Student Life

Castle System

Though Mason Prep is a small school, we continually look for ways to strengthen the connections within our school community. One such way is through our castle system.
Each of our students, faculty, and staff is a member of one of four castles: Halsey, Hawk, Montagu, and Starr. Our castles are named after our school’s founder, Mrs. Nancy D. Hawk; our school’s first Headmistress, Miss Harriett Starr Mason; and our location on Halsey and Montagu streets in historic downtown Charleston. Each castle has approximately 80 members, which means a student will know all his or her castle-mates.

Part of the castle experience is friendly, constructive competition that serves to strengthen the bonds between castle members. Students have opportunities throughout the year to earn points toward their castle’s total. For example, students earn points for their castles through school spirit-related activities during our Knights KNOW Week in January. Individuals can earn points from their teachers by showing improvement in a certain area, putting forth their best effort, showing kindness, etc. Students also compete as castle teams during field day, by participating in community service, through supporting school events, etc.

Trophy & Bragging Rights

Points are tallied throughout the year and the running totals are displayed to keep students motivated. At the end of the school year, the castle with the most points wins a trophy and bragging rights for the next year!
Mason Preparatory School is committed to the education of the whole child in preparation for secondary education through the cultivation of respect, integrity, and personal responsibility within a nurturing environment that results in a productive citizen of a global community.