The House System

The House System is another element of the Freire School that reflects the school's commitment to graduating scholars who are collegiate minded. The Freire School adopted a House System similar to that used at Harvard University, which divides students into multiple social units. Each House is presided over by a faculty member, known as the House Leader. Senior students serve as Tutors, or peer leaders, to freshmen in their respective houses and assist them in their acclimation to the school.

Each House has its own unique identity, as it has its own House symbol, colors, and crest, designed by the founding class. The students at the Freire School will mix during the day, but divide into their four houses: Baker, Jones, Lloyd, and Taylor during social and academic competitions, service learning activities, and school-wide meetings. Houses will compete against one another in the aforementioned areas for points and the "House of the Year" title.

The houses will reflect the school’s diversity, and will be made up of students of diverse academic abilities, age groups, racial backgrounds, and ethnicities. Teachers and staff members will also be assigned to houses to encourage stronger relationships between the staff and students. At capacity, each house will have approximately 80 students and 10 staff members.

House systems have been shown to decrease student suspension and bullying rates, improve school climate and culture, and increase academic achievement. Students participating in a house system provide one another with support and encouragement because they share a common bond. In the process, a greater sense of community is built within the school.