BATON ROUGE — Capitol Elementary School students were sorted into a series of four "houses" at a ceremony Friday morning.

The House System is inspired by the Ron Clark Academy of Atlanta and is designed to build school pride, leadership, teamwork, positive relationships and a strong sense of community among students and staff. 

Throughout the school year, students and staff will compete in challenges, earning points for academics, demonstrating positive behaviors and other activities.

According to East Baton Rouge Parish School System officials, schools that implemented similar systems saw increases in test scores. 

On Friday, students were "sorted" into four houses:

- Altruismo — black — representing givers.
- Amistad — red — representing friendship.
- Isibindi — green — representing courage.
- Reveur — blue — representing dreams.

According to the school district, the House System was introduced to Capitol's staff before Friday's celebration as part of the school's effort to establish its culture from the start of the school year.

"It's for school culture," Capitol Principal Karla Johnson said. "It's a positive way to reinforce the different things in our school. It brings positive energy to our school because we are cheering each other on. Even if your house doesn't win, it's cheering each other on and motivating everybody to do their best in every category."