House System

Now in its second decade at SIA, the Academy’s House Program provides unique opportunities for members of the Upper School community to share positive interaction at all grade levels and in all academic disciplines and departments.

Our Five Houses

At the program's inception in 2004, five Houses were created, each named for a significant figure in The Academy's long history. We are proud of the people and traditions of our school, which have shaped our development, and our House Program seeks to honor their lasting impact on our school.

Methfessel House

Anton Methfessel founded the school, originally the Staten Island Academy and Latin School. He was known for his "Old World Style," his love of languages and music, and was often seen playing his violin as he strolled from classroom to classroom. The flag representing Methfessel House was designed with the German Flag in mind to reflect the roots of our founder. The two-headed eagle is a traditional symbol of royalty and strength. "He" is a regular visitor to our annual Founders Day assembly in October.

Stettinius House

Stettinius

Edward Stettinius owned the property where our campus now sits, and his mansion once stood. He was also the father of Secretary of State Edward Stettinius Jr., who served under President Franklin Roosevelt. The Stettinius Mansion, the central image of the House flag, was the original home of the Dongan-Arden School and was the main building for Staten Island Academy until it was destroyed by fire in the 1970s.

Merrick House

Merrick

Dr. Harold Merrick was the longest-tenured Head of School, serving as Headmaster for 20 years from 1942-1962. “Merrick” is also the name of the physical house on campus behind our athletic fields and the local street that connects to Todt Hill Road, both named in honor of Dr. Merrick. The House flag depicts a phoenix, which represents re-birth, longevity, and immortality – all attributes that the life and legacy of Dr. Merrick exemplify. Merrick House was the first-ever recipient of the House Cup in 2005..

Willard-Mundorf House

Willard-Mundorf

Edith Willard and Elsa Mundorf were two Staten Island Academy teachers with progressive ideas about education. They left the Academy with the school's blessing to begin their own school and later brought the school and its students back into the Staten Island Academy's fold in the 1930s. The House flag contains images from the respective family crests of the Willard and Mundorf families.

Partington House

Partington

Frederick Partington was the first official Head of School and heavily influenced the principles of Staten Island Academy. Mr. Partington was a nurturing educator and a drummer for his battalion during the Civil War. The flag for Partington House has a central image of an elk, a symbol of stability and strength taken directly from the family crest of the Partington family. The motto for Partington House is “Fidelity, Fortitude and Honor,” three attributes of Mr. Partington.

House Competitions

Merrick House was the winner of the 2023 House Cup!

The House Cup is a major source of pride on the Academy campus, and students and faculty compete diligently for it. Houses compete throughout the school year in several categories: athletic events such as House basketball, soccer, volleyball, and SAC Day contests; spirited competitions in House Jeopardy!; and artistic endeavors, such as the annual House holiday decorating contest, which transforms our Commons with colorful representations of a variety of different holiday themes and traditions. These events bring the entire Upper School together, providing a safe, fun environment for enjoyable interaction and friendly competition.

While events still play a large role in the overall House program, many other components have developed over the years, significantly enhancing the House experience for the Upper School. Inspired by our Service Learning Initiative, community service is now a major year-end category, with Houses earning points for the number of documented hours served and for the percentage of House members participating in a service endeavor. To encourage and acknowledge House enthusiasm, spirit points are awarded following every event. Combined with GPA and attendance categories, these non-event classifications have helped the House program become a larger part of everyday Upper School life.

Staten Island Academy

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