History
Saint Angela Merici founded the Ursuline Order in 1535. Her mission was to educate girls and her goal became known throughout the world.
On July 31, 1893, the Ursuline Nuns arrived in Wilmington. They came from Bedford Park, New York to succeed the Visitation Nuns who, up to that time, had conducted a boarding and day school at another location. Thus Ursuline Academy in Wilmington was created. Students received a strict education along with training in the Fine Arts.
It was in 1926 that the cornerstone of the present Ursuline Academy was laid. By then, the student body had grown thoroughly.
In 1954, a new building was constructed to accommodate the Lower School classes. A major development program was begun in the summer of 1977. At that time, the Lower School Auditorium-gymnasium was converted into instructional areas. After a period of temporary use of the auditorium and gymnasium by all Ursuline students, a modern gymnasium complex was constructed for use by the Academy in 1979. In 1992, classroom additions were constructed adjoining the Upper School to accommodate Middle School students.
In the summer of 1994, the convent was renovated to accommodate the Fine Arts Center. The full name of this building is the Rollins Fine Arts Center.
In the fall of 1998, the Academy introduced technology to students, calling the program "Learning With Laptops". Starting in 7th grade, students receive a laptop. Much of the curriculum includes technology.
The entire second and third floors of the Upper School were renovated during the summer of 2002. In the fall of 2002, the second floor science labs and third floor instructional areas opened. In addition, the third floor is the home of the Chapel of St. Angela, where students go for reflection and prayer. Also in 2002, the Academy purchased the former Christian Scientist Church adjacent to the campus. The building is now Ursuline Academy's Performing Arts Center. Not to be confused with the Rollins Fine Arts Center, the Performing Arts Center (PAC) is the location of some school masses and performances.
Read more about this topic: Ursuline Academy (Delaware)
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