The Ethical Society Children's Ethics Program seeks to affirm the special worth of every human being and to encourage the development of those values which integrate each child into the greater human family. In a warm, caring atmosphere, where all questions can be asked and no answers dismissed or ignored, children gain a sense belonging and have an opportunity to share thoughts and feelings. An exploration of past and present values and spiritual traditions, as well as the whole fabric of human experience and imaginings will help each child in the search for ultimate values in his/her own life. By identifying ethics as central to religion, children are encouraged to explore their own values and beliefs, with the 12 Ethical Culture values emphasized throughout Sunday morning lessons.

ETHICAL CULTURE CORE VALUES

• Every person is important and unique.
• Every person deserves to be treated fairly and kindly.
• I can learn from everyone.
• I am part of this earth; I cherish it and all life upon it.
• I learn from the world around me by using my senses, mind and feelings.
• I am a member of the world community which depends on the cooperation of all people for peace and justice.
• I can learn from the past to build for the future.
• I am free to question.
• I am free to choose what I believe.
• I accept responsibility for my choices and actions.
• I strive to live my values.
• I view ethics as my religion.

At the heart of our curriculum is the belief that a feeling of empowerment is at the root of an ethical personality. Children are given materials and a setting where they can express and explore ethics. The teachers are available to facilitate this expression and to encourage further exploration.

Familiarity with our Ethical Society and its activities, as well as a study of the Ethical Movement enables children to feel a part of our larger community.

Sunday classes are held weekly 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. from the third Sunday in September to the first Sunday in June.

Our teachers are committed to helping our children internalize & express ethical principles by which to live.

Classes are held for children aged 5 to 13.

Babysitting can be arranged upon request.

A modest tuition is charged. Scholarship consideration is available upon request.

The Beginner level is comprised of children in Kindergarten and Grades 1 and 2. Its primary goal is the beginnings of responsibility.Topics covered include:

• Knowing Oneself
• Understanding and Expressing Feelings
• Exploring One's World
• Becoming Self-reliant and Independent
• Solving Problems
• Valuing Others
• Understanding Feelings
• Getting along with others
• Facing Challenges
• Recognizing and Making Choices
• Seeing Effects of Decisions
• Learning to Resolve Conflicts
• Becoming Aware of the Purposes of Behavior

The Intermediate level consists of children in 3rd and 4th grades. Its primary goals include developing tolerance and respect in relationships with others, encouraging integrity and a belief in non-violence, and recognizing the need for a strong sense of self in today's world.

The following units are included in the cycle:

• Self-esteem and empowerment
• Relationships with others
• Caring
• Friendship
• Conflict Resolution
• Honesty
• Ethical Dilemmas
• Ethical Heroes

The level is made up of 5th and 6th graders. Its primary goals are to develop feelings of empowerment, increase understanding of different cultural and religious views and enhance the students' abilities to self-reflect.

Curriculum units include:

• Comparative Religion
• Teaching Tolerance
• Earth Stewardship
• Good Decision Making
• Prejudice and Stereotypes 
• Ethical dilemmas from the students lives 
• Identification of Ethical Heroes
  
• Components of a peaceful society
  
• Cooperation v. Competitiveness 
• Civil Rights and Responsibilities
  
• Peer Pressure
  
• Societal and Media Attitudes on Social Issues

The Coming of Age Program is made up of 7th and 8th graders. This level is a culmination of the Sunday Program. It's goals include understanding the importance of making ethical choices and internalization of one's ethical identity. In the final year of this program, students are mentored by adult members of our society and engage in a community service project. During this year, the children will celebrate their Affirmation Ceremony surrounded by the EHS community. Dates and times to be determined by participants.