Stories

The value of a truly excellent education does not merely come from what is being taught or the quality of instruction, but from the opportunities to apply that learning in the service of others. Thus, lessons in leadership ultimately become a mindset, not just an action or series of actions. 

A few months ago I was working with one of our 8th graders, Cole, as he prepared for his high school admissions interviews. I asked him to define leadership as a concept. After a moment reflecting on his time at Charlotte Prep from early school onward, Cole confidently replied that leadership “is not just about stepping up, but stepping down and putting yourself in someone else’s shoes to understand their situation and really see how best to help them.” A profound thought, but also an incredibly genuine reflection of the values our community upholds.

Cole has learned that leadership is not about grandiose statements or titles, but rather serving others–called servant leadership. This leadership lesson finds its way into everyday classes and interactions with teachers, and those important moments working with peers. We see the sparks of servant leadership when our early school students demonstrate kindness towards their classmates, when our third graders serve as BUDEEs to the TK students, and when our middle schoolers offer their talents and time for others’ benefit. 

By the time our students reach middle school, they are ready to step into more comprehensive expressions of servant leadership. More than a third of our 5th graders serve in our Student Council with the desire to put their efforts towards helping create events that enhance our school culture and make the middle school a joyous, positive place. Many of our 8th graders, as part of their capstone experience, have been taking time during their own study halls and lunches to tutor their 4th-grade BUDEEs. They go above and beyond in their efforts, thinking about their younger peers’ unique personalities and creating review games to make the time more fun. 

Why are Prep students so comfortable in the mindset of servant leadership? Because they recognize how essential every member of our community is and have ample opportunities to be important in the life of our school. We have a strong student body because each student’s efforts matter. I still think back to moments at my own alma mater and class of 31 people; every single one of us had equally key roles to play and opportunities to leverage our talents. Just like I did decades ago, Prep students learn from wonderful models of leadership in their teachers and those ‘older’ students they look up to, and when it is their time to lead, they know to step down, empathize, and work together in service of their classmates and our whole school community.

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