Global Education Program
Mini-mesters
Advisory
Innovation & Leadership
Language Arts
Math
Science
World Language
Life in the Middle
Ursuline Middle School curriculum is designed to help 21st century students develop the skills and mindset to become lifelong learners: the ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively, competence in critical thinking and problem-solving in academic content areas, development of ethics, ability to analyze one’s own thoughts and actions, empathy for others and the environment, commitment to service to society, development of a global perspective, and a respect for cultural diversity. Our academic program provides a foundation in liberal arts and sciences with courses in humanities, mathematics, science, world language and the arts.
Global Education Program
In order to grow as global citizens, we recognize the importance for our students to experience activities, events, programs, and services that embrace and promote multicultural views and perspectives. The Middle and Upper Schools combine for national global service trips.
Mini-mesters
All students participate in a two-day experiential learning opportunity that is of interest to them. Each mini-mester program is designed and facilitated by an Ursuline faculty member and includes guest speakers, off-site field trips, and a unique hands-on curriculum. They have several exciting and different topics to choose from including Science of Food, Photography, Animal Science, Art & Theater, Astronomy, and Flower Power. Students have witnessed surgery at a Veterinary Hospital, participated in an appetizer bake-off, and created their own floral arrangement.
Advisory
Advisory allows students to create a meaningful relationship with their advisor and smaller peer group. They remain with the same advisory group throughout Middle School. Each advisory group has on average 10 students with a faculty advisor. The meetings discuss academics, social concerns, and overall well-being.
Innovation & Leadership
Our Innovation & Leadership curriculum encourages students to think outside of the box to identify creative solutions to real-world problems. Ursuline students develop greater self-confidence through the many leadership opportunities available to them both in the classroom and through extra-curricular activities.
Language Arts
Students explore the elements of reading and writing in context to develop their unique ability to craft and respond to the written word. Using a student-centered approach, our curriculum ensures that each unit incorporates grammar, vocabulary exploration, literature components, and written expression.
Math
Our math courses empower students to be exceptionally confident mathematicians. All 6th grade students begin with pre-algebra. From there, two pathways are offered in 7th and 8th grade: Algebra IA followed by Algebra IB, or Algebra I followed by Geometry.
Science
The Science Program emphasizes science process skills through the study of Life Science in 6th grade, Earth and Space Science in 7th grade, and Physical Science in 8th grade, all in an exciting and interactive environment. In the Science Lab, students perform hands-on experiments while learning about scientific processes, problem solving, data spreadsheets, and graphs.
World Language
The World Language curriculum introduces students to a variety of critically important global languages and invites them to explore and discover their passion through our extensive offerings. In 6th grade, the curriculum focuses on Spanish and language derivatives. In 7th grade, students choose between three languages to study for two years: Chinese, French, or Spanish. This allows many students to enroll in a Level II course as a freshman.
