Character Education
Among the most important learning that takes place at Landon is the growth and development of principled young men of character and moral conviction. As a non-sectarian school, Landon does not offer religious education, but we nonetheless offer a rigorous instructional program in ethics, teaching about values every day.
Code of Character
In 2008, Landon adopted a Code of Character which brings together the principles of respect and honesty that are central to the School's Civility and Honor Codes. On the first day of the school year, every member of the community signs the Code of Character, pledging to live by and model these principles.
Boys in Middle and Upper School live by the Honor Code which was written by students in the mid-1960s and reaffirmed in the early 2000s. In addition, the Landon Civility Code calls on each member of the community to respect the needs and interests of all. Our youngest students have their own Lower School Motto, coined by former Lower School Senior Master James Weiss: "Be honest, do your best and help the other fellow."
- Click here to watch the presentation and signing of the Code of Character by the Landon students on September 3, 2008.
Ethics Classes
Headmaster David Armstrong teaches a series of ethics classes to Form III boys. All Upper School students attend an Ethics Assembly once in every eight-day rotation (Day One) as well as an advisory meeting to discuss the speaker on Day Two. Faculty also meet to reflect upon both the speaker and subsequent classroom discussion. At each assembly, one faculty member speaks about a personal topic or experience that shows how they personally attempt to be ethical citizen of the world.
Prefects
As part of the Ethics program, 13 Seniors have been selected as prefects for the 2009-2010 school year. Prefects are expected to model ethical behavior across all divisions by establishing relationships with assigned homerooms and advisories in the Lower and Middle Schools, proctoring the Upper School library and media center, and leading form meetings. In addition, the Prefects will sit as an advisory body to Upper School Head Neil Phillips ’85 should any breaches of the Civility code ensue this year.
Paul Banfield Endowed Chair in Ethics
The Class of 1954 has endowed a chair held by History Teacher John Botti, who works with Assistant Headmaster and Upper School Division Head Neil Phillips ’85 to promote teaching about ethics throughout the school.
The George Boiardi '00 Memorial Forum for Ethical Reflection
This series of lectures, named in memory of an outstanding Landon alumnus, brings special guest speakers to campus to share their vision with students, faculty and parents.
Watch a short video introduction to the Ethics Assemblies series, produced by the Landon Film Club.
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