Learning Through Immersion

A Character Walk is an immersive, site-based learning experience where participants observe how character is intentionally embedded into school culture, instruction, and relationships. Each visit offers an authentic window into how institutions are deepening their character-based approach and a chance to reflect on how those practices and insights can shape and inspire your own work. Each walk is anchored in a local problem of practice identified by the host school, focusing observation and dialogue on a real, relevant challenge connected to character development.

Why Character Walks?

✓ see character in action as it’s practiced and refined, not as a theory or slogan

✓ develop a shared language for observing and discussing character formation efforts

✓ connect research-informed frameworks to real, evolving school practice

✓ Surface practical insights adaptable across diverse settings

✓ learn alongside participants from K-12, higher ed, research, and practice

Upcoming Character Walks

September 14-16, 2026

St. Louis, MO

Nance Elementary School & Hancock High School

This Character Walk offers a unique opportunity to observe how school and district leaders build culture with intention and align daily practice to shared values. Through school visits and peer exchange, you will deepen your understanding of character education in action and reflect on how to strengthen culture within your own context.

Registration is Full

November 2-4, 2026

Richmond, CA

Voices College-Bound Language Academies

Voices College-Bound Language Academies in West Contra Costa is a TK–8 dual-immersion school community in Richmond, California, working to make character education inseparable from the work of academic transformation. What began as a focus on systems and instruction continues to evolve towards a deeper commitment to relationships, belonging, purpose, and character as the foundation for lasting school change. Through bilingual learning, culturally sustaining practices, and our shared values of In Lak’Ech, Activismo, Escolaridad, and Sí Se Puede, we are cultivating students who lead with empathy and a strong sense of community while honoring the rich cultural and linguistic strengths they bring to school each day. Visitors will experience a vibrant and still evolving learning community where students, staff, and families are learning, growing, and “Soaring to Excellence” together in both English and Spanish.

Registration is Full.

Nominate a School for a Character Walk

Character Walks bring community members into schools and universities to witness character in action across leadership, classrooms, and culture. If you know a school that gets it right, we want to hear from you.

Click Here to Nominate