.

November

GRATITUDE to be thankful for all the good things happening in their lives.

December

SELF-CONTROL to control their emotions, actions, and reactions to others.

January

PERSEVERANCE to work hard to reach their goals.

February

COURAGE to trust they have the strength to do difficult things.

March

ENCOURAGEMENT to be there for others when they need motivation.

April

COMPASSION to care for and support others when they need help.

May

INTEGRITY to do what is right, even if it is hard.

Weekly Questions

Students and staff will focus on these virtues by teaching them in classrooms, sharing trading cards and rewarding them when they display these character traits. In addition, each week we will have two guiding questions that help introduce, define, and apply the virtue.

Week 1

What is the Moral Focus virtue this month?
What does it mean?

Week 2

Why is the virtue important?
What are some examples of it?

Week 3

What does this virtue look like and sound
like in action? Why do you want to get
better at it?

Week 4

What are some ways you can use this
virtue in your life? What have you done to
practice using it?

Virtues at Home

Parents are encouraged to support their students to focus on these virtues both at school and at home! Feel free to ask your student the questions above throughout the months, helping to keep them top of mind and to learn their importance beyond the classroom.

When everyone is practicing our Moral Focus virtues, it makes our schools safe and caring places to learn and grow. Outside the classroom, it reinforces the strong moral values that help children interact with their friends, families, and communities with respect and care.

Teaching virtues develops honesty, integrity and responsibility.

Teaching children the importance of moral values leads to honest, empathetic and caring adults. These personal characteristics impact our families, communities, and future. Students who understand and embrace the Moral Focus virtues emphasized in this NHA program benefit in many ways, here are just a few:

Greater peace of mind.

Children who develop a strong moral focus at a young age typically grow up to be people of integrity. They worry less have a more positive outlook and avoid negative situations. When they know who they are and what they stand for, they live with pride and confidence.

Girl with hand to head, thinking of making better choices.

Make better choices.

The greater their self-confidence and empathy, the better their chances for making well-rounded, informed, and wise decisions. Students who grow up with a strong ethical foundation and self-esteem are less likely to be impacted by negative influences or peer pressure.

Child laying on the floor coloring with crayons.

Find purpose.

Strong moral virtues ultimately help them to think about how their actions impact others, and to consider their lives as part of a larger picture. Focusing on others helps them grow to be more caring and considerate – and can help them appreciate a deeper understanding to life.

Top Moral Focus™ Questions from Families Like You

What is Moral Focus™ at NHA?

Moral Focus™ is a character-building program at NHA schools that teaches important virtues like respect, perseverance, and kindness. It helps students develop strong character and make good choices at school, at home, and in their communities.

Why is character education important at NHA schools?

At NHA, we believe academic success and strong character go hand in hand. By focusing on both academics and character, we help students succeed in school, relationships, and future careers.

How can families support Moral Focus™ at home?

Families can support Moral Focus™ by encouraging the monthly virtues at home and recognizing positive behavior in everyday moments. Schools may also share activities and resources to help continue character development beyond the classroom.

Do all NHA schools follow the same Moral Focus™ curriculum?

Yes, all NHA schools follow the Moral Focus™ program, but each school may have its own way of teaching these values through events, projects, and discussions.

How does Moral Focus™ impact student behavior?

Students at NHA schools are encouraged to make good choices and treat others with respect, helping create a positive school environment. Many parents and teachers notice that students become more responsible, kind, and confident leaders.