The Virtue Project is a call to refocus on 12 Core Virtues.

Not the old systems that divide us, but the deeper truths that unite us.

(Respect. Kindness. Honesty. Responsibility. Forgiveness. Wisdom.)

These are not religious values.

They are human virtues.

It’s time we started teaching them again

Openly, intentionally, and together.

It is actually for all age groups.

The 12 Core Virtues and Their Opposites

Virtue Definition Opposite (Non virtue) Definition

 

1. Respect Treating others with dignity, valuing their rights, opinions, and individuality. Disrespect Being rude or demeaning towards others, ignoring their worth or feelings.

 

2. Kindness Showing compassion, generosity, and consideration towards others. Cruelty Acting with hostility, indifference, disregarding the well-being of others.
3. Honesty Speaking and living with truth. Deception Lying, hiding, or pretending to be something you’re not.
4. Responsibility Being accountable for one's actions, fulfilling obligations, and making thoughtful decisions. Irresponsibility Neglecting duties, avoiding accountability, or acting recklessly without considering consequences.
6. Gratitude Recognizing and being thankful for what is good. Entitlement Believing you deserve everything, without thanks.
5. Patience / Perseverance Bearing delays or difficulties without frustration. Impatience Demanding quick results; quitting too soon.
7. Courage Doing what is right, even when it's hard or scary. Cowardice Avoiding what’s hard, letting fear rule decisions.
8. Humility Knowing your value without needing to prove it. Pride / Arrogance Always needing to be right, better, or seen.
9. Self-Control Governing your impulses and emotions. Indulgence Reacting emotionally, giving in to every desire.
10. Compassion Caring deeply about the suffering of others. Indifference Ignoring others’ pain or pretending not to see.
11. Forgiveness Releasing bitterness toward those who wrong you. Resentment Holding onto anger, bitterness, or a desire for revenge.
12. Wisdom The ability to make sound decisions based on knowledge. Folly / Foolish Acting without thought, understanding, or consideration.

We teach math, science, art, and athletics with structure, discipline, and rigor. Why not character?

The soul is not formed by accident.

Virtue can be taught.

Virtue must be taught.

Before it’s too late.

Why Now?

Because the cracks in our culture aren’t academic - they’re moral.

Because the next generation is not lost - they’re looking.

Because the answer isn’t louder ideology - it’s deeper character.

What if character education wasn’t a side note, but a central thread running through every school year?

  • 12 Virtues taught over 9 months of the school year
  • Each virtue is explored for 3 weeks
  • Every grade studies the same virtue at the same time - building a sense of unity across the school
  • Each grade level explores the virtue at an appropriate depth
  • Lessons are flexible, creative, and designed to be inspiring - not burdensome
  • Summer is reserved for reflection, community challenges, and optional enrichment

Let's Not Miss a Day

We have no idea what a simple comment might mean to someone in the future.

The last day of school this year is 6/5/2025

Day
Hour
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The Goal
Ideas for Teachers