Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Aerial view of Ursuline Academy
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Ursuline Academy

  • LocationDedham, MA
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 7–12 · 359 students

All-female

Official website

Ursuline Academy in Dedham, Massachusetts, is an all-girls Catholic school for grades 7 to 12 in the Ursuline tradition.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Ursuline Academy, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSt. Marys Church: 0.9 mi1Saint Bartholomew Church: 2.0 mi2St Anne Parish: 2.5 mi3Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church: 2.7 mi4Campus Ministry Office, Ursuline Academy: 0.0 miUrsuline Academy (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. St. Marys Church — 0.9 mi
  2. Saint Bartholomew Church — 2.0 mi · 1180 Greendale Avenue, Needham
  3. St Anne Parish — 2.5 mi · 90 West Milton Street, Readville
  4. Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church — 2.7 mi

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

DSacramental life: Limited (grade D): 40 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

46 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearA few times a year (Eucharistic Masses are listed without a frequency.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Living The Mission | Ursuline Academyursulineacademy.net/about/living-the-mission · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Eucharistic Masses with Choral Group ministries”
      Campus Ministry lists Eucharistic Masses among its student faith opportunities, with no frequency stated.
    2. Traditions | Ursuline Academyursulineacademy.net/campus-life/traditions · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “you will hear the loud refrain of the school anthem “Serviam” sung by the student body at the end of every Mass and assembly”
      The school holds Masses for the whole student body.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearSeasonally (Advent, Lent) or a few times a year (Reconciliation services are listed without a schedule.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026 Course Catalog | Ursuline Academyursulineacademy.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026CourseCatalog_WEB.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “directs all school liturgies, reconciliation services and prayer services, as well as prayer with small groups.”
      Campus Ministry directs reconciliation services for the school; no schedule is given.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (Masses are held.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Living The Mission | Ursuline Academyursulineacademy.net/about/living-the-mission · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Eucharistic Masses with Choral Group ministries”
      Campus Ministry lists Eucharistic Masses among its student faith opportunities, with no frequency stated.
N/ATheology and curriculum: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Theology and curriculum

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Years of theology or religion requiredFour years (Theology is 4 credits across the four years of high school, one credit a year; four full years.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026 Course Catalog | Ursuline Academyursulineacademy.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026CourseCatalog_WEB.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology 4 credits”
      The high school course requirements list Theology at 4 credits.
      “must complete four years of study at the secondary level and”
      A diploma requires four years of secondary study, so the 4 theology credits are spread across four years.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (Theology III Honors includes a semester course on Christian ethics (Christian Morality).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology | Ursuline Academyursulineacademy.net/academics/departments-and-courses/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “students come to understand the Christian vision of ethical decision-making with Jesus as the model of full humanness”
      Theology III Honors includes a semester course on Christian ethics.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
ACampus culture: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Campus culture

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade (The catalog describes grade-level retreats.)
    Sources (2)
    1. 2026 Course Catalog | Ursuline Academyursulineacademy.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026CourseCatalog_WEB.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “developed and nurtured through grade level retreats”
      Campus Ministry's faith formation is carried out through grade-level retreats.
    2. Living The Mission | Ursuline Academyursulineacademy.net/about/living-the-mission · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Peer Minister-led class retreats”
      Campus Ministry lists Peer Minister-led class retreats.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Three Campus Ministry staff are listed: two Campus Ministers and a Director of Mission, Equity, and Inclusion.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Faculty & Staff Directory | Ursuline Academyursulineacademy.net/about/faculty-and-staff-directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Emily Amann Title: Campus Minister / Theology Teacher”
      Emily Amann is listed as a Campus Minister and Theology Teacher.
    2. Living The Mission | Ursuline Academyursulineacademy.net/about/living-the-mission · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Kathleen Furey '18 Title: Campus Minister”
      Kathleen Furey is listed as a Campus Minister.
      “Mary-Kate Tracy '94 Title: Director of Mission, Equity, and Inclusion”
      Mary-Kate Tracy is listed as Director of Mission, Equity, and Inclusion in Campus Ministry.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Living The Mission | Ursuline Academyursulineacademy.net/about/living-the-mission · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily prayer Community prayer services”
      Campus Ministry lists daily prayer and community prayer services for students.
AService and Catholic social teaching: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Service and Catholic social teaching

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required service hours40 or more hours over four years (Four-year total from the grade-by-grade requirements: 30 + 40 + 40 + 80 hours.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Living The Mission | Ursuline Academyursulineacademy.net/about/living-the-mission · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Grades 7, 8 and 9 complete 30 hours of service per year”
      Grade 9 students must complete 30 hours of service per year.
      “Grades 10 and 11 complete 40 hours of service per year”
      Grades 10 and 11 must complete 40 hours of service per year.
      “Grade 12 complete 80 hours of service performed during their Senior Service Project.”
      Seniors must complete 80 hours of service in a Senior Service Project.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (Theology III Honors includes a semester on the Church's social teaching and justice.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026 Course Catalog | Ursuline Academyursulineacademy.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026CourseCatalog_WEB.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “concern for others, especially the poor and needy, is present”
      Theology III Honors includes a semester course dedicated to social justice and the Church's social teaching.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Service trips sponsored by the school are listed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Living The Mission | Ursuline Academyursulineacademy.net/about/living-the-mission · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Student service through community organizations such as the Dedham Food Pantry, My Brother’s Keeper, and Ursuline Education Services sponsored service trips.”
      The school lists student service trips and service through community organizations.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Theology is required for 4 credits, one each year of high school.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026 Course Catalog | Ursuline Academyursulineacademy.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026CourseCatalog_WEB.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology 4 credits”
      The high school course requirements list Theology at 4 credits.
      “must complete four years of study at the secondary level and”
      A diploma requires four years of secondary study, so the 4 theology credits are spread across four years.
  • Service is required: 40 hours a year in grades 10 and 11, and an 80-hour Senior Service Project.
    Sources (1)
    1. Living The Mission | Ursuline Academyursulineacademy.net/about/living-the-mission · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Grades 10 and 11 complete 40 hours of service per year”
      Grades 10 and 11 must complete 40 hours of service per year.
      “Grade 12 complete 80 hours of service performed during their Senior Service Project.”
      Seniors must complete 80 hours of service in a Senior Service Project.
  • Campus Ministry lists three staff members: two Campus Ministers and a Director of Mission, Equity, and Inclusion.
    Sources (2)
    1. Faculty & Staff Directory | Ursuline Academyursulineacademy.net/about/faculty-and-staff-directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Emily Amann Title: Campus Minister / Theology Teacher”
      Emily Amann is listed as a Campus Minister and Theology Teacher.
    2. Living The Mission | Ursuline Academyursulineacademy.net/about/living-the-mission · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Kathleen Furey '18 Title: Campus Minister”
      Kathleen Furey is listed as a Campus Minister.
      “Mary-Kate Tracy '94 Title: Director of Mission, Equity, and Inclusion”
      Mary-Kate Tracy is listed as Director of Mission, Equity, and Inclusion in Campus Ministry.

Concerns

  • The published club list includes no faith-based student club.
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs | Ursuline Academyursulineacademy.net/campus-life/clubs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The following clubs are currently running at Ursuline:”
      The school's published club list is the list of clubs currently running; it includes no faith-based club.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry Office, Ursuline Academy

  • Address: 85 Lowder Street, Dedham, MA 02026
  • Location: On campus

View on map ↗

Source: ursulineacademy.net, verified Oct. 12, 2026, ursulineacademy.net, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

5 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 1 off campus, 4 location not published

Service 1

  • Community service with local organizations and service tripsOff campus
    Service through community organizations such as the Dedham Food Pantry and My Brother's Keeper, plus school-sponsored service trips.
    ursulineacademy.net

Faith formation 1

  • Daily prayer and community prayer services
    Daily prayer and community prayer services led by Campus Ministry.
    ursulineacademy.net

Liturgy and prayer 2

  • Eucharistic Masses with choral group ministries
    Eucharistic Masses with choral group ministries, listed by Campus Ministry.
    ursulineacademy.net
  • Baccalaureate Mass
    Saturday evening of graduation weekend
    Senior Baccalaureate Mass held on graduation weekend.
    ursulineacademy.net

Retreats 1

  • Peer Minister-led class retreats
    Class retreats led by student Peer Ministers.
    ursulineacademy.net

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (2)
  1. Living The Mission | Ursuline Academyursulineacademy.net/about/living-the-mission · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Eucharistic Masses with Choral Group ministries”
    Campus Ministry lists Eucharistic Masses among its student faith opportunities, with no frequency stated.
    “If you have any questions, please contact the Campus Ministry office at 781-493-7791.”
    The Campus Ministry office telephone number is 781-493-7791.
    “If you have any questions, please contact the Campus Ministry office at 781-493-7791.”
    The Campus Ministry office telephone number is 781-493-7791.
  2. Home | Ursuline Academyursulineacademy.net · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “85 Lowder Street Dedham, MA 02026”
    The school's campus address is 85 Lowder Street, Dedham, MA 02026.

Reach out

Contact details for Emily Amann (Campus Minister / Theology Teacher) and 5 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

Sign in Create a free account

We keep campus ministers’ emails behind sign-in to protect them from spam.

My rating and notes

Sign in or create a free account to rate this school privately, keep notes, and save it to your list.

Academic Excellence

AAcademic Excellence: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
97 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduates going to four-year colleges 75% of scoreThis measure counts for 75% of the Academic Excellence score.100%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.9.4 to 1

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed. Federal data on private high schools is limited to these two measures.

Source: NCES Private School Survey (2023–24 school year)

School facts

TypeIndependent Catholic school
DioceseArchdiocese of Boston, MA
Grades7–12
Students (all grades)359
Students in grades 9–12240
Coed or single-sexAll-female
Student–teacher ratio9.4 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges100%
SettingSuburb

Source: NCES Private School Survey 23-24 public-use file (school year 2023–24). The college-going rate and student–teacher ratio feed Academic Excellence; nothing here changes the faith grades.

Local Church

Archdiocese of Boston

The Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, Archbishop of Boston

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: usccb.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Ursuline Academy a Catholic high school?
Yes. Ursuline Academy is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Boston.
What is Ursuline Academy’s Compass Score?
86 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

Reviews

Personal experiences from signed-in readers. Reviews are moderated automatically and never change a school’s grades.

No reviews yet.

Sign in to write a review.

More in Massachusetts · Massachusetts rankings