Asserting that character is inspired rather than imparted, this book for parents presents a new paradigm for reconnecting education with core values. The book argues that true education for our children springs not just from seeking good grades and achievements but from reestablishing a true commitment to character, attitude, and a sense of purpose. The Hyde School program described emphasizes ten core beliefs--the school's 10 priorities--that address how families can find the right balance between character and achievement. The first part of the book presents fundamentals of character education and describes the Hyde School in Bath, Maine, founded with an alternative focus on courage, integrity, leadership, curiosity, and concern. The second part of the book details the 10 priorities of the school and how parents can apply them in their families: (1) truth over harmony; (2) principles over rules; (3) attitude over aptitude; (4) set high expectations and let go of outcomes; (5) value success and failure; (6) allow obstacles to become opportunities; (7) take hold and let go; (8) create a character culture; (9) humility to ask for and accept help; and (10) inspiration: job 1. The concluding chapter elaborates on the premise: "If you want your children to be people of character, you need to be working on your own character on a regular basis." (KB)