205 Bidwell Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14222 - 
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tel: 716-885-6780
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.
Top 10 Placements: Similar Size Schools, All-Girls Schools
Listed among the top 10 schools with < 200 students (out of 104 schools) for:
Overview: |
Buffalo Seminary
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Boarding School Avg.
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| Definition of Terms | ||
| School Focus | College Preparatory | College Preparatory |
| Grades Offered. | 9-12 | 9-12 |
| School Type | All-girls | Co-ed |
| Support for ADD/ADHD Students | No | No |
| Religious Affiliation | Non-denominational | Non-denominational |
| Year Founded | 1851 | 1906 |
| Campus Size | 1 acres | 125 acres |
| Student Body | ||
| Enrollment | 176 students | 296 students |
| Percent Students of Color | 20% | 18% |
| Percent International Students | 6% | 18% |
| Percent Students Boarding | 6% | 69% |
| 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 students | 12 *National School Avg. » 20 |
| Teacher : Student Ratio | 1:9 | 1:7 |
| # of AP/Advanced Courses Offered | 15 | 13 |
| ESL Courses Offered | Yes | Yes |
| % Faculty with Advanced Degree | 59% | 64% |
| Summer Program Offered | No | Yes |
| Finances | ||
| Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students) | $37,950 | $42,800 |
| Yearly Tuition (Day Students) | $16,950 | $23,900 |
| Percent Students on Financial Aid | 40% | 33% |
| Merit Scholarships Offered | Yes | No |
| Admission | ||
| Application Deadline | None / Rolling | Jan. 15 |
| SSAT Required | No | Yes |
| Acceptance Rate | 80% | 60% |
| Director of Admissions | Carrie Auwarter | |
| Associate Director of Admissions | Moira Giammaresi | |
Course Listings: |
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| List of Courses Offered | Link to List of Courses | |
Sports: |
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| Total Interscholastic Sports Offered | 10 | 13 |
Interscholastic Sports
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| Basketball | Crew | |
| Cross Country | Fencing | |
| Field Hockey | Golf | |
| Lacrosse | Soccer | |
| Squash | 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
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Isabella Bannerman - Syndicated cartoonist
- Lauren Belfer - Bestselling author of City of Light and A Fierce Radiance
- 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 - 1996 U.S. Olympic Women's Basketball coach, Head Coach of Stanford Cardinal, 2011 Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee
- Profile last updated: 10/02/2011
School Map:
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Nearby Boarding Schools:
- St. Francis High School - 520 students - 10.6 mi. away - view location
- The Gow School - 147 students - 21.0 mi. away - view location
- Ridley College - 636 students - 24.7 mi. away - view location
- Robert Land Academy - 140 students - 31.2 mi. away - view location
- Houghton Academy - 137 students - 50.0 mi. away - view location
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- Co-ed school
- Boys school
- Girls school
Note: Data has been gathered from schools, government and commercial data sources.
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