House System - Idaho Novus Classical Academy

Idaho Novus has mission and vision statements that can be summarized and synthesized in this way: through a classical education, students are formed in their hearts and minds to become citizens who will uphold the American experiment. All activities at Idaho Novus are filtered through these basic principles.

To wit, the House System was organized as a foundation for student life that would reinforce our efforts to train minds, improve hearts, and form future citizens. Specifically, students are challenged to work as a team and think about an endeavor greater than any one individual. This involves collaboration with others, even those we do not know well or do not wish to know well. Through the common pursuit of glorious victory, students learn that their individual actions, sacrifices, and contributions have consequences for the miniature societies of the Great Houses of Idaho Novus, just as the individual actions, sacrifices, and contributions of citizens can help us renew the promise of America’s founding and our inheritance of liberty through republican self-government.

All students, families, teachers, and staff at Idaho Novus are conscripted for life into five GREAT HOUSES: Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, Madison, and Washington. The five Houses are engaged in a perpetual struggle of epic deeds and spirited competition that forms the cornerstone of student life within our school.

Through their actions, noble and ignoble, the five Great Houses accumulate merits and demerits, thereby earning one house the immortal renown of glorious victory. Each year’s competition culminates with the transmission of THE KEYS OF VICTORY to the House that has earned the most points. These very same keys are used to unlock the VESSEL OF GLORY and behold the HOUSE CUP.

There are three annual competitions between the Great Houses: the Fall Cup, Winter Cup, and House Championship. Additionally, there are monthly meetings for students in grades 6 and above. All students are eligible to wear their House Attire on these days. House Attire is detailed on page 48 of the Family Handbook, found here.