Crestview, Eureka High, Lafayette, Ridge Meadows Named National Schools of Character

Crestview Middle, Eureka and Lafayette high schools and Ridge Meadows Elementary have each been certified as a 2026 National School of Character by Character.org.

These four Rockwood schools are among 72 schools from around the world that have been designated as National Schools of Character for 2026. They are also among 15 schools in the state of Missouri to earn recognition this year.

Eureka High was certified as both a State and National School of Character this year – its first time earning both honors – and Crestview, Lafayette and Ridge Meadows earned National School of Character status after Crestview and Ridge Meadows earned State School of Character last year and Lafayette in 2024.

“This honor belongs to all of you,” Eureka High Principal Dr. Corey Sink wrote in a message to the school community. “To our students, this recognition reflects the way you show up each day: how you treat one another, the pride you take in your learning and the way you represent the Wildcat Way through integrity, respect, empathy, critical thinking and work ethic. To our families, thank you for your partnership, support and the values you reinforce at home. Your role in shaping the character of our students is essential and deeply appreciated. We believe that success is about more than academics alone. Through relationships, high expectations and a shared commitment to our core values, we are preparing students not only for graduation but for life.

“This recognition is not the result of a single program but of a sustained commitment across classrooms, activities and everyday interactions. It reflects who we are as a school community. Thank you for the pride you bring to Eureka High School. This is a moment to celebrate what we have accomplished together and continue building on that momentum.”

This recognition is given to schools who have achieved a standard of excellence in character development through their exemplary implementation of Character.org's 11 Principles of Effective Character Education, a framework for whole-school improvement​. A team of trained evaluators assess each school based on these principles. Schools of Character earn their designations for five years.

This is the first time Ridge Meadows has earned National School of Character and the second time each for Crestview and Lafayette.

“Being named a National School of Character is a testament to the students and staff for the kindness, respect and heart they bring to school every day,” said Ridge Meadows Principal Dr. Amy Digman. “We believe that when students feel a sense of belonging and purpose, they thrive in every aspect of their lives. This achievement belongs to the entire community of our dedicated staff, our hard-working students and our supportive families. Our Roadrunners will continue this vital work and take pride in serving as a model for excellence in character.”

In all, 23 Rockwood schools and programs have been named National Schools of Character and 25 have been named State Schools of Character. The program recognizes schools that demonstrate a focus on character development that has positively impacted academic achievement, student behavior and school climate.

“Schools of Character show us what is possible when a school community commits to intentionally building a culture where students learn not only academic skills but also empathy, curiosity, civic responsibility and perseverance,” Nicole Diehl, executive director of Schools of Character, said in a press release. “The schools recognized this year represent diverse communities, grade levels and educational approaches. Recognition as a State or National School of Character reflects years of thoughtful work by educators, students and families to ensure that character is lived and practiced every day.”