Three Houses. One Home.
What is a House System?
The House System originated in the thirteenth century at Oxford University in England. Houses were designed to provide academic and social organization and accountability, as well as foster a sense of community across grade levels and meet each student’s physical, emotional, and social needs.
More recently, classical Christian schools have reignited the House System as a means to solidify community and, more importantly, to practice the virtues discussed in class.
How Does it Work?
Over the course of the year, all students in the house will formally and informally contribute to their house’s flourishing and success. In addition to their place within the cultural life of the school, providing occasion for mentoring and encouragement, houses also compete throughout the year in a variety of activities.
Reflecting the holistic life of the school, houses will engage in contests centered on school spirit, service projects, sports, and more. Parents and caregivers can also contribute to their house by attending events like PTO meetings and Smart Families presentations. Points for student conduct and successes will be awarded throughout the year, with the highest achieving house ultimately winning the annual Confessor’s Cup.
Meet our Houses
House of Oxfordshire
HOUSE LEADER: Mrs. Erin Myler
MASCOT: The Ox
COLOR: Red
WHY OXFORDSHIRE?
St. Edward was born in Islip, Oxfordshire, England circa 1003.
House of Wessex
HOUSE LEADER: Ms. Kelly Belanger
MASCOT: The Dragon
COLOR: Purple
WHY WESSEX?
St. Edward’s wife, Edith, was a member of the house of Wessex. St. Edward is considered the last King of the house of Wessex (1042-1066).
House of Westminster
HOUSE LEADER: Ms. Lizzie Cook
MASCOT: The Lion
COLOR: Green
WHY WESTMINSTER?
St. Edward began building Westminster Abbey shortly after his coronation in 1043 and was buried there following his death in 1066.
Learn About House Points
How Does the House System Express Our Faith?
The House system addresses each student’s social and emotional learning through the lens of our mission of “living our best lives through Jesus.” These important skills, like cooperation and empathy, while vital for both career success and excellence in responding to one’s vocation from God, are often lacking in our tech-focused world. The House system model is designed to support students in their integral development, and help them to embody our Monarch virtues of Faith, Hope, Charity, Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance.
How are the Houses Structured?
House system organization begins by dividing our school population into three houses, on a vertical plan, in order to ensure an equitable distribution of students from all grade levels in each individual House. Teachers and staff members are also assigned to Houses to encourage stronger relationships between adults and students.
Siblings – and someday children and grandchildren – are assigned to the same House as their previous family members. Students continue as a member of their assigned House through graduation. New students are welcomed into their House at the beginning of each school year.
Each House has a House Leader (staff / faculty member) as well as two House Prefects (male & female 8th graders). While all students will be active participants in helping their House become victorious, Junior High students will attend House meetings on a regular basis. Each House will have the opportunity to choose their own Saints, mottos, and virtues in the weeks to come
