This past summer the Academy of Mount St. Ursula began a new chapter in its 153-year history. Fr. John Vigilanti and Dr. Joseph S. Fusco have been appointed president and principal of this prestigious all girls’ Catholic high school in the Bronx. This new administration brings a visionary leadership that embraces the traditions of this unique institution and challenges the faculty and students to become active learners through innovative methods.
The school offers artistically talented students the opportunity to enroll in the Art Academy. This program has been developed specifically for students who are considering art as a career choice or a lifelong activity. The course takes an in-depth study of the fundamentals of art and advanced techniques of the artist.
Additionally, Mount St. Ursula is participating in The Metropolitan Opera Guild, Urban Voices: A Choral Music Initiative Program for the first time this year. This program offers a quality choral music experience. During a minimum of one full day per week, a Guild-trained choral artist, in a team-teaching partnership with the collaborating classroom teacher, promotes healthy and developmentally appropriate vocal instruction, seamlessly integrating choral music into the core classroom curriculum.
The new administration is also dedicated to the professional development of its talented faculty. On every other Wednesday, teachers are invited to participate in professional development workshops run by the school librarian. These workshops provide teachers with the opportunity to learn how to integrate the latest technology into the curriculum, and to implement the newest teaching and learning techniques in the classroom.
“It is our goal to ensure that the young ladies gain the skills that will make them successful, confident and contributing members of society and the Church,” stated Dr. Fusco in a letter to parents of students. “Our faculty and staff meet the highest professional standards. They care for their students and are dedicated to their achievement and personal growth.”
The school has also hired a new director of Recruitment/Admissions, Kate Ostrander. She is an alumna of the school, class of 1997, and former English teacher. Ostrander truly values the unique experience her Mount St. Ursula education provided and is excited to offer this same experience to future girls from the Bronx.
To learn more about the unique programs, and see the beautiful campus, stop by during the Fall Open House on Sunday, October 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
