Mission Statement Ursuline Academy of New Orleans, founded in 1727 and sponsored by the Ursuline Sisters, is a Catholic school for girls offering a strong educational environment from early childhood through a college preparatory secondary program. In a diverse community with an inspiring heritage, Ursuline Academy fosters spiritual formation, academic excellence and a life-long commitment to Serviam: I will serve. The Academy values the uniqueness of each student, nurtures the whole person, develops leaders of confidence and compassion, and prepares them for life in a global society.
Core Values Courtesy • Respect for the uniqueness of the individual • Commitment to peacemaking
Loyalty • Development of a nurturing community spirit • Development of the whole person
Courage • Spiritual formation and faith development • Serviam (I will serve) as a lived reality
Learning For Life. Since 1727. Tradition matters in New Orleans. And it matters even more in the lives of our daughters, trying to define themselves within a world of immense and rapid change. Ursuline Academy was established nearly three centuries ago by the Sisters of the Order of Saint Ursula making it the oldest, continuously-operating school for girls and the oldest Catholic school in the United States. Convinced that the education of women was essential to the development of a civilized, spiritual and just society, the Ursuline Sisters worked to influence culture and learning in New Orleans by providing an exceptional education for its women. Today’s Ursuline offers an education rooted in a tradition of formation and innovation, nurturing the development of the whole person — intellectually, spiritually and physically.
First Things First Ursuline Academy provided the first convent, free school and retreat center for women in the nation; the first center of social welfare in the Mississippi Valley, the first boarding school for women in Louisiana, the first school of music in New Orleans, and the first classes for female African-American slaves, free women of color and Native Americans.
Amazing Alumnae Through the centuries, competent and confident women have graduated from Ursuline Academy and gone on to take their rightful places of leadership, service and influence worldwide. Our alumnae work in business, education, medicine, accounting, design, marketing, engineering, law, government, science, technology — everywhere, really. Our graduates overwhelmingly acknowledge their alma mater as an essential reason (along with their parents, of course) for their many successes in life.
Faith and Service Spiritual growth at Ursuline Academy happens in many ways, but none more fundamental than this: to serve God by serving others. This call to service is an essential part of our tradition, and our students take it up joyfully both within and beyond our halls. Supporting that call are required theology courses that teach about faith and foster the values of courtesy, loyalty and courage. We also offer: •
Daily community prayer
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Mass in the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor
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Peer Ministry which helps young women be more involved and in charge of prayer services and Masses
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Opportunities to serve as greeters, readers, altar servers, singers and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
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A retreat program that invites students to resolve to make the gospel work and to accept the revelations of truth, love, loss and joy
Early Childhood Our early childhood program is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to child development. Through discussion and observation, teaching faculty and children work together to identify interests, develop investigative projects, and establish continuous highlevel learning. Play is the work of the young child and the open flow of our program enables children to delve deeply into rich materials and spend time in meaningful research. Children are naturally drawn to new and interesting concepts. The teaching faculty intentionally stimulates each child with activities that extend attention and develop focus. Young minds are wired to understand the world around them. The program is consistently organized and planned to ensure that the curriculum evolves as children grow. From Toddler 2 through Kindergarten the children are exposed to increasingly complex concepts. The early years are a time of rapid, yet highly individualized development, necessitating the continuous evolvement of the curriculum to meet the ever-changing needs of each child. The schedule offers a balance between active and quiet activities incorporating time and opportunity for children to make mind–body connections. As children
physically experience content, learning is heightened. Religion, art, music, science, math and language are integrated in all activities providing the children with many ways to develop cognitively, physically, emotionally and socially. Blending the rich historical traditions of Ursuline Academy and the current best practices in early childhood education, we offer a wonderful mixture providing numerous opportunities for children to explore, discover and develop!
Soeur Teresita Rivet, OSU Early Childhood Learning Center The Early Childhood Learning Center provides a nurturing, engaging environment for young girls. Every square inch of the facility was designed to maximize a child’s ability to explore, discover and grow:
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Reggio-inspired curriculum and Project Approach offer integrated lessons in science, reading, math, language arts, music, art and dramatic play
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Community garden with a variety of herbs, flowers and vegetables is tended by the children and related to their interests and learning activities
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Accessible portico offers safe and easy drop-off and pick-up
Lower School Elementary school is a time of explosive learning. It’s also a time for children to establish good learning habits and to begin putting them into practice. We believe students learn best when: •
They are actively engaged in the learning process
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The whole person is respected, including her emotions, beliefs, interests, goals and feelings of comfort and safety
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Teachers maintain high expectations and develop comprehensive learning plans
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The curriculum is varied, giving all students an equal opportunity to learn
First and Second Grade First and second grade students are challenged to become fluent readers through shared, guided and independent reading, as well as lessons in word structure. Instruction in grammar reinforces skills such as spelling, sentence structure, capitalization and punctuation. Science and social studies themes are integrated across the curriculum and are enhanced by projects. Hands-on group activities and experiments are conducted in the lower school science laboratory. In addition to fact practice, math concepts such as time, money, temperature, graphing and patterning are taught daily. An emphasis is placed on writing through
creative, informational writing lessons and journal writing. Classes in French, physical education, computer, art and music meet twice per week. Relevant and upto-date technology tools are incorporated to encourage critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making.
Third and Fourth Grade Our third and fourth graders develop vocabulary and interpretive skills by reading and discussing fiction and non-fiction literature. Creative writing, book reports and essays encourage writing proficiency, along with the teaching of proofreading skills. Social studies units begin to focus on Louisiana history, U.S. regions, geography and economics. Math challenges students with daily problem-solving exercises and assignments, accompanied by periodic cumulative tests. The scientific method, weekly experiments, and unit tests provide hands-on science learning. Experiences are enriched through the use of our lower school science lab. Through religion classes, students develop their relationship with the Church. Classes in French, physical education, computer, and art meet twice per week. Music curriculum for 3rd and 4th graders includes a weekly orchestra class and a weekly general music class. Students use iPad minis to enhance problemsolving, productivity, research and collaboration skills.
Middle School Middle School is a time of change and growth for our students; therefore, we’ve designed an academic program that challenges their maturing minds and broadens their perspective on the world.
Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Grade Fifth, sixth and seventh grade students receive accelerated instruction in core subjects. Language arts classes incorporate every genre, accompanied by vocabulary, grammar lessons, and literaturerelated writing assignments. Students explore earth, life and physical science concepts, through hands-on investigation and everyday application. Mathematic objectives take students through geometric constructions and problems; algebraic expressions, equations, and structure; probability and statistics; graphing equations and inequalities; analyzing square roots; the Pythagorean Theorem; and trigonometric functions. The social studies curriculum incorporates geography, civics, economics, and international current events. World, U.S. and Louisiana history courses are offered to 5th, 6th and 7th grades. Religion classes follow the Archdiocesan curriculum and include the study of sacramental life, Hebrew scripture and the New Testament. Qualified 7th grade students have the opportunity to participate in language arts and mathematics honors programs. Classes in French, physical education, computer, art and music meet twice
per week. Our Middle School 1:1 iPad program utilizes technology to increase productivity and engagement, enhance collaboration, and enrich possibilities for learning and creative expression. Our curriculum is tailor-made for middle school girls and encompasses student-led conferences, an advisory program, skill building in leadership, self-advocacy and collaboration.
Seven After Seventh In addition to living the Ursuline values of courtesy, loyalty, courage and Serviam, our Elementary School graduates have other characteristics in common that make them stand out as self-assured, confident young women. In particular, they:
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Have solid organizational and study skills, and are proficient in the core curriculum, performing at or above grade level
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Communicate effectively in both spoken and written word
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Work well in a group to realize a common goal, accepting differences and maintaining respect for themselves and others
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Are curious about the world and aware of community, environmental and global issues
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Think critically and independently and take on responsibilities and leadership roles both in and out of school
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Are proficient with technology and understand its value
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Show an appreciation for the arts, a willingness to serve others, a strong knowledge of the Catholic religion and faith, and a desire to learn for life
High School High school is a time to try new things, discover and explore interests, form lasting friendships and make clear strides towards college and beyond. We designed our academic program to challenge our students to grow as individuals with unique gifts and talents. For our students, Ursuline is a second home and classmates are family. Ursuline’s faculty is committed to seeing each student succeed and our students never feel lost in a crowd. Teachers are available to meet with students on a regular basis during office hours, but our teachers always extend themselves far beyond these designated times. The Counseling Department works closely with teachers to identify struggling students and provide them with the help they need to succeed. Counselors also address scheduling, the college application process, and personal counseling for each student. Ursuline students take math, science, English, social studies and religion each year. Students take two credits of health and physical education, two consecutive years of a foreign language, and at least one fine arts credit. If a student loves the performing and visual arts, we offer drawing, painting, sculpting, piano, orchestra, choral music, dance and theater. If she wants more science, social studies, computer science and English, we offer many electives in those areas as well.
As part of our 1:1 program, each high school student is issued a MacBook. Integrating this technology in the classroom helps engage students, offers powerful collaborative and in-class possibilities, and enhances twenty-first century skills.
Honors Program & Advanced Placement Students in our Honors Program take honors-level courses in math, science, social studies and English; three years of Latin; and at least two years of a modern foreign language. Upper-level honors students will take Advanced Placement classes in math, science, social studies, Latin, and English.
Comprehensive Counseling Should you need help with a particular class, friends, personal issues, or college and career decisions, your teachers and our Counseling Department are here for you. Specifically for the college application process, we involve you and your family to help you discover the college or university best suited to your goals. The process includes:
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Standardized test preparation Personal meetings to discuss applying to colleges Help with putting together applications Practice with writing college essays (in English classes) Participation in college fairs and Ursuline’s College Boot Camp Interviews with college representatives visiting Ursuline
Athletics and Extracurriculars A defining characteristic of an Ursuline education is the development of the whole person. Students are encouraged to pursue their passions and discover new interests. Our fine arts program offers course work in drama, visual arts, dance, piano, orchestra, recorders and choral music. Dramatic productions, recitals and concerts provide an outlet for sharing their talents. Athletic students will enjoy playing on one or more of our varsity, junior varsity, or middle school sports teams, and the home field advantage that comes from having a softball field, two gymnasiums, and two tennis courts on campus. Our clubs and extracurricular activities are diverse and inclusive, allowing each student the opportunity to cultivate her own interests and creative abilities.
Room to Grow (and Play) Ursuline’s current campus, built in 1912, is located in the University Area of Uptown New Orleans. The Academy spans 11.5 acres, the equivalent of more than
8 1/2 football fields. Highlights around campus include a state-of-the-art auditorium, a black box theatre, a dance/yoga studio, a weight room, a cardio room, two athletic courts, an indoor elevated track, an on-campus softball field, a batting cage, three courtyards, upgraded high school and elementary school science labs, a renovated art studio, a community garden, a remodeled dining hall, and two tennis courts.
Rally Rally happens once a year, typically on or near the Feast of St. Ursula, Patroness of the Ursuline Order. Classes compete against each other with the hopes of winning in several categories: poster, costumes, exhibition cheer, volleyball games, relay races, and the most coveted prize, the spirit award. Students work hard in the months leading up to Rally. Their plans for posters, skits and costumes are kept top secret. It is a special – and loud – tradition that dates back to 1948.
Mac, Sioux or Skip? Each class has a mascot: Merry Macs (Macs), Sioux, Skipperettes (Skips). Eighth graders are always Leprechauns (Leps). Class mascots are a big deal at UA. Alumnae often come back for Rally and cheer for their mascot with pride. When meeting a fellow alumna or current student, alumnae always ask, “Mac, Skip, or Sioux?” UA pride doesn’t end at graduation. Our students are Ursuline girls for life.
Ursuline Academy Office of Admissions 504.866.5292 • admissions@uanola.org 2635 State Street
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New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
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uanola.org