The House System: Where Mentorship & Community Combine
- The camaraderie of a boarding school.
- The accountability of a church small group.
- The competition of a sports league.
House systems were developed in the Middle Ages, became foundational to the great universities of Western civilization, and has even been popularized in culture. Jesus modeled the type of life-on-life leadership that the House System makes possible.
In the House System at Providence Academy’s Upper School, Master Teachers are responsible for teaching students academic subjects and leading their development as disciples in Christian faith. Three houses compete for weekly points and in special competitions each trimester, with the cumulative winner earning the House Cup at the end of each academic year.
House System Goals
1. To assimilate new students into the Providence Academy campus life and culture.
2. To provide Godly accountability on campus between students.
3. To enable students to form bonds of fellowship around common interests and goals.
4. To foster a love of learning and academic excellence.
5. To inspire an integrated faith and vibrant walk with God.
6. To more effectively serve the school and the community.
Our 3 Houses
Holger
Color : Red Burgundy and Gold
Virtue : Courage
Symbols : Tower and elk
Sword : Curtana, Sword of Mercy
Feast Day : Ansgar (801-865), Apostle of the North, Feb. 3
Oliver
Color : Olive Green and Maroon
Virtue : Wisdom
Symbols : Olive tree and lamp
Sword : Hauteclaire, High and Neat
Feast Day : Bernard (778-842), Archbishop of Vienne, Jan. 23
Roland
Color : Classic Blue and Gray
Virtue : Loyalty (Faith)
Symbols : Horn and ivy
Sword : Durendal, Endurance
Feast Day : Martin (316/336-397), Bishop of Tours, Nov. 11
House Competitions
Testimonials
Students Love the
House System
“Throughout my time in the House System, I have learned many leadership skills and developed a familial relationship with many people I didn’t think I would talk to often. The House System builds character through winning and losing. I have seen the House virtues upheld well, and they have created the person I am today. “
Josiah Smith, Captain of the House of Holger
“I can wholeheartedly say that I will forever cherish the time I spent at Providence because of the wealth of warm friendships, wise teachers, unique experiences, and learning that lasts a lifetime. From being first accepted as a shy freshman to graduating as a confident leader, I have seen the effects of a welcoming community that has a passion for godly wisdom and understanding.”
Josh Wilger, Graduate
“Providence Academy is so unique. One thing they do different from many schools is they use the house system instead of your typical student council. I think that is an awesome idea as it is intended to include all students & makes the relationships with other students all the more personal. I made lifelong friendships with my Providence pals. I don’t think I could ever forget that.”
Abby Laing, Graduate
House System Structure
House Masters — teachers in the school — supervise House activities, encourage the officers (the positions below) to complete their duties, and model a Christian walk before the students. The Master hosts House meetings and becomes the personal point of contact for students in the House, which includes being a main source of encouragement and mentorship for their success.
The Upper School Principal and Headmaster, with input from the House Masters, appoint two House Captains per house, usually juniors or seniors, to serve under the House Master. The Captains make sure all other members are conducting themselves in ways that befit a Paladin. They preside over meetings, serve as the spokesperson for the House, and model Godly character, leadership ability, and humility.
The Scribes are students responsible for the collection and distribution of data and for all records associated with their Houses. They take videos and photos, provide newsworthy events to the House Master, and tally all the points earned and lost each week for the House.
House Points
House points are earned through academic, artistics, and athletic excellence, as well as through virtuous behavior. Points are taken away from Houses due to tardiness, dress code violations, and poor behavior. The House with the most accumulated points at the end of each academic year is awarded the House Cup.
Points are awarded for:
Trimester Competitions
Fall Athletic Competition, Winter Music Competition, Spring Academic Competition, Poetry Competitions (Harvest Haiku, February Free Verse, Spring Sonnets).
House Challenges
Trimester Impromptus, Anerriphtho Kybos Challenge, House Duels.
Individual Points
Exceptional performance, chivalrous acts, exceptional leadership, exceptional service, and House duties, with various deductions possible based on a general consensus among full-time staff.
Feel at Home in the House System
For big-picture thinking parents, guardians, and grandparents who care about the little details that make a big difference, we’d love to help you answer those questions. Take your next step today.