Four Houses, One Academy: Elevating Culture and Community

“We want our students to be known and loved at every point in their educational journey,” said Glendale Prep Dean of Culture Chesirae Valentine.  “The House System is designed so that every student can find a community , regardless of academic level, age, or extracurricular interests. When students are sorted into Houses, they find a group of students with whom they can confide, serve, play, and compete.”

The House System is a proven way to create a positive climate and culture for students and staff.  The process builds character, relationships, and school spirit.  At many Great Hearts upper schools, students are sorted into Houses. At Glendale Prep for example, students enter House Falconis, Hyrax, Lutra, or Vulpes.  The Sorting Ceremony happens at the beginning of the school year when all incoming 6^th graders and new students are placed.  The House placement will follow the student all the way through their senior year.  Each of the 4 Houses are then divided into six groups called Kins. Kins have roughly 25 students from all grade levels, with one or two seniors leading and one or two faculty or staff members guiding it.

The Sorting Ceremony shows off the comradery and school spirit.

Glendale Prep Drama Teacher Katherine LeTrent opened this year’s ceremony with the proclamation, “We are here to celebrate, honor, and formally include the new members of our community.”  It was a kaleidoscope of colors with each House wearing color-coordinated shirts in sections and waving flags and signs as they cheered on the new, soon-to-be-placed scholars, who were anxiously waiting up front for their placement to be announced.  The whole school was together and involved, with the Seniors hyping up the Houses in celebration and warmly welcoming students as they were placed.  The cheering was loud and joyful, and the excitement was infectious as each House chanted.

Valentine said the House System is gaining significance in daily student life more and more each year.  “One thing you’ll notice as you walk the halls are House pins on students’ shirts, backpacks, and key lanyards.”  Valentine added, “You can see the way it has subtly permeated the culture. Students in the same Kins greet each other in the hallways.  Some students struggle with House specifically because it is not a self-selecting community the way sports or enrichments can be. Students do not choose their House or Kin. But in a way that’s been a blessing for them, as 7th graders greet Seniors in hallways and Sophomores commiserate with 8th graders in their Kin. Students see it as another way to connect.”

The Houses compete at Field Day and other competitions where points can be earned throughout the school year. Teachers, staff, and coaches are also encouraged to give points to the House of students who display acts of kindness, generosity, and courage. “Just as we observe students to make known and correct their bad habits through infractions and detentions, we also want their best habits, the ones that build our community, to be upheld” added Valentine.

LeTrent concluded the Sorting Ceremony with this statement that so eloquently defines the intent of the Houses: “You will find a home in your House.  You have your newest members.  Delight with each other.  Include each other.  Help each other.”

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