This year, just four schools in North Carolina earned the title of State School of Character and all four hailed from GCS.

These schools - Southern High, Southern Middle, Southwest Middle and Colfax Elementary - were officially recognized by the State Board of Education on Thursday.

As State Schools of Character, the schools were then eligible for the national recognition. In May, it was announced that Southern Middle, Southwest Middle and Colfax Elementary became National Schools of Character.

The schools were four of just 44 schools across the country to earn the title through the National Character Education Partnership.

Upon being named State Schools of Character, Fay Gore, the N.C. Department of Public Instruction's state character education coordinator said: "Guilford County Schools is a leader in character development for North Carolina and for the nation. Guilford County leaders have shown a commitment to developing ethical and caring citizens by becoming North Carolina's first State and National District of Character in 2013 and now by having four schools selected as this year's state schools of character - we salute your efforts!"