Nichols School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026-27)

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Quick Facts (26-27)

Top Ranked NY School
Grades: 5-12
Enrollment: 605 students
Yearly Tuition: $19,725
Acceptance rate: 85%
Average class size: 14 students
Application Deadline: Jan. 11 / rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Nichols School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:

School Facts

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades 5-12

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Nichols School
5	40
6	45
7	39
8	64
9	97
10	103
11	100
12	117

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Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Year Founded

1892

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Campus Size

30 acres

School Motto

To train minds, bodies and hearts for the work of life.

Student Body

Total Students

605 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

36%

State avg.: 39%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers

75 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

8:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

85%

Average Class Size

14 students

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

View Matriculation Data

Classroom Dress Code

Formal

Number of AP Courses

22 courses

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

Jan. 11 / rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$19,725

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Grades 5-8: $19,725 Grade 9: $20,775 Grades 10-12: $21,175

% on Financial Aid

30%

Acceptance Rate

85%

National avg.: 85%

Admissions Director

Nina Barone

Admissions Associate

Adrienne Ptak

Application URL

Online Application

Endowment Size

$30 million

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Sports

Total Sports Offered

16 sports

Sports

Colors

White, Green

School Mascot

Vikings

School Notes

Nichols School aim is to train minds, bodies and hearts for the work of life, and to carry into all we do the highest ideals of character and service.
At Nichols School, inspired teachers and students are committed to a quality standard of learning and achievement in all aspects of school life.
Our community strives to cultivate each student's sense of responsibility, compassion, honesty, and self-discipline.
Our goal is to produce confident and ethical young people equipped for the challenges of life.
We embrace and value our school's history and heritage.
We also recognize the importance of adaptation and innovation as a means of preparing our students for the future.
We strive to create a community that reflects our region's neighborhoods and the wider world.
In this environment, our students develop habits of tolerance, understanding, and mutual respect.

Nichols School is a nationally recognized coed college preparatory school for grades 5-12. Founded in 1892, Nichols is located in Buffalo, N.Y., and non-denominational, with 582 students from across Western New York and Southern Ontario, as well as several international students. The dedicated faculty is focused on preparing students to thrive in the global community of the 21st century.
With an average class size of 14 students, world-class teachers foster each student`s talents beyond the limitations of standardized testing. Nichols develops students` intellectual and extra-curricular passions, and provides access to challenging academic programs, and exceptional athletic, art and international exchange programs. Through leadership opportunities and community service projects, students develop strong work ethic, integrity, character and personal responsibility.
Nichols` beautiful campus holds many interactive learning spaces, including a sustainable math and science center, new visual art rooms and unparalleled athletics facilities. International exchange programs in China, Costa Rica, France and Spain create lifelong connections and deepen students` experiences in the classroom. Meaningful service projects strengthen students` understanding of the local community, and further cultivate character and leadership skills.
Nichols is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools.

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Gillian Evans - Played college hockey at Alvernia University - 2022 -
- Christian Laettner - Played college basketball at Duke University - 1988 -

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Nichols School cost?

Nichols School's tuition is approximately $19,725 for private students.

What is the acceptance rate of Nichols School?

The acceptance rate of Nichols School is 85%, which is higher than the national average of 79%.

Who are famous alumni from Nichols School?

Nichols School famous alumni include: Gillian Evans - Played college hockey at Alvernia University - 2022 and Christian Laettner - Played college basketball at Duke University - 1988.

What sports does Nichols School offer?

Nichols School offers 16 interscholastic sports: Ballet, Baseball, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Dance, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Tennis and Volleyball. Nichols School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in New York for most sports offered.

What is Nichols School's ranking?

Nichols School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments.

When is the application deadline for Nichols School?

The application deadline for Nichols School is Jan. 11 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 11 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

In what neighborhood is Nichols School located?

Nichols School is located in the Park Meadow neighborhood of Buffalo, NY. There are 1 other private schools located in Park Meadow.

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Buffalo, NY is $10,691 for elementary schools and $11,679 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Buffalo, NY is 87% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).