Character Development

Character development and the cultivation of values are fundamental to how and what we teach at each and every grade level. Character matters at Williams.

We teach and encourage effective problem solving. Two guiding principles in our philosophy are “Honor before Honors” and “with privilege comes responsibility.” Kindness and respect for one another are paramount, with an emphasis on doing the right thing even when no one is looking.

In addition to the hundreds of teachable moments that occur in our learning spaces and hallways, we seek to develop our students’ character during Weekly Assembly, as part of our Big/Little Program, and through Student Leadership opportunities.

Weekly Assembly

Led by our Head of School, weekly assemblies focus on the “what” (definition of a particular value); the “how” (examples of how to implement that value); and the “why” (the importance of incorporating and exhibiting a value).

Held during the morning, assemblies are also an opportunity for our school community to come together and our parents and families are always welcome.

Big/Little Sibling Program

An extension of a tradition started back in 1973, our Big-Little Brother-Sister Program pairs older students with younger students. “Bigs” take tremendous pride in being responsible for – and adored by – their younger charges, and “Littles” thrive by having a role model to guide them.

Student Leadership: Student Council Association and Honor Council

The Student Council Association (SCA) was established to organize and encourage Middle School student leadership. Students elected to the SCA represent their classmates by discussing and solving student and teacher concerns.

The Honor Council is comprised of six Middle School student-representatives elected by their peers. The purpose of the Honor Council is to encourage students to live our motto of “Honor before Honors.” Members of this group provide peer counseling for students on an individual and group basis as directed by the Guidance Counselor.

Character Development