Class of 2026
Class of 2026 Ursuline Academy’s 132nd Graduating Class
received acceptances from 101 schools and
committed to attend 27 universities and colleges.
Awarded nearly $8.4 Million in academic and athletic scholarships, an average of
$204,633 per graduate.
In the spirit of Serviam, completed 4,854 hours of community service, an average
of 118 hours per graduate. 46% of graduates are pursuing a degree in a STEM-related major, far exceeding the national average. 2 graduates will continue studying engineering. 4 graduates will compete in collegiate athletics. 10 graduates will attend Catholic-affiliated universities. 1 graduate earned an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
College Acceptances
*Sampling of the over 100 colleges and universities offering acceptance to the Class of 2026.
AP Capstone AP Capstone consists of two mandatory courses, AP Seminar and AP Research. Students learn to think critically and creatively, constructing meaning and gaining understanding, planning and producing communications in various forms, and collaborating to solve problems. Liberal arts skills are naturally intertwined with the special interests of each student as they design and conduct a study or investigation of their choosing. Co-curricular connections provide them with a unique opportunity to explore and propose solutions to real-world problems.
Capstone by the Numbers: In Spring 2026, our AP Capstone Seminar and AP Capstone Research classes submitted their final projects to the College Board for review. In AP Seminar, all students received a passing score that was a combination of two major research projects, two major presentations, and an end-of-course exam. AP Seminar had a 100% pass rate, compared to a global pass rate of 82.4% with an average score of 4.13. 81% scored a 4 or 5, compared to 30% globally. In AP Research, all students successfully completed a year-long research study culminating in the composition of an Academic Research Paper (many 30+ pages long) and a full multimedia oral defense of their findings. AP Research had a 100% pass rate, compared to a global pass rate of 88.1% with an average score of 4.21. 86% scored a 4 or 5, compared to 47% globally.
AP Research Stats 2025-26 Ursuline 83% scored a 4 or 5 Mean score 4.21 100% passed
Delaware 47% scored a 4 or 5 Mean score 3.48 87.8% passed
Globally 47% scored a 4 or 5 Mean score 3.48 88.1% passed
Both classes distinguished themselves among the highest performing Capstone students and programs in the country.
Platinum AP School Ursuline Academy was named to the AP School Honor Roll as a Platinum Member, which is the highest level of distinction. The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools with AP Programs that are highly successful in providing college credit opportunities to students and maximizing college readiness. - Ursuline is one of few Delaware schools to earn the Platinum Distinction - Only 886 (6%) of schools nationally earned the Platinum Award - Only 4,570 schools were recognized by the AP School Honor Roll with an award at any level (or 30% eligible)
Collegiate Athletic Commitments The successful transition to college-level academics and athletics requires a coordinated and supported effort between the student, family, and school. Congratulations to the following four graduates competing at the collegiate level!
Lucy Copeland Immaculata University, Volleyball
McKinley Jefferson Gettysburg College, Swimming
Naiya Murphy U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Basketball
Samantha Weinert University of Delaware, Track & Field
Graduate Spotlight: Johanna Schlecht ’26 Johanna Schlecht was an AP Scholar with Distinction, earned the AP Capstone Diploma, and was dedicated to the performing arts both at Ursuline and in the greater Wilmington community. In voice performance Jojo earned national accolades and was a finalist in the prestigious Music Teachers National Association Senior Voice competition. Jojo is studying politics at Princeton University.
Lauren Carney
Stephen Dever
Director of College Counseling lcarney@ursuline.org
College Counselor sdever@ursuline.org
At Ursuline Academy, we pride ourselves on providing our students with the support and resources needed to excel in our Upper School and the college they choose. In keeping with that tradition, our Counseling Department has developed a comprehensive approach to help our students understand the college admission process from start to finish. Our students and their families are fully supported throughout the entire process. We are proud to see our graduates consistently go on to attend colleges and universities throughout the United States and abroad. Our goal is that students be accountable and proactively engaged in the processes of selfevaluation and research that are paramount in helping each student find her perfect college fit. Open discussion and collaboration are encouraged with families. Counselors will help students learn to identify their goals and interests, understand how to manage the complex college admissions process and help them eventually make confident decisions about where and how they will pursue their higher education.
Ursuline’s Personalized Approach to College Counseling 9TH GRADE As a Freshman family, the Upper School team will ensure you are on the best path possible to prepare you for college admissions. Programming for students and parents will help you know what to expect in the process over your four years. The Upper School team will help you navigate our comprehensive course catalog, which sets you on the right academic path from the beginning by aligning our courses with your academic interests. In the Fall, you will also learn about our extracurricular activities, including clubs, service opportunities, and leadership programs. You will become more comfortable with college admissions standardized testing by taking the PSAT 8/9 during the Spring semester. After you receive your scores, college counseling will work with you to explain what colleges look for in a potential student and how you can best prepare for the process. In the Spring, you will also select your sophomore-year courses.
10TH GRADE As a Sophomore, your counselor works with you to identify career and life goals through career discovery and exploration activities, including several personality and career-interest inventories. With your personalized results, you explore various career awareness opportunities and informational resources tailored to your specific interests, paving the way toward a potential career path. In October, you take the PSAT/NMSQT as practice for the SAT. At that time, you review how colleges use standardized testing scores in admissions decisions and work with your counselor to identify the steps and resources necessary to achieve your goals. In the spring, you and your family start digging deeper into college admissions with specific programming that focuses on what to remember as you begin visiting and researching specific universities. Also, in the spring, you select your junior-year courses with assistance from your counselor.
11TH GRADE As a Junior, you will again take the PSAT/NMSQT in October for continued practice and possible recognition as a National Merit Scholar. You are encouraged to meet with the nearly 100 college representatives visiting our campus throughout the fall. In the second semester, you will be enrolled in our small-group Junior Seminar course, which focuses on the college research and application process. Junior Seminar will help you better understand what you are looking for in your college experience. Upon completing the course, you will have a realistic list of colleges that fit your criteria and profile as a student to continue visiting over the summer. The Counseling Department also offers a series of nighttime events in junior year, including sessions on financial aid, the realities of the college admission process, and strategies in college admissions.
12TH GRADE As a Senior, you hit the ground running and begin preparing for college applications over the summer. Your counselor works with you individually and as often as necessary to advance your college applications. Your counselor reviews all applications, and all supporting documents are gathered and officially submitted through the Counseling Department. You will also continue to meet with the college representatives that visit our campus. Our Counseling Department tracks admission results throughout the year, and assistance is provided in helping you decide which college to attend. You will receive unlimited support during every phase of the college selection, application, admission, and financial aid process.
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