Petra McCullough speaks with MB Hanrahan about Anacapa Middle School, in Ventura, California, and its innovative approach to improving campus culture following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Challenge of Returning to School
After the pandemic, staff noticed a significant shift in student behavior; students were more reactive and struggled with socialization and a sense of belonging.
The school felt overwhelmed by behavioral issues, with administrators spending most of their time on a small percentage of students while the “95%” who met expectations were often overlooked.
This led to a realization that the existing school culture was unsustainable for both students and staff.
Implementing the House System
Seeking a solution, McCullough discovered the Ron Clark Academy and its “House System.”
Anacapa Middle School adopted four specific houses, each representing key character traits:
- Altruismo: The house of givers.
- Isibindi: The house of success.
- Nukamore: The house of kindness.
- Onraka: The house of unity.
The system uses a “destiny” approach where the house chooses the student, often revealed through celebratory events like popping confetti balloons during orientation.
Impact and Culture
Sense of Belonging: The system creates a “home away from home” atmosphere, where students across different grades belong to the same house family, fostering camaraderie and healthy competition.
Intrinsic Motivation: Students earn points for positive behavior through an app, which they can use to “buy” rewards, though the ultimate goal is to build internal motivation and character.
Sustainability: The program is free to implement as long as the school pledges to uphold the core values and integrity of the system.
Long-term Results: Now several years into the program, eighth graders who have grown up with the system act as house leaders, demonstrating a lasting positive shift in the school’s fabric.
TV broadcast week beginning 04/05/26
Producer: George Alger
Sponsor: NONPROFIT FIRE, Google Ad Grants Community Building NonProfitFire.org
Sponsor: SKYWORKS MARKETING, Performance Advertising SkyworksMarketing.com