• There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Pastoral Care at BC High

Our model of care at BC High is grounded in cura personalis, care for the whole person, a Jesuit term which reflects our unique approach to forming students. Our goal is for each student in our building to be known and loved, to be physically and emotionally safe, to engage in meaningful learning, to develop solid character, and to know God. We want students to walk into the building each day able to be their full, complete selves.

Pastoral care is the responsibility of every adult in the building.  The holistic care of our students permeates every dimension of our community. Pastoral care at BC High is a partnership between students, faculty and staff, and parents — all unite in their effort to support the care of each individual student in the Ignatian tradition.

This model of pastoral care in the high school is the House System. In middle school, the model of pastoral care is homeroom and advisory. These structures provide layers of care in our community to ensure that every student in our building is known, loved, and supported.

Why a House System?

BC High established the House System in September 2022. Empirical research and our centuries-long experience of all boys education show that boys learn best when they are connected to the adults and peers around them. The House System fosters an environment in which students are known and loved in their full context. 

House Teresa
House System at BC High

What are Houses?

Houses are smaller communities to which students belong. Each house has approximately 90 students and is led by a Head of House, a faculty member who teaches a reduced load in order to accompany their students throughout their four year journey. 

Heads of House work closely with their Captains, student leaders who accompany and guide the boys of the House. Heads of House lead a group of advisors, who meet three times a week with their advisory groups for the entirety of their BC experience. These advisory groups have created spaces where students develop friendships and connections between students of all grade levels. 

The House is a home for every student at BC High. 

Being part of the first class to experience the House System from the start has been incredible. It’s brought me together with so many students—not just in my grade but in the grades above and below—that I probably never would have met otherwise. The sense of community it creates is amazing, offering everyone support and a real sense of belonging

—Student, Class of 2026

Our Twelve Houses

Inspired by twelve patrons—individuals of profound faith and character who embody the values we hope our students will embrace—the House System provides a vibrant, close-knit community within our larger school community.

BC High students belong to one of twelve houses, and they remain a part of that House throughout their BC High journey and as alumni. 

Houses compete throughout the year in an interhouse competition. One House is crowned the Champion each year and is awarded the St. Ignatius House Cup. Houses gain points through merit and participation in competitions. 

Follow our student-run House Instagram accounts for exclusive student updates, events, and eagle pride every day!

The House System has fostered community and involvement times a thousand! As a parent often trying to “look in,” I have a glimpse into my son’s BC High world (through the House email updates and social media posts, etc.) and feel connected. House Advisory is integral to our son’s emotional and social health and sense of belonging and acceptance. The House bolsters BC High’s mission of “truly seeing and caring for our boys.” Overall, the House System is such a great fit and add to BC High, that it seems like it’s been there all along. Thank you, to the Head of House, Advisor, and School Counselor!

—Parent, Class of 2026
Head-Of-House
pastoral care

The Role of the Head of House 

The Head of House is an outstanding Ignatian educator, fully aware of the symbiotic relationship that exists between pastoral care and learning and the centrality of cura personalis.

As the leader of the House, the Head of House bears significant responsibility for the formation of a community based on the Christian values of love, compassion, justice, and faith.

Heads of House lead their students and their families through a students’ entire BC High experience. Heads of House learn their students’ full contexts and help them to discern their special talents, rejoice in them, develop them, and put them at the service of others in a community of faith on a journey towards God. 

Pastoral Care

Frequently Asked Questions about the House System

Great care is given to the assignment of houses to ensure they reflect the student body. New high school students are assigned to houses based on a number of factors, including demographics, demonstrated interests, prior schools, etc... 

Yes. Brothers are automatically assigned to the same house. This allows the family to have one point of contact at the school - the Head of House (HOH). Likewise, it allows the HOH to understand the family context and for this partnership to flourish. 

No. Students and families cannot pick which house they belong to. 

Yes. There is great value in each student's development as they progress from year to year. They will become closely connected to their House through House activities, advisory, and daily registration with their Head of House. 

Yes. Students gather as a grade level many times per year. Students from every house will still be in classes, participate in retreats, on sports teams, in co-curriculars, and with service activities, etc... 

Learn more about the Student Experience at BC High