In the 2025-26 school year, several new initiatives were introduced, including the cell phone ban, our new principal, Mr. Conners, and specifically the new house system. Each student is separated into one of three houses based on their last name. Last names A-J are House Grant, K-P are House MacLeod, and Q-Z are House Stewart.. The house system strives to build a stronger sense of community and connection within the school’s population of over 2,000 students. While there are many positive opinions, many upper and lower-classmen have mixed reviews about this and the future of the school.
With so many changes shaping student life this year, the house system has quickly become one of the most talked-about additions. Each house is assigned a principal and designated staff to foster a more inclusive environment and ensure students have access to the support they need within a closer-knit community. In the past, with over 100 staff members, students might not have known where to turn for support. Freshman Dominic Roberto, House Stewart, explains that, “students will go to the teacher they feel most comfortable with.” For many students, the houses will provide crucial support in seeking guidance, but for others, like Roberto, houses will not affect them with their peers or teachers. Some students, like Roberto, prioritize comfort over the structural systems that houses provide.
Senior Lotus Olson, House MacLeod, states that “The houses haven’t made any real impact on school spirit so far.” She added that “More activities like the water balloon fight at the Pep Rally would create more unity and friendly competition in the houses.” Over time, these houses could become a sense of belonging and create more hype in the school, encouraging students to participate more and feel more connected to the larger school community. However, because participation in past school-organized competitions during X-bell was limited, it remains uncertain how much engagement the new house competitions will generate.
As for the future of Oak Hills High School and the house system, both lower and upperclassmen are hopeful for how the houses will develop and foster a sense of community in the school. Freshmen will have more time to acclimate to this significant change, while upperclassmen may need longer to adjust since they have spent most of their high school years without a house system. Senior, Kilean Aguilar, House Grant, agrees that the houses might not have immediate change, but claims, “Eventually students will feel more connected to their house and they have time to grow into it.” While the houses may not have a significant impact on students’ lives right now, students and staff are optimistic about the future of the house system as it continues to grow and strengthen the Oak Hills community.