House System

Title/Motto: Known as the "House of Givers".

Origin & Name: The house traces its roots to the Amazon rainforests in Brazil. The name comes from the Portuguese word for "altruism" or "the givers".

Core Values: Altruismo emphasizes balancing bold strength with selfless giving. Members believe true power comes from empowering and lifting up others rather than focusing solely on oneself.

Leadership & Excellence: Members are known for being smart, driven, and highly involved in school clubs and activities. Historically, Altruismo has produced more valedictorians per class than any other house.

Competitive Spirit: While nurturing and generous, the house maintains a fierce competitive drive and a strong pride in leadership.

Heritage & Language: Brazilian heritage; Portuguese language.

Symbolic Animal: The Snake.

Sister House: Sollevare.

House Color: Black (PANTONE Black 6 / HEX #000000), symbolizing prestige, elite quality, and inclusion, as black encompasses all other colors.

Hand Signals: "The Quivering Snake" and "The Diamond".

Crest Elements:

• Heart: Represents kindness, generosity, and purity.

• Diamond & Shield: Represents unity, wisdom, and protecting others.

• Griffin: Combines the head of an eagle and the courage of a lion to symbolize strength, grace, fierceness, and nurturing.

Title/Motto: Known as the "House of Friendship".

Origin & Name: Traces its roots to Mexico. The name "Amistad" comes from the Spanish word for "friendship".

Core Values: Emphasizes kindness, authenticity, self-reflection, and an unconquered spirit. Members are encouraged to find their own "feathers" (unique talents and identity) and step into greatness.

Diverse & Resilient: Members are intelligent, creative, friendly, and competitive.

Fierce Spirit: Although it took eight years to win its first House Championship, the house's fighting spirit never wavered.

Knighthood: Students who embrace their authentic selves and master their gifts can achieve the highest house honor—knighthood, becoming protectors of friendship.

Heritage & Language: Mexican heritage; Spanish language.

Symbolic Animal: The Immortal Peacock (representing love, protection, and a spirit that never quits).

Sister House: Nukumori.

House Color: Red (PANTONE 199 / HEX #BD0032), representing kindness of heart.

Hand Signals: "The Heart" and "The Crossed Keys".

Crest Elements:

• Crossed Arms (Keys): Symbolizes unlocking the gateway to friendship.

• Castle: Represents power, foundation, and protection through camaraderie.

• Peacock: Symbolizes the preserving spirit and the heart's desire to love and protect a friend.

• Knight: Symbolizes the fierce internal protector lying within.

Title/Motto: Known as the "House of Courage".

Origin & Name: Traces its heritage to South Africa. The name comes from the Zulu word for "courage".

Core Values: Emphasizes family, strength, strategic thinking, and Quiet Leadership. The house values a tight-knit community similar to a pride of lions.

Developing Leaders: Often welcomes quiet or shy students, transforming them over time into strong, brave leaders.

Strategic & Creative: Knows when to be reserved and observant, as well as when to go full-force with power and conviction.

Historical Influences: Inherits the legend and inspiration of historical leaders like Shaka Zulu and Nelson Mandela.

Heritage & Language: South African heritage; Zulu language.

Symbolic Animals: The Lion (representing strength, family, and courage) and the Mute Swan (representing quiet creativity, discernment, and compelling leadership).

Sister House: Onraka.

House Color: Green (PANTONE 7482 / HEX #009D4F), representing the rich and abundant resources of Africa.

Hand Signal: The "Who You With" Sign.

Crest Elements:

• Mute Swan: Sits at the top of the crest, representing beauty and silent strength that speaks volumes.

• The Lion: Anchors the center, symbolizing family, unity, and strength.

• The Ebony Tree: Honors the African landscape and heritage.

• The Zulu Axe: Represents shrewd thinking combined with the power to stand firm and protect land, people, and spirit.

Title/Motto: Known as the "House of Dreamers".

Origin & Name: Traces its heritage to France. The name "Rêveur" is French for "dreamers" or "idealists".

Core Values: Emphasizes passion, freedom, wild abandon, and pursuing dreams while letting nothing stand in the way of achieving them.

Resilient & Legendary: The house has a legendary history of overcoming odds. During the 2011–2012 school year, despite being the smallest house, Ron Clark rallied the members to "multiply themselves," leading them to win their first championship. The story serves as a reminder that effort and heart matter more than house size.

Rivalry: Historically developed a strong rivalry with Altruismo.

Heritage & Language: French heritage; French language.

Symbolic Animal: The Wolf (also closely tied to the Unicorn on the crest).

Sister House: Protos.

House Color: Blue (PANTONE 2728 C / HEX #0047BA), representing confidence, passion, and letting go of fear.

Hand Signal: The Crescent Moons.

Crest Elements:

• Unicorn: Positioned at the center, symbolizing freedom, healing, beauty, and a spirit that is almost impossible to tame.

• Knight: An open-visored helmet facing forward, symbolizing high nobility and charging toward dreams without letup.

• Crescent Moon: Represents new beginnings, turning dreams into reality, and connecting to the wolf.