What is a Ursuline Schools?
Ursuline Schools are Catholic schools founded and shaped by the Ursuline Sisters (Order of St. Ursula), a Catholic religious order. Founded in the tradition of Saint Angela Merici and the Ursulines — pioneers in the education of girls — they carry a long heritage of educating young women (and today, at many schools, all students). Like other Catholic schools, they pair a full college-preparatory education with Catholic faith formation, distinguished by the order's particular charism (spiritual character): education of young people (historically girls), "serviam" — i will serve.
History & origins
The Ursuline Sisters (Order of St. Ursula) has a long tradition in education, founding schools that carry its spirituality and mission. Today ursuline schools continue that heritage, often led by lay educators who steward the order's charism.
Philosophy & approach
These schools are animated by the Ursuline Sisters (Order of St. Ursula)'s charism — education of young people (historically girls), "serviam" — i will serve — shaping their culture, values, and approach to forming students intellectually, spiritually, and morally.
Curriculum & academics
Academics are typically rigorous and college-preparatory, combining the core curriculum with religious studies and formation. Offerings (honors, AP, IB) vary by school.
The classroom & school day
School life reflects the order's values and traditions — with worship, service, and community central — alongside strong academics and, often, athletics and the arts.
Grade levels & structure
Most are high schools (grades 9–12), some single-sex; the order may also sponsor elementary or PreK–12 schools.
Admissions & enrollment
Admission is by application (records, sometimes placement testing), generally open to students of all faiths who respect the school's mission. Selectivity varies.
Costs & financial aid
These schools charge tuition (often moderate for Catholic schools), with financial aid and, in some states, vouchers or ESAs.
Accreditation & governance
They are Catholic schools overseen by the order and/or diocese, typically accredited and meeting state private-school requirements.
Is a Ursuline Schools right for your child?
Ursuline Schools suit families drawn to a Catholic, college-preparatory education shaped by the Ursuline Sisters (Order of St. Ursula)'s particular charism and community — including families of other faiths comfortable with the environment.
How it compares to other schools
Ursuline Schools are Catholic schools of a specific order, sharing Catholic identity with parish/diocesan and other order-run schools (Jesuit, Benedictine, Lasallian, and more), while each order brings its own distinctive charism.
Finding Ursuline Schools
Ready to explore specific schools? K12 Academics lists ursuline schools and other Catholic schools across the country.
Key facts
- TypeCatholic schools of the Ursuline Sisters (Order of St. Ursula)
- CharismEducation of young people (historically girls), "Serviam" — I will serve
- LevelsOften high school (9–12); some elementary/PreK–12
- WelcomesStudents of all faiths who respect the mission
- CostTuition, with aid and (in some states) vouchers/ESAs. Ursuline motto: Serviam ("I will serve").
Where to learn more
To learn more and find specific schools: