House System

Every House a Home . . . In every Home, a Leader.

Unique to Gross Catholic and to many Marianist schools in the United States is our House System. We borrow the house system from England, where it is traditional feature of many schools. Our school is divided into groups called ‘houses’ and each student is sorted into one house.  Every house at Gross Catholic has its own colors, motto, coat of arms, and traditions. Our four houses compete with one another for the, “Cougar Cup,” awarded at the end of the year.

The primary objective of the House system is to enable all students, not just those who hold a specific title, to embrace their potential for leadership and to become part of a multi-grade community which is responsible for the academic, social, and spiritual growth of all its members. The House system allows students and faculty time to play and pray together, as well as time for positive peer-to-peer growth.

The House System has been very successful at Gross Catholic. It is a unique way of building the family spirit that is the backbone of who we are as Cougars.

There are four Houses and each House consists of students in grades 9 through 12 as well as members of the faculty. There are approximately 100 students per House. Each House has one Dean in addition to student Co-Captains. The Houses at Gross Catholic are named after four Marianists who were stationed at the school in the past.  Barrett House is named for Brother Joe Barrett. McMenamy House is named after Father Al McMenamy.  Middleton House takes its name from Brother Rich Middleton.  Brother Leo Willett, the founding principal of Gross Catholic, is the namesake for Willett House.

Cougar Cup Champions

  • 2015: McMenamy House
  • 2016: Middleton House
  • 2017: Middleton House
  • 2018: Willett House
  • 2019: Barrett House
  • 2020: McMenamy House
  • 2021: Middleton House
  • 2022: Middleton House