Four Houses. One School.
We are a community of Christ followers, each on a quest to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth. Our Upper School House System reflects our determination to become strong leaders of the faith, together.
To our community, we are four houses. To our houses, we are one family. To God, we are vessels ready to make an impact in the world.
Rooted in Scripture
“In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures…” – Revelation 4:6
Inspired by Augustine’s model of the four majestic creatures in Ezekiel 1:5–14 and Revelation 4:6–9, our houses represent the courage, intelligence, service, and spirituality our students develop day in and day out. Each house embodies the power of Christ’s teachings, inspiring students to grow in confidence and character, humility and humanity, grit and grace. Forging bonds within their house, students become part of an intentional tribe that fights for each other’s best as they give God the glory in all things.
House of Aquila
(n). Latin: eagle
With sights set on things above, the House of Aquila soars high in pursuit of faith and wisdom. We carry those around us to new heights as we follow Christ’s teachings and strive to live in His way. Together, we walk in the light of Christ, choosing what is right and growing stronger in clarity and impact.
Creature: Eagle
Scripture: John
Virtues: Discernment, Spirituality
Direction: North
Tribe: Dan
House of Leo
(n). Latin, Greek: lion
Fierce, loyal, and determined, the House of Leo stands strong. We fight for the Kingdom as we carry on the good works started by our brothers and sisters, holding firm to the faith we have in Him. Reflecting Christ’s kingship and the Tribe of Judah, we pursue Truth as we lead others toward hope and life.
Creature: Lion
Scripture: Mark
Virtues: Courage, Kingship
Direction: East
Tribe: Judah
House of Vir
(n). Latin: man
Knowledge is the heartbeat of the House of Vir. We seek to transform man through Christ-centered guidance so they may feel and know the power of God’s love and light. Inspired by Jesus’ humanity and earthly ministry, we approach all we do with the understanding and hope of His saving grace.
Creature: Man
Scripture: Matthew
Virtues: Humanity, Intelligence
Direction: South
Tribe: Reuben
House of Shor
(n). Hebrew: ox
In the House of Shor, our strength lies in sacrifice and service. We rise above by laying it all down in honor and glory of the King. Putting others first isn’t just an act—it’s a calling we live out every day. Carrying the impact of His ultimate sacrifice, we are God’s vessel and Christ’s hands and feet.
Creature: Ox
Scripture: Luke
Virtues: Sacrifice, Service
Direction: West
Tribe: Ephraim
Our Why
At CHCA, it is our sincere desire to cultivate an Upper School culture that grows students as the people God created them to be while creating a family that pursues Christ together.
Following the success of the House System at CHCA’s Armleder Campus, the Upper School House System will foster camaraderie, character, and confidence among our Grades 7–12 students. This intentionally designed model has been tailored to CHCA’s mission to bring an enhanced sense of unity and Christ-centeredness to the Upper School experience.
Sister Houses
To our Armleder family, we act as sister houses. Students who matriculate to junior high at North Campus will be given the option to join their sister house or become part of a new tribe.
- Altruismo – House of Shor
- Amistad – House of Vir
- Isibindi – House of Leo
- Reveur – House of Aquila
FAQs
How are students sorted into houses?
During an opening house rally at the beginning of the school year, students will be randomly sorted into their house. Each house will include students from all grades (7–8 at Founders’ and 9–12 at MSL).
Within each house, students will be divided into small groups (15–20 students each) to provide an even more connected network of peers.
Does the House System affect what students learn?
No. The Upper School House System will not impact the curriculum being taught in the classroom. Rather, it will complement the community and culture our students create to enhance the Upper School experience.
As Christ followers and educators, we believe in whole-person development, providing opportunities for students to grow intellectually, spiritually, and socially. Though students will embrace the virtues and spirit of their individual houses, classroom lessons will remain aligned with Ohio’s learning standards and our commitment to theological integration. Students will be encouraged to grow in learning, leading, and serving, as well as our Portrait of an Eagle characteristics, regardless of their house placement.
While day-to-day learning will remain the same, students will have the opportunity to earn house points by demonstrating outstanding academic achievements in the classroom.
Who leads the houses?
- House Deans: Two faculty or staff members
- House Leaders: Two students (one male, one female) selected by Upper School leadership
- Spiritual Life Leaders: Two students (one male, one female)
- House Representative: One student for each small group within the larger house
- House Deans: Two faculty or staff members
- House Leader: One student elected by their peers from each house
- Spiritual Life Leader: One student elected by their peers from each house
- House Representatives: Two students to represent each grade elected by their peers from each house
What can my student expect when they join a house?
When they join a house, students will embrace a family of peers that commits to walking alongside each other as they learn, lead, serve, and grow.
Throughout the year, students will have the opportunity to earn points for their house.
At the end of the school year, the house with the most points will be named House Champion, earning bragging rights and a celebration exclusive to house members.
Where can I purchase merch?
Once sorted in their house, all students will receive a house t-shirt to wear on rally days.
A storefront with additional merch is currently under construction and will be available soon.