1339 East McMillan Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45206 513-961-3410 www.saintursula.org
Mission and Core Values
Celebrating over 100 years of excellence in education Saint Ursula Academy is a nurturing Catholic educational community founded in the Ursuline tradition. Saint Ursula encourages academic excellence and empowers each student to become a woman of faith, integrity, and courage committed to building a better world.
Core Values
The Christ centered spirit of Saint Angela Merici inspires us to: • Affirm the dignity and gifts of women • Inspire students to achieve academic excellence • Develop the whole person • Value the uniqueness and gifts of each person • Build family spirit in our school • Celebrate difference and diversity, and commit ourselves to lives of Christian service, with optimism and openness guiding our daily actions
Administration
Lelia Keefe Kramer ’77, B.A., President Craig Maliborski, B.A., M.A.T., Vice President of Academic Affairs, Principal Jodi Clever, B.S., C.P.A., Vice President of Operations Jill Grever Cahill ’84, B.A., Vice President of Marketing Molly Talbot, B.S., M.S., R.D., L.D., Vice President of Advancement
School Operations
Craig Maliborski, B.A., M.A.T., Vice President of Academic Affairs, Principal Mary Ann Meyer, B.A., M.A., Assistant Principal for Academics Kate Durso ’98, B.A., M.S., Assistant Principal for Student Affairs Kathleen Armstrong, A.A.B., C.F.A., Director of Facilities Sara Utecht, B.A., M.A., Director of Counseling Michael D. Sipes, B.S., Athletic Director Tim Wilking, B.S./B.A., M.B.A, Chief Information Officer
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Welcome to our
friendly community
Only at Saint Ursula Academy One of the hallmarks of a Saint Ursula Academy education is our welcoming community. Students, faculty, and staff strive to create an inclusive, warm, and engaging environment where all students feel like they can find their niche. From new student orientation before school starts through graduation activities, Saint Ursula Academy hosts many school-wide events, class bonding activities,
and special programs to foster connections between students. Saint Ursula Academy is just the right size for students to make meaningful connections with members of their class while also forming bonds with students from other grades. We offer many paths for students to get to know one another, so that each individual student feels like she is a valued member of the community.
Opening Days of School At Saint Ursula Academy, we work hard to start the school year off on the right foot. On the first day of school, faculty and staff line the front circle to welcome students back to school. Then we spend the morning in advisory groups, focusing on getting to know one another and settling into the start of the school year. Seniors also take freshmen on tours of the school to make sure they can find all of their classes before getting started. On the second day of school we spend the afternoon in a school-wide special program designed to set the tone for the year. For the 2015-2016 school year, we are focusing on the Academy Alum characteristic of Reflective Thinker, and our theme is “Reflective Thinkers building a better world through curiosity and creativity.” As a community we continue to reflect on this theme throughout the year.
Faith Formation Faith is at the foundation of a Saint Ursula Academy education. Saint Ursula is grounded in the spirit and wisdom of St. Angela Merici, the foundress of the Ursuline Sisters. We seek to cultivate the spiritual life of young women, welcoming students, parents, faculty, and staff of all faiths. Nurtured through their four years at Saint Ursula Academy, it is our hope that students will aspire to recognize and appreciate God’s presence within all people and nourish their own spirituality through prayer, retreats, liturgies, and service-learning opportunities. Our faith-filled community also strives to help our students develop as women of faith, called to be prophetic leaders in our local and global communities. Singing the school song
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Celebrating holidays
Salad Bowl Series The salad bowl concept suggests that the integration of the many different cultures and diversity factors combine like a salad, as opposed to the more traditional notion of a melting pot. Â The Salad Bowl Series addresses issues related to race, gender, age, disabilities, physical appearance, nationality, and multiculturism. Â Hosted over lunch, participants share a meal of cultural food while discussing the topic of the day.
Class Bonding Throughout the year each class hosts activities to spend time with one another focusing on strengthening ties within their grade. In past years, the seniors have gone on a canoe trip at the start of the year. The freshman class has spent the day at a camp playing games and doing team-builders. Students look forward to spending time with one another outside of the classroom and the regular school day.
Stress Relief During Exams During final exams in the spring, the Counseling Department hosts a stress relief break between the morning and afternoon exams. Students get to play with pet therapy dogs, make their own stress balls, and play games to relax. Supporting our sisters
Father - Daughter Dance
Pizza in our pottery kiln
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Experience the Excellent academics
Saint Ursula Academy students are among the most sought-after students by colleges and universities every year. That’s because the our 21st century curriculum is not only academically challenging, but incorporates creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, and communication and collaboration into the learning process. Our graduates are ready for college and the future. Engaging, talented faculty members teach more than 100 classes with an emphasis on applying content to real world scenarios. Every student is challenged to reach her highest potential through custom one-on-one scheduling with a counselor. Students are placed in courses based on their ability in that specific discipline rather than being on a set track across disciplines.
I did group work in every single class. This offers additional ways of learning, strengthens leadership skills, and promotes teamwork. – Emilie Kilfoil ’17
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Students prepare for a Baccalaureate program in order to receive a College Preparatory diploma upon completion of a minimum of 23.00 units of credit including the following: Religion 4 English 4 Mathematics 4 Science 3 Foreign Language 3
Social Studies 3 Health/Physical Education 1 Fine Arts 1 Elective Courses 1
Additional units of credit may be taken in English, Mathematics, Technology, Science, World Languages, the Fine Arts, Social Studies, and other electives. Required Mathematics courses are Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry. Required science courses are Physical Science, Biology, and Chemistry. A student must take three years of the same Foreign Language. Required Social Studies courses are Europe & the MidEast, Africa, Asia & the Americas, U.S. History, American Government, and Economics. Religion is required each year. A one-term Health course and two terms of PE are required.
difference College Preparatory Courses Saint Ursula Academy offers a rigorous College Preparatory curriculum with additional opportunities for elective course work to support individual growth and development. All course work is designed to develop critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. Saint Ursula Academy’s College Preparatory curriculum empowers young women to build a solid educational foundation in all critical areas. Students report being well prepared for college and beyond after completing this College Preparatory coursework at Saint Ursula Academy.
Honors Courses There are many ways to develop your intellectual gifts at Saint Ursula Academy. Honors level courses are offered to eligible students who desire an even more challenging curriculum. Honors courses are similar to the College Preparatory counterparts, but these classes move at a faster pace and delve deeper into the subject matter. Counselors and teachers assist each student in selecting the appropriate balance of College Preparatory and Honors coursework that is best suited to her.
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses AP courses are rigorous, college-level classes in a variety of subjects that assist with college readiness by giving students experience and confidence to succeed in college level coursework. Taking an AP course builds the skills you’ll need throughout your college years. You give your mind a rigorous workout while polishing up your time management and study skills. You also get better at handling challenging issues and problems, with the support of your AP teachers. AP courses let you know what to expect during the next phase of your educational journey, and help you build the confidence to succeed. Saint Ursula students may choose from an extensive selection of AP electives in the junior and senior years. There is a fee to take each national AP exam in May.
Four years of hard work and top-notch teachers have instilled in me a love for learning that encompasses all areas of study. After evenings of analyzing literary classics, applying trigonometric functions to everyday life, and talking to myself in French, I have gained an appreciation for hard work that had translated into my studies in my first year of college. The standard presence of exceptional aspects of education—in-depth classroom discussions, extra study sessions volunteered by teachers, and student-organized study groups—has allowed me to define my standards of success by how hard I work and how I have utilized my resources, in addition to the grade I have earned. In college, I am a STEM student in the field of Civil Engineering, but I am not satisfied in learning only about math and science, and I credit much of my thirst for knowledge to SUA. – Kitty DiFalco ’13
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Fostering
STEM leaders Women in Math and Science More and more young women are choosing to pursue education and careers in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, also known as STEM programming. At Saint Ursula Academy, we understand the importance of educating our students in these areas to help them build a strong foundation for their future. These fields are growing and there will be many opportunities for our graduates in these areas in coming years. Saint Ursula Academy’s curriculum in the STEM areas includes College Preparatory , Honors, and AP courses, as well as several electives such as robotics, forensics, biotechnology and many more! SUA students also have the opportunity to take University of Cincinnati engineering and fundamentals of information technology as a part of the College Credit Plus program. Our faculty members are also leaders in their fields. One of our many talented teachers has an ongoing relationship with NASA and our students work on NASA test projects and software. We also launched a partnership with the UC School of Information Technology to offer a series of class seminars to all interested students on topics like coding, security, programming and networking. This is only available to Saint Ursula Academy students. Saint Ursula Academy also offers clubs and co-curriculars for students who want to explore these fields beyond the classroom. One example is our SUAT Team, which stands for Saint Ursula Academy Technology Team. This team experiments with developing websites for neighboring non-profits, participating in technology competitions and video production projects.
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From your first day at SUA, you quickly learn the importance of technology and how it is integrated within St. Ursula’s curriculum. As freshmen, you learn to manipulate your devices and programs with ease and confidence. At the end of my sophomore year, I attended an INTERalliance IT Careers Camp, offered at UC, Miami, or NKU. Although spending a week at a university, travelling to local businesses to learn about IT, and creating my own fictional business did not sound like my thing, my parents and counselor encouraged me to attend, so I did. I left the week with a new interest in what IT really is. I continued to be involved with INTERalliance, applied and was accepted into the leadership council (ILC) as well as joining my school chapter. I helped plan the ILC TechOlympics as a junior (a 3 day 2 night technology expo held downtown each year). Perhaps my most rewarding opportunity with INTERalliance and STEM is the opportunity to work as a summer intern at Western & Southern Financial Group downtown. I met amazing people and have reaffirmed my passion for IT, a passion that could not have been discovered were it not for the help of the faculty of St. Ursula and the INTERalliance. – Dominique DiFalco ’16
Critical Thinking for the 21st Century An important part of the educational experience at Saint Ursula includes the courses that enrich our student culture and experience. Students have many choices in these subjects so they can focus on areas that are of interest to them. Social Studies: Students have a combination of required and elective Social Studies courses over their four years. By studying the Social Sciences our young women are introduced to people, concepts, and skills that will help them become the thinkers, leaders, nurturers and prophets of the 21st century. There are also many clubs and organizations for students interested in experiencing more, such as Mock Trial Team, World Affairs Club, and many more. World Languages: Language study is a great way to learn about the numerous, rich cultural traditions of the world, both past and present. Saint Ursula Academy students choose which language to study as freshmen. All of the language study programs at Saint Ursula Academy help students to expand their critical thinking skills and give them a greater understanding of grammar in general. Each world language offered at Saint Ursula Academy includes five or six levels of study in the language, including Advanced Placement and seminar courses. Fine Arts: Saint Ursula students have many opportunities to nurture their creativity, from the classroom to the studio to the stage. SUA attracts talented students interested in the Fine Arts due to the outstanding programs, educators and opportunities in the areas of art, design, music and theater. We offer full four-year programs in the fine arts subjects of Art, Design, Theatre, Vocal and Instrumental Music. These four year programs are offered to students interested in pursuing these fields. Classes in each of these areas are offered to all other students as electives. Students present over three live performances annually at the Saint Angela Hall theatre at Saint Ursula Academy. This space is scheduled to be updated and renovated in the near future. Student artwork is recognized in arts competitions at all levels – local, regional, state Will outline and national. Saint Ursula graduates are accepted into the highest ranking performing and visual arts colleges and universities in the U.S.
The English program was one of my favorite parts of the St. Ursula curriculum. It is everything that an English program should be, and so much more. It cultivated my love of reading—in addition to reading the standard literary canon of Hamlet, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and The Great Gatsby, I was introduced to new authors, especially women writers, such as Maya Angelou, Edith Wharton, and Margaret Atwood, whose voices and careers have been an inspiration to me ever since. I had the opportunity to take some great electives also, and explore literature from Shakespeare to more contemporary authors. My time in English classes at Ursula taught me how to read critically, and it also taught me how to write. From the fundamental five-paragraph essay to the longer research essay, the teachers provided a solid foundation for skills acquisition and were there for feedback and as a resource every step of the way. I am so thankful for the skills that the English program taught me during my years at Ursula. Not only have so many of them been key in my college career, but the analytic thinking and time management that I learned from those classes have been invaluable. – Samantha Rogers ’11 7
Connecting with the world
through real life experiences
It is a critical part of the mission of Saint Ursula Academy to educate our students to recognize and appreciate the gifts of others and to use their own unique gifts to help build a better world. In order to truly build a better world, we believe students need to see and understand the world, both locally and globally.
Throughout my four years at Saint Ursula Academy, one lesson constantly instilled in the student body was that we become thinkers, leaders, nurturers, and prophets in every aspect of our lives. The community, academics, and extracurricular activities enabled me to not only embrace these values in high school, but also as an alumna. In June of 2014, I was given the opportunity to chaperone St. Ursula’s immersion trip to Managua, Nicaragua. The trip was truly a life changing experience, and I feel so fortunate to have shared it with 17 amazing young women and 2 fantastic faculty chaperones. Together, we became greater thinkers through questioning societal practices, practicing our Spanish (even ladies who never took a Spanish course were speaking a little by the end of the trip!), and exposing ourselves to a culture very different from our own. Taking care of such a large group in a foreign environment and participating in Nicaraguan cultural activities definitely improved my personal leadership skills. My nurturing skills were put to the test through tending to any student who did not feel well or simply showing compassion toward friends I made in Nicaragua. Finally, every individual on our trip was given the opportunity to be a prophet of sorts: first by confidently spreading God’s message of love and acceptance with our Nicaraguan friends, and later by sharing our experience with our communities back in Cincinnati in an effort to encourage greater assistance for the areas we visited. Saint Ursula has and will continue to shape who I am for the better, and for that, I am eternally grateful. If I had to go back and choose my high school over again, I would not change a thing. – Meghan Sullivan ’12 8
Exploring Cincinnati Saint Ursula Academy’s location is within easy access to all areas of the city. This offers our students the opportunity to use many area facilities as extended classrooms. An Anatomy class may visit the UC Medical Center, a Religion class may go to an area nursing home to do service work, or a Gym class may go to Fountain Square for ice-skating.
Global Connections We accomplish this through education about global communities we serve through weekly mission collection, partnerships with other Ursuline schools around the country and the world, and through international travel for service and education purposes, to name a few.
National and Global Network of Schools Saint Ursula is part of a national network of Ursuline schools, allowing students, faculty and staff to collaborate to enrich the education experience on many levels. The Ursuline Education Network (UEN) hosts student and educator conferences, events, and resources in partner cities every year, allowing students and schools to partner through schools of similar heritage and mission. UEN schools also participate in global networking with Ursuline schools around the globe.
Empowering
each student to reach her own potential
Educational Services Program Established in 1982, Saint Ursula Academy’s Educational Services Program for students with learning disabilities and AD/HD exemplifies the school’s commitment to caring for the whole person and devising learning conditions for maximum achievement by each individual student. The emphasis of the Educational Services Program is to provide for the individual learning differences and learning styles of the student by teaching to her strengths while working with her weaknesses or limitations. Students in the Educational Services Program are mainstreamed into the College Preparatory, Honors, and Advanced Placement courses. The educational requirements of students in the program are identical to the educational requirements of their classmates. Program participants benefit from a number of special modifications and services that demonstrate Saint Ursula Academy’s commitment to providing a successful experience to students with learning disabilities and AD/HD. In order to guarantee a high quality of service, the Educational Services Program maintains a small number of students in each class. Students in the ES Program are selected through a separate application process at the time of admission to Saint Ursula Academy. To be considered for the ES Program, prospective students must submit a separate ES Program application by November 6, 2015. If you or your student are already receiving academic accommodations at your current school, we encourage you to learn more about the Educational Services Program by contacting Ms. Geri Walsh at gwalsh@saintursula.org.
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Preparing for the College Personal attention for each student from the Counseling Department The Counseling Department specifically addresses academic and personal growth, college and career awareness, and the development of the whole person. Each student is assigned to one of five skilled counselors who will provide caring and consistent support as she plans her future. Each counselor’s caseload is low compared to other schools our size. Saint Ursula Academy’s Counseling Department is structured so that freshmen and sophomore students who are transitioning into high school receive support and continuity from one of two dedicated counselors. Three additional counselors are dedicated to junior and senior students as they transfer out of high school and engage in the time intensive college search process.
Overview of services offered by the Counseling Department • • • • • • • •
Individual student counseling Group guidance sessions by grade level Academic advising for high school and college Facilitation of the college application process Peer tutoring Administration of the PSAT and AP testing Use of Naviance (web-based guidance system) Career awareness programming
Saint Ursula Academy contracts with individual counseling professionals to provide consultation and additional services on an as-needed basis.
Programming for students and parents • Senior and Parent College Application Workshop • Junior and Parent College Night • Educational Services Program Junior and Parent College Night • Freshman, Sophomore and Parent College Information Night • College Application Marathons for Seniors • College Financial Aid Night • Standardized Test Preparation Opportunities
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The Counseling Department is essential to the college planning process. As a freshman, college preparation did not cross my mind, but my counselor was already preparing me in our first meeting. This is a process I would have never started so early on my own, and going into my senior year, I’m so grateful that my Counselor was there to help me do that. Specifically with programs like Naviance, it is easy to keep track of my resume as well as find out an abundance of details about some of the colleges that I am considering. Not only is the Counseling Department a pleasant place, but the counselors are extremely helpful with college planning as well. – Madison MacEachen ’15
Environment SUA experience gives students a comfort level with college in advance Campus Setting One of the most unique features of Saint Ursula Academy is the campus setting. Our academic buildings sit on nearly 10 scenic acres. Our campus provides a mix of historic and new buildings, all featuring the most current tools for 21st century learning. Students gain confidence by mastering the campus for class changes and activities while still in a supervised environment. It’s just one more way our students feel prepared for college when they graduate.
Rotating 4-Bell Schedule Saint Ursula Academy offers a rotating 4-bell schedule, also known as a collegiate scheduling model. Students take the same four classes every day for either one term or one semester. The times the classes meet rotates throughout the week, allowing for students and faculty to meet at all times of the day, allowing students to experience teachers at the best time of their day, and vice versa. Data shows that scores in all standardized tests taken by our students have increased with the implementation of the 4-bell schedule. This schedule also allows more time during the day for students to meet with teachers or clubs and organizations through the fifth-bell activity time or the common lunch shared by all students.
One central change from grade school to high school is the block schedule that has four eighty-minute class periods. These lengthened classes allow you to create stronger bonds with classmates and teachers, along with learning more in-depth material in one bell. – Catherine Dieckman ’17
The scenery in our “hallways” changes every day. You see, a lot of our hallways are outdoors. Our campus consists of numerous buildings, some new and some with rich history like those in our surrounding neighborhood, which all stand next to one another in beautiful, historic East Walnut Hills. This means we have the opportunity to be outdoors as we commute between buildings and move from class to class, throughout the day. For me, the walk outside is very refreshing and relaxing. It allows each student to step away from school work and take a minute to breathe in the fresh air. – Madeleine Morrissey ’16
Tablet PC Program The Tablet PC Program provides students with tools enabling them to be networked with information technology anytime and anywhere during their high school years. Saint Ursula Academy’s wireless network allows access to communication, information, and all of our purchased resources anywhere on campus at any time. And accessibility does not stop at the school house door. They are able to work on them outside of the classroom: at home, waiting for practice, even in the car!
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Faith
The spirit of St. Angela Merici permeates the school
and Values
Saint Ursula Academy is grounded in the spirit and wisdom of St. Angela Merici, who in the 1500’s founded the Ursuline order of sisters. We seek to cultivate the spiritual life of young women, welcoming students, parents, faculty, and staff of all faiths.Â
Coursework Religion classes at Saint Ursula instruct the student about the Christian faith from a Catholic perspective. The team of dedicated teachers assist in the formation of each young woman, guiding her to develop her personal faith and become a committed Christian adult.
Campus Ministry Programs There are several programs in place at Saint Ursula Academy to support the faith formation and development of each young woman as she learns to become a woman of faith, integrity and courage committed to building a better world. In addition to daily prayer, all-school and grade-level liturgical celebrations affirm the spirit within our school community, and every student participates in an annual spiritual retreat.
Academy Alum Program During the four-year program, students discover and then embrace the spirit of St. Angela Merici and the mission of the Academy. Saint Ursula Academy, in partnership with her parents or guardians, provides each student with the tools she needs to advance to the next stage of her life with complete confidence in her preparedness. The Academy Alum is prepared to learn, has the ability to lead, is ready to serve, eager to witness, and committed to faith. She is ready to assume the roles she must play in the world: Thinker, Leader, Nurturer, and Prophet.
Retreats Each grade has a special retreat program designed just for their class. Students are required to participate in their grade’s retreat each year. Freshmen and sophomores make retreat on campus while juniors have a two-day overnight retreat. Seniors participate in Kairos and have the opportunity to serve as student retreat leaders.
Spiritual Journey Week
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Spiritual Journey week is a special opportunity at Saint Ursula Academy when we set aside a full week for our community to come together a focus on spiritual and personal growth. It is a time for the whole school to step out of the regular routine and reflect on personal and community values and put them into action. Students engage in community service, multicultural immersion experiences, and retreats as a part of Spiritual Journey Week. This is a wonderful experience because everyone, including administration, faculty, and staff, is involved in some capacity.
Building a better world Community Service Learning Community service is part of the culture and has always been a tradition at Saint Ursula Academy. Thousands of students have been touched by these ideals of Christian service. We offer students service opportunities both in-school and out of school addressing critical social justice issues affecting the marginalized. The community service program exposes students to issues on a regional, national, and global level and encourages students to reflect on their service work as it connects to their individual gifts, their faith, and their ability to be agents of change. Community Service Learning staff also partner with faculty to integrate service into the classroom. Here are just a few of the ways that Saint Ursula Academy students are making a difference.
Empty Bowls The Empty Bowls is an international effort to fight hunger. As a part of this service learning project, students make ceramic bowls that are then used at a fundraising event where they are filled with homemade soup and bread by members of the Senior Cooking Club. Funds raised stay in the Cincinnati area helping feed local children.
National Honor Society Service Birthday Boxes The National Honor Society (NHS) hosts a community service project each year, and during the spring 2015 semester, they built birthday boxes for children in the Cincinnati area who may not have the resources to have a birthday party. NHS members made birthday boxes, consisting of cake mix, icing, plates, napkins, and forks to donate to six local non-profit organizations, who in turn distributed the boxes to children on their birthdays.
Hair Donation for Breast Cancer Survivors In observance of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many Saint Ursula Academy students participated in the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program, which provides free wigs to women battling cancer. 67 students agreed to cut their long locks and donate their hair to Pantene.  Pantene, in turn, collects the ponytails, creates wigs, and ships them all over the world.
Canned Food Drive Each fall students participate in a school wide Canned Food Drive. In 2014 students and the entire SUA Community united together for two weeks and collected 800 boxes of non-perishable food and $2,389.93 in cash donations for those who are hungry in our region.
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Creating community throughout the school Life outside the classroom We have a nice twenty-five minute break after two bells that give students time to grab a quick snack, do homework, study, or talk to a teacher. Some clubs meet during break or lunch also. After break we have one more class, then we have lunch. At SUA we have an hour long lunch, which I find so nice because you have time to talk with your friends, or even do homework. – Alexandria Vierling ’17
Students at Saint Ursula Academy have ample opportunity to explore their interests, make new friends, and develop leadership skills, including formational programming, clubs and organizations, campus ministry programming, community service learning, diversity programming and athletics. Part of our mission is to educate the whole student, which includes providing learning opportunities outside of the classroom. To accomplish this goal, Saint Ursula Academy has designed special time during each day for groups to meet and students to connect with faculty either during the fifth-bell break or all school lunch. We also host a number of special events throughout the year, such as New Student Orientation, the annual Leadership Academy and weekly advisory sessions that focus on collaboration, inclusion, and leadership.
New Student Orientation This full-day program kicks off the school year. Incoming students spend the day getting acquainted with Saint Ursula Academy and getting to know their classmates. The sessions are led by our faculty and our Peer Advisory Leaders and cover topics from co-curricular offerings to faith formation to academic support to understanding our counseling program. In addition, there is a comprehensive look at using the Tablet PC at Saint Ursula. Finally, the day ends with learning about the Student Council and practicing school cheers.
The Advisory Program Each Wednesday is a 30-minute homeroom style session called “advisory”. This advisory is composed of about five students from each grade, including two peer leaders (PALs) and one faculty advisor. This group meets weekly and discusses a wide range of topics facing high school students or celebrating holidays and birthdays. The advisory program was designed to provide a home base for our students. It is an opportunity to form a relationship with a teacher in a non academic setting, and it allows “big sis” seniors to be able to check in with their “lil sis” freshmen each week. Students get to know girls in different grades and stay in this advisory group for all four years.
Leadership Academy Each March, more than 100 students gather to spend the day learning from a diverse group of women leaders. This conference includes keynote speakers, small group break-out sessions, and time for students to reflect on their own leadership abilities. This conference is open to all SUA students and addresses topics such as networking, lifelong learning, creative problem solving, finding your passion, visioning, and innovation.
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Sisterhood for a lifetime Friendships and bonds that stand the test of time Choosing Saint Ursula Academy is choosing a family for life. Friendships among the students and among the parents begin to grow from the first day and flourish into bonds that last a lifetime. The challenging but nurturing culture creates a deep appreciation from our students and parents alike, who treasure the critical thinking skills, life lessons and values that alumnae will carry with them throughout their lives. Special events during the senior year, such as May Crowning, Senior Tea, and Graduation, highlight the bonds formed over four years at Saint Ursula Academy. After graduation, Saint Ursula Academy alumnae continue to stay connected for decades. May Crowning
The balance between work and play at St. Ursula is evident in everything we do. Fun, social activities are coupled with opportunities to learn and mature. These culminate in the senior year with many activities that celebrate our experiences and successes. At May Crowning, we celebrate our mothers with a beautiful ceremony of flowers and a blessing of the Virgin Mother. We have Senior Awards, which celebrate our academic and leadership accomplishments. At our Baccalaureate Mass, we gather one last time as a class to share the faith we have cultivated together. And then there is Senior
Multiple generations of alumnae gathered at Senior Tea
Senior Tea
Graduation 2015
Tea, a time to share your goals and aspirations with women in the community over a simple cup of tea. But none of these events compares to our beautiful and grand graduation ceremony, where you will stand in a long white gown holding a dozen red roses among young women, whom you now recognize as sisters. All in all, our senior events are the final steps which reveal the balance you have developed as a Saint Ursula woman. We take time to have fun, to honor those who have helped us along our journey, celebrate our success, and pave the way into the future, for both ourselves and our community. – Alyssa Archdeacon ’12
Alumnae returning as guest speakers
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Performing at the highest level Clubs and Organizations There are many ways to get involved at Saint Ursula Academy and something for everyone. We have almost 60 student-led clubs and organizations, and there are opportunities to start new groups if you have an interest that is not already represented. An average of 85% of Saint Ursula Academy students participate in clubs, community service and/or athletics. Most of the clubs, organizations, and honor societies meet during the school day, which means that students have access to these enrichment opportunities built right into their schedules.
Being involved in Student Council for three of my four years at St. Ursula Academy was by far one of my best choices in high school. Not only did it give me an outlet for creativity and organization, but it allowed me to make connections with a vast majority of my class. Getting my classmates’ feedback for event planning, program development, and fundraising gave me the opportunity to create relationships I never would have established otherwise. “StuCo” gave me a niche, a space to be myself, and a way to leave my mark on the school. I developed a great rapport with faculty and gained valuable administrative experience that has given me such an advantage in the working world. – Kelli Miller ’12 16
Academic Team Ambassadors Anime Arts in Service Astronomy Bulldog Buddies Campus Ministry Cappies Catholic Social Teaching Action Team Classic Music Dance Team Debate EARTH Club Equestrian Club Fantasy & Fiction Fellowship of Christian Athletes Feminism Club Food and Nutrition French Honor Society Freshman Class Council Gingers & Company Girls Athletic Association Hands Across Campus INTERalliance Intramurals Junior Class Council Knitting Club Latin Club Latin Honor Society Library Advisory Council LIFE Club Literary Magazine – Images Mock Trial Model UN National Honor Society Newspaper – The Light OJCL Classics Peer Advisory Leaders (PALs) Photography Club Robotics Saint Ursula Academy Technology Team Saint Ursula Players Science Olympiad Senior Book Senior Class Council Sign Language Club Sisters in Cultural Unity Ski Club Sophomore Class Council Spanish Honors Society Student Council Student Outreach Services (SOS) Student Outreach Services Rookies (Freshmen Only) Students For Advancement Theater Honors Society World Affairs Yearbook – The Crest Yoga
Food and Nutrition Club members tending to their garden on campus.
Since there are so many chances to get involved at SUA for all interests stretching from from Equestrian Club to Mock Trial, it makes approaching new people and making friends so much easier and I love that about St. Ursula. – Rose Temizer ’17
Athletics
Get in the Game
Athletics are an integral part of the formation of being a well-rounded student at Saint Ursula Academy. Students must complete at least one credit of Physical Education prior to graduation, and many students participate in competitive athletics outside of gym class. Competition is an essential ingredient of our athletic program and helps students learn how to deal with both winning and losing. Our athletes understand that hard work teaches rules, skills, self-discipline, cooperation, sportsmanship, respect and commitment to shared goals. The Bulldogs have captured a number of impressive titles affirming that self-discipline, team spirit and intense practices pay off. Our athletic teams are looking for students of all abilities to participate, whether you have been playing a sport for years or want to try something new. Each season there is at least one team that has a “no cut” policy for students looking to participate without much experience. Other sports have limited roster sizes but offer a variety of participation levels (varsity, reserve, and freshman squads). Saint Ursula Academy is one of just a few schools in Greater Cincinnati to be awarded with the prestigious Harold A. Meyer Award for Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity. Saint Ursula Academy has won this award for 10 consecutive years.
Fall Sports • Cross Country • Field Hockey • Golf • Soccer • Tennis • Volleyball
Winter Sports
• Basketball • Bowling • Swimming and Diving
Spring Sports • Lacrosse • Softball • Track & Field
Visit the athletic page at www.saintursula.org or follow us on Twitter@SUAsports.
I like the block schedule at St. Ursula because it gives me the flexibility to play a sport that practices every day. Taking four classes at a time provides the opportunity to be on a team and work out, as well as pursue higher level Honors and AP classes. In fact, I have found that this daily exercise helps relieve stress and motivates me later to finish my homework without distraction. While balancing Cross Country with a challenging course load was not immediately easy, I have learned valuable time management skills that I will utilize far beyond the classroom. – Annie Feldkamp ’16 17
Outstanding facts and figures
about our community
Colleges and Universities Offering Admission to the Class of 2015 Allegheny College AMDA - College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts American University Appalachian State University Aquinas College Auburn University Baldwin Wallace University Bellarmine University Belmont University Boston College Boston University Bowling Green State University Brandeis University Butler University California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Capital University Case Western Reserve University Centre College Clemson University Coastal Carolina University College of Charleston College of the Holy Cross College of William and Mary Colorado School of Mines Colorado State University Cornell University Curry College Defiance College Denison University DePaul University DePauw University Drexel University Duquesne University Earlham College East Tennessee State University Eastern Kentucky University Eastern Michigan University Eckerd College Elon University Emory University Florida A&M University Florida State University Fordham University Furman University Gannon University George Mason University Georgetown College Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia State University Grand Valley State University Hanover College High Point University Hope College Indiana University at Bloomington Iowa State University James Madison University John Carroll University Juniata College Kansas State University
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Kent State University Kenyon College Lake Erie College Lipscomb University Loyola University Chicago Marian University Marietta College Marquette University Miami University Michigan State University Mount St. Joseph University Muskingum University North Carolina State University Northern Arizona University Northern Kentucky University Northern Michigan University Oberlin College Ohio Dominican University Ohio Northern University Ohio University Oklahoma State University Pennsylvania State University Philadelphia University Purdue University Roanoke College Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Saint Louis University Savannah College of Art and Design Spring Hill College St. John’s College St. Olaf College Texas Christian University The College of Wooster The George Washington University The Ohio State University The University of Akron The University of Alabama The University of Arizona The University of Findlay The University of Georgia The University of Iowa The University of Montana Thomas More College Transylvania University Tufts University Tulane University University College Dublin, Ireland University of Chicago University of Cincinnati (including DAAP) University of Colorado at Boulder University of Dayton University of Denver University of Evansville University of Houston University of Illinois at Chicago University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Indianapolis University of Kansas University of Kentucky University of Louisville University of Maryland University of Miami
University of Michigan University of Mississippi University of Nebraska at Lincoln University of New England University of New Hampshire University of North Carolina at Wilmington University of Notre Dame University of Oklahoma University of Pittsburgh University of Richmond University of South Carolina University of St. Andrews, Scotland University of Tennessee University of Toledo University of Vermont
Vanderbilt University Villanova University Virginia Commonwealth University Washington University in St. Louis Wayne State University West Virginia University Western Carolina University Western Kentucky University Wilmington College Wittenberg University Wofford College Wright State University Xavier University Bold denotes matriculation for the Class of 2015
• 85% of the Class of 2015 were offered scholarships totaling nearly $19 million • Total enrollment: 670 students • Average class size is 20 students • 100% of graduates from the Class of 2015 enrolled in a four-year college or university • Average ACT mean score for the Class of 2015: 27 • Average SAT mean scores for the Class of 2015: Verbal - 581, Math - 547, Writing - 574 • Advanced Placement courses offered in 17 subjects • In 2014-2015, 12 seniors were recognized by the National Merit Corporation • Nineteen State Athletic Championships since 1991, including one National Championship in volleyball in 2003 • 84% of the faculty members hold a masters or doctoral degree • Within walking distance of the Cincinnati Art Museum, Playhouse in the Park, and Krohn Conservatory, enabling students to use them as “neighborhood classrooms.”
Joining the
Saint Ursula Academy Community
Class of 2020 Admissions Policy
The Admissions Committee examines completed applications, test scores, academic records and writing. The committee seeks applicants who show readiness for the rigorous College Preparatory atmosphere at Saint Ursula Academy. High School Placement Test scores along with grade school records will be the primary criteria for selection. Legacy will be considered as a positive attribute only, meaning a lack of legacy will not hurt an applicant. In very specific situations, the committee may ask for a reference to address a specific area of question, or the committee may contact the grade school principal to follow up on a specific issue. In accordance with the Archdiocese calendar, the Admissions committee will send decision letters on January 15, 2016. An acceptance letter will also include financial aid offers, notification of academic scholarship, and notification of conditional acceptance. Per the Archdiocese policy, no one from Saint Ursula Academy will contact any accepted student until January 20, 2016. However, an applicant may contact the Director of Admissions to clarify any questions or concerns at any time.
Registration for the Class of 2020 will be January 29, 2016. Families may register between the hours of 7:30am and 3:30pm. Should this date pose a conflict, please notify the Director of Admissions as soon as possible. All registration materials will be included in the acceptance packet. After the enrollment date (January 29, 2016), a wait pool for admission will be used if the class is filled. To be placed in the wait pool, a student must be accepted for admission to Saint Ursula Academy. For the Class of 2020, the Admissions committee will award several merit scholarships for excellence in academics to students achieving the highest scores on the High School Placement Test. These scholarships are renewed every year as long as the student maintains a cumulative grade point average above a 3.0 and remains in good standing with Saint Ursula Academy. Financial assistance is also available to qualified students. More details about financial aid are available at www.saintursula.org/tuitionandfinancialaid.aspx.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES: November 6:
Educational Services Program application and supporting documents deadline
November 16:
Deadline to submit financial aid application to FACTS
November 20:
Application and High School Placement Test registration deadline
November 21:
High School Placement Test 8:30 am – 12 pm
January 15, 2016: Decision letters mailed to all applicants, financial aid and merit grants are announced January 29, 2016: Class of 2020 Registration Day!
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Admissions Opportunities for prospective families EVENT
DATE
Shadow Day: Spend a day as a Saint Ursula Academy student and
Most school days starting September 8 through December 8
visit classes, eat lunch in the Keller Student Center, and experience the atmosphere! Open to all 8th grade girls.
Coffee Breaks: Parents and guardians can get an in-depth look at campus and an opportunity to get questions answered in a smaller setting with the Director of Admissions.
Showcase Nights: This two-hour program for 7th and 8th graders and parents highlights many parts of a Saint Ursula Academy education. Get inside information on academic programs, extracurricular activities, community service, and college guidance.
Open House: Take a tour through our beautiful campus, see teachers in action, and meet with faculty and staff to learn more about your interests.
Entrance Test: All 8th grade students must take the High School Placement Test to apply to Saint Ursula Academy. We host a test site and accept test scores taken at any other Catholic school in the city.
Last Look: All accepted 8th grade students and their families are invited back to take a brief tour, enjoy a light dinner, and engage in a panel discussion with students, faculty and staff.
To register for these events, please contact Michelle Dellecave, Director of Admissions, mdellecave@saintursula.org or 513- 961-3410 ext. 183. Please include total number of family members attending.
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Wednesday mornings starting September 9 through December 2.
The program will be repeated on three dates from 6:30-8:30pm. October 15 • November 11 • December 8
October 25, 1:00-3:30p.m. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. Please include another 15 minutes to further explore the information fair. No registration needed. November 21 8:30a.m.-12:00p.m.
January 26, 5:00-7:00pm. Free tickets to our varsity basketball game at 7:00p.m. also provided.
Saint Ursula Academy Campus
The School for Greater Cincinnati. It’s worth the trip!
21st century facilities on an historic campus
Saint Ursula Academy is within easy access to all areas of the city and county as it is only seconds from leading expressways. This gives an added dimension of academic and social growth to the students. Such expansion of horizons is a key component to a Saint Ursula Academy education and to fostering the depth and maturity necessary for preparing young women to be successful in a global world. Saint Ursula Academy is located in East Walnut Hills, less than 3 miles from Fountain Square (2.76 exactly!). We are easily accessible from Interstate 71 (via Dana or Reading Road) or on Interstate 75 (via Columbia Parkway).