The Oldest Continuously-Operating School for Women in the United States

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Academics

Early Childhood

Toddler 2 through Kindergarten

The Toddler 2 through Kindergarten program is based on a student directed, inquiry based philosophy inspired by a combination of the Reggio Emilia Concept and the Project Approach. The curriculum is premised on the belief that children learn best from play and active experiences with concrete materials. As students interact, they discover relationships, make observations and construct their own learning. A student’s individual growth evolves through student-teacher discussion, student interest, and both class and small group projects.

The formal and creative curriculum is developmentally appropriate, while meeting the individual needs of students. Lessons provide young children with learning experiences that promote intellectual, emotional, social, creative, spiritual and physical development. The daily activities interweave language and cognitive skills, math concepts and manipulatives, journal writing, science and social studies exploration, as well as lessons in French, computer literacy, library, P.E., art, music and religion.

Students learn to explore concepts, think for themselves, and create solutions to problems. Ursuline provides a nurturing environment which fosters a student’s natural curiosity, inquisitiveness and creativity, thereby laying the foundation for future success.

Lower Elementary

First and Second Grade

First and Second grade students are challenged to become fluent, independent readers through shared, guided and independent reading, as well as lessons in word structure. The Daily Oral Language (DOL) method reinforces grammar skills such as spelling, sentence structure, capitalization and punctuation. Science and social studies themes are integrated across the curriculum and are enhanced by projects, hands-on group activities, and experiments. In addition to fact practice, math concepts such as time, money, temperature, graphing and patterning are taught daily. An emphasis is placed on writing through creative and informational writing lessons and journal writing.

Third and Fourth Grade

Third and Fourth grade students are introduced to fiction and non-fiction novels which develop vocabulary, literary skills, and interpretation of story elements. Creative writing, book reports and essays encourage writing proficiency, along with the teaching of proofreading skills. Social studies units begin to focus on American history, geography and economics. Math challenges students with daily problem-solving exercises and assignments, accompanied by periodic cumulative tests. The scientific method, weekly experiments, and unit tests provide hands-on science learning. Through religion classes, students develop their relationship to the church.

Middle School

Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Grade

Fifth, Sixth and Seventh grade students receive accelerated instruction in core subjects. Language Arts classes incorporate every genre, accompanied by vocabulary, grammar lessons, and literature-related writing assignments.
Students explore earth, life and physical science concepts, including cell structure, the environment and the solar system. Mathematic objectives take students through geometric constructions and problems; algebraic expressions, equations, and structure; probability and statistics; graphing equations and inequalities; analyzing square roots; the Pythagorean Theorem; and trigonometric functions. The social studies curriculum incorporates geography, civics, economics, and international current events. World, U.S. and Louisiana history courses are offered to 5th, 6th and 7th grades. Religion classes follow the Archdiocesan curriculum and include the study of sacramental life, Hebrew scripture and the New Testament. Qualified 7th grade students have the opportunity to participate in Language Arts and Mathematics honors programs.