House System

Keller House - "Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye."

In 1882, at the age of two, Helen Keller became deaf and blind. Nevertheless, she learned to read, write and speak. She attended the most prestigious women’s university in the United States and became a spokeswoman for all people with disabilities. She represents determination, perseverance and passion. 

Thoreau House - "What people say you cannot do, try and find that you can."

Henry David Thoreau was a writer, thinker and naturalist. He was one of the country’s first environmentalists. He represents a love of nature, independent thinking and standing up for one’s convictions.

Wheatley House - "Imagination! Who can sing thy force?"

Sold into slavery at the age of seven, Phillis Wheatley nonetheless learned to read and write in English, Greek and Latin and published her first poem at the age of thirteen. She was the United States’ first African-American poet. She represents our search for spirituality and cultural diversity. 

Whitman House - "Either define the moment or the moment will define you."

Father of free, non rhyming verse in poetic literature, Walt Whitman was truly an innovator who began his career in the years before the civil war. He used his poetry to express the distinctive virtues of the American nation. He exalts the democratic spirit and a love of a country.