UrSUline acadeMy W , d U S p S d 2019Many students far exceed the hourly requirement by graduation,...

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WilMinGTon, delaWareUpper School principalSTarT daTe: JUly 2019

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Located in Wilmington, DE, Ursuline Academy (UA) serves upwards of 400 students per year across four divisions: Early Childhood, Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School. Since its founding in 1893, Ursuline Academy has been guided by the values and mission of the Ursuline Sisters, who established the school over a century ago and remain deeply involved in teaching and governance at UA today. Amongst the Ursuline Sisters’ core beliefs is a commitment to self-reflective adaptation in changing times—a principle set forth by the Foundress of the Ursulines. St Angela Merici sought to provide all girls, regardless of means, with access to a holistic and empowering religious education.

St. Angela Merici’s call for a thoughtful and judicious approach to change proves to be as relevant today as ever. Ursuline Academy seeks a new Upper School Principal to begin July 2019. This is an exceptional opportunity to help lead a high-performing, girls’ independent, Catholic institutional division with more than a hundred years of outstanding service to its community to even greater paths of curricular innovation, community engagement, and social consciousness.

School hiSTory

Ursuline Academy was founded by the Order of St. Ursula, a Catholic sisterhood dating back to 16th-century Italy. St. Angela Merici established the Ursulines in Brescia, Italy, in 1535. A century later, after expanding to France, the Company of St. Ursula formally began schools for girls, at a time when education was only accessible to women of wealthy classes and those who entered a convent. As such, the Ursuline Sisters were true pioneers from the outset—innovative, courageous, and independent in an era when such traits were not expected of women. They became the first

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MissionUrsuline Academy is an independent, Catholic school community that empowers students for leadership and service in our global society.


Catholic nuns to settle in North America when they set out to bring Christianity to Native American and French settlers in Quebec in 1639. Their work in North America continued to expand as the Ursuline Sisters established schools throughout the eastern part of the continent over the next few centuries. Their Catholic school system in the Louisiana Territory—the first in the region—served free and enslaved African Americans in addition to French settlers. Today, Ursuline schools flourish in over 36 countries.

In 1893, Bishop Curtis of the Diocese of Wilmington invited the Ursuline Sisters to take over a school formerly run by the Visitation Sisters. The school was moved and reopened as Ursuline Academy. They went on to establish multiple parochial schools and religious education programs throughout the Diocese of Wilmington, inspiring generations with their strength, courage, and dedication to social justice. Following in the footsteps of their Foundress, Ursulines have worked to adapt their schools to changing times and circumstances. They have also committed deeply to providing educational opportunity to every capable and interested student, regardless of financial means. Over the past five years, Ursuline Academy has steadily increased its tuition assistance, now offering aid and scholarships to 42% of its students.

The School

Coeducational in the Early Childhood and Lower School divisions, Ursuline Academy transitions at the Middle School to provide an all-girls education through Grade 12. As a part of the Ursuline Education Network (UEN), UA offers a uniquely global educational experience to its students; UA students across all four divisions develop a sense of connection not only with their peers in the classroom but with the wider community of more than 100 outstanding Catholic schools and colleges in the UEN worldwide.

Fast Facts


Though Catholic in denomination, the Ursuline Sisters have long embraced values of inclusiveness and open-mindedness—as is evident in the diverse religious makeup of UA’s student body, 25% of which self-identify as non-Catholic. The UA culture is warm, welcoming, spirited, and imbued with the powerful and character-building Ursuline charism of “Serviam”—meaning “I will serve.”

The strength of the Ursuline community, both past and present, and the influence of academic excellence not only ensure the growth of the school’s legacy for decades to come but also create a comprehensive and collaborative learning environment in which students can thrive today. Ursuline alumnae, over 4,750 strong, speak enthusiastically of the great impact Ursuline has had on their lives, giving them the confidence, perseverance, and courage to follow their dreams and pursue challenging life work.

Governance and leaderShip

The Ursuline Academy Board of Trustees is made up of highly qualified and experienced members. Board members draw from many different Ursuline constituencies including alumnae, former parents, current parents, community members, and Ursuline Sisters. The main responsibility of the Board is to ensure that the school stays true to its mission and has the resources to meet that mission, to provide fiduciary oversight, and to offer a strong strategic planning effort in the creation and execution of the master plan.


Upper School

The Upper School at Ursuline Academy is set apart by its commitment to develop young women leaders. Excellent academics and co-curriculars unite with outstanding opportunities to serve, to lead, and to build meaningful personal connections with faculty and fellow students, making for an exceptional and well-rounded educational experience.

The rigorous core curriculum of UA’s Upper School includes four years of required coursework in English, mathematics, and theology, as well as three years’ study in world languages (Spanish, French, or Chinese), laboratory sciences, and social studies. All science classes focus on the application of concepts in hands-on experiments and activities, while the social studies curriculum applies global and contextual perspectives to the study of history. Mathematics instruction is designed to appropriately challenge each student to reach her full potential. These core subjects are complimented by at least one year of study in both the fine arts and health/physical education. Also required, and central to the school’s mission, is a semester-length leadership course which every student takes during sophomore year.

Students can further enrich their core academics through elective courses in areas that interest them—from computer science to studio art. Across the disciplines, students hone their writing and research skills through the provision of constructive coaching and one-on-one feedback through every stage of the writing process. Ursuline Academy is also a “laptop initiative” school, and all girls use laptops as valuable classroom tools.

As a college-preparatory program, UA’s Upper School offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including English Language and Literature, Calculus AB and BC, Statistics, Biology,


Chemistry, Physics I and II, European History, American History, Human Geography, U.S. Government, Psychology, Art History, Studio Art, Computer Science A, Spanish, and French. Students can expand their learning through an exchange program with Salesianum School, a nearby all-boys school where UA girls can take AP Environmental Science, Drafting, and American Sign Language, as well as participate in a co-ed Wind Ensemble.

The educational experience at Ursuline Academy extends well beyond the classroom. The theology curriculum—which integrates the study of sacred Scripture with social ethics, church teachings, sacramental theology, and Christology—also incorporates student retreats each year, culminating with an in-depth, three-day retreat for seniors. Upper School students must also complete at least 80 hours of community service by the end of their sophomore year—a critical component of the curriculum of which every Upper School student connects with the Ursuline charism of Serviam. Many students far exceed the hourly requirement by graduation, serving throughout all four years at one of more than 50 nonprofit organizations, selected based upon personal interest or, occasionally, family legacy.

Global edUcaTion

As a member of the Ursuline Education Network, UA is connected to more than 100 Ursuline schools throughout the world. Through this special relationship, Ursuline Academy offers many unique opportunities for students to engage with people, ideas, and issues beyond the borders of our state and country. In addition to the exceptional World Languages Program that begins in Early Childhood and carries through Grade 12, Ursuline also offers students the opportunity to interact virtually and face-to-face with peers across the world via student leadership conferences, summer study abroad


programs, and exchange programs with sister schools in the Ursuline network. This global focus, combined with the community service requirements of the Upper School, fosters a deep sense of social consciousness integral to the Serviam mission and instills greater levels of confidence, empathy, and humility in students.

STeM and innovaTion

Equipping students with the ability to gather and evaluate evidence and creatively solve complex problems is more important than ever. Science, Technology, Math, and Engineering are interwoven throughout Ursuline’s curriculum. Students engage in project-based learning and exploration in the Lower School STEM Lab. In the Middle School, a course on coding along with a deep dive into the scientific method through the 7th Grade Science Fair is offered. The Innovation Center in the Upper School and a dual enrollment course with the University of Delaware for college credit encourage students’ creativity and require real-world applications of STEM skills in the execution of ideas. The culminating outcome of this focus on STEM learning has been remarkable: approximately 50% of Ursuline graduates enter STEM majors.

The following list includes some of the colleges and universities that graduates have attended in the past four years:

American University

Boston College

Catholic University

College of William and Mary

Drexel University

Elon University

Emory University

Georgetown University

Johns Hopkins University

New York University

Princeton University

Tulane University

University of Delaware

University of Michigan

University of Virginia

Virginia Tech

Yale University

College Placement

arTS and aThleTicS

The music department introduces basic principles of rhythm and movement in the younger divisions, and subsequently provides outstanding vocal and instrumental music instruction in the Middle and Upper Schools. Students in all divisions have the opportunity to participate in chapel and concert choruses as well as band ensemble. A variety of musical performances are hosted throughout the year. Upper School students can also nurture interests in a cappella, solo vocal, and popular music, building vocal skills as well as a self-confidence that extends beyond the stage.Working closely with the music program, the Fine Arts department seeks to incorporate dramatic elements in all concerts and performances, as well as to integrate theatrical expression across the core disciplines through classroom activities such as role-playing and character study. All UA students are welcomed to audition for any of the theatrical productions put on during the school year including the co-ed musicals put on at Salesianum School every spring and fall.In visual arts, UA students are encouraged to express themselves from the earliest ages, gaining introductions to a wide range of artistic modes and mediums as they progress through each division, from painting, drawing, and sculpture, to photography and digital art. The visual arts program seeks to make cross-curricular connections, drawing upon topics in history, literature, mathematics, science, and technology. Students explore and nurture their talents within an atmosphere that is both open and secure.

Across every division, students at Ursuline Academy benefit from a nationally recognized and well-supported athletics program. Beginning at the earliest grade levels, UA’s physical education curriculum and athletics focus on instilling qualities of teamwork, dedication, leadership, and a love for physical fitness.



UA’s Upper School Athletics Department offers 14 interscholastic sports across three seasons: cross country, field hockey, volleyball, basketball, dance, indoor and outdoor track and field, swimming, diving, soccer, tennis, crew, golf, and lacrosse. Both varsity and junior varsity teams compete in the Delaware Interscholastic Athletics Association, in which they have a longstanding record of excellence. UA holds 66 Catholic conference titles as well as 58 state championships—including cross country in 2018, volleyball in 2017, and the swim team’s 2016 state victory. Two alumnae have gone on to play professionally for the WNBA, as well as one in the FIBA EuroLeague. While this legacy and atmosphere is ideal for students with aspirations to excel in athletics, participation in team sports is elective and not mandatory at UA. This fosters an athletics culture that is comfortable and nurturing while also highly supportive of students’ natural interests and talents.

caMpUS

The campus at Ursuline Academy is located in the Cool Spring and Tilton Park section of the west side of Wilmington. Scheduled for its grand opening in January, Ursuline’s state-of-the-art Fusco Student Life Center will house new common space that includes a beautiful chapel, collaborative atrium, improved dining facilities, historic library, dedicated arts space, centralized administration, and additional classrooms. This new facility is housed in the former Convent Building and will serve as a hub for the entire school community. The school’s facilities also include a Lower School Building, a combined Middle/Upper School Building, and the Performing Arts Center (not currently in use for Ursuline programs).


WilMinGTon, delaWare

Established in 1731, Wilmington is the most populous city in Delaware. Together with Philadelphia, PA, and Camden, NJ, it anchors the Delaware Valley Metropolitan Area. Wilmington’s location halfway between New York City and Washington, D.C., as well as its easy access to Philadelphia, make it a central point between larger metropolises, but a long, storied history and independently strong economy qualify Wilmington as a city all its own. Nearly 18% of Wilmington’s student population attends one of the area’s several exceptional private primary and secondary level institutions—making Wilmington a top-ten city for private school enrollment nationwide.

Wilmington’s layout offers residents comfortable, affordable suburban living in a temperate climate with quick access to the many cultural offerings of a bustling urban center. The city’s riverfront has undergone extensive renewal, transforming from a shipyard into a charming 1.2-mile river walk lined with outlet shops, restaurants, boutiques, and cafes, a market, as well as the new Delaware Children’s Museum. Rodney Square—the symbolic center of downtown—provides gathering space for outdoor events, while the blocks surrounding it feature some of the city’s most noteworthy buildings: the Wilmington Public Library, the DuPont Building, the Wilmington Mansion, the Post Office Building, and the Delaware Trust Building. Other points of interest include Market Street Mall’s six blocks of pedestrian-friendly and tax-free shopping, Trolley Square restaurants and nightlife, the Delaware Art Museum, Rockford Park and Tower, the historic Old Swedes Church, and Brandywine Park and Zoo.

Financial institutions in Wilmington include Barclays, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Capital One, and HSBC. The city was also home to the DuPont Corporation, whose chemical and industrial production accounts for much of the city’s rapid growth in the last century. The legacy of the philanthropic DuPont family has also left a lasting imprint on Wilmington’s cultural identity. The Hagley


Museum preserved the DuPont family’s first home in the United States, a Georgian-style mansion situated on 235 acres on the banks of Brandywine Creek. The museum also features a Renaissance Revival garden, powder yards, and 19th-century machine shop.

Home to a highly diverse population of over 72,000, Wilmington’s many ethnic groups have greatly shaped its culture. The city is host to several large arts and culture festivals throughout the year, including the Italian Festival hosted by the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church every June, as well as Greek and Polish festivals, a jazz festival, blues festival, and the Peoples’ Festival honoring one-time resident Bob Marley. Wilmington also hosts the Big August Quarterly, the nation’s oldest African American festival celebrating religious freedom, freedom of speech, and the right of assembly. In addition, the Grand Opera House, The Queen, Delaware Theater Company, and Delaware Children’s Theatre offer much in the way of arts entertainment.

opporTUniTieS and challenGeS

The next Upper School Principal will be welcomed into the Ursuline community at an energetic stage in its growth and development. Well poised for the next 125 years, the new Upper School Principal will join a school that embraces its history and identity as an Ursuline school deeply committed to the founding principles of St. Angela Merici combined with a dedication to providing a current 21st-century education for all girls. The new Principal will partner with a collaborative administrative team and lead a committed and engaged faculty alongside the support of the President. With a newly created strategic plan set to be implemented over the next four years, the new Principal will have an important voice in the delivery of this innovative plan that includes implementing new curricular initiatives, strengthening professional development, and a commitment to the school’s Ursuline


identity. An engaged and respectful school community will welcome an Upper School Principal who is eager to commit to the school for years to come.

Strengths of the school:

• UA is consistently regarded as a high performing school in all areas of student life—in the classroom, athletics, and in other co-curricular activities. High expectations supported by outstanding faculty and staff are commonly held values across the campus.

• The UA community is proud of the school’s long and storied history of serving Wilmington-area children and families for 125 years. This rich sense of history, tradition, and family legacy is enthusiastically embraced by the UA constituency and represents a source of great pride.

• The school just completed a highly successful $10 million capital campaign.• The multi-divisional structure of the school—with coeducation at the Early Childhood and Lower

School levels and single gender/all girls at the Middle and Upper levels— is consistent with current research into best practices in student development and achievement.

• There is also widespread appreciation for UA’s wholesome sense of community: its proud “sisterhood;” its socio-economic, ethnic, and inclusiveness; and its close student and faculty relations.

• “Women as Leaders” is a distinguishing theme often expressed by parents and faculty and imbues the Middle and Upper School experience.

• Global education also adds a unique aspect to the student experience, enabling students to connect with peers at other Ursuline institutions across the globe.

• Faculty and parents are united in their belief that UA is quite special in a fundamentally important and meaningful way: UA is a “premier independent school” enriched by “Ursuline Catholic values.” These twin pillars are exceptionally synergistic and distinguish UA as the school of choice for many families in Wilmington, Catholic and non-Catholic alike.

In addition, the following challenges and opportunities are anticipated:

• Wilmington is a highly-competitive independent and Catholic school market. The next Upper School Principal will be expected to provide visionary leadership and be capable of differentiating Ursuline Academy from its competitors. This will be a critical branding and positioning opportunity for the school and the next Principal.

• In line with this branding and positioning strategy, the next Upper School Principal will be expected to help raise the profile of the school in the community and to project the unique strengths and compelling features of the “UA Experience.”

• S/he should be committed to a culture of best practices in teaching and learning and be capable of supporting and inspiring excellence in all areas affecting the quality of the student experience.


deSired QUaliTieS and QUalificaTionS

The successful candidate for Upper School Principal will possess the qualities and qualifications as follows:

• Outstanding communications and relational skills;• Expertise with curriculum and best teaching practices;• Inspirational leadership and champion of student achievement;• Skilled advocate for the Upper School division;• An enthusiastic and transparent collaborator;• Visionary leadership and inclusive methodology;• A track record of exceptional results in an independent school or other mission-critical environment;• Team builder capabilities to inspire faculty and staff toward achieving consensus around key goals

and priorities;• Ability to position the school for success and to “create demand” for the uniquely compelling UA

experience;• Innovative leadership with a passion for mission and outstanding curriculum-structuring experience;• Commitment to a Catholic values education.

To apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically in one email and as separate documents (preferably PDFs) the following materials as soon as possible:

• Cover letter expressing interest in the leadership position and aligning your skills and experiences with the leadership needs of Ursuline Academy at this time;

• Current résumé with all appropriate dates;• Brief statement or educational or leadership philosophy and practice;• List of five references with name, phone number, and email address for each (references

will not be contacted until a mutual interest is established and only with the candidate’s permission).

Please email all materials to:

Gary DicovitskySenior [email protected]

Burke ZaloshSenior [email protected]

UrSUline acadeMy W , d U S p S d 2019Many students far exceed the hourly requirement by graduation,...

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