At our school, the House System is more than just a structure—it's the heart of our culture. Designed to build unity, inspire character, and foster healthy competition, the House System connects students across grade levels and backgrounds into six distinct houses, with the addition of elementary houses in 2025, each with its own identity, values, and legacy. Rooted in traditions both ancient and modern, the system provides a sense of belonging and pride while encouraging leadership, teamwork, and service. Through house challenges, mentorship, and school-wide events, students develop meaningful relationships, build confidence, and take ownership of their learning and behavior. It is a foundation for school spirit, a catalyst for positive behavior, and a powerful tool for creating a connected, supportive, and values-driven school community.
Our identity, “Six Houses, One Claw,” captures the heart of who we are as a school community. Though we are divided into six unique houses—each with its own values, symbols, and traditions—we come together as one united family under the Panther Claw. Just as a claw is a powerful group of panthers working in harmony, our houses combine their individual strengths to create a stronger, more connected school. This identity reminds us that while we celebrate our differences and compete with friendly spirit, we are ultimately bound by shared pride, respect, and commitment to one another. Together, as one claw, we move forward—supporting, inspiring, and lifting each other toward success.
In the 2024 inaugural year, each house was created through a collaborative and student-driven process that began with sorting students into their houses. Once sorted, students worked together to choose a meaningful name, select house colors, design a unique crest, and identify core values that represent their identity. With the help of Bighorn Design Studio in Sheridan, Wyoming, these visions were brought to life through beautifully crafted crests that reflect the heart of each house. Since their creation, the values of each house continue to evolve and grow, shaped by the actions and contributions of the students themselves. This legacy is now in their hands, as they build a culture of pride, purpose, and unity for future generations.
1. Foster a Deep Sense of Belonging and Identity
Create an environment where every student feels connected to their house through shared values, symbols, and traditions. The house becomes a "family within the school" where students are seen, known, and valued.
2. Build Cross-Grade Mentorship and Leadership
Develop structured opportunities for older students (grades 7–12) to mentor elementary students in the “Cub Houses.” This fosters leadership, responsibility, and positive role modeling while supporting younger students socially and academically.
3. Promote Core Values Through Action
Use each house’s unique values (such as bravery, creativity, loyalty, etc.) as guiding principles for behavior, goal-setting, and community involvement. Encourage students to live out these values both in school and beyond.
4. Cultivate Healthy Competition and School Spirit
Use point systems, challenges, and events to encourage teamwork, celebrate accomplishments, and build excitement. Competitions should focus on academics, service, character, and participation—not just athletics.
5. Preserve and Grow Student-Created Legacy
Ensure that the house system remains student-centered by preserving the original student-created house names, crests, colors, and values. Empower current students to shape traditions and contribute to their house’s ongoing story.
6. Integrate the House System into School Culture
Embed the house system into everyday school life—from announcements to assemblies to hallway decor. It should not be a program that exists on the side, but a foundational part of how the school operates and builds community.
Curious about a specific house? Click on its icon to explore more.
