Private classical Christian Academy kicks off 10th year with House system retreat
[Flower Mound, Texas-Aug. 27, 2008] Students returned to school Aug. 18 and 19 at Coram Deo Academy of Flower Mound to kick off CDA’s 10th year as a private classical Christian school. The week prior, high school students attended a day-long retreat to celebrate the second year of the House system.
The ‘House’ system is a traditional feature of British schools, where a 'House' refers to a boarding house or dormitory of a boarding school. At Coram Deo Academy, the 'House' system refers to a grouping of students who are divided into four Houses. CDA students named the Houses after prominent people in history: Homer, named after the famous Greek poet; Lewis, named for author and theologian C.S. Lewis; Wallace, for the Scottish freedom-fighter, and Wright, named for the American pioneers of flight.
At the retreat on Aug. 15, students, faculty, administrators and volunteers participated in the festivities, including competitions between ‘Houses,’ such as soccer games with a hugely oversized ball; a scavenger hunt where every item found had to be photographed; jousting; karaoke and hymn singing; workshops; and more. Students wore T-shirts with the ‘House’ shields they designed earlier this year.
The House system provides a system of self-government, opportunities for leadership and fun competition through intramural sports and other extra-curricular activities. Merit points for behavior and academic achievement contribute to the point total for competition between Houses. Students are originally assigned to Houses randomly; however, once a pupil has been assigned to a house, his or her younger siblings will become members of that House.
Coram Deo Academy is an independent, nondenominational Christian school with three locations in the metroplex: pre-kindergarten through grade eight in Carrollton at 2435 E. Hebron Parkway; pre-kindergarten through grade five in Dallas at 12727 Hillcrest Rd.; and pre-kindergarten through grade 12 in Flower Mound at 4900 Wichita Trail. The Academy educates youth in a historic Christian worldview through a vigorous classical curriculum and genuine family-school collaboration. Two options are available: students may attend school three days a week and work at home the other days, or may attend school five days. The curriculum is based on the classical trivium model of grammar, logic and rhetoric and includes the introduction of Latin in third grade. CDA works to train ethical leaders and wise thinkers who will shape culture for the glory of God.