Communities of Character: The Power of Houses

by Vicky Yee

“From the smallest kindergartner to the most strategic eighth-grader, everyone played with laughter, courage, and grit. It was about seeing the school come alive. About every voice shouting directions, every hand helping up a fallen runner, every brain clicking into gear. ”

It was the second Field Day of the year and excitement buzzed through the schoolyard like bees on a sugar rush. The four school Prefects unveiled a wildly imaginative new game: Puzzle Scavenger Banana Tag. Part scavenger hunt, part capture the flag, and all-out madness, the game was designed to engage students of all ages and skill levels. Each team had to find their house’s puzzle pieces scattered around the school and dodge taggers to return safely to their base and build the puzzle—fast.

From the smallest kindergartner to the most strategic eighth-grader, everyone played with laughter, courage, and grit. It was about seeing the school come alive. About every voice shouting directions, every hand helping up a fallen runner, every brain clicking into gear. One touching moment saw a shy first-grader bravely running with a Prefect by her side, making it safely home with the final puzzle piece. Though only one house won, the real victory was in the joy, unity, and strength the game brought out in every player. The Prefects hadn’t just made a game—they had created a legacy of teamwork, strategy, and fun that lit up the schoolyard.

At Donum Dei Classical Academy, we believe that education is more than just academics. It’s about fostering a sense of belonging, developing character, building relationships, and preparing students for lives of service and leadership, and a deepening of our community. Our House System plays a central role in achieving these goals, offering a unique and enriching experience for every student, from our youngest scholars to our more seasoned middle schoolers. Whether you’re a current family, staff member, or prospective family, the House System offers incredible benefits to all involved, and it plays a pivotal role in deepening our school’s sense of community.

Each of our four houses—Griffin, Caladrius, Hippogriff and Pegasus—is named after mythical creatures that symbolize important virtues such as courage, justice, harmony, and discerning. But beyond the mythology, each house represents a close-knit community where students come together to form lasting friendships, learn leadership skills, and participate in a wide variety of activities. From our youngest students to our oldest, each child belongs to one of the four houses. The system is designed to encourage collaboration across grade levels, with older students mentoring younger ones and creating a sense of unity across the school.

One of the highlights of the House System is Field Day, an event that brings students together for a day of friendly competition and team-building activities at the end of each trimester. During this event, houses compete in a range of games and challenges that test mental aptitude, physical skill, and teamwork. From relay races to tug-of-war, each game is designed to foster collaboration and sportsmanship among students of all ages.

For younger students, participating in these activities offers a chance to develop physical coordination and confidence, all while having fun with their housemates. Older students are given the opportunity to model leadership by supporting and cheering on the younger students, making it a day of both fun and learning. The Field Day experience helps reinforce the importance of cooperation, resilience, and good sportsmanship—important values both in and outside of the classroom.

The House System fosters meaningful relationships between students of different ages. Each house pairs older students, known as "big buddies," with younger students, or "little buddies” where the older students spend time reading books or playing games with their little buddies a few times out of the year. This mentorship structure creates a wonderful opportunity for students to form connections across grade levels. For little buddies, having a big buddy to look up to provides a sense of security and belonging, which can make a big difference in their school experience. This intergenerational bonding creates an inclusive and supportive atmosphere in which students feel valued and cared for by one another, deepening the sense of community within the school.

At Donum Dei, we believe that service to others is a key component of a well-rounded education. Our House System is not only about building relationships within the school but also about teaching students to make a positive impact on their broader community. From organizing neighborhood clean-up events to serving alongside existing ministries or volunteering at local food pantries, the service projects allow students to work together for a common cause. Through these projects, students develop a deeper understanding of the needs in their community and the role they can play in loving their neighbor as Jesus commanded us.

These experiences in service contribute to the overall development of our students, reinforcing the classical Christian education values of stewardship and loving our neighbors. Not only do they deepen their connection to the local community, but they also strengthens the bonds between housemates as they work side by side to make a difference.

Leadership is central to the House System. Each house is led by a Prefect, a Logic student chosen for their character, leadership abilities, and commitment to serving their peers. The Prefect program provides older students with real-world leadership experience. They learn how to communicate effectively, manage projects, and encourage their peers to contribute to the house’s goals. By taking on these responsibilities, Prefects develop critical life skills, including decision-making, accountability, and mentorship. Prefects have the opportunity to model leadership through service, wisdom, and respect for others.

The House System brings together families, teachers, staff, and students in a shared commitment to fostering growth, both individually and as a community. Through house competitions, service projects, and daily interactions, students develop a deeper connection not just with their peers but with the broader school culture. Families are invited to participate in service events, further enhancing the sense of unity and shared purpose. When parents and staff join in, the House System becomes more than just an activity—it becomes a way of life that unites everyone under a common goal of nurturing the whole child and the community as a whole.

The House System at Donum Dei is more than just a structure—it’s a living, breathing part of what makes our school special. It helps students build relationships, develop leadership, serve their community, and deepen their connection to the school and each other. Through friendly competition, service, and leadership opportunities, students gain valuable skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. For families, both current and new, the House System offers an enriching, community-focused experience that embodies the best of classical Christian education.

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Mrs. Victoria Yee partners with Donum Dei Classical Academy as our Athletics Coordinator and Life Skills Teacher. Sports have been an integral part of her life, helping to shape her character beginning in childhood and continuing into her adulthood. As a mom of four, she has been team managing and coaching since her oldest was five years old.