About

Ursuline Academy is an independent, Catholic, college preparatory school for young women in grades 7-12. Founded in 1946, Ursuline Academy in Dedham operates under the sponsorship of the international network of Ursuline Sisters, the oldest religious teaching order devoted to the education of young women.

Admissions

Our Admissions team welcomes families for tours throughout the year, and we sponsor events designed for students to explore our campus, sit in on classes, and to get to know our community. Ours is a holistic approach to knowing each student as we review qualifications for admissions. Learn why families choose Ursuline, and how our graduates become young women of character, faith and scholarship!

ACADEMICS

Ursuline Academy offers a rigorous program of study designed to challenge and inspire students, and our faculty encourage their love of learning, reading, and scholarly exploration in the pursuit of truth. Our graduates are fully prepared to study, analyze, and communicate persuasively to meet the challenges of university work.

LIVING THE MISSION

The values of an Ursuline education– a Catholic education– were established centuries ago when Saint Angela Merici dedicated her life to forming a company of young women engaged in bettering their communities. At Ursuline, we challenge our students to live lives of integrity that reflect the principles of Catholic social teaching, and to be Christ to one another in today’s world. We welcome students of all faiths, and support every student on her spiritual journey.

Theatre

St. Angela Merici calls us to be bold risk-takers. This mission is lived out by our students in the classroom, on the athletic field, and, of course, on the stage! Whether you are destined to be in the spotlight delivering a Shakespeare monologue, behind the stage keeping everyone in line as Prop Manager, building sets, or working the lighting and sound board, Ursuline Theatre welcomes every single student.

2024-2025 SEASON LINEUP

Little Women, The Musical

Matilda, Jr., The Musical

Our production of Matilda, Jr. was a smashing success! Casting was open to seventh, eighth, and ninth graders. Upperclassmen were able to take on leadership roles in Matilda, Jr.'s production - like choreographers, lighting and sound designers, and prop managers - while they rehearsed their one-act show, Desdemona in the Afterlife, in preparation for the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild's high school competition!

Pride and Prejudice

How Does it Work?

Ursuline Theatre produces three major productions and one festival show annually. Our fall play and spring musical are open to students across all grade levels. In the winter, Ursuline produces a play or musical with casting limited to students in grades 7 - 9. Upperclassmen take on leadership roles in the show, from choreographers, to designers, to directors. At the same time, upperclassmen work to perfect a one-act performance they bring to the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild (METG) High School Competition. High schools across the area compete for various theatre awards; the full list of our accolades can be seen below. Students are also invited to participate in shows produced by Xaverian Brothers, Roxbury Latin, and more, year-round.

METG Award Record

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2019

STUDENT TESTIMONIAL

"Every year I am blown away by the talent on Ursuline’s stage. There is truly no greater collection of loving, supportive, creative, and intelligent actresses than those at Ursuline Academy. I am so lucky to have been part of this theatre program!" - Kate Connor '25

Theater Education

Ursuline offers a Drama Club during Activity Period (during the school day) open to all students. Through Drama Club, students learn improv theater, build audition skills, and participate in drama games and exercises.

In addition to extracurricular opportunities, Ursuline offers an academic course in Drama. This course introduces students to Theater Arts through the study of beginning acting techniques and practical application of theater skills. Topics covered include movement, voice, relaxation, concentration, performance, improvisation, character analysis, scene study, monologues, audition skills, stagecraft (lighting, set, sound and costume design), playwriting, and directing.