Character Development

At Hawken, we understand that our purpose of “forward-focused preparation for the real world through the development of character and intellect” holds us to a much higher challenge. We are committed to providing an atmosphere where the timeless values of character, empathy, and respect are just as important and expected as academic excellence.

We prepare students for the future, with character as an intended classroom purpose.  Throughout our curriculum, from Prekindergarten to Grade 12, we have woven opportunities to develop character skills, from community service learning projects in the Lower School to the 12th Grade Peer Leadership program. Although there are specific programs that encourage character development and leadership, such as the maintenance of the Eco Garden, and a school wide array of partnerships with area service organizations, we are committed to a diverse campus where expression of character is expected and maintained. We actively accept our responsibility as educators to encourage the “better self” in all of our students, and to help them develop the skills needed for respectful and effective discourse and interaction, regardless of gender, race, religion or socio-economic status.

These are some examples of our purposeful, age appropriate programs that are incorporated into our curriculum to help our students find their “better self.”

Lower School
All Lower School students participate in multi-age, inclusion group activities that celebrate individual differences and the richness of the cultures contained within our community.

Each grade level in the Lower School has an ongoing relationship with an established local community service group. This provides service learning opportunities such as making blankets for hospitalized children, providing clothing and personal items for families in need, and volunteering at a local food bank.  

Students also share responsibility for the maintenance of the Eco Garden and the collection and sharing of produce with our local community and dining facilities. 

The Student Committee gives Grades 3-5 an opportunity to work together on Lower School service learning projects. Chosen representatives from each grade level meet weekly to plan upcoming events. They become their classmates’ ambassadors as projects unfold, and are provided with an excellent introduction to community decision-making, in a format that nurtures multi-grade level friendships. 

The 5th Grade leadership program develops personal, classroom, school, and community leadership skills, and offers students opportunities to apply and develop them through practical application.  

Middle School
The Middle School Advisory program addresses aspects of character education through formal and informal programming throughout the year. Advisory groups meet every morning, and for an extended period of time once a week. 

The meetings are designed to encourage and develop socialization skills and peer relationships, along with study and decision-making skills. Advisors meet on a weekly basis with other grade-level advisors to discuss student progress and coordinate curriculum.

Students are required to participate in two sports in Grades 7 and 8. Sixth Grade students participate in an intramural program that offers an opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired in the program’s instructional phase.   Along with building athletic skills, and providing a healthy stress outlet, intramural athletic participation is a practical and important real life application of the “Fair Play” concept, and another learning opportunity to develop team and leadership skills.  

Upper School
Peer Leadership consists of 18 seniors who regularly meet with freshmen throughout the year to help with the 9th Grade students on their academic and social transition to the Upper School. Peer Leaders also assist with the 9th Grade retreat and the New Student Orientation. 

The Upper School House System promotes school spirit, healthy competition, and service learning while providing opportunities for interaction across grade levels. Students are assigned to one of the following four houses according to their advisory: Ansel, Bolton, Chester, or Mather.  Houses compete for the Dobay Cup which is awarded at the end of the school year. 

The Senate is a legislative body composed of an equal number of faculty and students. The Senate’s mission is to advance the academic and non-academic life of the Upper School and through this process, to foster communication between students, faculty, parents, and administration. 

Additional co-curricular clubs and activities such as Student Council, Community Service Council, Energy Team, Robotics, Academic Challenge, Power of the Pen, and Musical Theater to name a few, offer other leadership and teamwork opportunities.

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An independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school, toddler through grade 12

Early Childhood, Lower, and Middle Schools, 5000 Clubside Rd, Lyndhurst, OH 44124
Birchwood School of Hawken, 4400 West 140th Street, Cleveland, OH 44135 

Upper School, PO Box 8002 (12465 County Line Rd), Gates Mills, OH 44040
Mastery School of Hawken, 11025 Magnolia Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106

Gries Center, 10823 Magnolia Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106

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