Ursuline Academy

The Ursuline Academy Montessori Program believes in addressing the needs and interests of the whole child: spiritual, physical, emotional, social, and cognitive. We encourage children to work individually and with others on challenging ideas and concepts with a variety of manipulative, interesting materials and activities. We integrate the Ursuline core values and tradition of St. Angela with the methods and philosophy of Maria Montessori in a way that best serves the student.

Children in the Montessori Program exhibit the characteristics of an orderly approach to the environment in a focused, self-motivated, and independent manner. They demonstrate respect for self and others. To facilitate this, teachers provide a multi-age, stimulating, cooperative, and nurturing environment where a child can develop in all areas through teacher and self-initiated experiences.

Traditions and Core Values

Teachers introduce children to the heritage of St. Angela Merici by discussing her life and her unique spirituality. They integrate the Ursuline core values and tradition of St. Angela with the methods and philosophy of Maria Montessori in a way that best serves the student. Ursuline core values are integrated into daily activities by such things as fostering respect for each other, building a sense of community, and modeling kindness. Teachers provide opportunities for the children to make a connection with Ursuline history through interactions with the Ursuline sisters.

Academic Excellence

The hallmark of the Montessori Method is individualized instruction using concrete materials designed to be sequential and to relate to other materials in the classroom. The children are allowed to make their own discoveries. Patterns of order, fine and gross motor coordination, concentration, and independence established at this young age produce a confident, competent learner. We strive to help the children observe, think, and judge. Children benefit from spending consecutive years in the same environment with the same teachers and classmates. The Montessori Method utilizes the interactions of the prepared environment, teacher, and community of children to foster competent, responsible, independent individuals who are critical thinkers and creative problem solvers. We hope to introduce our children to the joy of learning and, in so doing, provide the foundation on which intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual responsibility work together.

Social Consciousness

We believe in exposing the children to the concept of diversity in gender, race, religion, ethnicity, and culture. The multi-age setting nurtures respect and responsibility for one another, as well as a sense of trust. Children participate in prayers for social concerns as well as school-wide service projects.