Ethics, Service & Leadership

Educating Men of Character

Landon develops caring, thoughtful men who realize that their views and ideas matter, that their words can lift others, and that their actions, guided by respect, empathy, inclusivity, and civility, can effect positive change.

It is not just worthy work; it is a moral obligation we owe to our boys, their families, and the world to develop young men who live honorable and ethical lives.

We believe leadership grows from experience, which is why Landon students earn opportunities to take responsibility for their own actions and those of their peers through positions on our student and honor councils, captaincies on our athletic teams, leadership in service initiatives, and more.

Our Mission

Landon School is committed to the ethical, intellectual, and personal development of boys. We challenge and inspire them to think deeply, individually, and broadly; to live with respect and honor; and to grow into healthy, well-rounded men of integrity and character who seek to make a positive difference in the world around them.

Character Pledge

The Landon Mission and Philosophy Statements make clear that character development is central to all we do. Our ability to advance this goal is dependent on the willingness of individual community members to agree to and embrace the principles of good character that are outlined in this Character Pledge.

We therefore ask and expect all Landon students, teachers, and staff to read, sign, and abide by this Character Pledge, which serves as an overarching standard for daily ethical conduct. It includes three parts: an Honor Code, a Civility Code, and an articulation of institutional Core Values.

Honor Code

We regard personal integrity and honor as central to character and to the Landon experience.

Our Honor Code was proposed and adopted by students in 1963 and has continued to be stewarded by the student body ever since. Extending beyond academic work to all facets of Landon life, it has since its inception provided a framework for honest living.

I will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate others doing so.

Civility Code

We also regard civil behavior as central to character and to the Landon experience. The Landon Civility Code dates to 2002, when it was developed by School leadership. Through it, Landon community members agree to regard and treat all people with respect and dignity, and to treat their relationships, school, surroundings, and themselves similarly. In so doing, they further agree not to tolerate others’ behaviors that run counter to these principles.

I will regard and treat all people – whether in word or deed – with respect and dignity. I will treat my relationships, school, surroundings, and myself similarly. I will not tolerate behaviors by others that run counter to the principles of respectful behavior and decency.

Core Values

Respect
Honesty
Teamwork
Responsibility
Perseverance
Kindness
Inclusivity
Courage
Gratitude
Humility
Service

These 11 foundational Core Values at Landon are virtues that our program and experience embrace, teach, and promote.

What is a prefect?

Bears leading Bears

Prefects, our Senior ethics leaders, are leading the way in building relationships across divisions. Find out how their time spent with Lower and Middle School Bears inspires all involved.

Community Service In Action

Landon School expects its boys to commit to a community service program marked by enduring and wide-ranging opportunities. Involvement in these activities helps develop personal attributes and dispositions – civic responsibility, cross-cultural understanding, environmental stewardship, leadership skills, critical thinking, care for place and for others – that are essential to a complete Landon education.

Upper School

Upper School boys not only join service projects in great numbers but also create and develop specific areas of service on their own.

Open Popup about Upper School

Middle School

Landon Middle School works in myriad ways to fulfill the school’s mission by encouraging and facilitating student participation in community service and service learning.

Open Popup about Middle School

Lower School

Regular community service efforts in the Lower School encourage boys to broaden their awareness of the needs of others, and identify activities in which boys can participate to address those needs.

Open Popup about Lower School

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