The Fruit of the Spirit in Everyday School Life

Parents often ask the same question when touring a school: “Will my child be challenged academically?” It’s an important question. Many families today are also searching for something deeper. In a world that feels increasingly fast-paced and complex, character matters more than ever, and the best schools do not treat it as an add-on. They incorporate it into the daily rhythm of campus life.

At St. Barnabas Episcopal School in DeLand, character development is intentionally woven into the student experience alongside robust and rigorous academics. The school’s approach includes a monthly focus on the Fruit of the Spirit – virtues and essential life skills, beginning with love and adding a new trait each month. This structure gives students daily opportunities to learn, practice, and live out these values in meaningful ways.

What does that look like in real life? It means children aren’t just learning reading, writing, and math. They are also being coached in qualities like kindness, patience, self-control, and faithfulness. Through consistent language, clear expectations, and positive encouragement, students learn that who they are becoming matters.

At St. Barnabas, the Fruit of the Spirit is reinforced across campus through chapel, Christian Education classes, and a classroom culture grounded in respect and responsibility. One practical way this focus comes to life is through positive recognition. The school’s “Gotcha” Program encourages teachers and staff to intentionally notice and celebrate actions that demonstrate servant leadership and strong character.

This kind of reinforcement matters, teaching students that character is built through practice. At St. Barnabas Episcopal School, our STREAM (Science, Technology, Relationships, Arts, and Math) philosophy integrates learning across subjects for deeper understanding, while our Middle School Crew Program strengthens relationships through weekly challenges, team-building, and service learning. An incentive-based points system has led to fewer conduct infractions and increased recognition for service, kindness, and academic achievement.

Families experience and support this kind of growth at home as well. A few simple ways to reinforce character formation beyond the classroom include:

• Name it when you see it. When your child shows patience, honesty, courage, or kindness, say it out loud.
• Make it practical. Ask questions like, “What did it look like to show love today?” or “When was self-control hard?”
• Model it. Children learn character by observation, especially in how adults respond under pressure.
• Celebrate progress, not perfection. Growth in virtue happens over time through guidance, practice, and repetition. Experiencing failure is often the best learning tool.
  

The goal is not simply good behavior and good grades. The goal is to raise and empower children with a solid moral and academic foundation in a faith-based environment centered on God’s Word. Students who grow in faith, develop strong life skills, and become the kind of friends and classmates who strengthen their school community.

To learn more about St. Barnabas Episcopal School (PK4–8th grade) or to schedule a tour, families may contact David Dugo, Director of Admissions, at (386) 734-3005 or ddugo@sbesyes.org.