Ursuline Heritage

Ursuline Academy
Alma Mater

Ursuline, to dear old Ursuline,
We pledge our endless love today.
Ursuline, forever Ursuline,
Though life may lead us far away.
Lamp that lights the flame
Of all our hopes and dreams.
Beacon bright that guides us
Onward with its beams.
Happy hours within your sacred halls.
Cherished memories.

Ursuline, to dear old Ursuline,
We pledge our endless love today.
Ursuline, forever Ursuline,
Though life may lead us far away.
Alma Mater beautiful,
Starlike ever shine,
On our paths
To guide our faltering steps,
Home at last,
Dear Ursuline.

We Have An Inspiring Heritage.

Founded in 1727 by the Sisters of the Order of Saint Ursula, Ursuline Academy, 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 influenced culture and learning in New Orleans by providing an exceptional education for its women.

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.

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.

Ursuline Academy is a member of Ursuline Educational Services (UES), a collaborative effort of the Ursuline congregations formed to carry their educational tradition into a new millennium.


Timeline – Founder St. Angela Merici, Company of St. Ursula
1474 Angela Merici is born in Desenzano, Italy
1531 Assembles the first 12 young women and begins regular meeting with companions in new oratory
1535 November 25th marks founding of the Company of Saint Ursula with 28 companions
Ursuline Order founded by St. Angela Merici
1538 First General Chapter, Angela elected Mother for life
1539 Angela falls ill, dictates Testament and Counsels
1544 Pope Paul III formally approves the Company
1727 Ursuline Academy founded by twelve Ursuline nuns from France
1734 Academy moved to Chartres Street
1765 Academy welcomed the Acadians who sought shelter and a home
1812 Ursulines turned classrooms into infirmaries for sick and wounded of both British and American armies
1818 State Legislature recognized the Ursulines as members of a religious institute and afforded them rights and privileges
1824 Ursulines moved to the Dauphine Street convent on the banks of the Mississippi
1867 Ursulines opened a day school at the corner of Esplanade and Rampart
1895 Solemn coronation of Our Lady of Prompt Succor
1900 Ursuline Alumnae Association established
1912 Academy moved to its present location on State Street
1924 National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor erected
1927 Ursuline Academy became a state-approved school
1935 Gymnasium erected
1965 Auditorium erected
1976 National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor declared a National Historic Landmark
1985 The 450th anniversary of the founding of the Ursulines commemorated
1987 Pre-Kindergarten program established
1988 Ursuline Academy School Board chartered
1991 Ursuline Academy recognized as a Secondary School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education
1999 Ursuline Academy recognized as an Elementary School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education
2002 Ursuline celebrated its 275th anniversary
2004 Ursuline Academy Marjory Barbier Ourso Athletic Center opened