JA Academics
At St. Ursula Academy, we know students want an educational track that maximizes her talents and interests. That starts in our Junior Academy.
JA classes challenge students, yet the one-on-one academic support provides help if needed.
The Core Curriculum includes math, science, social studies, English and language arts, and theology. Students can also choose from a variety of electives to follow their special interests.
Electives include world languages, music performance courses, technology classes, color theory, and even cooking.
But students here are learning more than just the Core Curriculum—they are learning valuable skills that will carry them forward and set them up for success in high school and beyond.
In the classroom, JA students are gaining experience in the following:
- Creative thinking
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Modern technology
- Presentation skills
- Public speaking
- Leadership skills
- Growth mindset
- Teamwork and collaboration skills
SUA focuses on ways girls learn best.
4x4 Block Schedule
The JA follows the collegiate block schedule, too. Students take four 80-minute classes per day. The extended class time allows for deeper learning and time to fully engage in subjects. There is time for more student-teacher interaction, which leads to better student-teacher relationships and meaningful classroom experiences.
Mixed Learning
Sixth and seventh graders can take classes together, with eighth graders having the option to take high school classes. This allows for natural leadership and mentorship roles to evolve, as the older students can mentor younger students. Eighth graders can take at least one high school class to get ahead on requirements, experience the level of instruction awaiting them in the future, and open their schedules for more opportunities in high school.
Smaller Class Sizes
With a 12:1 student/teacher ratio, smaller class sizes mean deeper engagement and more personalized learning. Students and teachers get to know each other, leading to stronger student-teacher bonds. With smaller class sizes, students have improved self-confidence and higher participation rates.
Student Support
The Learning Commons (TLC) is a dedicated space where students can find academic help, guidance, and encouragement from experienced educators. While it’s available before and after schools, the TLC is only for JA students daily during seminar.
Social and Emotional Development
In addition to the rigorous curriculum, part of the middle school model of the JA is to empower students to grow in confidence, faith, and strength. We value academic excellence, but we also understand the importance of social and emotional development for young women.
Relationship Building
JA students build relationships with girls in their grade, with girls in other grades, and with their teachers and other SUA community members. We emphasize trust and respect in these relationships, focusing on compassion, kindness, and positive peer interactions.
Critical Thinking
Through daily reinforcement of critical thinking skills, we see students become more reflective in their actions and words, more ethical, and wiser in their daily decisions, and more willing to be contributing citizens to the world around them.
Positive Female Role Models
At an all-girls school, students see girls in leadership positions as classmates head up projects, teams, and school events. JA teachers and administrators also serve as role models to their students for living their faith, being compassionate, and working to the best of their abilities.
Family and Community Involvement
It takes a full team to educate a young girl today, so JA faculty and staff actively involve parents and our community in many of our events.
