This study investigated the preliminary steps of high school administrators before implementing an effective character education program to achieve the National School of Character distinction. There is limited existing literature on character education in high schools. The researchers interviewed 12 current and former high school administrators from seven states in the United States. The main source of data was the interview transcripts. In this descriptive, qualitative study, the researchers used Microsoft Teams to record and transcribe the interviews and MAXQDA for coding. Data analysis involved coding the transcripts, categorizing the codes, and identifying themes. Four themes emerged from the data analysis: embedded character education, customized programs, staff commitment, and the cost of character education. Future administrators looking to implement the concepts of this study in a high school should also consider the time, strengths, and weaknesses of character education in the school, conduct needs assessments with stakeholders, and establish leadership teams.