The purpose of this study is to investigate how schools integrate character education into their curriculum and culture to promote holistic student development and ethical values in the 21st century. Additionally, it aims to explore the impact of collaboration among stakeholders on the application of character education programs and students' character development. This study employed mixed methods for data collection and analysis. The principal instruments utilized included a student survey featuring both closed and open-ended questions, and interviews conducted with principals, teachers, and parents of six schools in the Udupi district of Karnataka. These interviews were conducted via convenience sampling, gathering perspectives from principals, teachers, and students regarding their existing character education programs. The study's findings illuminate the intricate processes by which character education is interwoven into both the curriculum and the broader school culture, with the aim of nurturing holistic student development and fostering ethical values in the dynamic landscape of the 21st century. Furthermore, the research delves into the crucial role of collaboration among stakeholders in influencing the successful implementation of character education initiatives. The research represents an original contribution to the knowledge of these research constructs based on a case study of a school from Udupi District in Karnataka, India. This case study combines descriptive and analytical research elements, providing an in-depth examination of ethical school culture and character education practices in India.