Kindness Classes Are Growing in Schools Across America

Schools across the United States are increasingly adding lessons in kindness, empathy, and character alongside traditional subjects like math and reading.

According to a recent report from CBS News, programs like “Kindness 101” are helping millions of students learn the importance of compassion, service, and emotional awareness through real-life stories and classroom activities.

The curriculum, developed in partnership with Character Counts! at Drake University, uses uplifting “On the Road” stories from journalist Steve Hartman to spark conversations about kindness and character.

Teaching Empathy Alongside Academics

Teachers say the lessons encourage students to think differently about how they treat others and how they can positively impact their communities.

At Burnside Elementary School in Red Wing, third-grade teacher Neil Lahammer has become known for helping students put kindness into action through projects and volunteer work.

Students in his Kindness Club regularly give up recess time to organize food drives, collect winter gear, and support classmates and neighbors in need.

“It just makes me want to be a better person,” one student said about the program.

Faith-Based Programs Also Emphasizing Character

Beyond public school classrooms, faith-based enrichment programs are also becoming part of the growing movement focused on helping children build confidence, compassion, and strong character.

Organizations like Girls Of Purpose are working with girls ages 8–12 to help them discover their Christ-given identity while developing leadership skills, self-confidence, and a deeper devotion to faith, family, and community.

The program focuses on character building for girls through mentorship, positive affirmations, and faith-centered guidance designed to encourage kindness, confidence, and personal growth.

Its vision is to help young girls become poised, confident, and prepared to pursue their God-inspired dreams while positively impacting the world around them.

Organizers say the goal is not only to strengthen self-esteem, but also to help girls become the best version of themselves through faith, learning, and service to others.

A Growing Movement

The Kindness 101 lessons are now being used by more than 100,000 teachers worldwide, according to the report.

Educators say the demand reflects a growing belief that social-emotional learning is just as important as academic achievement, especially following years of rising anxiety, bullying concerns, and social isolation among students.

For many teachers and mentors, the goal is simple:

Help students become not only smarter learners, but kinder human beings.

Creating an ‘Army of Kindness Superheroes’

Lahammer was recently honored as the first-ever Kindness 101 National Teacher of the Year during an event in Des Moines.

But he says the real success comes from watching students carry kindness beyond the classroom walls.

His hope, he explained, is to help create “an army of kindness superheroes.”

And in classrooms, churches, and mentorship programs across America, that mission appears to be growing one student at a time.