URSULINE
ACADEMY
Educating Trailblazers, Changemakers, & Global Leaders since 1893
UPPER SCHOOL
OUR MISSION: Ursuline Academy is an independent, Catholic school community that empowers students for leadership and service in our global society.
I love the academics and the individualized attention from my teachers and counselors. Most importantly, I love the sisterhood. I always feel very connected, and my sisters are always the first people I turn to. They have never let me down and always have my back. The sisterhood at Ursuline is very special. – Logann Roberts ’27
Welcome to Ursuline Academy! Welcome to Ursuline Academy’s Upper School! Shaped by the enduring values of the Ursuline Sisters, Ursuline Academy has upheld an unwavering commitment to the education of young women through academic excellence, personal growth, faith, and service for over 130 years. The Ursuline legacy reminds us that greatness is not simply achieved but cultivated. As members of this extraordinary community, our students walk in the footsteps of those who came before them while discovering the confidence and character to forge their own paths toward bright futures. At the heart of an Ursuline education is our motto, Serviam—“I will serve.” More than a tradition, these words are a daily invitation to lead with integrity. This motto inspires students to utilize their own gifts and talents to make a meaningful difference in the world and in a space where they are championed by those around them. There is something uniquely powerful about an all-girls education. In classrooms designed for young women to thrive, students are encouraged to ask bold questions, step outside their comfort zones, and take intellectual risks. They develop the confidence to lead, the resilience to persevere, and the support of a community outside their classroom walls. While students are challenged through advanced coursework, including our AP program and distinctive electives, they are equally encouraged to discover new passions through athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership opportunities, and community engagement. Although our campus community is very tight-knit, its reach extends far beyond Wilmington. At Ursuline, students join a remarkable global network of Ursuline schools and alumnae connected by shared mission and values. This much larger community is also one that will encourage, support, and inspire them long after their time here. Ursuline Academy offers a transformative education that prepares young women to lead with confidence, serve with compassion, and make an impact in their communities wherever they go. We invite you to discover what it means to be part of the Ursuline sisterhood and to continue the legacy of excellence that defines our institution.
Erin Prada
Upper School Principal
The Value of an Ursuline Education The Class of 2026’s graduates were awarded nearly
$8.4 Million
in academic and athletic scholarships
12
73%
of graduates are attending out-ofstate colleges and universities
DIAA Sports plus Crew, Flag Football & Dance Team
Ursuline offers
24
AP Courses We are one of the only schools to offer an AP course in freshman year.
Ursuline is part of a global education network with over 100 Ursuline schools worldwide.
Ursuline was the first Delaware school to create a dedicated Innovation Program and join the University of Delaware’s ExtreX, which allows students to earn college credits.
95%
participating students earned AP Capstone Diploma or AP Seminar & Research Certificate
On average, 74% of students participate in leadership opportunities across clubs, organizations, performing and visual arts activities, and sports teams during their four years.
Over
$2M
Tuition Assistance & Scholarship Awarded Annually
Serviam or “I will serve” is at the core of Ursuline’s culture with students averaging 165 service hours, far exceeding the required 80 hours. 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.
63%
of Families Receive Tuition Assistance
8:1
Average Student to Teacher Ratio
Ursuline graduates are prepared and confident to select any college major. In fact, in a time where women are still underrepresented in STEM related fields, it is notable that 46% of Ursuline graduates enter college as math or science related majors versus the national average of 33%.
100%
College Acceptance Rate
WE ARE
Trailblazers. Changemakers. Global Leaders.
Academics At Ursuline we are committed to providing students with engaging and dynamic learning opportunities that stretch comfort zones, broaden perspectives, deepen leadership roles, and create connections to their future selves.
Freshmen Transition Series
AP Courses
We understand that the transition to high school is a process rather than just a day of activities, therefore we created a unique program to support freshmen as they seek to become their best selves. Leadership of this series is a collaboration between the social-emotional counselor and Dean of Academics throughout the first semester of freshman year. Students are supported in developing emotional intelligence, relationships with others, and academic competencies that lay the foundation for success across all disciplines.
Ursuline offers an extensive range of AP level courses in all fields of study, with earliest access during freshman year. Based on student qualifications and interest, an AP level Social Studies course is available in 9th grade, followed by students gaining access to AP courses in English and Mathematics as early as sophomore year. The ability to grow and develop at this high level of learning is supported by a large menu of AP courses as upperclassmen, ranging from STEM and humanities into the visual arts. Students’ academic visions and goals are supported as we curate unique course loads that help balance core requirements alongside AP-level challenges in the identified curriculum areas. In addition to the established annual student interest in AP Biology and AP Environmental Science, Ursuline’s recent restructuring of AP Chemistry and AP Physics in alternating years has proven strongly successful in targeting students most interested in STEM. While some students may focus on the Science fields, others may delve into the breadth of our AP offerings in Social Studies, English, World Language, and Mathematics, perhaps even taking multiple courses within a particular department.
Center for Success The Center offers academic student support focused on providing personalized and enhanced learning experiences to ensure academic success for every student in the program. This initiative supports students who benefit from assistance with executive functioning, study and test-taking skills. Our Center for Success coordinator collaborates with families, students, and teachers to provide strategies and individually tailored accommodations with formal evaluations.
Serviam Serviam – meaning “I will serve” – is the core of Ursuline Academy’s mission and inspired by the spirit of St. Angela Merici. Students develop and sustain a natural relationship with service as they work towards 80 hours of non-profit work by the completion of their sophomore year. ntegrated within Ursuline’s religious experience and social ministry curriculum, service projects teach students to recognize needs and ultimately become changemakers in the world. Each year, they support more than 50 nonprofit organizations, such as the Ronald McDonald House Charities and Special Olympics, through fundraising and charitable efforts.
Our AP Capstone program, comprised of a twoyear commitment to AP Seminar and AP Research, continues to demonstrate the highest level of student achievement. Students learn to think critically and creatively while planning and producing communications in various forms. Liberal arts skills are naturally intertwined with each student’s special interests as they design and conduct a study or investigation of their own choosing. Co-curricular connections provide them with a unique opportunity to expose and explore solutions to real-world problems. AP Capstone exam and presentation performances consistently rank nationally among top schools, showcasing both students’ and faculty excellence.
Sales Guide Course Guide 2025-2026 2026-2027 Grade 9 Theology 4 years
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
Theology I Freshmen Retreat
Theology II Sophomore Retreat
Theology III Junior Retreat
Theology IV
English I: Global Literacy Honors English I: Global Literacy
Honors English II: Global Literacy II
Honors English III: American Literature AP English Language & Composition AP Capstone I - AP Seminar
Honors English IV: Women in Literature & Humanities (Honors) AP English Language & Composition AP English Literature & Composition AP Capstone II - AP Research
Algebra 1 Intermediate Algebra Honors Integrated Geometry Honors Algebra II
Integrated Geometry Algebra II Honors Trigonometry & PreCalculus Honors Algebra II AP Statistics
Algebra II Trigonometry & PreCalculus Honors Trigonometry & PreCalculus AP Statistics AP Calculus AB
Probability & Statistics Trigonometry & Pre-Calculus Honors Trigonometry & Pre-Calculus Honors Calculus AP Statistics AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC
Biology Honors Biology Engineering I - Design Thinking (½ credit)
Chemistry Honors Chemistry Engineering I - Design Thinking (½ credit)
Physics Honors Physics AP Chemistry* (2025-2026) AP Physics 1* (2026-2027) AP Biology AP Environmental Science AP Computer Science Principles Engineering I - Design Thinking (½ credit) Engineering in Practice
Honors Physics Environmental Science Human Anatomy & Physiology AP Environmental Science AP Biology AP Chemistry* (2025-2026) AP Physics 1* (2026-2027) AP Computer Science Principles Engineering I - Design Thinking (½ credit) Engineering in Practice
Global Literacy: Honors World Regional History I or AP Human Geography
Honors World Regional History II or AP European History AP Art History
Honors US History or AP US History AP Art History Economics American Court System
Spanish I Spanish II Honors Spanish II
Spanish II Honors Spanish II Spanish III Honors Spanish III French II Honors French II French III Honors French III Mandarin Chinese II Honors Mandarin Chinese II Mandarin Chinese III Honors Mandarin Chinese III
Spanish III Honors Spanish III Spanish IV Honors Spanish IV French III Honors French III French IV Honors French IV Mandarin Chinese III Honors Mandarin Chinese III Mandarin Chinese IV Honors Mandarin Chinese IV
Spanish IV Honors Spanish IV Honors Spanish V: Revolutionary Women AP Spanish Language & Culture AP Spanish
Leadership
Entrepreneurship Leadership
Entrepreneurship Financial Literacy
Global Perspectives Entrepreneurship Financial Literacy
Health & Wellness
Athletic Training UA Athletic Credit (one season 10th-12th)
2D Design 3D Design Explorations in Theater Concert Choir Wind Ensemble*
3D Design Explorations in Theater Advanced Painting Studio Art I Pottery Graphic Design I Digital Photography I Illustration Concert Choir Wind Ensemble* AP Art History
Athletic Training UA Athletic Credit (one season 10th-12th) Explorations in Theater Advanced Painting Studio Art I Pottery Graphic Design I Digital Photography I Digital Photography II Illustration Concert Choir Wind Ensemble* AP Art History Pre-AP Studio Art
Athletic Training UA Athletic Credit (one season 10th-12th) AP Studio Art: 2-D Design AP Studio Art: 3-D Design AP Studio Art: Drawing AP Art History AP Photography Explorations in Theater Advanced Painting Studio Art I Pottery Digital Photography I Digital Photography II Illustration Concert Choir Wind Ensemble*
KAIROS (3-day retreat)
4 credits English 4 years 4 credits Mathematics 4 years 4 credits
Science and Technology 3 years 3 credits
Social Studies 3 years 3 credits
World Language 3 years 3 credits (Consecutive years in the same World Language)
Co-Curricular Studies Athletics
Visual/Performing Arts
Serviam
French I French II Honors French II Mandarin Chinese I Mandarin Chinese II Honors Mandarin Chinese II
AP US History AP European History AP US Government AP Art History Honors Intro to Psychology AP Psychology Economics Women in Literature & Humanities (Honors) American Court System
Honors French IV AP French Language Honors Mandarin Chinese IV AP Mandarin Chinese
Our Serviam Program requires 80 Hours of service to be completed by the end of Sophomore Year. * Offered through exchange program with Salesianum School
Transcending the Classroom Ursuline’s faculty and staff pride themselves on the unrelenting pursuit of excellence in the creation of challenging, engaging, and value-based curriculum. We believe that learning happens inside the traditional classroom setting as well as in the community and the professional sector. Thus, we are committed to constantly developing course offerings that transcend the classroom walls as students engage, learn, and collaborate dynamically in the real world.
American Court System
Business Management
To expose students to the legal career path, we designed this unique course to be taught entirely in partnership with local law firms and individual attorneys who are committed to the Ursuline Education. After a foundation in constitutional law is solidified, students learn about specific fields of legal practice including workers’ compensation, criminal law, family law, and corporate litigation. The course places strong emphasis on time in the field, incorporating access to courtrooms, live trials, and the Department of Justice. Their work culminates in a live mock trial with a jury of legal professionals.
Leadership and management come together as students prepare to assume responsibility for the daily operations and long-term success of a small business. Emphasizing ethical leadership, communication, hiring and training, and team management, the course aligns with the Ursuline Mission and equips students with the skills necessary to successfully run a small business. Students utilize their skills with business opportunities on campus such as the operations of our student-run coffee shop, Angela’s Cafe.
Engineering
Financial Literacy Ursuline commits to helping students develop and practice the skills to become independent and successful in managing real-world financial responsibilities. Students enrolled in our Financial Literacy course investigate essential topics to become financially capable young adults. Additionally, all Seniors, including those not taking the course, participate in a Finance Reality Fair. During this simulation experience, they navigate complex monthly budgets using a given education, family, and employment profile. Lastly, students can participate in our Finance Club, managing real investments in conjunction with the Stock Market Game.
Athletic Training This course seeks to make connections between academic knowledge and its practical application. Students gain hands-on experience in the role of athletic training and physical therapy, as shadowing is an important element of the experience. The crosscurricular nature of this course allows students to appreciate the connection between our Human Anatomy course and an applicable career pathway. Leadership roles in the athletic sector are explored in collaboration with our Athletic Director.
Whether it be in the design, creation, or implementation phase of the Engineering Process, Ursuline cultivates career-ready skills in students seeking STEM-related fields. Access to project-specific technology and equipment in all courses seeks to authenticate the student experience, replicating career practices. Underclassmen can begin their studies with Design Thinking, which challenges students to investigate problems, strategize solutions, and build prototypes. Students can further their knowledge and engage in project-based work with Engineering in Practice. This course incorporates reverse engineering, product design, and participation in the University of Delaware’s curriculum, “Orthopedics in Action”.
Entrepreneurship In partnership with the University of Delaware’s Horn Entrepreneurship, this course equips students to thrive amid a rapidly changing society by cultivating agile thinking and creative problem-solving skills. Through immersive learning opportunities, students navigate the evidence-based entrepreneurship process in pursuing a novel idea for a new business or social venture. The culmination of the course is the showcase of their entrepreneurial pitch, as students gain a competitive edge for internships and future employment by acquiring direct experience in innovation and value creation.
Global Education
Ursuline educates global leaders through curricular and co-curricular programs locally, domestically, and internationally by engaging in active service and building partnerships with our worldwide network of over 100 Ursuline sister schools and beyond.
History:
Our patron saint, St. Angela Merici, was a trailblazer who saw women as powerful changemakers. Her dedication to faith-filled service inspired the formation of educational institutions worldwide, who all continue to share her mission and teachings today.
For students with an affinity for global studies, Ursuline offers the Global Scholars Distinction through the Ursuline Education Network. Graduating students may earn the distinction by going above and beyond to demonstrate an interest in and dedication to global citizenship throughout their time at Ursuline. They must seek out and engage in activities and experiences, both in and beyond the classroom, that foster the development of global competency. The requirements for nomination in the program are significant: specific and intentional coursework, co-curricular activities, cultural literacy, globallyfocused service, and a capstone project with written and oral components.
“Ursuline’s Global Scholars Program has helped me learn about new cultures, provided an opportunity to see the world from a whole new perspective, and given me globally-focused education that has forever impacted my life.” “This program solidified my interest in global topics and contributed to helping me choose a career path. I intentionally chose a college that would allow me to continue my pursuit of being a global leader.”
Ursuline’s Global Education Program promotes the development of intercultural communicative competence through its diverse curricular and co-curricular components that take place both on and off campus. Global learning is infused into many of our courses across the disciplines and offers students the opportunity to build essential skills. Students engage in virtual networking by connecting with other Ursuline students around the world, collaborating on globally focused projects, and teaching as well as learning from one another. Students also have the opportunity to travel, host, and serve through our robust global network. Recent destinations have included Taiwan, South Africa, Peru, Dallas, and Cincinnati, and upcoming trips are slated for Chile, France, Illinois and West Virginia.
Arts
Ursuline Academy’s Visual & Performing Arts Program offers an exceptional art curriculum that focuses on developing essential skills-building, designing, and learning through a process-based approach that utilizes technology, the study of visual and performing arts history, aesthetics, and the development of critical thinking.
Visual Arts
Performing Arts
In the Upper School, young adults are encouraged to cultivate their impact on the world, and specifically, students are challenged to deliver a message through their artwork. Taking risks, deliberately and with reflection, is rewarded when the student departs the class with greater self-awareness and an appreciation for their artistic journey - mistakes and all.
Our Performing Arts Program enables our students to explore their acting and singing abilities while experiencing the diverse range of components involved in creating a full-scale theatrical production, including set design, lighting, sound, and costume design. Our Upper School offers an Exploration in Theater course, open to all students, which allows them to hone their craft or try something new.
All students are required to take a foundational Fine Arts course at Ursuline. Students can choose between 2D Design or 3D Design in the Visual Arts, or select from one of our Performing Arts offerings. By taking these foundational visual arts classes, students are exposed to various techniques that help build their skills and confidence, to spark interest in more advanced courses.
Students may perform in the Fall Musical, the Winter Drama, or the Spring Musical at our neighboring “brother” academy, Salesianum School.
Upon completing a foundational course, students have the option to explore more advanced courses. These courses are designed to foster students’ creativity and skills, building their confidence as artists. Our advanced visual arts courses cover all avenues of artmaking, including drawing, painting, printmaking, digital photography, graphic design, and pottery. Advanced Placement courses are also offered, covering all four exam areas - 2D Design, Drawing, 3D Design, and Art History.
Music Chamber & Orchestra - Ursuline offers two unique opportunities for students looking to continue their instrumental education. In the 725 Chamber Group, students receive individualized instruction before school, developing their skills and incorporating performances at school liturgies or events. Students seeking a more extensive music experience can participate in the Wind Ensemble through an exchange program with Salesianum and Padua, which offers various concert opportunities. Students may also explore the Marching Band and Pit Orchestra in partnership with Salesianum. Concert Choir - Ursuline’s choral program provides students the opportunity to perform for the school and community, including at liturgies and local concerts. This vocal class is dedicated to singing traditional women’s (SSA) and occasional mixed (SATB) choral literature, occasionally accompanied by professional orchestras.
Athletics Ursuline Academy was a trailblazer, establishing one of the first athletic programs for young women in the early 1900s. Our athletic history spans over 100 years and is deeply rooted in tradition, with a passion for the Red and White! Our nationally recognized Athletics Program centers on developing well-balanced student-athletes. By instilling teamwork, dedication, and enthusiasm in your child, we develop student leaders who excel academically and athletically, support their team and coaches, and serve as role models of sportsmanship among teammates and competitors. With Ursuline’s record of excellence, we have created an ideal environment for student-athletes to thrive both in the classroom and on the competition field.
67
State Championships
18 Basketball • 14 Cross Country 12 Volleyball • 12 Track & Field 11 Swimming
Fall
Cross Country Field Hockey Volleyball Flag Football
Winter
Basketball Indoor Track & Field Swimming & Diving Dance (Club)
As a member of the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA), we offer 13 sports at the varsity and junior varsity levels, competing against private and public schools throughout Delaware, as well as Crew and Dance Team. Our teams and individual athletes also participate in Northeast Regional and National-level competitions. Many of our graduates go on to compete at the collegiate level, and our coaches and staff are experienced and knowledgeable in assisting them throughout navigating the recruiting process. Notably, a few of our UA Raider alums have competed professionally, both nationally and internationally, during their careers, including Val Whiting ’89 and Elena Delle Donne ’08. Ursuline’s Athletic Facilities include the newly renovated Laffey McHugh Gymnasium and Fitness Center located within the Anthony N. Fusco Sr. Fitness & Health Center. Serviam Field is located in Greenville on 141 and is home to two playing fields, with Bermuda Grass on the upper-level field and the Lou Olivere Track. The area surrounding the track includes a pole vault pit, long jump pit, high jump pit, and both shot put and discus throws cages.
Fitness Center
Laffey McHugh Gymnasium
Sisters Tournament An annual Ursuline tradition, our lacrosse and volleyball teams participate in the Ursuline Sisters’ Tournament every year. This tradition began in 2006 and brings together UA schools from across the nation for friendly competition, but more importantly, a weekend full of UA Sisterhood! Ursuline teams include: Dedham, Massachusetts; New Orleans, Louisiana; New Rochelle, New York; and St. Louis, Missouri.
Serviam Field
uaraiderssports.com
Spring
Crew (Club) Golf Lacrosse Soccer Softball Tennis Track & Field
Lead More than 100 leadership opportunities available to each student through clubs, organizations, performances, and teams.
Raiders in Action A case history of service and fun. Here’s how it is done at Ursuline.
Create 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 12 DIAA Sports plus Crew, Flag Football & Dance Team inclusive of every skill level with winining records – 67 State Championship Titles.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
A small group of students have an idea to host a flag football tournament to raise money for a charity.
They identify Salsthon, a Salesianum sponsored fundraiser benefiting local charities, as the recipient of the event.
They approach the administration to get approval and to help them make it happen.
Serve
Explore
“Serviam” or “I will serve” is embedded in Ursuline’s culture. Last year, students participated in over 957 service activities, contributing more than 3,750 hours of service to their communities.
Recent travel opportunities for students include destinations such as Cincinnati, New Orleans, France, Italy, Ecuador, Peru, Taiwan, Dallas, Chile, and South Africa.
Step 4
Step 5
RESULTS
Ursuline’s Principal and Athletic Director contact Salesianum to partner on this event.
After much planning with both school’s student councils, the event happens.
More than 250 students participate from both Ursuline and Salesianum for a day of fun while fundraising over $4,200 for Salsthon.
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.
Accepted to 101 colleges and universities and enrolling at 27 institutions across the country
46% of the class will pursue degrees
Earned nearly $8.4 million in academic and athletic scholarships
2 graduates will continue studying
Averaged $204,633 in scholarship awards per graduate Completed 4,854 hours of community service, averaging 118 hours per student
in STEM-related fields, far exceeding the national average engineering after being inspired by Ursuline’s engineering program
4 graduates will compete in collegiate athletics in Basketball, Swimming, Track & Field, & Volleyball
10 graduates will attend Catholicaffiliated universities
1 graduate earned an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point
College Acceptances* American University Auburn University Baylor University Boston College Boston University Bowdoin College Bucknell University Carnegie Mellon University Catholic University of America Clemson University Colgate University College of Charleston College of William and Mary Cornell University Drexel University Duke University Duquesne University Elon University Emerson College Emory University Fairfield University Florida Atlantic University Fordham University Franklin and Marshall College George Mason University George Washington University Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology Gettysburg College Harvard University
High Point University University of Alabama Howard University University of California, Berkeley James Madison University University College Dublin John Hopkins University University of Colorado at Boulder Lafayette College University of Delaware Lehigh University University of Georgia Louisiana State University University of Illinois Loyola University Maryland University of Maryland, College Park New York University University of Massachusetts, Boston North Carolina State University University of Miami Northeastern University University of Michigan Ohio State University University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Pace University University of Notre Dame Penn State University University of Pennsylvania Princeton University University of Pittsburgh Providence College University of Richmond Purdue University University of South Carolina Rutgers University University of Southern California Saint Joseph’s University University of Tampa Savannah College of Art & Design University of Tennessee Spelman College University of Texas St. John’s University University of Virginia Swarthmore College University of Wisconsin, Madison Syracuse University Villanova University Temple University Virginia Commonwealth University Towson University Virginia Tech Trinity College Dublin Wake Forest University Tulane University West Chester University United States Military Academy at West Point Xavier University United States Naval Academy at Annapolis Yale University
*Based on five years of data
URSULINE
ACADEMY
ursuline.org