Forest Park Individual Education (I.E.) School has been named an Illinois state-level School of Character by Character.org. Forest Park is the only school in the state to receive this recognition this year.
Character.org certifies schools and districts each year at the state level that have developed and implemented an intentional, proactive, and comprehensive approach that embeds character into all aspects of the school life. Schools and districts receiving this designation will be considered for a National School of Character distinction, the highest honor a school or district can receive from Character.org. Since its inception, Character.org’s Schools of Character program has positively impacted over three million students, staff, parents, and other community members.
“Congratulations to Forest Park Principal Jacob Darley and his entire Forest Park staff for being named an Illinois School of Character,” said Joliet Public Schools District 86 Superintendent Dr. Theresa Rouse, “This is the second time Forest Park has received this prestigious honor.”
Forest Park I.E. received their first state level Character.org award in 2017 and was named a 2020 National School of Character.
“I am so proud of the hard work my teachers, staff, and families put in on a daily basis to make our school a true community,” said Forest Park I.E. School Principal Jacob Darley, “It is validating to know an outside organization recognizes all the effort and commitment that goes into making our school thrive.”
"Each of 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.
Criteria for selection are based on Character.org’s 11 Principles Framework for Schools: A Guide to Cultivating a Culture of Character. The Framework includes key indicators on creating a caring school community where everyone feels they belong, providing students with opportunities to practice, and reflect on their character strengths, and engaging families and communities as partners in the school’s character initiative.