The Merici Schedule

9”
12”
UA BROCHURE —
COVER / OUTSIDE
Our History…
Ursuline Academy is a four-year collegepreparatory private girls’ Catholic high school
founded by the Ursuline Sisters of Brown County,
Ohio in 1896. The Ursulines are an order of
sisters founded by St. Angela Merici. Early in her
life St. Angela had a direct indication from the
Holy Spirit that she would found a company of
women consecrated to the Lord. Angela
established the Ursulines in 1535. It was the first
non-cloistered community of women in the
history of the church, and the first religious
community for women begun by a woman.
Inspired by Gospel challenges, Angela and her
followers reached out to rich and poor alike with
special concern for the development of a strong
family life. A true educator, Angela empowered
people to reach their full potential and to use their
skills in service.
In this spirit, a group of Ursulines set out for the
New World and established themselves in the
Cincinnati Diocese in 1845 with the creation of
the St. Ursula Literary Institute in St. Martin,
Ohio. In 1896, a day school in Cincinnati,
Ursuline Academy, was established at the corner
of Oak and May, moving shortly afterward to the
corner of Oak and Reading, until 1970 when
Ursuline moved to our current location on
Pfeiffer Road in Blue Ash.
Ursuline Academy
Timeline
1535 - St. Angela Merici establishes the Ursulines,
a company of religious women
1845 - Julia Chatfield founded the Ursulines of
Brown County in Ohio, a congregation of
religious women that remains today
1846 - Sister Julia established a resident school for
young women in Brown County
1896 - Ursuline Academy of Cincinnati, a college
preparatory school for young women, is
established on Oak and May
1905 - The school moves to Oak and Reading
1970 - The school moves to Blue Ash
In keeping with the vision of St. Angela and the
work of the Ursulines of Brown County, Ursuline
Academy educates all academically-qualified young
women, regardless of her family’s financial
situation.
Choosing Ursuline for
Colleen’s education is the best
decision we’ve ever made.
Ursuline has provided Colleen
a wide variety of opportunities
in a faith-filled environment.
Colleen is able to choose
classes that would challenge
her academically and also provide her with a nice blend of elective
classes to make for a very well-rounded student.
The community at Ursuline has become family to us! The
administration and teachers combine to make a dedicated and
caring group working together to enrich our daughter’s life.
As we witness the transformation of our teenager to a young
adult, we are gratified to know that the spiritual and academic
foundation Colleen has received at Ursuline Academy will
serve her well as she embraces the challenges that lie ahead.
Ursuline Academy
of Cincinnati
5535 Pfeiffer Road in Blue Ash
Cincinnati, Ohio 45242
ph: (513) 791-5791
fax: (513) 791-5802
…Alive Today
Brian and Karen Ray
parents of Colleen '16
Mission
www.ursulineacademy.org
Directions:
Traveling north or south on I-71, take the
Pfeiffer Road exit (exit 15) and head west.
This exit is between Ronald Reagan
In the Catholic tradition of Ursuline education the mission ofHighway
Ursuline
and Academy
275 on I-71. is to
We have always felt that the
prepare the young womanchoice
for college
and beyond by nurturing her soul, intellect, heart,
of high schools was
and imagination.
one of the most important
decisions we make as parents
Main Office
for our children. While
regular hours:
Cincinnati is blessed to have
Monday – Friday
many good high schools, we
7:30 a.m.
– 3:30top.m.
chose UA,Ursuline
not only because
In the vision of St. Angela Merici,
empowers the young
woman
recognize her
Kathyunique
is an alum,
we were
certain
that this
school for
was personalsummer
gifts,buttobecause
give voice
to her
ideals,
to strive
and academic
excellence,
hours:
especially
qualified
to
develop
our
daughters
not
just
intellectually
to seek justice through actions inspired by Gospel values, andMonday
to accept
the challenge of
– Friday
but inhuman
the overall
formation
of
a
young
woman
for
life.
freedom with its accompanying responsibilities. Ursuline welcomes diversity and
Philosophy
8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Having
witnessed
Ursuline through
the unique experiences
our
fosters
community
in an atmosphere
of mutualofrespect.
three daughters, we know that their time at Ursuline was a critical
Closed weekends and holidays
component of the success that they have achieved so far in their
lives. The Ursuline experience extends far beyond the four years
of high school. We have found that the community that is Ursuline
continues
to be Academy
a positive presence
of our lives.
Ursuline
centersinitsallpolicies,
procedures, and practices in
Core Values
Dick the
and Kathy
Lowescore
Haglage
'74 of:
Ursuline
values
parents of Betsy '01, Lindsey '03, and Abby '06
VOICE: United in respect and openness
VALUES: Committed to excellence, service, and spirituality
VISION: Empowered by our Ursuline Legacy
The Merici Schedule
In 1970 Ursuline began exploring this unique
approach to education with the implementation of
The Merici Schedule. Over the years, Ursuline has fostered
and invested in the schedule and its structure, making it a tool
students use to develop life skills. Today, Ursuline Academy of Cincinnati
is the only school in the country to use this schedule, where each individual
student and teacher has a personalized schedule, designed around their interests
allowing them to embark on four years of self-discovery.
Our schedule is similar to a college schedule in that students take different classes each day
with time in between classes. Students learn how to manage their time, make decisions, and
prioritize, by determining how they will use that free time. Additionally, because the schedule
is made specifically for each student, each young woman can better structure her class load to
her interests and strengths, allowing in many cases, for students to enter college with clarity
about their future.
Generations of Ursuline graduates have credited the Merici Schedule with their early
success in and readiness for college.
Ursuline’s Campus
The Merici Model
In the spirit of our foundress, St. Angela Merici, and her vision of educating and
empowering young women, Ursuline Academy of Cincinnati developed the Merici Model
of education: a uniquely student-centered approach to learning. Through this model, we
provide a culture where students are empowered to learn through their choices. This is
enhanced by the Merici Schedule and the design of our campus.
Since our move to Blue Ash in 1970, Ursuline’s campus has supported the Merici Model
through its open design environment. Students move freely about the campus during their free
time, and are then expected to respect the needs of those around them and manage their time
independently. Additionally, Ursuline has nine open classrooms that are open to the hallway on
one side. These classrooms facilitate the ability to lend greater focus, develop self-discipline,
and positively adapt to surroundings.
Ursuline’s Culture
All aspects of the Ursuline community are based in the values and vision of St. Angela and
cultivate the development of young women, especially the quest to find their voice. It is a
supportive and nurturing environment where all students can thrive and are accepted and
loved for who they are as individuals. The freedom to self-govern and the opportunity for
self-discovery ensures that young women become independent, confident, and responsible.
Ursuline Academics
Ursuline’s challenging academic
program sets high goals for students, while
offering a supportive and nurturing environment in
which students can achieve those goals.
Students challenge and support each other; they do not compete with one another.
Teachers serve as guides to students reaching their personal best; they do not set
unrealistic expectations.
Community of
Learning
Every Ursuline student is encouraged to expand her personal areas of
academic excellence: strength of intellect, of spirit, and self.
Ursuline students have the opportunity to fashion a course of study from more than 100
required and elective subject offerings. Through the Merici Schedule, students can be
flexible in planning required and elective courses. Advanced Placement courses offer each
student the opportunity to further challenge herself academically. At Ursuline, in addition
to preparing students for college course work in a safe environment, AP classes give
students the opportunity to discover passions and strengths earlier in their academic careers.
In addition to the wide variety of honors and AP level classes, Ursuline offers two
interdisciplinary courses: American Studies which is a combination of English III and United
States History, and Literature for the Spirit which is a combination of English IV and seniorlevel Religious Studies. These classes require students to think across disciplines and apply
knowledge from one area of study to another. This is similar to higher-level college courses
where students are expected to make connections across disciplines and think critically and
broadly.
With 75% of Ursuline’s faculty holding doctoral or masters degrees, students receive the
most comprehensive and thorough tools for academic excellence possible. The 11:1 student
to faculty ratio makes individual attention a key component of an Ursuline education.
If I had to describe Ursuline in one word it would be
ENTHUSIASTIC! I love all the positive energy that I feel
around Ursuline. The love and care that all of us
feel for each other inspires me every day. I have
never met an Ursuline girl who is not enthusiastic and
excited about whatever she is involved in. It makes me
so happy when someone who I don’t know smiles at me
while walking down the hallway. Most of all, Ursuline
guides us all to be enthusiastic about our futures, and
My classmates are a constant system of support for me. I feel like
the role we’ll play in the future of our society.
I am able to count on them and they are able to count
–Eva France '17
on me because we are all having similar experiences.
There is a sense of academic competition that challenges us each
to strive to reach our own personal best and allows us to help
fellow classmates to also do their best. Also, I know that teachers
My favorite extracurricular opportunity so far has been
are always willing to help. They dedicate time to thoroughly
attending a diversity summit during my sophomore year. It
explain academic material in the classroom. If I am struggling
was a cool experience because I met people from schools
with a particular concept I feel comfortable approaching any of
all over the country and heard about their different
my teachers to ask for their guidance. Further, they are more than
thoughts on culture and diversity. We learned about
willing to spend their free mods helping students.
the history of cultural issues in the US by visiting The
–Neha Demania '17
Freedom Center, discussing the concept of cultural
competencies, and visiting Rankin Hill in Ripley, Ohio.
–Nkemdilim Ugwu '16
From the first day of freshman year, I felt comfortable
here. I’m not denying the fact that I was terrified at the
thought of starting a new school with a group of people
who were strangers to me, but there was a sense of
comfort that we were all in this together. That sense of
togetherness has followed me throughout my past three
years and has defined the Ursuline experience for me.
Also, Ursuline has helped my faith grow. This
may seem odd because I am a Muslim, and the religion I
practice is different from the religion taught by the school.
However, what we learn in religion classes pertains not
just to the faith of Catholicism, but to life overall. I can
always connect what I learn to my own faith and so my
personal faith has definitely grown.
- Azl Saeed '16
WHO WE ARE
I love my teachers. They have enabled me to expand my
knowledge and critical thinking skills more than I could
have ever imagined possible. They also take interest in my
life outside of school which is so comforting because they
actually care about me as a person. Not only this – they
also allow me to expand my opportunities outside of
school. They want to see us succeed as people,
not just in their specific class.
–Haya Akbik '16
I plan to study engineering in the future, and in my time
at Ursuline, I will have taken biology honors, chemistry
honors, physics honors, advanced placement physics, and
intro to engineering. I have been so blessed to have had great
experiences in my science classes, from chemistry labs on
titration to constructing a model house with working lights
in physics. I am also currently a lab assistant for my chemistry
teacher, enabling me to have a hands-on experience with
what I’ll be studying in college. I am forever grateful to
my teachers in these classes for inspiring me and
helping me get to this point.
–Lindsey Clemmons '16
Ursuline’s schedule helped me learn how to
balance my free time during the day. Because there is
no set activity during free mods, I had to differentiate what
I needed to do from what I wanted to do. Initially, it was
quite enticing to spend my free mods hanging out with
friends or watching YouTube videos, things you should
always make time for. However, eventually I learned there
were more pressing matters to attend to such as studying
and completing homework. Once I embedded myself
into this process, I was able to more efficiently complete
homework, so that when I came home, I could focus on
studying or preparing for the rest of the week.
–Nadia Alam '18
Transitioning to Ursuline was very easy, thanks to the
teachers and upperclasswomen. I definitely felt welcome
here, and I loved getting to know the school. The biggest
difference so far has been the amount of freedom we
are given, and the responsibility that comes with it.
The faculty members trust us to spend our free
time properly and allow us to be responsible
for ourselves. It teaches us to own up to our mistakes
and to take responsibility for our actions.
–Ruby Cimmarusti '18
Coming from a very large public school, to a small private allgirls school I didn’t exactly know what to expect coming into
Ursuline. However, everyone at Ursuline is so accepting. Some
girls tend to stick with their grade school friends for the first
few weeks, but our schedule helps to move everyone around and
you end up meeting so many new people. Another big difference
from grade school to Ursuline is a very obvious one – no boys.
At Ursuline, there isn’t the factor of caring what boys think of
you, therefore everyone is just herself. Nobody tries to be
someone she’s not. Nowhere else have I ever felt such
a strong sense of community. When I walk into Ursuline
each morning I truly feel a sense of belonging.
–Marielle Buquo '18
Community Service
Community Service is an important
part of the Catholic faith tradition.
Using Catholic Social Teaching as our foundation, Ursuline
students are taught to put their faith into action – respecting the life
and dignity of others, hearing the call to be part of a larger family of God through
community, respecting and protecting the rights of others, placing priority in the needs of
the poor and the most vulnerable in society, respecting the dignity of work and the rights
of workers, learning to live in solidarity, and learning to care for God’s creation.
While there is no community service requirement for graduation, traditionally over 95%
of Ursuline’s student body participates in community service.
Retreat Program
The retreat program is designed to invite students and faculty
to a personal and active relationship with God.
Students have the opportunity to participate in a retreat once a year with members of their
class. These experiences encourage participants to recognize God’s presence in their lives,
each other, and the world. These experiences offer the space and time to consider more
fully where and how God is alive in their experience.
Community of
Faith
Spiritual Development within the Ursuline community is a collaborative effort to create an
environment that is permeated with Gospel values. We support each other in this mission by
our prayers and actions so that we are enriched individually and as a learning community.
The Arts
By stretching the imagination, students
are able to enrich their creative spirits.
Ursuline Stage Company presents a fall musical and a spring play
every year, and Ursuline’s Music Department offers a Christmas Concert
and Spring Concert. Ursuline Fine Arts courses present creative opportunities that
foster the ability to think both analytically and critically. Ursuline’s Electronic and Digital
Media Program challenges students to explore technology through applied arts.
Student Activities
Co-curriculars at Ursuline offer students the opportunity to explore
new paths, stretch her leadership skills, and find her voice.
With over 30 clubs and organizations open to student participation, Ursuline offers
opportunities for all students to engage with others at Ursuline and in the broader
community. Students value these opportunities as a way to meet students from other
grades and work with teachers outside of the classroom.
Ursuline Athletics
We are the LIONS…couldn’t be PROUDER!!
Interscholastic athletics are an integral part of Ursuline’s community. Student athletes learn
that their work on the fields and courts is about more than wins and losses; it is about the
importance of leadership on her team, and loyalty to her teammates. In this spirit, each
Ursuline team participates in a community service project during their season. Ursuline is a
Division I school and is a member of the Girls Greater Catholic League, Ohio High School
Athletic Association, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Celebrating the
whole person
At Ursuline, students are encouraged to grow and learn in all aspects of life, not just academics.
After all, “We learn not for school, but for life.”
Ursuline is part of
you forever.
Our History…
There is a sisterhood that develops
during your time at Ursuline. It is
unique to any other experience that
I’ve had in life. Having that sisterhood
during my teenage years was critical
Ursuline Academy
to ismea four-year
developingcollegeinto who I am.
preparatory
Tamara
Kearneyprivate
Lanier girls’
'95 Catholic high school
Global
DigitalbyMarketing
and Emerging
Strategy
Lead,
founded
the Ursuline
SistersChannel
of Brown
County,
Johnson
& Johnson
(Ethicon)
Ohio in
1896. The
Ursulines are an order of
sisters founded by St. Angela Merici. Early in her
life St. Angela had a direct indication from the
Attending
Ursuline
was the turning
Holy Spirit that she
would found
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tointhemyLord.
Angela
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established the Ursulines
in 1535.
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non-cloistered community of women in the found
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Emily
Balskus
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Inspired by Gospel
challenges, Angela and her
Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology,
followers
reached out to rich and poor alike with
Harvard
University
special concern for the development of a strong
family life. A true educator, Angela empowered
people to reach their
full potential and to use their
Ursuline’s schedule was extremely
skills in service. beneficial to have before attending
college.You learn how to balance
In this spirit, a group
of Ursulines
set out for the
coursework,
extracurricular
New World and established
themselves
in the
activities, and
hanging out
with
Cincinnati Diocese
in
1845
with
the
creation
friends. In college, you spend of
less
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Christina
BeerMay,
of Oak and
'11 moving shortly afterward to the
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corner ofTechnology
Oak andLeadership
Reading,Program,
until 1970 when
GE Aviation, and 2014-2015 Student Body President
moved
to our current location on
ofUrsuline
the University
of Cincinnati
Pfeiffer Road in Blue Ash.
Ursuline Academy
gave me an excellent
preparation in the skills
I needed to excel in a
difficult engineering
curriculum, but even
more importantly
helped me develop the
self-confidence and
personal strength to succeed as a woman in a field that
is predominantly male. I am forever grateful for my
Ursuline
education.
1535 - St.
Angela Merici establishes the Ursulines,
Molly Radigan
Donovan
'00
a company
of religious
women
Ursuline Academy
Timeline
Mission Flight Controller, NASA, Johnson Space Center
1845 - Julia Chatfield founded the Ursulines of
Brown County in Ohio, a congregation of
Ursulinetoday
Academy
religious women that remains
emulates the Catholic
1846 - Sister Julia establishedvalues
a resident
whichschool
are for
young women in Brown
County in our home.
important
The academic program
1896 - Ursuline Academy of Cincinnati,
a college
is highly rigorous and
preparatory school for young women, is
requires a tremendous
established on Oak and May
amount of discipline,
but
we-also
the school’s
emphasis
1905
Theappreciate
school moves
to Oakexceptional
and Reading
on the humanities: Art, Language, and Music. We have
1970the
- The
school moves
to two
Blueolder
Ash girls have
seen
camaraderie
that our
established with their “school sisters.” The friendships and
memories they develop will bond them together and will
be cherished for a lifetime. We truly believe Ursuline
In keeping
with the
of St.
and available.
the
Academy
provides
ourvision
girls the
bestAngela
education
The
the foundation
of discipline,
hard
workschool
of theingrains
Ursulines
of Brown County,
Ursuline
work,
and aeducates
passion for
knowledge. These qualities
are
Academy
all academically-qualified
young
valuable
for these
young
women
as they seek to
women,assets
regardless
of her
family’s
financial
contribute
situation. to our society, now and in the future.
Phuc and Kim-Ngoc Bui
parents of Allison '16, Sarah '17, and Emily '19
Choosing Ursuline for
Colleen’s education is the best
decision we’ve ever made.
Ursuline has provided Colleen
a wide variety of opportunities
in a faith-filled environment.
Colleen is able to choose
classes that would challenge
her academically and also provide her with a nice blend of elective
classes to make for a very well-rounded student.
The community at Ursuline has become family to us! The
administration and teachers combine to make a dedicated and
caring group working together to enrich our daughter’s life.
As we witness the transformation of our teenager to a young
adult, we are gratified to know that the spiritual and academic
foundation Colleen has received at Ursuline Academy will
serve her well as she embraces the challenges that lie ahead.
Brian and Karen Ray
parents of Colleen '16
Ursuline Academy
of Cincinnati
5535 Pfeiffer Road in Blue Ash
Cincinnati, Ohio 45242
ph: (513) 791-5791
fax: (513) 791-5802
www.ursulineacademy.org
Directions:
Traveling north or south on I-71, take the
Pfeiffer Road exit (exit 15) and head west.
This exit is between Ronald Reagan
We have always felt that the
choice of high schools was
one of the most important
decisions we make as parents
for our children. While
Cincinnati is blessed to have
many good high schools, we
chose UA, not only because
Kathy is an alum, but because we were certain that this school was
especially qualified to develop our daughters not just intellectually
but in the overall formation of a young woman for life.
Having witnessed Ursuline through the unique experiences of our
three daughters, we know that their time at Ursuline was a critical
component of the success that they have achieved so far in their
lives. The Ursuline experience extends far beyond the four years
of high school. We have found that the community that is Ursuline
continues to be a positive presence in all of our lives.
Dick and Kathy Lowes Haglage '74
parents of Betsy '01, Lindsey '03, and Abby '06
Highway and 275 on I-71.
Main Office
regular hours:
Monday – Friday
7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
summer hours:
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Closed weekends and holidays