History & Heritage
Founded in 1727 by the Sisters of the Order of Saint Ursula, Ursuline Academy of New Orleans enjoys the distinction of being both the oldest, continuously-operating school for girls and the oldest Catholic school in the United States. Convinced that the education of women was essential to the development of a civilized, spiritual and just society, the Ursuline Sisters, the Academy's early educators, influenced culture and learning in New Orleans by providing an exceptional education for its women. Ursuline Academy has proven that the education of women is essential to the development of a civilized, spiritual, and just society.
An Ursuline education is rooted in a tradition of formation and innovation. It provides a nurturing environment for the learning and development of the whole person, based on a sound foundation of values drawn from the vision and philosophy of Saint Angela Merici, founder of the Ursuline Order in Brescia, Italy in 1535. Ursuline Academy is dedicated to the moral, spiritual, intellectual and social growth of each individual, and these values are validated by our educational approach.
Trailblazers
The Ursuline tradition holds many United States firsts in its dedication to the growth of individuals, including the first female pharmacist, first woman to contribute a book of literary merit, first convent, first free school and first retreat center for ladies, first classes for female African-American slaves, free women of color and Native Americans. In the region, Ursuline provided the first center of social welfare in the Mississippi Valley, first boarding school in Louisiana and the first school of music in New Orleans.
Today, Ursuline’s legacy continues to inspire girls of every type to confidently blaze their own trails. Students matriculate from Ursuline having developed resilience, self-awareness and a curiosity and passion for learning that will stay with them for life. Ursuline girls remain pioneers in their field. From the inventor of the world's first glow-in-the-dark swim goggles; to the first female law professor at Loyola University New Orleans; to a U.S. Senator; to a U.S. Army colonel. Ursuline women lead fearlessly.
Philosophy of our Foundress
St. Angela Merici founded the Company of St. Ursula in Brescia, Italy, in 1535. In 1612, the Order of St. Ursula began in Paris. In her life, she reached out in service and love to rich and poor alike. In her writings, she developed a philosophy of personal formation, a commitment to justice and a promotion of self-discipline through encouragement rather than compulsion in an atmosphere of unity, mutual love, and respect.
With foresight and courage, Saint Angela challenged the conventional limits imposed on women of her era -- marriage or the convent -- and created a new way for them to lead active, independent lives in their communities, addressing the most urgent needs of others. In doing so, she significantly expanded the sphere of action and influence afforded to the women of her time. For centuries, the Ursuline Sisters have built on this powerful legacy, bringing their caring attention and educational expertise to generations of girls of all races and backgrounds, across the globe.
St. Ursula
According to legend, St. Ursula, a British princess of the fourth century, and a group of young ladies embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage. When their boat docked at Cologne, Germany, they were attacked and martyred by the Huns because of their Catholic faith. St. Ursula and the companions she attracted touched the deepest aspirations of St. Angela by their faith, their virginity, their courage, and their fidelity. In St. Ursula, St. Angela chose a patron for her Company, who embodied the ideals by which she and her companions would try to live. Her feast day is celebrated on October 21st.