Tracey Magnet School Named Only CT School of Character

Character.org recently recognized Tracey Magnet School as Connecticut’s only School of Character. The elementary school is currently under consideration for National School of Character recognition.

“It is an honor that Tracey is a trailblazer for social and emotional learning, not only in Norwalk, but as Connecticut’s only certified School of Character,” said Lindsay Esposito, principal of Tracey Magnet School. “Working together, our strong school community will continue to shape generations of individuals who not only excel academically but contribute positively to society.

Tracey has implemented a comprehensive approach to help students understand, care about, and consistently practice character strengths that will help them flourish in school, in their relationships, and as citizens of an ever-changing world.

The magnet school completed a rigorous application process that included an evaluation by a team of individuals trained in the 11 Principles of Character. The team looks to ensure that the principles are embedded into the school’s academics, the family component, community partnerships through service learning, and developing the whole child through social and emotional learning. Schools are scored on a rubric that measures proficiency of embedding character education throughout a child’s school experience.

“Character, in its essence, is the sum of a person’s qualities, values, beliefs, and behaviors that define who they are and how they interact with the world. It is the moral compass that guides one’s actions, decisions, and relationships,” Esposito said.

In Fall 2023, a group of Tracey staff members were selected to present at the national Character.org forum in Washington D.C. The school also received its award for Promising Practice in recognition of its character education report card, which measures students’ character growth and development.

Tracey Magnet School appreciates the consideration for being named a National School of Character and remains committed to social emotional learning for all its students. The school is excited to be pioneers in the field as the state’s only certified School of Character.