The ten key findings from this project fit together and arise out of the essential commitment to building trust and truth seeking.

This report describes 10 ideas that, although to varying degrees and in a variety of forms, are common to each of the schools participating in this project. Each of findings forms a section of the report. Each of these sections is organized the same way:

  • Connection: We identify the finding and its relevance to trust levels at the school.
  • Description: We provide adult and student thinking about the finding and its importance to the educational experience.
  • Replication: We provide the specific, practical essence of the finding that can be replicated in any other school context.

This report does not attribute quotations or ideas to individuals or schools, both to honor confidentiality and to avoid any appearance of favoritism. We recognize that ours is a limited sample and that many other independent high schools across the U.S. and Canada, and all over the world, are equally effective at inspiring a balance of academics and ethics in the lives of their young people. It is our hope that this report will shed light and provide support to this important endeavor.

Note to Readers: This project begins to set the groundwork for cultures of integrity in schools. When replicating these findings it assumes ethical behavior and that readers know right from wrong.