Buffalo Seminary - Buffalo, New York/NY

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Buffalo Seminary

205 Bidwell Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14222 -

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tel: 716-885-6780

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Buffalo Seminary is a small, selective, independent residential and day school for girls. Since our founding in 1851, we've been empowering young women to become leaders and to make a difference in an ever-evolving global community. As Western New York's only independent college preparatory school for girls, we offer a curriculum based on the traditional disciplines. We give each student a solid foundation in rigorous thought, clear expression, and essential skills across the range of liberal arts and sciences. Our richly varied program instills a lifelong love of learning, an appreciation for the fine arts, and an expectation that physical activity will be a continuing part of a full life. At Sem, we encourage all our students to dream big and to follow through on their aspirations.

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Definition of Terms

Buffalo Seminary

Boarding School Avg.

Overview:
School Focus	College Preparatory	College Preparatory
Grades Offered	9-12	7-12
School Type	All-girls	Co-ed
Support for ADD/ADHD Students	No	No
Religious Affiliation	Non-denominational	Non-denominational
Year Founded	1851	1901
Campus Size	1 acres	135 acres

Student Body
Enrollment	161 students	295 students
Percent Students of Color	20%	18%
Percent International Students	6%	17%
Percent Students Boarding	6%	70%
Average SAT Score	1757	*National Avg. » View
Offers Post-Grad Year	No	No

Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes	No	No
Classroom Dress Code	Casual	Casual
Average Class Size	11	12 *National School Avg. » 20
Teacher : Student Ratio	1:10	1:7
# of AP/Advanced Courses Offered	15	14
ESL Courses Offered	Yes	Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree	59%	60%
Summer Program Offered	No	Yes

Finances
Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students)	$32,500	$40,000
Yearly Tuition (Day Students)	$15,970	$22,870
Percent Students on Financial Aid	40%	32%
Merit Scholarships Offered	Yes	No

Admission
Application Deadline	None / Rolling	Jan. 15
SSAT Required	No	Yes
Acceptance Rate	80%	59%
Director of Admissions	Carrie Auwarter
Associate Director of Admissions	Erin Ross Moses

Course Listings:
List of Courses Offered	Link to List of Courses

Total Interscholastic Sports Offered

Interscholastic Sports

Basketball	Crew
Fencing	Field Hockey
Golf	Lacrosse
Soccer	Squash
Swimming	Tennis

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
Sample of notable school alumni/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: 12/07/2009