Character Education has been initiated 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 1223 K-5 students, which presents challenges as 42% of students are on free/ reduced lunch. Carmel has made AYP each year. In 2005, Carmel received the Learn and Serve Grant due to staff beliefs that students should be taught to be compassionate (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 Practice awards, two SSOC, and one NSOC finalist award. Carmel strives to accomplish school-wide consistencies 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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