Buffalo Seminary

205 Bidwell Parkway, Buffalo, NY, 14222-0142
Tel: (716)885-6780
Grades: 9 - 12 | 171 students
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Imagine a school where you're free to explore a 100-year-old building that evokes the charm of a Hogwarts Castle. A school where the library space is warmed by the glow from the magnificent fireplace, and the teachers are caring, dynamic, and engaging. A place where girls are encouraged to dream big and to follow through on their aspirations. Founded in 1851, Buffalo Seminary offers an independent college-preparatory education for young women who are willing to be challenged and encouraged. Whether she's an aspiring scientist, poet, athlete, or community activist, Sem helps each girl find her passion – both inside and outside the classroom. Our goal is to produce thoughtful, informed, and confident young women. We offer a variety of classroom courses, including Advanced Placement courses in English, History, Math, Science, and Foreign Language, as well as many Honors courses.

School Overview:
Buffalo Seminary
School Membership(s) New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS)
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Religious Affiliation Nonsectarian
Grades Offered Grades 9 - 12
Year Founded 1851
Student Body
Total Students 171 students
Student Body Type All-girls
% Students of Color 20% (NY School Avg.: 22%)
Students by Grade
 
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers 31 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio 6:1 (National school avg.: 13:1)
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree 90%
Average Class Size 11 students
Number of AP Courses 15 courses
Finances and Admission
Admission Deadline Dec. 19 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost $16,950
% on Financial Aid 40%
Admissions Director Carrie Auwarter
Admissions Associate Moira Giammaresi
Sports
Total Sports Offered 10 sports
Sports
Basketball Crew
Fencing Field Hockey
Golf Lacrosse
Soccer Squash
Swimming Tennis

School Notes:

    • The all-girl advantage: Our single-sex environment encourages girls to dream big and to follow through on their aspirations. Beyond teaching literature, science, math, history, foreign languages, and the arts – we teach confidence.
    • Leaders for life: Sem students enjoy not just equal opportunity, but every opportunity. All our class officers, club presidents, team captains, and student mentors are girls.
    • College prep that goes beyond standardized testing: Our rigorous academic program, bolstered by an independent curriculum, prepares students to think for themselves, both in and out of the classroom.
    • An average class size of 11 students: Our small classes guarantee individual attention, so no student goes unnoticed. Our advisory program also empowers our girls by building positive student-teacher relationships while encouraging open communication with parents.
    • Teachers who are as passionate as they are experienced: Our faculty is made up of educators committed to student-centered teaching. Experts in their field, they would still rather listen to Sem girls communicate original ideas than simply hear themselves talk.
    • Beloved traditions combined with 21st century learning: Founded in 1851, Sem has a rich history that still resonates today. We combine a respect for the past with a commitment to each girl's future.
    • Cutting-edge technology that puts girls in control: Our one-to-one laptop program gives each student access to hands-on, project-based computer learning.
    • Student-centered clubs and activities: Whether it's through music, art, drama, or sports, girls find an extracurricular outlet at Sem. Clubs and activities are determined by student interest, and every girl participates in community service throughout her four years.
    • A culture of freedom, a code of honor: Sem students enjoy extraordinary autonomy, while embracing a high level of responsibility. Our school honor code fosters trust and respect by preparing girls for the rewards and responsibilities of the 21st century.
    • A beautiful building that feels like a home, not an institution: Our 100-year-old building is a warm and nurturing space that makes serious learning a great deal of fun.
    • School accreditations: National Association of Independent Schools, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, New York State Association of Independent Schools, New York Department of Education
    • Some notable alumnae: Isabella Bannerman - Syndicated cartoonist Lauren Belfer - Best-selling author of City of Light Anne Curtis, Ph.D. - Physicist formerly with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Amy Holden Jones - Screenwriter, movie producer and movie director Hilairy Hartnett, Ph.D. - Researcher and professor of biogeochemistry Susan Hunt - Host on HGTV and former ESPN correspondent Mary Hochreiter Janney - Former mayor of Burlingame, California Amy C. Williams, Ph.D. - Composer, pianist and music professor Amy Beth Taublieb, Ph.D. - Clinical psychologist and author Tara VanDerVeer - Top college coach and 1996 U.S. Olympic Women's Basketball coach

    Profile last updated: 07/11/2011

Related School News:

  • Buffalo Seminary sophomore is one busy girl - Buffalo News
    posted on December 13, 2012 at 05:30:22 am
    Buffalo Seminary sophomore is one busy girlBuffalo NewsMarivi is a sophomore at Buffalo Seminary and feels at home there. ?I love Sem,? she says. ?It's a ...
  • Eleanor F. Heckman, 91, a lifelong Buffalonian
    posted on April 1, 2012 at 01:34:00 am
    July 2, 1920—March 26, 2012 Lifelong Buffalo resident Eleanor “Ellie” Fairbairn Heckman, a 1938 graduate of the Buffalo Seminary who later ...
  • Elvis is Still in the Building
    posted on May 26, 2011 at 04:37:38 pm
    The Buffalo Chamber Players have earned a well deserved reputation for programming underplayed, and sometimes completely obscure musical works, and ...

View all past news stories

Nearby Schools:

Buffalo Seminary
Gr. 9-12 | 0 mi. away
Nardin Academy
Gr. PK-12 | 0.5 mi. away
Nardin Academy High School
Gr. 9-12 | 0.5 mi. away
Canisius High School
Gr. 9-12 | 0.7 mi. away
Nardin Academy Montessori School
Gr. K-4 | 0.7 mi. away
Catholic Academy West Buffalo
Gr. K-9 | 0.9 mi. away

View all schools in: Buffalo, Erie County, Zip 14222

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