Find Your House at Nichols Middle School

By Joe Ray, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Throughout their middle school years, students face a period of exceptional growth. Academically, socially, and personally, students are presented with many new challenges, but it’s also a very exciting time as they discover more about themselves and the world around them. 

One of the most important ways to help these students is by helping them feel supported in a space where they can authentically be themselves. From students’ first day of classes at Nichols School, they become a part of a greater community.
 
In our Middle School, each student joins many different cohorts that connect them to their peers, teachers, and the Nichols community. Students participate in events by grade level, and they also have an advisory where they get to know a smaller group of students in their same grade supervised by a faculty member.
 
The most exciting way our students meet other students, however, is through our House System! Named after four nearby major bodies of water – Erie House, Niagara House, Ontario House, and St. Lawrence House – the four Houses are made of students from each grade level, fifth through eighth.

New students and new teachers are welcomed into their House at a sorting ceremony each fall. If you’re familiar with Harry Potter and the Sorting Hat, it’s a similar event!
 
Each House is led by two eighth-grade Prefects, who are voted into the role by their peers at the beginning of the school year. The Prefects help organize events for the Middle School and lead the students in their House throughout the year’s competitions.
 
Throughout the year, students across the four Houses take part in a variety of competitions. The winning House has their name, and the names of that year’s Prefects, inscribed on the John R. Munro House Cup. This championship trophy for the Middle School House competition is named for the former Head of Middle School who formed the four Houses and originated the competition in 2007.
 
Austin Xiao ’26 is one of the Prefects of Niagara House this year. For four years, he has enjoyed a variety of spirited competitions that give every student an opportunity to contribute and support their House. Austin joined Niagara House at his sorting ceremony in fifth grade and saw how the Prefects made the House competition fun for everyone. This year, he jumped at the opportunity to be one of those leaders.
 
“In fifth grade, I remember voting for the Prefects and saying I wanted to be up there,” Austin said. “I felt confident because my first speech was pretty good, and I had the instinct that I was going to win. When it happened, it felt great!”
 
What makes this House System special? It’s the sense of belonging students find when they’re competing in fun games, engaging in community service, and representing their school together as a House of students from all Middle School grade levels. Wearing their House shirt is a point of pride for Nichols students and one that deepens their connection to Nichols.
 
“The sense of camaraderie students feel competing with their House is one of their favorite parts of school life,” Middle School visual arts teacher and seventh and eighth grade dean Kari Achatz said. “Students get to meet their classmates through classes, sports, lunch, and other activities, but the House competitions are a chance for them to get to know their fellow Middle Schoolers from other grades. For the eighth graders, it’s a chance for them to grow as leaders in our school community. It’s a great opportunity for them as they prepare to take their next steps in the Upper School.”
 
Want to learn more about the House System and community building at Nichols Middle School? Contact our Admissions Office! Schedule a visit by calling 716-332-6325 or emailing admissions@nicholsschool.org.
Back

About Us

Nichols School is a nationally recognized college preparatory coed independent school with a 130-year history.