URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS
This is a true story. It begins in 1874, when six nuns of the Ursuline Order traveled to the small frontier town of Dallas to establish a Catholic school for girls. The school’s mission was to provide young women with an exceptional education and religious grounding that would serve them as they grew to serve the community. With just $146 and seven students, Ursuline Academy opened its doors. Thousands of girls – each as individual and unique as you are – have passed through the halls of Ursuline since our first day. But the mission to educate young women for leadership in a global society has remained steadfast.
Ours is a story of tradition. It is also a story of great teachers, cutting-edge technology, and commitment to service. This is Ursuline’s story and that of thousands of confident girls becoming the effective, ethical, and compassionate leaders of tomorrow.
This is a true story. It begins in 1874, when six nuns of the Ursuline Order traveled to the small frontier town of Dallas to establish a Catholic school for girls. The school’s mission was to provide young women with an exceptional education and religious grounding that would serve them as they grew to serve the community. With just $146 and seven students, Ursuline Academy opened its doors. Thousands of girls – each as individual and unique as you are – have passed through the halls of Ursuline since our first day. But the mission to educate young women for leadership in a global society has remained steadfast.
Ours is a story of tradition. It is also a story of great teachers, cutting-edge technology, and commitment to service. This is Ursuline’s story and that of thousands of confident girls becoming the effective, ethical, and compassionate leaders of tomorrow.
Ursuline Academy, the oldest continuously operating school in Dallas, is renowned for academic excellence, innovation, and our motto, Serviam (I will serve). We are committed to you, to meeting your individual educational needs, and to helping you develop your own unique talents. From your first day of classes, you’ll feel part of a community rich with tradition. You’ll also get a chance to put your stamp on that tradition. From Intramurals – your time to show off class spirit through skits, sports, and art – to class retreats, you’ll make friendships that will last far beyond your high school years. You will be part of a lifelong sisterhood.X URSULINE CORE VALUES UA Traditions Big Sister/Little Sister Program Freshman Convocation Mother/Daughter Mass and Brunch Dad/Daughter Community Service Project Intramurals Snowball Catholic Schools Week Founders’ Day Sophomore Serviam Mass Junior Ring Ceremony Class Retreats Baccalaureate Mass and Brunch Graduation
Spiritual formation and faith development Respect for the uniqueness of the individual Development of the whole person Development of a nurturing community spirit Commitment to peacemaking
Serviam (I will serve) as a lived reality
Academic excellence is the hallmark of an Ursuline school.
Ursuline Academy, the oldest continuously operating school in Dallas, is renowned for academic excellence, innovation, and our motto, Serviam (I will serve). We are committed to you, to meeting your individual educational needs, and to helping you develop your own unique talents. From your first day of classes, you’ll feel part of a community rich with tradition. You’ll also get a chance to put your stamp on that tradition. From Intramurals – your time to show off class spirit through skits, sports, and art – to class retreats, you’ll make friendships that will last far beyond your high school years. You will be part of a lifelong sisterhood.X URSULINE CORE VALUES UA Traditions Big Sister/Little Sister Program Freshman Convocation Mother/Daughter Mass and Brunch Dad/Daughter Community Service Project Intramurals Snowball Catholic Schools Week Founders’ Day Sophomore Serviam Mass Junior Ring Ceremony Class Retreats Baccalaureate Mass and Brunch Graduation
Spiritual formation and faith development Respect for the uniqueness of the individual Development of the whole person Development of a nurturing community spirit Commitment to peacemaking
Serviam (I will serve) as a lived reality
Academic excellence is the hallmark of an Ursuline school.
Studies have shown that girls thrive in all-girl classrooms. In Ursuline’s supportive environment, you’ll be empowered to try new things and to find your own voice. Ursuline has a club or activity for almost every interest, and it’s easy to get involved and meet friends as you explore new paths. If you love to write, you can join the staff of the student newspaper or literary magazine. If you know what “francophone” means, consider being part of the French Club. Or you can help support those serving in the military as a member of the Support Our Troops Club.
Sampling of Student Clubs and Activities African-American Awareness (AAA) Art Club Asian Student Union Bear Faithful Best Buddies Color Guard Drama Club Engineering and Robotics Club Environmental Permaculture Awareness Club Girls Assisting Global Awareness Indian Dance Club Jesuit and Cistercian Cheerleaders Junior World Affairs Council Latinas Unidas Mock Trial Model United Nations National Honor Society Peer Ministry Science Fiction Club Students Reach Out (SRO)
This is your story, and you’ll choose your own adventure!X THE ALL-GIRL ADVANTAGE Students from all-girl schools outscore their co-ed counterparts on the SAT by an average of 28 to 43 points. Three times as many girls’ school graduates plan to become engineers. 93 percent of girls’ school graduates report greater access to leadership opportunities when compared with their peers in co-ed schools. Source: National Coalition of Girls’ Schools
Studies have shown that girls thrive in all-girl classrooms. In Ursuline’s supportive environment, you’ll be empowered to try new things and to find your own voice. Ursuline has a club or activity for almost every interest, and it’s easy to get involved and meet friends as you explore new paths. If you love to write, you can join the staff of the student newspaper or literary magazine. If you know what “francophone” means, consider being part of the French Club. Or you can help support those serving in the military as a member of the Support Our Troops Club.
Sampling of Student Clubs and Activities African-American Awareness (AAA) Art Club Asian Student Union Bear Faithful Best Buddies Color Guard Drama Club Engineering and Robotics Club Environmental Permaculture Awareness Club Girls Assisting Global Awareness Indian Dance Club Jesuit and Cistercian Cheerleaders Junior World Affairs Council Latinas Unidas Mock Trial Model United Nations National Honor Society Peer Ministry Science Fiction Club Students Reach Out (SRO)
This is your story, and you’ll choose your own adventure!X THE ALL-GIRL ADVANTAGE Students from all-girl schools outscore their co-ed counterparts on the SAT by an average of 28 to 43 points. Three times as many girls’ school graduates plan to become engineers. 93 percent of girls’ school graduates report greater access to leadership opportunities when compared with their peers in co-ed schools. Source: National Coalition of Girls’ Schools
A long-time pioneer in education, Ursuline Academy was one of the original six schools in the U.S. to introduce the Anytime, Anywhere Learning one-to-one laptop computer program. That innovative spirit remains stronger than ever as Ursuline models new ways of integrating technology into the 21st century learning process. As an Ursuline student, you’ll have access to the latest software and a campus-wide wireless network. You’ll use technology as a tool inside and outside the classroom to gain knowledge, communicate ideas, and investigate the world.
Ursuline has been honored by Computerworld Smithsonian Awards and the National Catholic Educational Association for innovative use of technology in the classroom.
The French Family Science, Math, and Technology Center is a state-of-the-art learning environment designed to prepare young women for careers in the sciences, math, and world languages. It features science labs, classrooms, spaces for meetings and student gatherings, and a sustainable science courtyard. The Center is the first school building in Texas to be certified LEED® Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council®.
A long-time pioneer in education, Ursuline Academy was one of the original six schools in the U.S. to introduce the Anytime, Anywhere Learning one-to-one laptop computer program. That innovative spirit remains stronger than ever as Ursuline models new ways of integrating technology into the 21st century learning process. As an Ursuline student, you’ll have access to the latest software and a campus-wide wireless network. You’ll use technology as a tool inside and outside the classroom to gain knowledge, communicate ideas, and investigate the world.
Ursuline has been honored by Computerworld Smithsonian Awards and the National Catholic Educational Association for innovative use of technology in the classroom.
The French Family Science, Math, and Technology Center is a state-of-the-art learning environment designed to prepare young women for careers in the sciences, math, and world languages. It features science labs, classrooms, spaces for meetings and student gatherings, and a sustainable science courtyard. The Center is the first school building in Texas to be certified LEED® Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council®.
You’ll find the latest technology in action at every turn! Take classes in digital photography. Or perform virtual surgeries in the science lab. Skype in history class. Use the latest graphing technology to identify relationships in global data. Or program games and animation in computer science. These are just a few of the many ways technology enables learning at Ursuline. You can even take online classes for credit through our association with the Online School for Girls.X
YOUR TOOLKIT All new students purchase a designated tablet computer through Ursuline’s computer purchase program. The technology package includes: Hardware and software Four-year system guard warranty Four-year on-site maintenance Wireless networking on campus Access to “hot spare” computers for temporary use Four years of Computrace Computer carrying case
You’ll find the latest technology in action at every turn! Take classes in digital photography. Or perform virtual surgeries in the science lab. Skype in history class. Use the latest graphing technology to identify relationships in global data. Or program games and animation in computer science. These are just a few of the many ways technology enables learning at Ursuline. You can even take online classes for credit through our association with the Online School for Girls.X
YOUR TOOLKIT All new students purchase a designated tablet computer through Ursuline’s computer purchase program. The technology package includes: Hardware and software Four-year system guard warranty Four-year on-site maintenance Wireless networking on campus Access to “hot spare” computers for temporary use Four years of Computrace Computer carrying case
The Ursuline students of today are the global leaders of tomorrow. Following the call of the Ursuline Sisters, you’ll engage ethically, critically, and empathetically with the world at large. Our educational philosophy reflects today’s society – global, real-time, interactive, and transparent. Lessons on cultures, religions, languages, literature, economics, politics, geography, the environment, and humanitarianism reach far beyond the classroom.
HOW TO SAY “HELLO” IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES China (Mandarin) Nˇi hˇao France
Bonjour
Israel
Shalom
Italy
Ciao
Brazil
Olá
Sweden
Hej
Japan
Kon’nichiwa
Spain
Hola
Saudi Arabia
Marhaba
The Ursuline students of today are the global leaders of tomorrow. Following the call of the Ursuline Sisters, you’ll engage ethically, critically, and empathetically with the world at large. Our educational philosophy reflects today’s society – global, real-time, interactive, and transparent. Lessons on cultures, religions, languages, literature, economics, politics, geography, the environment, and humanitarianism reach far beyond the classroom.
HOW TO SAY “HELLO” IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES China (Mandarin) Nˇi hˇao France
Bonjour
Israel
Shalom
Italy
Ciao
Brazil
Olá
Sweden
Hej
Japan
Kon’nichiwa
Spain
Hola
Saudi Arabia
Marhaba
As an Ursuline student, you’ll learn global citizenship and gain a greater understanding of diverse cultures. In the process, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for multiple perspectives and celebrate the uniqueness of others. Ursuline girls have the opportunity to travel and meet friends worldwide, as well as to host visiting international students in their own homes. Mission trips are also offered. Educational and cultural exchanges take place throughout the year with sister schools in China, Peru, Chile, South Africa, England, and Brazil.X
Ursuline Academy Sister School Partnerships Brescia House School (Johannesburg, South Africa) Colegio Santa Ursula (Ribeirão Preto, Brazil) Colegio Santa Ursula (Lima, Peru) Beijing Huaxia Girls’ School (Beijing, China) Colegio Santa Ursula (Santiago, Chile) Ursuline Academy (Wilmington, Delaware, USA) Ursuline High School (Wimbledon, England)
Other Partnerships The World Affairs Council (Dallas/Fort Worth) Empower African Children (Kampala, Uganda) St. Catherine’s Girls’ Primary School (Nangina, Kenya) Global Youth Leadership Institute
As an Ursuline student, you’ll learn global citizenship and gain a greater understanding of diverse cultures. In the process, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for multiple perspectives and celebrate the uniqueness of others. Ursuline girls have the opportunity to travel and meet friends worldwide, as well as to host visiting international students in their own homes. Mission trips are also offered. Educational and cultural exchanges take place throughout the year with sister schools in China, Peru, Chile, South Africa, England, and Brazil.X
Ursuline Academy Sister School Partnerships Brescia House School (Johannesburg, South Africa) Colegio Santa Ursula (Ribeirão Preto, Brazil) Colegio Santa Ursula (Lima, Peru) Beijing Huaxia Girls’ School (Beijing, China) Colegio Santa Ursula (Santiago, Chile) Ursuline Academy (Wilmington, Delaware, USA) Ursuline High School (Wimbledon, England)
Other Partnerships The World Affairs Council (Dallas/Fort Worth) Empower African Children (Kampala, Uganda) St. Catherine’s Girls’ Primary School (Nangina, Kenya) Global Youth Leadership Institute
All good stories, including yours, need inspirational characters. Ursuline educators truly care about you and your learning. They value teaching as both a vocation and a ministry. As role models and mentors, they are dedicated to your success. And they are there to assist you every step of your way. In the classroom, Ursuline educators teach with passion and creativity. They incorporate innovations from their own disciplines and others. Focused on your needs, they’ll also encourage you to discover your gifts and talents beyond academic achievement.X
Ursuline teachers are lifelong learners who seek growth through research, reflection, and professional development. The atmosphere of respect and shared passion for the Ursuline mission encourages a healthy exchange of ideas among faculty and staff.
All good stories, including yours, need inspirational characters. Ursuline educators truly care about you and your learning. They value teaching as both a vocation and a ministry. As role models and mentors, they are dedicated to your success. And they are there to assist you every step of your way. In the classroom, Ursuline educators teach with passion and creativity. They incorporate innovations from their own disciplines and others. Focused on your needs, they’ll also encourage you to discover your gifts and talents beyond academic achievement.X
Ursuline teachers are lifelong learners who seek growth through research, reflection, and professional development. The atmosphere of respect and shared passion for the Ursuline mission encourages a healthy exchange of ideas among faculty and staff.
Academics
Ursuline’s college preparatory curriculum isn’t easy, but that’s the point. Our curriculum is designed to help you develop the critical thinking, complex problem solving, and communication skills you will need for success in college and beyond. You will also learn to use your creativity and collaborate with others to achieve your goals. Ursuline offers Honors and AP courses in every core subject as well as a variety of electives, from an introduction to psychology to Beyond JFK: The World’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories. Online courses include offerings in English, Math, Performing Arts, Science, Social Studies, and World Languages.
You want to learn how to shoot a film? Let’s roll. Want to build a smartphone app? Don’t just talk about it. How about speaking Spanish fluently? Sí.
The Arts
Ursuline wants you to explore your inner artist, and you’ll have the opportunity to study art, music, dance, theater, and speech. Instructors challenge the student’s imagination and foster reflective thinking through creative work. Classes include ceramics, photography, orchestra, technical theater, and many more. With more than two-dozen live performances each year, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to be center-stage.
Athletics
It’s not just a game. Athletics help develop your mind, body, and spirit – teaching you good sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership. There’s the thrill of victory, but also the acceptance of defeat, with the lessons of both. We’re proud of our long tradition of athletic excellence. You can compete at local, regional, and state levels in one or more of 11 varsity sports. The Ursuline Bears have won multiple state championships, and many Ursuline student athletes play collegiate sports at top universities nationwide. Go Bears!
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Counseling Ursuline’s Personal Counselors are there to help you map your four-year plan, establish goals, and support you in a confidential and nurturing environment. They’ve got your back, whether it’s help dealing with day-to-day challenges or if you just want to talk through a personal concern. College Counselors will assist you as you prepare your path beyond Ursuline. They’ll guide you through the college selection and application process and make sure you’re ready for the future.
Academics
Ursuline’s college preparatory curriculum isn’t easy, but that’s the point. Our curriculum is designed to help you develop the critical thinking, complex problem solving, and communication skills you will need for success in college and beyond. You will also learn to use your creativity and collaborate with others to achieve your goals. Ursuline offers Honors and AP courses in every core subject as well as a variety of electives, from an introduction to psychology to Beyond JFK: The World’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories. Online courses include offerings in English, Math, Performing Arts, Science, Social Studies, and World Languages.
You want to learn how to shoot a film? Let’s roll. Want to build a smartphone app? Don’t just talk about it. How about speaking Spanish fluently? Sí.
The Arts
Ursuline wants you to explore your inner artist, and you’ll have the opportunity to study art, music, dance, theater, and speech. Instructors challenge the student’s imagination and foster reflective thinking through creative work. Classes include ceramics, photography, orchestra, technical theater, and many more. With more than two-dozen live performances each year, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to be center-stage.
Athletics
It’s not just a game. Athletics help develop your mind, body, and spirit – teaching you good sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership. There’s the thrill of victory, but also the acceptance of defeat, with the lessons of both. We’re proud of our long tradition of athletic excellence. You can compete at local, regional, and state levels in one or more of 11 varsity sports. The Ursuline Bears have won multiple state championships, and many Ursuline student athletes play collegiate sports at top universities nationwide. Go Bears!
X
Counseling Ursuline’s Personal Counselors are there to help you map your four-year plan, establish goals, and support you in a confidential and nurturing environment. They’ve got your back, whether it’s help dealing with day-to-day challenges or if you just want to talk through a personal concern. College Counselors will assist you as you prepare your path beyond Ursuline. They’ll guide you through the college selection and application process and make sure you’re ready for the future.
Serviam (I will serve) The spirit of Serviam inspires you to use your unique gifts to serve and learn from others. As you reach out with compassion, concerns are transformed into actions, and you learn what it means to be a servant leader. Serviam is embraced throughout the Ursuline community. All students, faculty, and staff live out Serviam by volunteering at local non-profit agencies. Seniors choose a non-profit agency for an extended service placement off-campus. During the school year, alumnae and parents also engage in a variety of service activities, including special student/parent projects.
Spiritual Growth The call to every Ursuline student is to be a “Person of Faith.” Students come with their own special gifts and talents, and parents trust Ursuline’s spiritual formation to reinforce the values they have given their daughters. At Ursuline, each day begins and ends with prayer, and daily Mass is offered in one of the two chapels on campus. You’ll learn about Catholic social teaching and take classes in theology. Each grade level has its own annual retreat. And school-wide Eucharistic liturgies and student-led prayer services are held throughout the year.
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Serviam (I will serve) The spirit of Serviam inspires you to use your unique gifts to serve and learn from others. As you reach out with compassion, concerns are transformed into actions, and you learn what it means to be a servant leader. Serviam is embraced throughout the Ursuline community. All students, faculty, and staff live out Serviam by volunteering at local non-profit agencies. Seniors choose a non-profit agency for an extended service placement off-campus. During the school year, alumnae and parents also engage in a variety of service activities, including special student/parent projects.
Spiritual Growth The call to every Ursuline student is to be a “Person of Faith.” Students come with their own special gifts and talents, and parents trust Ursuline’s spiritual formation to reinforce the values they have given their daughters. At Ursuline, each day begins and ends with prayer, and daily Mass is offered in one of the two chapels on campus. You’ll learn about Catholic social teaching and take classes in theology. Each grade level has its own annual retreat. And school-wide Eucharistic liturgies and student-led prayer services are held throughout the year.
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This is a true story, and it’s about a girl who is discovering who she is and who she can be. She is part of a rich heritage. She is her own person and she forms lifelong friendships. She learns in an environment filled with state-of-the-art tools. She is learning to be a citizen of our community and our world. And she is inspired by smart and passionate role models. Most importantly, she leads through her service to the community. She is growing and helping others grow. This is your Ursuline story, and it begins now!
What happens next? Learn more about Ursuline Academy, and see if we are right for you:
Take a school tour. Visit our website, www.ursulinedallas.org. Follow us on social media. Call our Admissions office. Add your name to our mailing list. Request an application packet.* Apply online or download an application form on the UA website. The deadline for submitting your completed application for admission is in early January. Please check the Admissions page of the school website for the exact date. Apply online at www.ursulinedallas.org/apply Or mail your application to: Ursuline Academy of Dallas Admissions Office 4900 Walnut Hill Lane Dallas, TX 75229 Phone: 469-232-1804 Fax: 469-232-1836
*The Ursuline Academy of Dallas admission process is selective based on a comprehensive and qualitative consideration of each applicant. Each applicant evaluation is based on academic transcript, teacher recommendations, entrance test scores and essay, written application including parent statement, and personal interview. Ursuline Academy admits qualified students without regard to race, color, or national or ethnic origin.
This paper is FSC certified and contains 10% post-consumer content.
This is a true story, and it’s about a girl who is discovering who she is and who she can be. She is part of a rich heritage. She is her own person and she forms lifelong friendships. She learns in an environment filled with state-of-the-art tools. She is learning to be a citizen of our community and our world. And she is inspired by smart and passionate role models. Most importantly, she leads through her service to the community. She is growing and helping others grow. This is your Ursuline story, and it begins now!
What happens next? Learn more about Ursuline Academy, and see if we are right for you:
Take a school tour. Visit our website, www.ursulinedallas.org. Follow us on social media. Call our Admissions office. Add your name to our mailing list. Request an application packet.* Apply online or download an application form on the UA website. The deadline for submitting your completed application for admission is in early January. Please check the Admissions page of the school website for the exact date. Apply online at www.ursulinedallas.org/apply Or mail your application to: Ursuline Academy of Dallas Admissions Office 4900 Walnut Hill Lane Dallas, TX 75229 Phone: 469-232-1804 Fax: 469-232-1836
*The Ursuline Academy of Dallas admission process is selective based on a comprehensive and qualitative consideration of each applicant. Each applicant evaluation is based on academic transcript, teacher recommendations, entrance test scores and essay, written application including parent statement, and personal interview. Ursuline Academy admits qualified students without regard to race, color, or national or ethnic origin.
This paper is FSC certified and contains 10% post-consumer content.
Founded in 1874, Ursuline Academy of Dallas is an independent Catholic, college preparatory school for young women sponsored by the Ursuline Sisters. The mission of Ursuline Academy is the total development of the individual student through spiritual formation, intellectual growth, service to others, and building of community. Ursuline Academy educates young women for leadership in a global society.