Character Education
THE TALLULAH 12
From the T12 guiding principles that shape character to the TFS Houses that build lasting connections, elevating character is at the heart of everything we do.
OUR LIST OF T12 CHARACTERISTICS
1. Make Eye Contact
2. Show Respect
3. Show Gratitude & Stewardship
4. Win & Lose Graciously
5. Get Involved
6. Learn Everyone's Name
7. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
8. Observe Safety Procedures
9. Model Patience
10. Build Community
11. Be a Responsible Manager
12. Own & Learn from Mistakes
Elevating Character at TFS
At Tallulah Falls School, character development is at the heart of everything we do. Through programs like the Tallulah 12 and our House system, we encourage our students to embrace core values that foster community, friendship, integrity, and respect for diversity. By weaving these principles into our educational framework, we’re shaping students who excel academically and grow into compassionate, responsible, and culturally aware leaders.
The Tallulah 12 (T12) is the set of guiding principles TFS uses to inspire character, kindness, confidence, and commitment. It focuses on soft skills directly affecting our students' success and building relationships and community. These themes come alive in the classroom and ripple into the broader school culture.
TFS Houses promote connections between students in all grades. The Houses involve all our students in community, collaboration, and competition. New students are inducted into a House at the beginning of the school year and remain with the same House throughout their time at TFS. The four houses are the Lipscomb Ravens, Harris Hornets, Willard Wolves, and Ottley Owls. The Houses give us ways to apply T12 principles to real-life situations.
UPPER SCHOOL
At the upper school, we inspire students to find their voice and advocate for themselves. Self-advocacy is a vital skill for success, and we ensure they gain the soft skills needed to thrive in a welcoming environment. Frequent House meetings—a cornerstone of the upper school experience—foster personal growth. In these small cohorts, guided by a dedicated faculty member throughout their journey at TFS, students engage in meaningful discussions and activities centered on the Tallulah 12, building skills such as time management, confidence, self-advocacy, and service.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
We want our middle schoolers to embrace responsibility for their lives, make good choices, and understand the impact of their actions. In addition to a daily emphasis on developing strong character, teachers and school counselors share whole-class lessons on study habits, kindness, taking turns, self-regulation, putting in their best efforts, or simply making eye contact. You might find a class in a student-led discussion in a where students pitch ideas and brainstorm on dealing with conflicts, being present, positively contributing, building community, or taking responsibility for their words and actions.
LOWER SCHOOL
In addition to everyday opportunities to practice the T12, our counselor regularly conducts whole-class activities to reinforce character development. Our students practice real-life situations to make better decisions and take responsibility for their actions. You might find a class creating recipes for Friendship Soup – a lesson on building positive and lasting friendships or taking a ride on the Reality Roller Coaster, where they learn it might be harder to do the right thing, but the right thing leads to opportunity, freedom, and self-respect. Lessons reinforce the importance of values and equip students with practical tools.
"BE THe Light"
Service Opportunities
Our houses, clubs, and athletic teams offer students the opportunity to serve their communities. Packing and serving meals to those in need, rebuilding a nature trail and bridge at a local camp, helping with disaster relief, assisting shelter animals, and spending time with retirement home residents are some of the many ways our students serve the community.
