This program is now being used in elementary, middle, and high schools nationwide. The Community of Caring school program incorporates values into the regular academic curriculum and creates a supportive environment at school in which not only teachers and administrators, but the entire staff, parents, and business and community leaders work together to plan their programs. Beginning in 1986 with 5 Community of Caring schools, the program has expanded to more than 150 schools in 1993. Significant reduction in risk-taking behavior has been shown to occur among students in Community of Caring schools when compared with students in control schools. Teachers feel confident for the first time that they can and should bring values into their classrooms.
Parents feel they too have a welcome place at their childrens' schools.
The Foundation contracts with schools to provide training in use of the curriculum and how to teach values in the classroom. In addition, the Foundation co-sponsors Values Education Training Institutes for teachers and health educators. These courses have been offered through the University of Virginia's Curry School of Education, and the University of Missouri, Kansas City. At present, the Foundation seeks to encourage many more elementary, middle, and high schools to adopt the Community of Caring approach and offers training to those who wish to become Community of Caring Schools.