Character Education has been integrated into the curriculum at Carmel Elementary School since its establishment in 2000. Carmel is unique in size, one of the largest elementary schools in Georgia with 1267 K-5 students, 38% of whom are on free or reduced lunch. Yet Carmel has made AYP each year. In 2005, Carmel received a Learn and Serve Grant due to staff believing that students should be taught to be compassionate through activies such as writing books for the elderly. A service component is embedded into the curriculum and all students complete class and school-wide projects.

Carmel has received Promising Practices and two SSOC awards. Carmel strives to accomplish school-wide consistency utilizing the same grade level discipline plans and infusing goals with Responsive Classrooms techniques (Morning Meetings and positive language). Carmel integrates proactive influences with Olweus anti-bullying classes and an adapted Positive Behavior system. The Positive Behavior Committee oversees the program and analyzes data by getting feedback (office referrals/surveys/reflections) from stakeholders (staff, students, parents, PTA), to promote change. Carmel adopts the philosophy that school life is practice for real life and accepts the responsibility of teaching children how to be people of good character.

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