Header Top

New courses take root this fall at Ursuline

New courses take root this fall at Ursuline

by Shannon Dufresne
 

This fall, The Ursuline School introduced a series of new classes designed to meet the evolving needs and interests of students. From social sciences to the arts to entrepreneurship, the additions reflect Ursuline’s commitment to a well-rounded education that prepares young women for college, career, and life.

A word from leadership

“We want our students to feel both challenged and inspired,” shared Interim Principal Robyn Summa '93. “These new courses not only strengthen academic skills but also give our girls the freedom to discover passions they might not have realized they had. It’s all part of responding to what our students are asking for.”

“These new courses not only strengthen academic skills but also give our girls the freedom to discover passions they might not have realized they had. It’s all part of responding to what our students are asking for.”
- Ms. Robyn Summa '93, interim principal


AP Psychology: Exploring the human mind

Responding to a surge of interest in mental health and the social sciences, Ursuline launched an AP Psychology program. This rigorous course invites students to study cognitive processes, behavior, and psychological research while connecting classroom lessons to real-world experiences.

“Students have always found the various facets of the human mind interesting,” said Ms. Marie Barry '09, AP Psychology teacher. “AP Psychology allows them to study the fascinating complexities of human behavior while gaining critical thinking skills and applicable knowledge for both future careers and everyday life.”

“AP Psychology allows them to study the fascinating complexities of human behavior while gaining critical thinking skills and applicable knowledge for both future careers and everyday life.”
- Ms. Marie Barry '09, AP psychology teacher


Creative Movement & World Dance: Expression through the Arts

In the arts, students now have two new opportunities to explore movement as a form of creativity and cultural expression. Creative Movement fosters confidence, collaboration, and body awareness, while World Dance immerses students in global traditions, blending cultural understanding with artistic skill.

“In Creative Movement, students learn that dance is about expression, not perfection,” said dance teacher Ms. Jenne Griffith. “In World Dance, they travel the globe through rhythm and movement. It’s both fun and eye-opening. I’ve already seen increased interest and enrollment since making this shift.”

“In Creative Movement, students learn that dance is about expression, not perfection.”
- Ms. Jenne Griffith, dance teacher
 

Virtual Enterprises: “Shark Tank,” Ursuline style

The entrepreneurship track also grew with Virtual Enterprises, a hands-on course where students run a simulated company. Working in teams, they learn to pitch ideas, develop budgets, and manage operations—gaining skills in finance, marketing, and leadership.

“Every class feels like a boardroom,” said teacher Ms. Jill Patricot. “The students are making pitches, building budgets, and problem-solving in real time. They’re gaining skills they’ll carry far beyond Ursuline.”

“The students are making pitches, building budgets, and problem-solving in real time. They’re gaining skills they’ll carry far beyond Ursuline.”
- Ms. Jill Patricot, financial literacy teacher


Yearbook: Telling our story

Rounding out the new offerings is the Yearbook elective, where students gain experience in journalism, design, and digital publishing. They are learning layout, photography, and editing skills while capturing the spirit of Ursuline life.

“Our yearbook staff is already buzzing with ideas,” said Mr. Chris Woodside, yearbook advisor and social studies teacher. “They’re taking ownership of the storytelling process, which is exactly what this class was designed to encourage.”

“They’re taking ownership of the storytelling process, which is exactly what this class was designed to encourage.”
Mr. Chris Woodside, social studies teacher and yearbook advisor


Looking ahead
These new courses are just one example of how Ursuline is listening to students and creating opportunities that blend innovation, tradition, and academic rigor. As Ms. Summa noted, the goal is not only to prepare students for the next step in their educational journey but also to ignite passions that will carry them into the future.

For more information about the full curriculum, please visit our Curriculum Page on the website.

 

  • academics

More Connections

Play and Pause Buttons for Slideshow