House Program Pro le

When St. Joseph’s overhauled our House Program in 2020, we did more than change student life on paper. We fundamentally transformed student government, leadership opportunities, and student culture.

Today we have four houses—Bakhita, Drexel, Molla, and Romero—each named for and dedicated under the patronage of a Catholic saint. With between 160 and 170 students in each house, the houses have eight active committees as well as house guides and leaders. Students have ample opportunities to get involved and make a di erence starting in middle school. “The House Program gives students a way to play a bigger part in the school they love, to help make what’s working work even better, and to help x anything that isn’t working,” says Keitt Brace (’12), St. Joe’s Activities Director. And because the program encourages students to take ownership of their ideas and bring them to fruition, more and more students want to become leaders. Last year, over 25 percent of our juniors applied to be part of their house’s leadership team.

TODAY, OUR FOUR HOUSES ARE THRIVING. “The House Program has quickly become a part of our identity,” says Keitt. Donna Frank, whose son Patrick (’24) serves as the Bakhita House’s Middle School Liaison, has seen the House Program strengthen the entire St. Joe’s community. “Mixing it up—bringing students together from di erent grades, classes, and sports—tells students you don’t have to have a class, a sport, or an activity in common to feel a connection,” says Donna. “It fosters a true sense of inclusion.”

Elaina Mulholland (’23), who serves as one of Molla House’s student leaders, agrees, “High school and middle school can be very daunting. The House Program makes for a better school experience because of the sense of family it creates.”

That’s why student leaders like Elaina are excited about the new St. Joseph’s Way Center. “For students to be able to come together as a house in a space that belongs to them, where they can have a safe haven away from the busyness and chaos of school—that’s going to improve the school culture and make St. Joe’s a better place for everyone,” says Elaina.