Ursuline Academy (New Orleans) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ursuline Academy |
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| Address | |
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2635 State Street
, 70118
United States
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| Coordinates | 29°56′27.5″N 90°6′48.27″W / 29.940972°N 90.1134083°W |
| Information | |
| Type | Private, All-Girls |
| Motto | Serviam ("I will serve") |
| Religious affiliation(s) | Catholic |
| Established | 1727 |
| President | Laurie Eichelberger Leiva |
| Teaching staff | 53.0 (FTE) (2019–20) |
| Grades | T2–12 |
| Gender | Female |
| Enrollment | 563 (2019–20) |
| Student to teacher ratio | 9.7 (2019–20) |
| Color(s) | Navy and White |
| Sports | Basketball, Volleyball, Softball, Golf, Swimming, Soccer, Cross Country, Dance, Cheer, Tennis, Track & Field, Indoor Track, Gymnastics |
| Mascot | Lions |
| Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools |
| Tuition | $12,585 + $1,850 fees = $14,435 (2023-24, high school) |
| Principal (ES) | Sue Heidel |
| Principal(HS) | Sue Heidel |
Ursuline Academy is a private, Catholic school for girls in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. It teaches students from Toddler 2 (very young children) all the way through 12th grade. The school is part of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. It is managed by the Ursuline Sisters of the New Orleans Community.
Ursuline Academy was started in 1727. This makes it the oldest Catholic school in the United States. It is also the oldest school specifically for girls in the country.
Contents
History of Ursuline Academy
Founding and Early Years
The Ursuline Academy was founded in 1727. It was started by the Sisters of the Order of Saint Ursula in New Orleans. This school has been open continuously since it began. It is the oldest school for girls and the oldest Catholic school in the United States.
Important Firsts
The Academy was home to many "firsts" in America. It had the first convent, which is a place where nuns live. It also had the first free school, offering education without cost. It was the first retreat center for ladies. The school also offered the first classes for African-American slaves, free women of color, and Native American students.
What Students Learn at Ursuline
Academic Philosophy
The education at Ursuline Academy is based on the ideas of Saint Angela Merici. She was the founder of the Ursuline Order. Her philosophy guides how students learn and grow at the school.
School Traditions
Rally: Showing School Spirit
Rally is a special tradition that started in 1948. It is a fun way for different classes to show their school spirit. During Rally, classes compete in volleyball games. They also create skits, posters, songs, and cheers.
Each class gets a unique name, like Skip, Mac, Leprechaun, or Phoenix. These names are passed down from older students to younger ones. This tradition helps build a strong sense of community and sisterhood among the students.
Sports and Athletics
Ursuline Academy has many sports teams. They compete in the LHSAA. This association organizes sports for high schools across Louisiana. Students can join teams like basketball, volleyball, soccer, and more.
Famous Former Students
Ursuline Academy has had many successful students. Here are a few notable alumnae:
- Lurita Doan – She was an administrator for the U.S. General Services Administration. This is a government agency that helps manage federal property and supplies.
- Mary Landrieu – She served as a U.S. Senator for Louisiana. A senator is a person elected to represent their state in the national government.
See Also
