Our 8 Character Traits
Since Union Academy's founding in 2000, our eight character traits—Compassion, Adaptability, Respect, Responsibility, Optimism, Trustworthiness, Perseverance, and Initiative—have served as the foundation for everything we do. These traits guide our decisions, shape our culture, and inspire our students and staff to embody the principles of integrity and service. By emphasizing these core values, we prepare students not only for academic success but also to become thoughtful, resilient, and ethical members of their communities. At Union Academy, we are committed to instilling these traits as lifelong habits, ensuring our motto of Challenge, Character, Community is upheld in every aspect of our mission.
Compassion
Teaches us that the other person is equally and even more important than ourselves. It shapes our attitude toward the UA family and our global, interrelated world.
Adaptability
Teaches us that all people and situations are different and through cooperation and acceptance of change we can overcome more than we once thought possible. Adaptability can be shown in the classroom, sporting events, and other activities.
Respect
Teaches us that each person has a dignity all his own and our response to each other is our sign of mutual respect, care, and concern. It decreases bullying and abusive attitudes and never promotes a “greater than thou” perception.
Responsibility
Teaches us to interact with and give the same value to all people, things, and shared common property. Becoming an adult is a journey and each step is shaped by our responsible responses to each other. Our decisions shape us and the world around us. School community is a responsible choice that we uphold, cherish and value.
Optimism
Teaches us that being positive and responding to each person in a positive manner shapes our environment and our school culture. Our relationship to others must be positive at all times. Negativity and criticism diminish the value of others and of ourselves
Trustworthiness
Teaches us that our credibility is seen, measured, and veiled by others, but, in the end, how we value ourselves is most important. We are members of a community - a family of students, teachers, and staff.