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.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiatives

My friends, we cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life.Pope Francis (June 30, 2020)

Statement of Belief

Following in the footsteps of St. Angela Merici, who dedicated herself to the service of the Catholic Church, the Ursuline community believes that all humanity is created in God's image and likeness. We unequivocally condemn all forms of prejudice, racism, and injustice no matter the race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, socio-economic means, or other forms of differentiation that result in marginalization, hatred, and violence. We believe in the uniqueness and dignity of each individual as a beautiful creation of God. We are committed to creating a just, equitable and inclusive community, where every person experiences a true sense of belonging.

Dedicated to the creation of young people who are both compassionate in conscience and bold in social action, the initiatives outlined below work together at Ursuline to cultivate a fully inclusive community.

Partnership with Dr. Nate Sessoms

The Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion serves as an internal consultant, trainer and resource for the Ursuline community. The Director of DEI works with racial justice consultant Dr. Nate Sessoms to foster equitable policies and structures, design climate surveys, implement student workshops, organize faculty education programs, de-colonize curricula and create affinity and alliance groups for students.

Diversity Action Council

The Diversity Action Council is composed of faculty, staff, and students who work with the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to identify, analyze and tackle issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion within the Ursuline community. The group meets regularly to plan, honor and celebrate diversity in its many forms at Ursuline.

Racial Justice Club

The Racial Justice Club was established in 2020. This affinity group provides a safe space for students to gather based on self-identity to have conversations, share stories, take action, and empower each other. Allies who wished to learn more and engage in meaningful conversations are also welcome. Additional affinity groups may be proposed by students and supported by the administration for the 2022-2023 school year.

Monthly observances honored through education, service and prayer

September-National Hispanic Heritage History Month (9/15-10/15)
October - Filipino American History Month
November-Native American Indian/Alaskan Native Heritage Month
February-Black History Month
March-Women’s History Month
April - Arab American Awareness Month
May - Asian Pacific Awareness Month
June-LGBTQ+ Pride Month

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