An independent Catholic school for young women in grades 7-12

Who We Are

For 75 years, Ursuline Academy has encouraged young women to push past their expectations of themselves. Steeped in an environment of encouragement, support, and faith, students feel free to discover every part of their being, to be both bold and compassionate, and to find what gives them joy.  In a tradition combining the best of all-girls and Catholic schools, they emerge as women of integrity who engage in their communities with purpose and presence. 

We are an Ursuline school

The values of an Ursuline education were established centuries ago when Saint Angela Merici, a forward-thinking Italian religious educator and foundress of the Order of St. Ursula, dedicated her life to forming a company of young women engaged in bettering their communities.  Hundreds of years later, we still believe in a world in which every young woman is empowered and supported to find her voice and be the best she can be for herself and in contribution to the world around her.

For 500 years, the women of the Ursuline Order have eagerly embraced innovation.  From the moment St. Angela Merici encouraged her followers to "risk new things," the Ursulines have never hesitated to advance boldly.  As a result, the Ursulines were the first women to establish a Catholic school in North America.  Their school communities gave rise to the first female pharmacist in the United States and the first woman to contribute a book of literary merit, and also provided the first classes for female African-American slaves, free women of color, and Native Americans. 

The Serviam shield is the emblem of loyalty known by Ursuline students throughout the world. The cross stands for faith, the foundation of all Christian action, and the seven stars represent Ursa Minor, a reminder of Saint Ursula, our patroness and a source of inspiration for Saint Angela Merici.


Some key facts 

Grades

7-12

Location

Dedham, Massachusetts, 11 miles southwest of Boston and easily accessible from Rt. 95/128 and the Mass Pike.

Transportation

Bus service is available and carpools operate from many area towns.

Campus

We boast a 28-acre campus that includes a 20-classroom school building with a multi-use space, library and art studio; a Science Wing with state-of-the-art laboratories; playing fields, tennis courts and a fitness center. The new Reynolds Family Athletic & Convocation Center opened in the fall of 2017.

Student body

Approximately 370 girls from 45 communities in the Greater Boston area

Academics

Ursuline offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum that encourages a commitment to scholarship.  AP classes are available in 20 subjects.

Sports

We have 14 sports, including 27 total teams for junior high, freshman, JV and varsity.

Performing Arts

A variety of vocal and instrumental groups are available, and three plays are performed each year.

Faculty

72 faculty/staff members; 85% of faculty hold advanced degrees

Student:faculty ratio

11:1

Average class size

16

Affiliation

Ursuline Academy operates under the sponsorship of the international network of Ursuline Sisters.  As such, the Catholic faith is both a subject of academic study and a source of values . The Ursuline community welcomes students of all faiths.

Ursuline Educational Network

Ursuline Academy is a member of Ursuline Educational Network (UEN), a collaborative effort of Ursuline congregations to foster education based on Gospel values and promotes the preservation and development of the Ursuline charism and mission.

Questions?

Contact our Admissions Office at 781-493-7727, visit our Admissions page or fill out an inquiry form. We look forward to getting to know you!

Girl looking inquisitive

Learn More

Explore our site for information regarding academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, the arts, guidance and more.