Three Tuscaloosa City Schools Named State Schools Of Character

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa City Schools this week announced that three of its schools have been named a 2025 State School of Character for Alabama.

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The schools honored were Rock Quarry Elementary, Central Elementary and Northridge Middle School, with the award recognizing schools that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development and have formed a positive and powerful school culture.

“We are excited and proud that three more schools in our system were recognized for their character education efforts,” Superintendent Mike Daria said. “It is truly having a profound, positive impact on our schools.”

State Schools of Character must demonstrate a proactive approach to principles such as school culture and climate, social and emotional learning and student engagement.

TCS said each award recipient must also have a set of “core values” that guide and unite the school community.

Central Elementary was honored for its character programming after the school created "Character Houses" geared toward enriching students' character but also strengthening a sense of belonging.

"At Central Elementary, our commitment to our core values-respect, open-mindedness, accountability, and respect has fostered a stronger, more unified school community," CES principal Cynthia Huff said. "This unwavering dedication to character development is what helped us earn this recognition."

Northridge Middle Principal Jami Rainey said the recognition can be traced back to the question of "What does it mean to be a Jag?"

"Throughout the school and NMS community, our daily interactions and expectations reflect these character traits," Rainey said. "A Jag is respectful, supportive, dedicated to community and committed to excellence. We are all proud to be a Jag. NMS is excited and honored to be designated as a State School of Character."

Rock Quarry School Counselor Angela Chandler said a well-rounded education means learning about academics but also about character.

"We know that academics are an incredibly important protective factor in our kids’ lives; but, we want them to be the best version of themselves that they can be," Chandler said. "We envision our students growing up to be healthy, well-balanced individuals with great friends, great citizens, and to do important work making the world a better place. We know that teaching about character plants the seeds for true character development. We do our best to make sure all of our students feel seen, heard, and understood."

The district has had a total of eight State Schools of Character and five National Schools of Character over the years, including: Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools-Elementary, Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools – Middle, Westlawn Middle, Skyland Elementary and Oakdale Elementary.

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