Community & Culture
At the Academy, we recognize that education goes far beyond the classroom. We work hard to create a community and culture tailored specifically for the developmental needs of middle school students. The structure and activities are designed to complement our academic program and provide opportunities for students to explore passions, grow in community, and develop new skills.
Community Time & Clubs
Every middle schooler participates in clubs during the school day, so all students can explore new interests without extra after-school commitments.
- Community-Time Clubs: Semester-based offerings built into the schedule.
- Extra-Curricular Clubs: Leadership and special-interest groups meetings at lunch or after school.
A smarter school day: the benefit of an 8-day rotation
Beginning with the 2025–26 school year, the Academy adopted a new daily schedule designed around student well-being and deeper learning. The new schedule offers students many benefits:
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Healthier rhythms with built-in breaks reduce stress and support balance.
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Longer class periods allow for deeper engagement and hands-on learning.
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An 8-day rotation across all divisions creates alignment, flexibility, and time for cross-divisional programming, including Mass, mentorship programs, and community service events.
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Community input and research guided this design, ensuring that every child can thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.
house system
Belonging is at the heart of the middle school experience. Through the House System, each student is sorted into one of four houses at AHN, offering a smaller community within our middle school family. Students remain in the same house for the duration of their middle school journey, building deep bonds and connections with house members.
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The House System has been proven to increase student relationships, foster a stronger sense of community, increase academic achievement, and reduce disciplinary problems.
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While there are four separate houses, students act as one family by taking on leadership roles, organizing events together, and cheering each other on.
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Points are awarded for character, service, academics, and school spirit, with House Champions crowned at year’s end.
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Parents can follow along, and even join in, through house events.
Events & Traditions
Events and traditions are at the heart of middle school life at the Academy. These shared experiences bring students together across grades, strengthen bonds with the larger school community, and create opportunities to celebrate faith, friendship, and school spirit. More than just moments of fun, they help students feel rooted in something bigger than themselves and leave them with memories that last long after middle school.