Why Make a House System?

 At Stella Maris Academy we strive to “prepare lifelong learners who lead, love, and serve as Christ taught.” We are an academic and faith community that aspires to meet the desire of each student to belong, to be seen, to be known, and to be valued. For this reason, and after studying many other Catholic high schools, we have implemented a “house system” in our high school. Originating in British boarding schools, they were found to foster a tighter knit sense of belonging amongst the students, and further inspired a more robust structure of leadership, social interaction, and competition amongst the greater school community. Though the SMA “houses” are not actual residential buildings, we can similarly emulate the benefits in our high school program.

How do we do this? We have shifted away from grade-specific homerooms and have created smaller “houses”, with each house becoming a community made up of freshmen through seniors. The mixed grade approach, along with the presence of house-dedicated faculty advisors, allows for a greater sense of community, fellowship, mentorship and accountability. Meeting multiple times per week, the House System offers a reliable structure for students to flourish academically, spiritually, socially and in service to the community. Grounded in virtue and camaraderie, this unique approach allows students at every level to have fun, build confidence, and deepen personal relationships.

House Namesakes

What does this look like at Stella Maris Academy?

Our high school students have been divided into four houses/homerooms and assigned an advisor that will journey with them all four years of their high school experience. Our houses meet six times throughout the week. Each morning students report to their house homeroom for the first 10 minutes of the day. This is where morning prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance and attendance are taken care of as well as opportunities for morning check-ins and reflections. 

Every Tuesday the students meet in their houses for a longer, 40-minute meeting. These allow for the students to plan future events, partake in friendly competitions, pray, and grow as a house community. Sometimes these meetings will involve all four houses coming together for an activity or community experience.

Additionally, there is a point system and on-going house competition throughout the year. Scoring is based on four main areas that include academics, service, fun competitions and Catholic virtues.

What is the Sentinel Period?

The Sentinel period is a 40-minute period in the daily high school schedule. On Fridays, students choose from several offerings that are outlined for them for the coming week. Examples include engineering club, yearbook club, outdoor activities, indoor strength and conditioning, outdoor journaling club and glee club. Students also have the opportunity to choose study hall and teacher meetings as well as adoration and confession.  

Benefits of the Sentinel Period  

  • It is an offering unique to our high school program that offers a variety of options for students’ needs and interests

  • It provides an opportunity for students to participate in activities and clubs during the school day that they otherwise might not be able

  • It allows for more independent spiritual and educational time for students during the school day.