Founded in 1855 the Academy of Mount St. Ursula stands as a testament to enduring Catholic education. The Academy of Mount St. Ursula is the oldest continuously operating Catholic high school for girls in New York State. Originally part of the Monastery of St. Ursula in Morrisania the school has a rich history.
In 1854 pastor John Casper Metzler sought Ursuline Sisters from St. Louis. He wanted them to teach girls in his German-speaking parish. These nuns had a long journey. They came from Ödenburg in Hungary and Landshut in Bavaria. Mother Magdalen Stehlin led three companions to Melrose. They established a new monastery. By the end of the summer eleven nuns lived there while the monastery was built. Archbishop John Hughes chose the site in Morrisania.
By October 1 1855 the monastery was complete. Classes began almost immediately. Students came from the German-speaking community and beyond. In 1868 the academy and monastery were incorporated by the New York State legislature. It was then known as the Ursuline Convent.
Morrisania grew rapidly. The nuns expanded their charitable work. They started other academies and staffed parochial schools. In 1874 the southern edge of Westchester County merged into New York City. The nuns considered moving north to escape industry. In 1892 the Ursuline Monastery moved to Bedford Park Boulevard. With the relocation the complex began using the name Mount St. Ursula. This reflected the hilly topography and their patroness. By 1900 the New York State curriculum was introduced. The Alumnae Association was founded.
The Second Vatican Council brought changes in the 1960s. Ursulines began to shed monastic practices. They explored living in smaller settings. The number of applicants to the Order declined. By the 21st century the nuns had decreased in numbers. The community moved to their regional headquarters in New Rochelle. As of July 2014 an Ursuline Sister was principal. Two other Sisters served in the school. Currently a layperson is principal.
In 2011 a portion of the monastery property was developed. Serviam Gardens offers affordable senior housing. It also serves as a model of green energy architecture.
The Academy of Mount St. Ursula is owned and administered by the Ursuline Sisters of the Roman Union. The school has a faculty and staff of 55. There are approximately 380 students. The teacher-student ratio is 1 to 15. The average class size is 20 to 25 students.
The AMSU mascot is the Lady Bear. School colors are maroon and white. The school motto is Serviam. It means “I will serve”. This motto is used by all Ursuline schools. Community service is emphasized. Students complete volunteer hours.
The Academy of Mount St. Ursula stands proud. It has educated remarkable young women for over a century. It empowers young women for leadership in society. The Academy of Mount St. Ursula continues to uphold its traditions. It instills a love of learning and a global view.