The House System at BC High

Our model of care at BC High is grounded in cura personalis, care for the whole person, a Jesuit term which reflects our unique approach to forming students. Our goal is for each student in our building to be known and loved, to be physically and emotionally safe, to engage in meaningful learning, to develop solid character, and to know God. We want students to walk into the building each day able to be their full, complete selves.

Pastoral care is the responsibility of every adult in the building. The holistic care of our students permeates every dimension of our community. Pastoral care at BC High is a partnership between students, faculty and staff, and parents — all unite in their effort to support the care of each individual student in the Ignatian tradition.

This model of pastoral care in the high school is the House System. In middle school, the model of pastoral care is homeroom and advisory. These structures provide layers of care in our community to ensure that every student in our building is known, loved, and supported.

Why a House System?

BC High established the House System in September 2022. Empirical research and our centuries-long experience of all boys education show that boys learn best when they are connected to the adults and peers around them. The House System fosters an environment in which students are known and loved in their full context. The BC High house system brings this Jesuit value to life through intentional, layered relationships and community.

Houses at BC High are smaller communities to which students belong. Each house has approximately 90 students and is led by a Head of House, a faculty member who teaches a reduced load in order to accompany their students throughout their four year journey.

Heads of House work closely with their Captains, student leaders who accompany and guide the boys of the House. Heads of House lead a group of advisors, who meet three times a week with their advisory groups for the entirety of their BC experience. These advisory groups have created spaces where students develop friendships and connections between students of all grade levels.

Each House is a home for every student at BC High.

Inspired by twelve patrons—individuals of profound faith and character who embody the values we hope our students will embrace—the House System provides a vibrant, close-knit community within our larger school community.

BC High students belong to one of twelve houses, and they remain a part of that House throughout their BC High journey and as alumni.

Houses compete throughout the year in an interhouse competition. One House is crowned the Champion each year and is awarded the St. Ignatius House Cup. Houses gain points through merit and participation in competitions. House activities promote community, leadership, and school spirit, helping each student find purpose and belonging.

Follow our student-run House Instagram accounts for exclusive student updates, events, and eagle pride every day!

The House System has fostered community and involvement times a thousand! As a parent often trying to “look in,” I have a glimpse into my son’s BC High world (through the House email updates and social media posts, etc.) and feel connected. House Advisory is integral to our son’s emotional and social health and sense of belonging and acceptance. The House bolsters BC High’s mission of “truly seeing and caring for our boys.” Overall, the House System is such a great fit and add to BC High, that it seems like it’s been there all along. Thank you, to the Head of House, Advisor, and School Counselor!

—Parent, Class of 2026

The Head of House is an outstanding Ignatian educator, fully aware of the symbiotic relationship that exists between pastoral care and learning and the centrality of cura personalis.

As the leader of the House, the Head of House bears significant responsibility for the formation of a community based on the Christian values of love, compassion, justice, and faith.

Heads of House lead their students and their families through a students’ entire BC High experience. Heads of House learn their students’ full contexts and help them to discern their special talents, rejoice in them, develop them, and put them at the service of others in a community of faith on a journey towards God.

How are houses chosen?

Students are intentionally placed into Houses to create balanced, supportive communities that reflect the diversity of our student body. Our goal is to ensure every House represents a wide range of interests, backgrounds, and experiences.

Are brothers in the same house?

Yes. Siblings are placed in the same House to strengthen familial connections and support continuity within the school community.

Can we pick a house?

No, Houses are assigned by school leadership to ensure fairness and a balanced community for all.

Does my son stay in the same house for all four years?

Yes. Students remain in their assigned House for their entire BC High high school career and beyond as alumni. This consistency deepens relationships and supports mentorship.

Will they have a connection to other students in their grade?

Yes. While Houses include all grades, Advisory groups are grade-specific, giving students strong peer relationships alongside cross-grade mentorship. Students also connect with grade-level classmates through academics, clubs, and extracurriculars.