House System
6 Houses. All Irish.
At the heart of Father Ryan's student life is our House System, dedicated to developing peer-to-peer mentoring, leadership opportunities, and spiritual development. Since the House System's implementation in 2020, this tradition creates new ways for our students to be known and loved.
The House System tagline, "6 Houses. All Irish.," references each student's membership within one of six Houses (Elliston, Emerald, Immaculata, Norwood, Oak, Trinity); these Houses come together to form one Irish Community.
Each House is named after a significant part of Father Ryan's history. Father Ryan is built on a history of tradition, and our House System deepens and enriches this experience while providing opportunities for our students to develop new traditions.
Forming Student Leaders
Upon entering Father Ryan, students are placed in a House. Houses are separated into seven Mentor Groups, each consisting of 20-25 students from all grades and two to three faculty or staff Mentor Teachers. Mentor Groups meet 3-4 times each week and stay together throughout their four years, fostering strong relationships among peers and mentors.
6
Houses
42
Mentor Groups
210
Leadership Opportunities
All
Irish
Memphis Clark '28 | Emerald
"My favorite part of being a Father Ryan student is utilizing the house system and mentor groups to connect with students that may not be in my grade, as well as having a little family I can always go to and get to see every day."
Kennedy Cockerham '25 | Immaculata
"I loved being part of the House System because I had the opportunity to make relationships with people in different grades. As House Captain, I worked with different Houses and Mentor Groups throughout the day, week, and year to get everyone's opinion on what we wanted for Father Ryan."
Olivia Giggie '27 | Norwood
"Father Ryan has made a difference in my life by allowing me to be more confident in myself. I have different leadership roles within the house system and extracurriculars, which have taught me that I am capable of being a leader and the responsibilities along with it."
House System Benefits
- Strengthens Father Ryan community
- Develops student leaders
- Creates meaningful relationships across grade levels
- Provides mentorship opportunities
- Engages students in campus life
- Establishes academic and personal accountability
- Cultivates school spirit and healthy competition
- Supports social and emotional growth
- Provides faith and service opportunities
- Strengthens Father Ryan traditions
Irish Cup
Throughout the year, the House System fosters competive spirit as students strive to win the Irish Cup. Father Ryan's Irish Cup is awarded at the end of each year to the House that receives the most points from academic, athletic, artistic, and service events. Point opportunities includes House Games, Spirit Week, Canned Food Drive, Spelling Bee, Fishing Tournament, Video Game Tournament, and more.
2025-26 Irish Cup Champions: Oak House
Meet the Houses
