More Than a House: How the SCHS House System Builds Leaders, Faith, and Community

• The SCHS House System is a Christ-centered community that makes a high school experience deeply personal and connected.
• Students are part of the same House all four years—growing in faith, leadership, and lasting friendships.
• Almost 100 leadership roles each year—giving students real opportunities to lead and serve.
• A vibrant blend of faith, service, and fun—from hallway decorating to House Olympics to spirit weeks.
• A tradition that sets SCHS apart from other area high schools—and stays with students long after graduation.

When a student starts at Springfield Catholic High School, they’re not just joining a new  school—they’re joining a House. Rooted in Catholic values and inspired by the lives of saints, the SCHS House System helps students grow as leaders, build meaningful relationships, and leave their mark, not just academically, but spiritually and personally. It is also fueled by fun and competition, gaining student buy-in even before they become a freshman at Springfield Catholic High School. 

Beneath the can collection competitions and Turkey Bowl tournaments is something even more meaningful: a Christ-centered community that develops leadership, service, and lasting connection.

One House. Four Years. A Lifelong Impact.

Each student is placed in one of four houses at the beginning of their freshman year—St. John the Beloved, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Michael the Archangel, or St. Catherine of Alexandria—and remains there for all four years. Each house includes multi-grade “families” led by student leaders and mentor teachers.

These families meet twice a week for prayer, service, event planning, and spirited competition. From hallway decorating contests to the House Olympics, every activity is designed to build trust, joy, and spiritual growth. Over time, these shared experiences forge authentic relationships and create a strong sense of belonging across grade levels.

This structure fosters a culture of mentorship, belonging, and support across grade levels - turning a vast high school school experience into something deeply personal and lasting.

“I would say my favorite part about the house system is making connections with not only your grade, but meeting the kids in lower grades… I love all the competitions but also how together we are.” - Brett Crockett, Senior Liturgical Chair, St. Therese

Servant Leadership in Action

The House System is intentional by design, centered on building Christ-focused relationships that model servant leadership. From school captains to freshman representatives, students are trained and supported to lead with compassion, humility, and purpose.

Behind the scenes, Mrs. Tonya Brady and Mr. Eric Perkins, our Community Directors, collaborate with House Deans and faculty mentors to bring the system’s vision to life. Deans help sustain each house’s unique identity year after year, while Mentor Teachers guide students during family time and support their growth in academics, faith, and relationships.

From the very beginning, students are invited into something intentional. And by the time they’re seniors they’re leading by mentoring underclassmen, planning school-wide events, and living out what they’ve learned through the lens of servant leadership.

Building Future Leaders 

One of the strengths of the House System is the number of meaningful leadership opportunities it offers. Nearly 100 students take on formal leadership roles each year—from School Captains to Family Captains to underclassman leaders—and many others lead informally through consistent participation and example.

“The idea is that we are building strong leaders, and we are building community at the same time.” - Mrs. Tonya Brady

At the beginning of each school year, The Calling Ceremony welcomes freshmen and new faculty into their houses—a joyful and symbolic start to their journey in the SCHS community. At the year’s end, The Tapping In Ceremony reveals the next group of student leaders and marks the beginning of the bittersweet farewell to our graduating senior leaders. These traditions bookend the year with moments of celebration, reflection, and purpose. 

A Culture of Faith, Fun, and Friendly Competition

From hallway games and Mass planning to service projects and spirit weeks, the House System touches nearly every part of student life. It’s a signature experience that sets Springfield Catholic Schools apart from other private and public schools in the area. 

Building community sometimes starts with good old-fashioned fun—and a lot of friendly competition. Events like VolleyBrawl, Christmas tree decorating contests, themed dress-up days, and the beloved House Olympics teach students to lead through collaboration, joy, and a little friendly rivalry.

To cap off the year, The House Cup is the ultimate showdown—one last chance to earn bragging rights and celebrate everything their house has accomplished. Students compete in field day-style games decked out in their house colors, and dive headfirst into a day of fun. Will St. Therese hold on to their winning streak this year? 

Want to see it for yourself?
🎥 Watch this video created by SCHS junior Ty Lewis, featuring real student reflections on the power of House.

The Irish Community System is Shaping Students and Our School

The House System is more than a program—it helps to define the culture of Springfield Catholic Schools. It’s one of the first things students mention when asked what they love most, and one of the clearest differentiators from other high schools in our area.

In a world that often isolates young people or pushes them inward, the House System calls them into mission, connection, and joyful purpose. The result? Stronger relationships, more confident leaders, and a school experience grounded in faith, community, and growth.

Whether your student is already thriving in the House System or you’re just beginning to explore SCHS, one thing is clear: this is more than just school—it’s a community that helps students lead, grow, and belong.

Leaders Working Together for Christ:

“If we are to have success, it is only because we are letting Christ work through us, using all of the gifts He has blessed each of us with to show a more complete face of Jesus to our community than we could ever do on our own. Together, we succeed; apart, we do not.”