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 | Karen Jakuback |
| 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) | Judy Armstrong |
| Principal(HS) | Judy Armstrong |
Ursuline Academy is a special private school for girls in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. It is a Catholic school that teaches girls from a very young age (Toddler 2) all the way up to 12th grade. The school is guided by the Ursuline Sisters, who are part of a larger group called the Ursuline Central Province of North America.
Ursuline Academy has a long and important history. It was started in 1727, making it the oldest Catholic school in the United States. It is also the oldest school in the country specifically for women.
Contents
The History of Ursuline Academy
How the School Began
Ursuline Academy was founded in 1727 by the Sisters of the Order of Saint Ursula. They started the school in New Orleans. This makes it the oldest school for girls that has been open continuously in the United States. It is also the oldest Catholic school in the country.
Important Firsts at Ursuline
The Academy was a place of many "firsts." It had the first convent, which is a home for nuns, in the United States. It also offered the first free school, helping many children get an education. The school was also the first place to offer special retreat programs for ladies.
Ursuline Academy was a pioneer in education for everyone. It offered the first classes for African-American slaves, free women of color, and Native Americans. This was very unusual for its time.
What Students Learn at Ursuline
Learning the Ursuline Way
The education at Ursuline Academy is based on the ideas of Saint Angela Merici. She was a very important person who believed in educating young women. Her philosophy guides how students learn and grow at the school.
School Traditions and Fun Events
The Spirit of Rally Day
Rally is a fun tradition that started in 1948. It is a special day for different classes to show their school spirit. Students compete in volleyball games and create skits, posters, songs, and cheers.
Class Names and Sisterhood
Each class at Ursuline Academy gets a special name. These names used to be Skip, Mac, Leprechaun, or Sioux (now Phoenix). These names replaced older groups called sororities. When a class graduates, they pass their name on to a younger "little sister" class. This helps build a strong sense of community.
Sports and Athletics
Competing as a Lion
Ursuline Academy has many sports teams. They compete in the LHSAA. The school's mascot is the Lions, and their colors are navy blue and white. Students can join teams for basketball, volleyball, softball, golf, swimming, soccer, and more.
Famous People Who Attended Ursuline
Notable Alumnae
Many successful women have graduated from Ursuline Academy.
- Lurita Doan served as an administrator for the U.S. General Services Administration. This is a government agency that helps manage federal property and provides services.
- Mary Landrieu was a US Senator. A senator is a person elected to represent their state in the U.S. government.
See also
Images for kids
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A beautiful courtyard at Ursuline Academy
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Ursuline Academy's main entrance
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The National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, located on the Ursuline campus
