Each year, Character.org certifies schools and districts at the state level that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development, which the organization says has a positive effect on academic achievement, student behavior and school climate.
Fourteen campuses from Harmony Public Schools were named official Texas “State Schools of Character” Tuesday, February 4, 2025 for their outstanding efforts in promoting cultures of character in their schools and communities.
The awards were announced this week by Character.org, a national advocate and leader for character development in schools.
Each year, Character.org certifies schools and districts at the state level that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development, which the organization says has a positive effect on academic achievement, student behavior and school climate.
Only 98 campuses total in America earned the honor. The 14 Harmony campuses selected are:
- Harmony School of Innovation-Austin
- Harmony School of Innovation-El Paso (Middle/HS)
- Harmony School of Innovation-Grand Prairie
- Harmony School of Innovation-Houston
- Harmony School of Innovation-Laredo
- Harmony Science Academy-Austin
- Harmony Science Academy-Beaumont (Middle/HS)
- Harmony Science Academy-Bryan
- Harmony Science Academy-Euless
- Harmony Science Academy-Katy (Elementary)
- Harmony Science Academy-Katy (4-7)
- Harmony Science Academy-Laredo
- Harmony Science Academy-San Antonio
- Harmony Science Academy-Sugar Land
Additionally, Harmony’s North Texas Secondary District, comprised of middle and high school campuses throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and Waco, also was named an official State District of Character. Only four other districts in the U.S. earned the honor.
"Harmony is incredibly proud to celebrate these schools for being named official Texas State Schools of Character by Character.org,” Harmony CEO Fatih Ay said. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our educators, students, and families in fostering a culture of integrity, respect, and excellence. Character education is at the heart of shaping future leaders, and we couldn’t be more honored to see our schools setting the standard."
Forty other Harmony campuses previously earned the honor, which remains with campuses for five years after designation. Twenty of those campuses also won National School of Character honors, making Harmony the most awarded school system in America by Character.org.
Each of these schools has put into place a comprehensive, multi-year approach to character education that inspires their students to understand, care about and consistently practice a set of core values that will enable them to flourish in school, in relationships, in the workplace, and as citizens. The schools then underwent a rigorous evaluation process to achieve their certification, documenting how they have implemented character education best practices and structures at each school.
“These schools and districts have put into place an initiative that equips and empowers their staff to reinforce and model a range of positive core values that will shape and form the hearts, minds, and choices of their students,” said Dr. Arthur Schwartz, Character.org’s President.
Harmony Public Schools is a Texas-born, Texas-wide public charter school system with campuses serving PreK-12 students in 23 cities across the state, including Greater Houston, DFW, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Waco, Lubbock, Midland-Odessa, Bryan, Beaumont, and the Rio Grande Valley. Harmony’s curriculum places a heavy focus on STEM skills, Character Education, project-based learning, and college readiness.
Harmony is now accepting applications for both students and team members for the 2025-26 school year.
About Harmony Public Schools
Harmony Public Schools are 60+ high performing PreK-12 college preparatory charter schools throughout Texas. Harmony blends the highest standards and expectations, with a rigorous math- and science-centered curriculum and dedicated and engaged teachers and families to cultivate excellence and prepare students to succeed in college, careers and life. At Harmony Public Schools, we believe every child can succeed, and we are committed to helping them realize their full potential. To learn more about Harmony Public Schools and our 58 campuses across Texas, please visit: www.harmonytx.org, and follow us on Twitter at @HarmonyEdu and ‘Like’ us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HarmonyTexas.