House System

While the house system at Providence was formed in August of 2021, the tradition, originating in British boarding schools, dates back to the 1800s and was established as a means to support and encourage students in their academic and social lives while apart from their families. The students actually lived in houses with the faculty and students with whom they were grouped, hence the name.

Today, House systems have made a resurgence in many classical schools and college campuses across the globe with the purpose of promoting student leadership, governing and service opportunities, encouraging school spirit through healthy competition, creating new traditions for the school, and developing friendships across grade levels. The very structure and purpose of the House System supports one of the two elements of the vision at Providence Academy, equipping the next generation for Christ-centered leadership.

Our system splits the School of Rhetoric students (9th-12th) into four houses, each of which contains scholars from different grade levels. Within each house, the students elect a Prefect, Reliquarian, Baron and selects an Ambassador of Service, an Ambassador of Events, and an Ambassador of Fortitude. Furthermore, Houses compete for points in various events throughout the year such as service projects, creative and athletic events, and exhibiting support for one another.

Ninth graders and new high school students are inducted into their House during the first week of school. New high school students and 8th grade students are inducted into their House during a ceremony in August of each year.

When our students graduate, they will have had up to four years of planning and executive experience. If and when they choose to attend college, they will have the practical knowledge of how to begin clubs and associations, which is one of the core features of strong citizenship. The House System, then, is an education in civics because of the habits it encourages and forms.