CharacterLeads

A downloadable character and leadership curriculum of 18 units over 36 weeks, built from the stated aim of adult leadership backward to the traits children need. The publisher's FAQ says it is not religious in nature, and it is sold separately for single-family use and for homeschool co-ops.

Last updated: 2026-10-04 · Every Homeschool Editorial Team

At a glance

Method	Downloadable units; subject specialist
Worldview	Secular (the publisher's FAQ states it is not religious in nature)
Grades	Elementary (the home-use listing says elementary-age students; no grade range stated)
Formats	Downloadable guides, videos, worksheets
Cost tier	Budget ($79 for all 18 units for home use, retrieved October 2026)
Parent intensity	2
ESA-common	Not verified
Accredited	Not applicable
Established	Not stated
Website	characterleads.com

Our scoreboard (1-5)

Criterion	Score	One-line reason
Academic rigor	3	No outcome evidence is shown on the pages read; the design aim is stated by the publisher
Ease of teaching	4	Printable guides and videos; each unit has enough content for two lessons of 35 to 45 minutes
Content quality	3	Not assessed beyond the publisher's own description; a sample unit is linked on the home page
Flexibility	3	Home and co-op licenses differ; a family can buy the full set or single units
Value for money	4	$79 for all 18 units for one family; the co-op license is $375.00 per year for up to 25 students
Worldview scope	4	The FAQ says the curriculum is not religious in nature; content beyond the FAQ was not assessed
Visual/design	3	Not assessed beyond the publisher's own description
Support resources	3	A contact form and phone number are listed; no further support was read

Who the publisher is

CharacterLeads is developed by KiDs Beach Club, Inc., which the FAQ describes as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has taught character in after-school clubs in public schools for nearly 20 years. The FAQ says the curriculum also incorporates elements from the KiDs Beach Club television show. The home page says it was developed by two PhDs, one in leadership and one in education, and the parents page says it was developed originally for public schools.

The core pedagogy

The home page says the curriculum starts with the end in mind, transformational adult leaders, and works backward to the character qualities children need to develop. The home-use listing names 18 character words: Courage, Determination, Forgiveness, Thankfulness, Friendliness, Self-Control, Humility, Orderliness, Responsibility, Generosity, Contentment, Kindness, Honesty, Obedience, Respect, Dependability, Confidence, and Compassion.

The co-op page lists what each unit guide contains: a Leadership Connection that the publisher says connects the character trait to becoming a transformational adult leader, a video discussion guide, a character lesson, a character connection with a historical figure, reinforcement activities, student worksheets, book suggestions, and a parent reinforcement letter. Each unit also includes a printable character word definition poster and a Beach Club Kids character video.

A day in the life

The sign-up page says each unit has enough content for two lessons of 35 to 45 minutes, plus daily student worksheets. Per the co-op page, a unit's parts include a video discussion, a character lesson, a connection to a historical figure who exemplified the trait, and a wrap-up of conversation prompts and a review game called Make it Stick.

What they do exceptionally well

The publisher states its design aim plainly and says in its FAQ that the curriculum is not religious in nature. It offers a separate home purchase path, a co-op license, and a sample unit.

What they do poorly

• No outcome evidence is shown on the pages read.
• The FAQ asks home purchasers not to share a unit with other homeschool families, so a purchase covers one family, and the co-op license is priced for groups of up to 25.
• The home-use listing states that no refunds are allowed.
• The publisher gives no grade range beyond elementary-age students.

Who it fits / who it doesn't

CharacterLeads is a character curriculum for elementary-age children whose publisher says it is not religious in nature, sold for a single family or a co-op group. Families that want character instruction inside a faith tradition can compare the alternatives below.

Cost honest assessment

Home use: $79 for all 18 units (retrieved October 2026), with immediate download after purchase; the same store lists single units, such as Thankfulness and Friendliness, at $10 each. Homeschool co-op or small group of up to 25 students: $375.00 per year (retrieved October 2026), a one-year license that renews manually. The same sign-up page lists $750.00 per year for up to 75 students. The FAQ says co-op and small-group leaders get one year of access through a login, while parents and grandparents receive a download link by email.

ESA eligibility notes

Not verified for this publisher in October 2026. ESA reimbursement depends on the state program and its vendor lists; see the ESA by state guide.

Alternatives

• KONOS: character-based unit studies for kindergarten through grade 8, listed in the EH directory as Christian · Evangelical.
• Catholic Heritage Curricula: a complete curriculum for preschool through grade 12, listed in the EH directory as Christian · Catholic.
• The Mindful Heart: a complete curriculum for preschool through age 17, listed in the EH directory as LDS.
• Mussar for Children: a Jewish-values character program for ages 4-8.