Seven Houses. One Kingdom.

From the moment you arrive at York Academy, you'll become a member of one of our seven Houses. Your House quickly becomes more than a place to belong; it becomes the foundation for many of the friendships, traditions, and experiences that make student life at York Academy so memorable. Along the way, you'll participate in friendly competitions, school-wide celebrations, community service projects, leadership activities, and events that bring students together.

Finding Your House

If you're joining the Lower School, you'll take part in a special House selection ceremony where you'll randomly choose a House Crest from our House sorting basket to reveal your House. Kindergarten students celebrate this exciting milestone together during a special House Reveal event in the gym. If you're joining the Upper School as a new student, you'll discover your House by scratching off a special House Reveal card. From that moment on, your House becomes your school family, a place where you'll build friendships, create lasting memories, and experience a true sense of belonging.

The Race for the House Champion

Throughout the year, Houses earn points through academic achievement, positive behavior, attendance, community service, school spirit, and friendly competitions. Whether you're participating in House challenges, volunteering in the community, or cheering on your teammates during special events, every contribution helps your House move closer to becoming the House Champion.

Show Your House Spirit

One of the most exciting traditions is House Drip Day, when students proudly wear their House colors from head to toe with shirts, hats, accessories, face paint, and creative displays of House spirit. It's a fun celebration of teamwork, creativity, and the friendships that make each House unique.

Bridging Day

For students transitioning from the Lower School to the Upper School, Bridging Day offers a special opportunity to participate in this next step. This special tradition introduces sixth-grade students to their future Upper School sister House, giving them the opportunity to meet older student mentors, build new friendships, and become part of the Upper School House community before their first day on campus.

A Place to Belong

No matter your interests or talents, your House becomes a place where you'll be encouraged to get involved, challenge yourself, support others, and discover what it truly means to be part of the York Academy community. Before long, you'll be cheering for your House, celebrating victories with your teammates, and creating memories that will stay with you long after graduation.

Your House Awaits…

  Chaxun – The Explorers

 The name Chaxun means "inquiry" in Chinese, reflecting the importance of curiosity, asking thoughtful questions, and seeking knowledge. Chaxun is represented by the dragon, a symbol of wisdom, strength, and the pursuit of enlightenment in Chinese culture. Just as the dragon is associated with vision and discovery, members of Chaxun are encouraged to approach learning with curiosity, courage, and an eagerness to explore new ideas. The House color, dark grey, represents balance, wisdom, and thoughtful reflection, while its symbol, fire, signifies passion, inspiration, and the spark of discovery that fuels lifelong learning. At the Lower School, House of Umbuzo is Chaxun's sister House, continuing these shared traditions and values.

 Umbuzo – The Curious Minds

Umbuzo is the sister house to Chaxun. The name Umbuzo means "question" in Zulu, reflecting the House's spirit of curiosity, inquiry, and the pursuit of knowledge. Umbuzo is represented by the lion, a powerful symbol regarded as the king of animals in Zulu culture, representing courage, leadership, and strength. Its House color, purple, symbolizes wisdom and inspires students to explore their ideas, ask thoughtful questions, and share their innermost thoughts. The House symbol, the baobab tree—one of the most iconic trees of the African savanna—represents resilience, growth, and enduring strength. At the Upper School, Chaxun is Umbuzo's sister House, continuing these shared traditions and values.

Equilibrato – The Harmonizers

The name Equilibrato is the Italian word for "balanced," reflecting the importance of staying calm, focused, and level-headed. Represented by the legendary manticore, a creature known for its strength and courage, Equilibrato encourages students to face challenges with confidence while maintaining balance in everything they do. Its House color, light grey, symbolizes composure and stability, while the yin and yang represents harmony and balance. At the Lower School, House of Byodo is Equilibrato's sister House, continuing these shared traditions and values.

 Byodo - The Peacemakers

The name Byodo means "equality" in Japanese and celebrates the importance of fairness, kindness, and treating everyone with respect. Byodo is the sister house to Equilibrato.  Members of Byodo are encouraged to be peacemakers, students who help others feel included, resolve conflicts with compassion, and bring people together. Represented by the colorful koi fish, a symbol of perseverance and resilience, Byodo reminds students that kindness and determination go hand in hand. Its House color, green, represents growth, harmony, and new beginnings, while the bonsai tree symbolizes patience and steady growth. The yin and yang reminds us that balance and teamwork help create a stronger community. At the Upper School, Equilibrato is Byodo's sister House, continuing these shared traditions and values.

  Ganditor – The Visionaries

 The name Ganditor is the Romanian word for "thinker," reflecting the importance of curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. Ganditor is represented by the Kraken, the legendary sea creature known for its incredible strength, intelligence, and ability to overcome even the greatest challenges. Its House color, purple, symbolizes creativity, imagination, and ambition, inspiring students to think boldly and embrace new ideas. At the Lower School, House of Nasuga is Ganditor's sister House, continuing these shared traditions and values.

Nasuga – The Problem Solvers

Nasuga and Ganditor are sister houses. The name Nasuga means "think" in Inuit and celebrates the power of using your mind to solve problems, overcome challenges, and discover new ideas. Members of Nasuga are encouraged to ask questions, think creatively, and never give up when faced with a difficult task. Represented by the wolf clan, a symbol of the pathfinders, Nasuga reminds students that the best leaders find solutions, help others, and confidently blaze new trails. Its House color, yellow, represents curiosity, optimism, and the bright ideas that help solve problems, while the golden whitlow grass, a resilient plant native to Alaska, reminds students that perseverance helps them grow stronger through every challenge. At the Upper School, Ganditor is Nasuga's sister House, continuing these shared traditions and values.

 Lembhali – The Thoughtful Leaders

 The name Lembhali is the Zulu word for "reflective," encouraging students to learn from their experiences, think thoughtfully, and continue growing every day. Lembhali is represented by the legendary gryphon, a majestic creature with the body of a lion and the wings and head of an eagle, symbolizing courage, strength, and wisdom. Its House color, teal, represents calmness, confidence, and clear thinking, inspiring students to approach every challenge with purpose and determination. At the Lower School, House of Meditar is Lembhali's sister House, continuing these shared traditions and values.

  Meditar – The Thinkers

The name Meditar comes from the Spanish word for "meditate," reflecting the House's values of mindfulness, reflection, and inner peace. Meditar is the sister house to Lembhali. Represented by the hawk, which symbolizes peace, support, and trust, the House encourages students to approach challenges with confidence and compassion. Its symbols, water and waves, represent the reflection pool, reminding students of the importance of thoughtful reflection, personal growth, and resilience. At the Upper School, Lembhali is Meditar's sister House, continuing these shared traditions and values.

  Metadidon – The Storytellers

  The name Metadidon is the Greek word for "communicator," celebrating the power of sharing ideas, experiences, and stories that inspire others. Known as The Storytellers,  members of Metadidon use their voices to encourage classmates, build connections, and remind others that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Represented by the legendary phoenix, a symbol of hope, resilience, and new beginnings, the House encourages students to rise above obstacles and inspire others through their words and actions. Its House color, yellow, represents optimism, confidence, and positive energy, encouraging students to communicate with courage, enthusiasm, and kindness. At the Lower School, House of Sanchar is Metadidon's sister House, continuing these shared traditions and values.

  Sanchar – The Connectors

Like its sister house, Metadidon, the defining attribute of the House of Sanchar is "Communicator," celebrating the power of bringing people together. Members of Sanchar build friendships, welcome others, listen with respect, and help every student feel like they belong. Represented by the elephant, one of the best communicators in the animal kingdom, Sanchar reflects the importance of teamwork, strong relationships, and looking out for one another. Its House color, orange, symbolizes optimism, confidence, enthusiasm, and positive energy, encouraging students to share ideas, encourage others, and spread kindness wherever they go. At the Upper School, Metadidon is Sanchar's sister House, continuing these shared traditions and values.

 Ulwazi – The Knowledge Seekers

 The name Ulwazi comes from the Zulu word for "knowledge," reflecting the House's passion for learning, discovery, and personal growth. Ulwazi is represented by the legendary basilisk, a powerful and mysterious creature often associated with intelligence, confidence, and extraordinary strength. Its House color, navy blue, symbolizes knowledge, integrity, and determination, encouraging students to approach every challenge with curiosity and purpose. At the Lower School, House of Doctrina is Ulwazi's sister House, continuing these shared traditions and values.

  Doctrina – The Scholars

The name Doctrina is derived from the Latin word for "teaching," reflecting the House's commitment to learning and the pursuit of knowledge. Represented by the owl, which symbolizes strength and sophistication, Doctrina encourages students to embrace curiosity, academic growth, and lifelong learning. Its House symbol, the begonia, represents knowledge and the continual pursuit of education. At the Upper School, Ulwazi is Doctrina's sister House, continuing these shared traditions and values.

 Wonchig – The Protectors

 The name Wonchig is the Korean word for "principled," reflecting the importance of honesty, integrity, and doing what's right. Wonchig is represented by the legendary Merpeople, who are often portrayed as loyal guardians of the sea, symbolizing courage, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility. Just as Merpeople are known for protecting their underwater world, members of Wonchig are encouraged to lead with character, support others, and stand up for what they believe in. Its House color, light blue, represents trust, loyalty, and calmness, inspiring students to approach every challenge with confidence and integrity. At the Lower School, House of Onesto is Wonchig's sister House, continuing these shared traditions and values.

  Onesto – The Guardians

Wonchig and Onsto are sister houses. The name Onesto means "virtuous" in Italian. A virtuous person is principled, honest, and guided by strong moral values, qualities that define the spirit of this House. Known as The Guardians, members of Onesto strive to protect what matters most by standing up for what's right, supporting their classmates, and leading by example. Represented by the Marsican brown bear, a rare species found in the mountains and national parks of Italy, the House symbolizes strength, resilience, courage, and determination. Its House color, red, represents passion, motivation, and energy, while the oak tree serves as its symbol, representing stability, protection, and enduring strength. At the Upper School, Wonchig is Onesto's sister House, continuing these shared traditions and values.