Mar. 2026
 

Four key steps for course selection at Ursuline

Discover how thoughtful planning and personal guidance bring clarity and purpose to students' academic journeys.

At Ursuline, course selection is a guided process. Advisors, teachers, and members of the Academic and College Counseling team work collaboratively to ensure that each student's choices reflect her strengths and support her long-term plans.

"Course selection is an important time for students," said Ms. Laura Barnett, assistant principal for curriculum and instruction. "We encourage students to take on the right level of challenge while keeping balance in mind. With support from teachers and counselors, they can build a schedule that helps them grow and supports their long-term goals."

"We encourage students to take on the right level of challenge while keeping balance in mind."
- Ms. Laura Barnett, assistant principal for curriculum and instruction

With perspective in mind, here are four key steps to help guide families through the process.

1. Reflect before you select

Students should begin by considering their academic strengths and interests. Which subjects sparked curiosity this year? Where did they experience a meaningful challenge? Where might additional rigor support future goals?

A well-designed schedule promotes steady growth and balance.

2. Use the expertise in the building

Ursuline's faculty know their students well. Teachers can offer insight into readiness for honors or advanced coursework. Advisors help students evaluate commitments and workload.

Course planning is also integrated into Ursuline's developmental counseling model through College Advisory classes in grades 9 through 12. These courses provide structured opportunities for students to meet with the Academic and College Counseling team and consider how academic decisions connect to future planning.

"Through College Advisory, students in grades 9 through 11 work closely with our team to select courses that reflect their strengths, support their interests, and position them well for college planning," said Mrs. Kathy Reilly, chair of the Academic and College Counseling department. "Students are encouraged to schedule individual meetings with their counselor if they have specific questions or would like additional guidance."

3. Look ahead

Course selection is part of a broader academic journey. Counselors help students consider how choices made now can expand options in later years.

As interests evolve, students are encouraged to remain thoughtful and flexible while keeping long-term college and career goals in view. Students are also reminded that the goal is to take courses that offer appropriate challenge while supporting strong performance and balance.

4. Keep communication open

The strongest course selections emerge from open dialogue among students, parents or guardians, advisors, and counselors. Families are encouraged to discuss goals, workload, and priorities before finalizing requests.

The aim is not simply to complete a registration form. It is to build an academic plan that reflects intention and growth.

At Ursuline, course selection reflects our commitment to supporting each student with clarity and care. Experienced educators and counselors stand alongside students as they make decisions that shape their academic journeys.

Every course matters. More than a line on a schedule, course selection is a meaningful step toward clarity, confidence, and future opportunity.

Join the conversation

As course selection continues, we welcome your feedback. Course selection for the 2026–27 school year will close on Friday, March 20, 2026. If students have specific questions about course placement or scheduling, they should speak directly with their academic counselor. 

Families may also share general feedback through the Koala Chronicles Community Poll HERE. While we are not able to respond to every submission individually, we review all input carefully and use it to strengthen communication and planning.