Growth. Values. For Life. Educating Trailblazers, Changemakers, & Global Leaders since 1893
MIDDLE SCHOOL
OUR MISSION:
Ursuline Academy is an independent, Catholic school community that empowers students for leadership and service in our global society.
The
middle school at Ursuline has taken me from a once shy and reserved student, to a student who has become outgoing and more confident in myself and my abilities. Middle school is a space to grow with the help of friends and teachers by your side.
- Julia Panunto ’29, Middle School Student Council President
Welcome to Ursuline Academy!
Ursuline is a school community where young girls learn, grow, and are empowered to take ownership of their learning. Emerging as thinkers, pioneers, citizens, and disciples, our students are confident and prepared for the next steps in their academic journey and beyond. At Ursuline, we focus on the student, her education, personal growth, spiritual development, and transformation into a trailblazer who is equipped to change the world. We cultivate each student’s gifts to give her the confidence to reach her full potential. Every student has the opportunity to lead through our leadership development program and many activities.
Our faculty understands the demands young girls face during their Middle School years and how essential their role is in bridging the gap. Every classroom is a safe place for students to explore, innovate, take risks, ask questions, collaborate, and communicate. Our advisory program provides community building and discussion to support our girls as they develop into organized, self-advocating, and responsible students.
Each student is embraced by the powerful bond of sisterhood. The unique Ursuline sisterhood connects students across all divisions, generations, and the world, resulting in friendships that last a lifetime. The moment you walk through our doors it will feel like home. We are a family and a community like no other.
We invite you to join us at UA!
Lisa Clody ’83 Middle School Principal
The Value of an Ursuline Education
Extracurricular Clubs
Including: ASL, Book, Debate, Engineering, Math League, Quiz Bowl, World Cultures, and Yearbook
$2.3 million 63% of students.
3 seasons of Athletics sponsored by CYM and DIAA in tuition assistance awarded across all grade levels to Student to Teacher
Ratio of 8:1 Middle School.
Over 40% of New Castle County Science Fair award winners qualified for the Delaware Valley Science Fair
100% of 8th Grade students in good standing are guaranteed admission to Ursuline’s Upper School. Over $165,000 in scholarships awarded to current 8th graders.
Ursuline is part of a global education network with over 100 other Ursuline schools worldwide.
Serviam or “to serve” is at the core of Ursuline’s culture with 100% of students participating in service projects throughout the year. Through their experience at Ursuline, Serviam becomes a part of our graduates lives with 56% of graduates reporting they continue to give to their community - the largest percentage of this group giving at least 10 hours a month.
Life in the Middle The Heart of Ursuline
Life in the Middle School is tailored to the needs of girls in Grades 6-8, and provides extensive curricular and co-curricular offerings.
Academic Recognition & Leadership
Middle School students have the opportunity to be selected for membership in the Lumen Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). Ursuline students who exhibit excellence in the four areas of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character are recognized with this special honor. As members of NJHS, Middle School students will use their personal skills and talents for improvement of both self and society and will serve as role models for other students. In addition to the strong academic records which established the eligibility for membership, chapter members are leaders in many student organizations and serve our school and community through many activities in the classroom and through extra curricular activities. Ursuline girls find their voice, develop selfconfidence, and explore their own ideals.
Global Education Program
As a member of a large global network of Ursuline schools, students have the opportunity to connect with others at Ursuline institutions around the country and the world. Teachers utilize these relationships for rich educational opportunities across the disciplines. From pen pal engagement to our participation in the Ursuline Integral Ecology project, our girls are building intercultural skills and discovering ways to make the world a better place through “Serviam,” the Ursuline motto that unites us worldwide.
Language Arts
Students explore the elements of reading and writing in context to develop their unique ability to craft and respond to the written word. Using a student-centered approach, our curriculum ensures that each unit incorporates grammar, vocabulary exploration, literature components, and written expression.
Math
At Ursuline, the focus of Middle School math is to create an experience that is relevant, challenging, and achievable for every student. The goal is to cultivate a profound appreciation for mathematics, building upon the foundational knowledge acquired in previous grades.
Our math curriculum empowers students to become highly confident mathematicians. Every student will engage with Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 during their Middle School years, while our most advanced track includes Geometry in the 8th grade.
Mini-mesters
All students participate in a two-day experiential learning opportunity that is of interest to them. Each mini-mester program is designed and facilitated by an Ursuline faculty member and includes guest speakers, off-site field trips, and a unique hands-on curriculum. They have several exciting and different topics to choose from. Past topics have included Science of Food, Baking & Frosting Techniques, Athletic Careers, Photography, Animal Science, Art & Theater, Chemistry, Astronomy, & Flower Power. Students have witnessed surgery at a Veterinary Hospital, participated in an appetizer bake-off, and created their own floral arrangement.
Science
The Science Program emphasizes science process skills through the study of Life Science in 6th grade, Earth and Space Science in 7th grade, and Physical Science in 8th grade, all in an exciting and interactive environment. Students perform hands-on experiments while learning about scientific processes, problem-solving, data spreadsheets, and graphs.
Social Studies
In 6th grade, students are immersed in the cultures of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. 7th and 8th graders embark on their exploration of American History, starting with the American colonies and concluding with a study of World War II. Students learn history through the analysis and interpretation of primary and secondary sources. Additionally, the curriculum emphasizes geography, map skills, and contemporary events.
Theology
Through study of the Old and New Testament, the Church, and the saints, our Theology Program examines the meaning of faith and its importance to students. In keeping with our Serviam tradition, students complete individual service hours on projects and for organizations of their choice throughout the school year. Ursuline hosts a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the year, and students are also encouraged to seek opportunities in their community at local nonprofits.
World Language
The World Language curriculum introduces students to a variety of critically important global languages and invites them to explore and discover their passion through our extensive offerings. In 6th grade, the curriculum focuses on Spanish. In 7th grade, students choose between three languages to study for two years: Mandarin, French, or Spanish. This allows many students to possibly enroll in a Level II course as a freshman.
Middle School Experience
While exciting things are happening every day inside the classrooms, Middle School is also a time for our girls to venture off campus to learn, explore, and deepen the bond of sisterhood. These experiences highlighted below are some of our favorite middle school milestones.
Middle School Community Trip
Each fall, our entire Middle School enjoys a community-building field trip, followed by lunch and an afternoon retreat. This day fosters fun, teambuilding, and the well-being of mind and body for both our students and faculty.
Camp Tockwogh
As the culmination of their life science curriculum, our 6th grade class annually ventures on a two-night, three-day trip to Camp Tockwogh each May. The trip includes bay studies, beach cleanup, and team-building activities.
Junior Achievement
New York City
Our 7th graders embark on a cultural day of fun in New York City, where they shop, dine, and attend a Broadway show. This is an annual outing that the students look forward to with anticipation every year. The memories from this trip last a lifetime… ask our alumnae!
Williamsburg
Wrapping up their final year in Middle School, our 8th graders experience a two-night, three-day trip to Williamsburg. This longstanding tradition includes visiting Jamestown’s historic settlement and a trip to Busch Gardens Theme Park.
The 6th and 7th grades use the Junior Achievement curriculum as part of their financial literacy program. For a hands-on experience, they travel to the JA headquarters. The 6th graders participate in the simulated ‘Biz Town,’ where they operate banks, manage restaurants, write checks, and vote for mayor. They can connect the dots between what they learn in school and the real world.
The 7th grade completes JA Finance Park, a program from Junior Achievement that focuses on personal financial planning and career exploration. At the culmination of this teacher-led program, they visit JA Finance Park, a realistic on-site or virtual community, to put into practice what they have learned by developing and committing to a personal budget.
Wellness & Support
Mental Health & Well-being
We care about the well-being of the whole student and believe that mental well-being is the bedrock of success in all other areas of their experience at Ursuline. Our Middle School has a dedicated full-time counselor, Ms. Molly Donnelly, who provides individualized support to students navigating challenges such as anxiety, friendship conflict, and other personal concerns.
Seeking help from the counselor is a normalized and encouraged experience at Ursuline, and students know they have a safe and trusted space to turn to during difficult moments. Ms. Donnelly collaborates closely with teachers, parents, and guardians to help maintain student well-being and academic success.
In addition to counseling, Ms. Donnelly teaches a leadership course to each grade level, focusing on building confidence, exploring different leadership styles, and empowering young women to make meaningful change, starting now.
Learning Support
The Center for Success offers personalized academic support in various areas, including literacy intervention, executive functioning development, and subject-specific review and test preparation. Student groups vary, but on average, they have a 3:1 student-to-teacher ratio, ensuring that students receive the individual attention they need. Based on industry best practices and proven student outcomes, CFS implements the Wilson® Structured Literacy reading program for students with language-based needs. The Wilson® program, known for its evidence-based approach to increasing fluency and comprehension, provides intensive reading support that focuses on all aspects of reading, including decoding, encoding, and writing skills.
Students benefit from additional support around assignment completion, academic support in course content areas, and a quiet, focused space for students to take assessments. Parents receive additional communication around their student’s progress with weekly reports from Mrs. Bradley and regular opportunities for comprehensive check-ins with the student’s support team.
A Note from Our School Pup, Winnie
Hello! My name is Winnie, and I’m the school dog at Ursuline Academy. I love being an ‘Ursuline girl,’ and one of my favorite things to do when I come to school is to greet new students and visitors. I spend my days ready and waiting to cheer up anyone having a ruff day. Some of my favorite upperclassmen wait for me each morning for a game of fetch with my tennis ball, which I love to chase up and down the hallway. I also love to be read to in the lower school library. I’m a great listener for young, new readers! When I’m in the Fusco Student Life Center, I can usually be found roaming along the 3rd floor, where I can take in a theology class or math lessons, all while getting treats and cuddles.
When I was asked to write you this letter, I jumped and wagged my tail at the opportunity! Why is Ursuline the best place to be, you ask? Because we have so much to offer students of all ages - from our award-winning academics and talented faculty, championship sports teams and highly regarded coaches, nationally-recognized arts program, and a global network of over 100 Ursuline schools worldwide! Our newly renovated facilities and innovative learning spaces provide state-of-the-art tools and resources for learning. And did I mention our amazing cafeteria? While I’m not allowed to play in the café, I have snuck some occasional nibbles, and I can assure you, it’s the best food around!
I hope you will visit me soon and see how wonderful Ursuline is!
Sincerely yours with fluffy hugs and wet kisses, Winnie
Ms. Molly Donnelly Middle School Counselor
Mrs. Lori Bradley Learning Support Specialist
House System
The House System provides an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to build community, promote unity, and create new traditions academy-wide. Our House System organizes our students, faculty, and staff into three houses: Points, Novas, and Caps. Each house is based on one of Ursuline’s founding patron saints: St. Angela Merici, St. Ursula, and St. Marie of the Incarnation. Each house incorporates colors and symbols related to their saint’s history, and house groupings are determined by high school graduation year.
Favorite House traditions in the Middle School include House Wars, Field Day, cheers, service projects, monthly dress apparel days, and holiday activities.
Advisory
In the Middle School, our Advisory groups are small groups of 9-12 girls that include a mixture of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders with two faculty advisors. Students stay in the same Advisory group and with the same advisor for all three years of Middle School. Throughout the year, we discuss topics that help the students navigate the social and emotional challenges unique to Middle School. We teach strategies that help them academically and encourage them to participate in a number of fun team building activities and community competitions (such as our gingerbread village contest). It is an opportunity for the students to build a meaningful relationship with another adult outside of who they may have for homeroom or class as well as with students from different grade levels.
Benefits of an All-Girl School
The Girls’ School ADVANTAGE
In an all-girls learning environment, students are given a unique opportunity to grow and learn in a space where their voices are heard, their skills are sharpened, and their self-confidence soars. At Ursuline, our girls and young women develop both a sense of self and a deep connection to the concept of sisterhood, which underscores how they see themselves and work with others in our global society. When girls are given the opportunity to lead, problem-solve, collaborate, and innovate with just girls, the answer to the question of “Can I?” is always “Yes!”
WHERE GIRLS LEARN BEST
Research findings “reveal a consistent portrait of girls’ school graduates who are more engaged academically and socially than their coeducated peers ... these results demonstrate differences in areas of critical importance in the twenty-first century for women as they enter university and beyond”
—Fostering Academic and Social Engagement: An Investigation into the Effects of All-Girls Education in the Transition to University
Ursuline Academy is a member of the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools. Below are key findings of the benefits of all-girls education.
STRONGER ACADEMIC SKILLS
Girls’ school students acquire traits needed for academic success.
Graduates of girls’ schools are more likely than coeducated peers to frequently seek alternative solutions to a problem and explore topics on their own, even when not required.
GREATER CULTURAL COMPETENCY
Girls’ schools encourage collaboration and understanding.
STRONGER ACADEMIC SKILLS
Girls’ schools develop critical thinkers.
More than 2/3 of girls’ school graduates report frequently supporting their arguments with logic.
Graduates of girls’ schools count their respect for others with different beliefs and their ability to work cooperatively with diverse people as strengths.
GREATER CULTURAL COMPETENCY
Girls’ school graduates help bridge cultural and racial divides.
When asked about their ability to work and live in a diverse society, 75% of girls’ school graduates say they value improving their understanding of other countries and cultures and are nearly 10% more likely than coeducated peers to have the goal to help promote racial understanding.
INCREASED POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT
Girls’ school graduates are committed to social improvement.
Graduates of girls’ schools are more likely than coeducated peers to plan to vote in elections and to publicly voice their opinion about a cause.
STRONGER COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Girls’ school graduates value giving back to their community. Girls’ school grads are more likely than coeducated peers to have a goal of participating in community action initiatives and to think it’s essential to become involved in environmental issues.
HIGHER SCIENCE SELF-CONFIDENCE
Girls’ schools are leading the way in closing the gender gap in STEM.
Graduates of girls’ schools report greater confidence than coeducated peers in their ability to use technical science skills, understand scientific concepts, generate a research question, explain study results, and determine appropriate data collection.
Student Life
Lead Explore
Many leadership opportunities are available to each student through clubs, organizations, performances, and teams.
Build on your craft or develop a new one by participating in our thriving arts program that offers curricular and extra-curricular activities in the performing and visual arts.
Play
Girls can choose from 8 sports teams that are inclusive of every skill level. Opportunities may be available for 8th grade students to participate on Upper School teams.
Raiders in Action
A case history of service and fun. Here’s how it is done at Ursuline.
Step 1
Design the annual 8th Grade Fair for the week of Halloween. Plan games, food, prizes, and invites.
Step 2
Contact food vendors, order prizes, and moon bounce.
Step 3
Market the fair to the Ursuline community by visiting classrooms, designing and distributing flyers, and making announcements.
Expect More Travel Serve
Class field trips allow students time to travel and bond together. Students also look forward to participating in domestic and international travel to other Ursuline schools once they are in Upper School.
Serviam or “to serve” is embedded in Ursuline’s culture. Students have volunteer opportunities available during club time throughout the year.
Step 4 Step 5
Sell tickets, collect, and count money. Arrive early on the day of the fair to set up The Green with games, stations, and food.
RESULTS
Over 600 students, parents, and faculty attended the fair, raising money for the annual 8th Grade overnight trip to Williamsburg.
College and Beyond
Begin with the next step in mind.
Ursuline Academy is known for a unique college counseling program. As a freshman, students are assigned a college counselor who will stay with them through graduation. Once the college process begins, counselors know the students well and therefore, know which schools to recommend.
100% Acceptance Rate to a 4-year college
With a college counselor ratio of
1 to 25
students are provided individualized attention and unlimited support during every phase of the college selection, application, admission, and financial aid process.
Career Discovery
Raider Block Internships
The Raider Block Internship Program offers the opportunity for students to participate in various intern ships on campus during the school day. The students earn service hours for their work while gaining hands-on skills that relate to a potential future career. Interns partner with departments including Advancement, Marketing, Admissions, Athletics, Campus Safety, and Technology in addition to positions such as Science Lab Technicians and Classroom Aides across all divisions.
Transcending the Classroom
Collaboration with our local community provides students with access to unique, career-oriented courses that create avenues for skill development and networking opportunities. Current offerings include: American Court Systems is instructed entirely in partnership with law firms and individual attorneys, seeking to expose students to the legal path. After a foundation in constitutional law is solidified, students will learn about specific fields of legal practice, including access to courtrooms and the Department of Justice. Their work culminates in a live mock trial with a jury of legal professionals.
Athletic Training seeks to make connections between academic knowledge and practical application. Students gain hands-on experience in the role of athletic training and physical therapy as shadowing is an important element of the course. Leadership roles in the athletic sector will also be explored.
