House System
The House System has a longstanding tradition within education, with roots as far back as the 1300’s at Oxford University. Students were assigned to a common house with a designated mentor where camaraderie and peer mentorship were the foundation for a student’s academic experience. The House System is seeing a resurgence amongst schools today, as many institutions are looking for ways to care not just for the academic needs of the student, but for the whole person. In alignment with Boylan Catholic High School’s stated mission to be “a Christ-centered community dedicated to the education of the whole person and committed to truth, service, and academic excellence”, in the fall of 2026 the House System was implemented.
Students and staff are welcomed into one of five houses, each with their own identifiable name, charism, crest and color. Time is dedicated every day for students and staff to meet within their multi-grade level community or with all members of their house. During that time, student leaders, with the guidance of staff, thoughtfully lead their peers in activities related to the spiritual life, social emotional skills, recreation and bonding, and service. Throughout the year, activities and events at school will allow houses to compete for points, with one house being named as the esteemed winner of the Boylan House Competition.
The rewards of the House System go well beyond the yearly competition. Students learn to care for and about their fellow peers, they build meaningful connections and community, they develop leadership skills, they strengthen their sense of school identity, and they learn how to integrate faith and virtue into their everyday lives. With time set aside every day to grow in these areas, students and their families will see an increase in generosity, problem solving, confidence, spiritual depth, and a heightened sense of belonging.
This is how a strong Titan Nation is built and sustained. With the House System in place, we will always be striving to Saints. Scholars. Champions.
Learn more about the five houses:
GRATIA HOUSE
- Latin for GRACE, this house embodies compassion, support, altruism, generosity, and forgiveness.
- This house demonstrates these values through showing empathy, building connections, and caring for those around them.
- This house is represented by the color blue, inspired by the outpouring of grace received through the waters of Baptism. It is also a nod to our Blessed Mother, to whom Boylan entrusts itself.
UNDERSTANDING THE CREST
The cross (present in all 5 House Coat of Arms), is taken from the original Boylan coat of arms, and it represents not only Bishop Boylan, but also the triumph of the cross.
The water represents the sacrament of Baptism, which is the gateway by which all grace is received.
The dots represent one decade of the rosary, a symbol of Mary’s continued presence in the Gratia House, and the one who was herself “full of grace”.
Our Lady of Grace, pray for us!
VERITAS HOUSE
- Latin for TRUTH, this house embodies authenticity, trust, accountability, and reliability.
- In searching for truth, this house embraces both faith and reason. Its members strive to live with integrity, honesty, and courage.
- This house is represented by the color white, representing purity and clarity. The overall color scheme of black and white emphasizes the search for truth and insight.
UNDERSTANDING THE CREST
The cross (present in all 5 House Coat of Arms), is taken from the original Boylan coat of arms, and it represents not only Bishop Boylan, but also the truth that salvation was won for us through the Cross of Christ.
The open book signifies the limitless and lifelong opportunities that are before us as we search for Truth; present in the Word of God we meet the Lord himself who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
The sword is a nod to Mary, to whom Boylan entrusts itself. It conveys the sorrow Mary underwent as a result of others not accepting her son as the the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Our Lady of Good Counsel, pray for us!
VITA HOUSE
- Latin for LIFE, this house is for those who aim to live with authenticity, vivacity, joy, and a desire for growth.
- This house focuses on joy, justice, and the overall human experience.
- This house is represented by the color green, inspired by the Garden of Eden, where God breathed life into all living things.
UNDERSTANDING THE CREST
The cross (present in all 5 House Coat of Arms), is taken from the original Boylan coat of arms, and it represents not only Bishop Boylan, but also how the Cross of Christ restores the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden.
The tree communicates life, growth, peace, and steadfastness. It’s base extends into the house name as a reminder that Vita House has a strong foundation in the love of Christ.
The rose at the base of the cross is a nod to Mary, to whom Boylan entrusts itself. The rose signifies beauty while also reminding us of many Marian apparitions through the centuries.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!
LUMEN HOUSE
- Latin for LIGHT, this house brings life-giving light into the world . This house characterizes curiosity, beauty, respect, leadership, wisdom and stamina.
- Lumen House demonstrates these values by maintaining a focus on service, thus allowing for the light of God to shine, while also encouraging others to bring their own light into the world.
- This house is represented by the color gold, representing God’s glory, and it is inspired by the aspects of refinement, prosperity, and reflection.
UNDERSTANDING THE CREST
The cross (present in all 5 House Coat of Arms), is taken from the original Boylan coat of arms, and it represents not only Bishop Boylan, but also the mystery of how God’s most triumphant moment came during a time of apparent darkness.
The flame, set high on a pedestal, conveys the importance of letting our God-given light shine, and encourages a freedom to allow the power of the Holy Spirit to burn within our hearts.
The rays going out from the flame convey the importance of sharing light with others.
The crescent moon is a nod to Mary, to whom Boylan entrusts itself. It is also a reminder that the moon reflects the light of the sun, just as we too reflect the light of the Son.
Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, pray for us!
CAELI HOUSE
- Latin for the HEAVENS, this house is meant to demonstrate perseverance, self-discipline, positivity, and hope.
- Members of this house maintain a keen awareness that our ultimate goal is heaven. This house focuses on living with courage and hope.
- This house is represented by the color purple, inspired by the royal kingdom God has established in heaven.
UNDERSTANDING THE CREST
The cross (present in all 5 House Coat of Arms), is taken from the original Boylan coat of arms, and it represents not only Bishop Boylan, but the reality that the Cross gains us access to God’s kingdom in heaven.
The crown represents our inheritance within the kingdom of God, and keeping this goal ever before us will bring life, joy, and peace.
The stars not only point to the heavens above, but are also a nod to Mary, to whom Boylan entrusts itself. The 12 stars have a long tradition within the Church of signifying people of both the Old and New Testament, of whom Mary is their Queen. We count ourselves among them.
Our Lady, Queen of Heaven and Earth, pray for us!