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.

Transportation

Students travel to Ursuline each day from approximately 60 different cities and towns surrounding the Dedham campus, and as far as 40 minutes away. Transportation options include carpools, the town of Dedham bus (Dedham residents only), Ursuline bus options with other partner schools, and public transportation.

Each student’s transportation needs are different, and we seek to accommodate students by providing school-sponsored bus transportation from various cities and towns in conjunction with the neighboring boys’ schools. We are continuously working to improve existing bus routes and to look for alternate transportation arrangements for our families. Many of our families also make carpool arrangements and we assist those interested by publishing a student directory and sharing carpool lists with new incoming families.

Town of Dedham Bus Service

The Town of Dedham provides fee-based transportation to Dedham residents who live 1 - 1.5 miles or more from the Academy. Families may sign up through the Dedham school bus site here. If you need assistance, please contact transportation@ursulineacademy.net.

2023-2024 Bus Transportation

Based on demand, Ursuline Academy partners with other private schools each year to provide additional options for students coming to Ursuline from cities and towns in every direction. If you wish to utilize this bus service, you may contract for service on an annual basis. Please note that Ursuline Academy subsidizes the per-student cost of transportation to keep it affordable for families, as we strive to ensure this will not be an obstacle to enrollment. For the 2023-2024 school year, the cost to students is $1,700 per year for round trip service.

To register, please complete the online registration and permission form linked below. Payment in full will be required and billed through FACTS.

The priority registration deadline is Friday, June 9, 2023. Registration will continue over the summer however, please note that seats are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis, as there are some routes with limited capacity. Families will receive an email confirming their student's seat after the priority registration deadline has passed.

Bus Transportation

Ursuline Bus #7: Boston, Milton, Quincy
Xaverian Bus #1: Holliston, Franklin, Medway, Millis
Xaverian Bus #2: Waltham, Auburndale, Newton Center, West Roxbury
Xaverian Bus #3: North Attleboro, Mansfield/Foxboro, Sharon, Walpole
Xaverian Bus #4: Wellesley, Natick, Sherborn, Medfield. Xaverian Bus #5: Rockland, Weymouth

To review specific 2023-2024 routes and stops, please consult the Bus Route Schedule linked below.

2022-2023 Transportation Registration

Please note that times are subject to change and the number of route offerings and stops are based on ridership, which is re-evaluated annually. Stops and times may be adjusted or omitted based on registration numbers.

MBTA Option – Dedham Corporate

Although Ursuline is not directly on a public transportation route, when there is enough interest for students who might ride the MBTA, the school assists students by providing shuttle service from the Dedham Corporate Center train station (Rustcraft Road) on the Franklin commuter rail line. Please see MBTA.com for updated train schedules and information, and contact the Admissions Office to determine if the shuttle is running.

MBTA Programs

M7 Card Program

Students who reside in the City of Boston are eligible for M7 cards. M7 cards are pre-funded by Boston Public Schools and the program runs from September - June each year. Passes are for unlimited travel on the bus, subway, and commuter rail zones 1A, 1, and 2. M7 Passes are assigned to a specific student and may not be shared. If the pass is lost/stolen during the year, please contact transportation@ursulineacademy.net for a replacement.

S-Card Program

All students are eligible for an S-Card. S-Cards are available for use year-round. This program requires cards to be funded by students, parents or guardians. The program offers $30 per month for unlimited travel on bus and subway and 50% discount on all commuter rail zones.

Carpools

Ursuline is a tight-knit community, and given the wide variety of towns represented among our student population, opportunities for families to organize carpools are plentiful. In the summer each year, all new incoming students will be asked if they wish to share contact information to help facilitate carpools. Please feel free to call the Main Office at 781-326-6161 should you need assistance in establishing a carpool.