The House System originated in the thirteenth century at Oxford University in England. Houses were designed to provide academic and social organization and accountability. More recently, classical Christian schools have reignited a vision for the House System as a means to solidify community, and more importantly, to practice the virtues discussed in class and school-wide.
The purpose of the House System at Open Door Christian School is to transform the culture by providing a Christ-centered community where Christian virtue is practiced and community relationships among students and with faculty are fostered in accordance with Philippians 2:2-8:
“…being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Each House is comprised of approximately 36 students from PK3 - 8th Grade with a House Captain, House leaders, faculty members, and students, all overseen by a Governor and/or a Governess. Each House is led by students acting as Tournament Leader, Service Leader, House Recorder and House Design Team. House leaders learn leadership, responsibility, and servant-hood as they lead their fellow Housemates in competitions, service projects, and unifying activities in the school.
Lion of Judah Award
All activities of the House, whether those planned and carried out through tournament, or those of service, are tied to the accumulation of points which accrue until the end of the school year. The ultimate prize, the Lion of Judah Award, is then presented to the winning House.
Each House, named after the four gospels, has four primary virtues that they strive to embody within their house culture. The house leaders have adopted a motto, scripture, color, Christian icon, and a main service project. Following the first year, families will be inducted at the beginning of each school year. Parents and siblings alike feel welcome during school-wide events by being part of a larger group. They get to know people outside their grade level and are able to build strong relationships over time since families remain in the same house during their tenure at Open Door.