Character Development

100% of our community members regularly participate in Hyde’s character program

Character development is not an “add-on” at Hyde, it is the foundation upon which our college-ready curriculum is built. While many schools support character growth, what distinguishes Hyde is our holistic approach to character development and our distinct character-building practices.

Also, while our primary goal is the development of each child, our experience has taught us that all constituents, including students, families, and teachers, must strive for personal growth in order for Hyde’s students to achieve it. For this reason, 100% of our community members regularly participate in Hyde’s character program, from family members to school directors to faculty.

Our collective effort, authentic partnerships with families, and consistent self-reflection attend to the greater humanity of the children we serve, something we believe other urban schools too often miss.

School Meetings

School Meetings convene the entire school to learn about an element of the Hyde philosophy, to strengthen the school’s character-culture, to celebrate success with one another, and to respond to current events. This meeting is an opportunity for students and faculty to reflect on the progress and direction of the larger school community, and is led by a consistent school leader.

Discovery Groups

Discovery Groups create a physically and emotionally safe place for students to grow in their understanding of themselves. Under the guidance of a consistent faculty mentor, these small groups develop a sense of trust, support, and challenge among our students. Discovery Groups promote students’ self-reflective skills, meta-cognitive thinking, and personal growth based on a cycle of action and reflection.

Seminars

Seminars are a powerful tool for personal growth. Typically utilized in Discovery Groups, we use the Seminar structure to examine our personal habits, attitudes, and emotions, in an effort to become the best version of ourselves. In Seminars we have the opportunity to share our thoughts and feelings with one another, and we support each other through constructive feedback based on personal experience.

Signature Practices

In addition to our consistent character-building practices, Hyde students participate in a variety of distinct learning opportunities prior to graduation. These include:

Stepping Up Ceremonies
Off-Site Retreats
Group Performances
Individual Performances
Senior Evaluation Process

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Adriana

Class of 2016

“Being a first-generation student, I was looking forward to Commencement more then anything. It was more then just a ceremony for me; It was recognizing all the hard work I put in through my four years. It was showing me that I was more than a statistic within the Latinx community. Graduating helped me prove that even though I did not have access to opportunities other people may have, I did my best with what I did have. I tried my best in everything I pursued, and that is what helped me get to where I am today.

When campus closed in March and, later, Commencement was canceled, I didn’t know what to feel. I felt betrayed in a way. I felt like something was taken from me. I couldn’t believe the moment I was waiting for was gone just like that. My family and I were planning months ahead to make sure everyone would be able to be there. This was not only a celebration for me, but for my family, as well. Instead, I was able to celebrate in August with immediate family and friends. Although I knew the feeling wouldn’t be the same as an actual Commencement ceremony, they made sure to make me feel extra appreciated that day…”

C. Donofrio, M., 2020. Utica Magazine, [online] (Fall 2020). Available at: <https://www.utica.edu/directory/marketing-and-communications/utica-magazine?fbclid=IwAR2m0UHPC72zV3rowoFcoKB0XClJg0fLfqREBCBE5wDfM9V37M5NYUeRDWE> [Accessed 30 March 2021].