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Buffalo Seminary

Buffalo, New York, USA
All Girls, No Religious Affiliation

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Founded in 1851, SEM is an independent day and boarding school for college-bound girls. At SEM academics are rigorous, trust is intrinsic, and creative, independent thinking is valued. Our humanities and STEAM curricula, arts, clubs, and athletics prepare girls for their remarkable futures.

An average class size of 11 and Harkness table learning guarantees attention from dedicated faculty. Our 1:1 tablet program, STEAM, and digital literacy curricula give girls competency and inspiration to pursue science in college and career.

SEM's unique urban campus maximizes the benefits of city living: parks, galleries, notable architecture, shops, and cafes are steps away.

SEM's 5-day boarding is perfect for girls to have total access to clubs, sports, community service, and supervised study during the week but family time on the weekends.

An hour and half to Toronto by car and a one-hour flight to New York City, Chicago, Detroit or Boston makes SEM convenient and accessible for residential students.

  • Welcome to SEM
  • Gherty learns from a freshman.
  • Fall Club Fair
  • SEM students visit the Albright-Knox Gallery as a regular art class trip.
  • SEM team captains at our Larkin Field with our mascot, the Red-Tailed Hawk
  • Students study in the library with a working fireplace under the gaze of legendary 50-year headmistress L. Gertrude Angell .
  • SEM is steps away from shops, cafes and art galleries.
  • College Sweatshirt Day 2016
  • In 2017, SEM was the 3 time US Squash Division V national champion. They're posing for a picture in the Buffalo News.
  • 100th Anniversary of the Hornet/Jacket Competitions
 

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  • Video Thumbnail for Picture Yourself Here [Buffalo Seminary, NY]
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205 Bidwell Parkway
Buffalo, New York, USA 14222

(716) 885-6780

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Director of Admissions: Laura Munson
Admissions Phone:(716) 885-6780Fax:716-885-6785
Email: [email protected] Website:
www.BuffaloSeminary.org


  • Application Deadline: Rolling
  • Application Fee: $50
  • International Application Fee: $50
  • Accepts SSAT Standard Application Online (SAO): Yes
  • Accepts Gateway to Prep Schools Application: No
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  • at a glance
  • academics
  • campus life
  • arts & athletics
  • college info
  • summer programs
  • Founded: 1851
  • Campus Size: 3 acres
  • Grades Offered: 9th-post-grad
  • Accredited by: NYSAIS
Student Body
Boarding
Grades 9th-post-grad
Day
Grades 9th-post-grad
Total
Girls     28 167 195
Boys     0 0 0
Total     28 167 195

Tuition and Financial Aid
  • 7-Day Boarding: $51,250
  • 5-Day Boarding: $45,745
  • Day Tuition Fee: $21,250
  • Payment Plans: Offered
  • Need-Based Aid: Offered
  • Students Receiving Aid: 38.00%
  • Average Awarded: $13,000
School Finances
  • Merit Scholarships: Offered
  • Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: 37.00%
  • Average Merit Scholarship: $6,400
  • Current Endowment: $10,000,000
  • Per Student Endowment: $51,282
 

Summary: SEM is independent day and boarding school for college-bound girls.

Nonsectarian since our founding in 1851, we provide a culture of mutual respect for individual differences. As one of the oldest girl's schools in the US, our oldest tradition is forward thinking.

Our cozy urban campus is located in the historic and bustling Elmwood Village neighborhood.

Our intimate environment allows girls to challenge themselves and to thrive. Students receive individual attention from outstanding faculty who promote a learner-centered classroom. And because average class size is 11, every student's perspective is voiced and heard.

At SEM, girls are excited to be part of a school community where trust is intrinsic and independent thinking is valued.

A SEM education fosters a multicultural, global perspective.

Our prescient 1:1 tablet program began in 2008 when STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) was an emergent educational movement. STEM has recently added an “A” for Art & Design and our program responded with a STEAM curriculum for freshman girls and electives for upperclassmen. Women are perpetually underrepresented in the STEAM fields and we aim to be part of the solution.

Our successful college counseling pairs an emphasis on achievement with finding the best fit so our students can continue to flourish.

We believe in standards, but not standardization. We're not limited by New York State Regents requirements. By her junior and senior years, in addition to honors and Advanced Placement courses, a student can pursue electives that explore her interests, such as urban studies, theater, oceanography, or gothic literature. SEM students are encouraged to pursue academic work within courses or to create their own.

SEM is accredited by New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) and National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). It is a member of National Coalition of Girls' School (NCGS), The Small Boarding School Association, the Online School for Girls and OurKids (Canada).

Department Director: Sharon Kounovsky

Average Class Size: 11

Full Time Teachers: 21

Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 72.00%

Student/Teacher Ratio: 7/1

Academic Schedule: Trimester

Number of Advanced Placement Courses Offered: 17

Notable Achievements: 1:1 tablet PC program, French and Spanish exchange programs, STEAM curriculum

Advanced/Enrichment Programs
  • 5-Day Boarding
  • AP Courses
  • Distance Learning
  • Post Graduate Year
  • STEAM curriculum
  • Senior Capstone Project
Support Programs
  • College Counseling
  • Evening Study Assistance
  • Peer Tutoring
  • Study Skills Assistance
  • Technology Center
English:
  • Creative Writing
  • Honors
  • Literature
  • Poetry
  • Journalism
  • Autobiography
History:
  • Honors
  • United States History
  • World History
  • New York State History
Foreign Languages:
  • French
  • Spanish
  • Chinese and Latin and German offered through our Online School for Girls
Humanities/Social Sciences:
  • Psychology
  • Micro and Macro Economics offered through our Online School for Girls
Sciences:
  • Anatomy
  • Astronomy
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Science
  • Health
  • Meteorology
  • Oceanography
  • Physics
Math:
  • Algebra
  • Calculus
  • Honors Math
  • Geometry
  • Statistics
  • Trigonometry
Computer Studies:
  • Computer Applications
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Science
  • Multimedia
  • Freshman STEAM curriculum
  • Sophomore Digital Research class
  • Senior electives in Gaming
  • Coding
  • Tech Entrepreneurship
  • Python
Performing/Visual Arts:
  • 3-D Design
  • Acting
  • Animation
  • Art
  • Drama
  • Drawing
  • Film and Video
  • Graphic Design
  • Journalism
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Public Speaking
  • Publications
  • Stagecraft
  • Studio Art
  • Theater Arts
  • Theater Design
Special Programs:
  • Community Service
  • Exchange Programs
  • Independent Study
  • Leadership
  • Personal Finance
  • Study Abroad:
  • National Honor Society
  • Cum Laude Society
  • Weekly School Newspaper
Distinctive or New Programs:
  • Senior Capstone Project
    Health/Leadership
    Online School for Girls
    U Go SEM personalized gym program
AP Courses Available:
  • Biology
  • Calculus AB
  • Calculus BC
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science A
  • Computer Science AB
  • English Language
  • European History
  • French Language
  • US Government & Politics
  • Latin Literature
  • Physics C
  • Psychology
  • Spanish Language
  • Statistics
  • US History
  • World History
  • Art History
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Latin available through our Online School for Girls
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Summary: SEM girls enjoy a rich and rewarding experience as boarding students.

Located in the historic and bustling Elmwood Village neighborhood of Buffalo, New York, our campus comprises five residences in historic homes next door to the landmarked school building, and Larkin Field for sports like soccer, lacrosse and field hockey. Shops, cafes, art galleries, notable architectural sites and historic Delaware Park are steps away.

Day students and 5- and 7-day boarders practice independence within our small, safe neighborhood.

Boarding students have access to all the teams, clubs and extra-curriculars (like participation in the plays and community service at non-profits) that SEM has to offer, and supervised study hours in the evening.

On weekends, 7-day residents have supervised trips to sports and cultural events, and dinners out and shopping expeditions to explore the bigger city outside our neighborhood.

Department Director: Natalie Stothart

Dorm Life

Number of Dorms: 4

Average Students Per Dorm: 10

No. of Girls Dorms: 4

Dorm Amenities:

  • Laundry Facilities
  • Lounge
  • Wireless Internet
  • Full Kitchen

Dress Code: Casual

Student Life

Summary: Student life at Buffalo Seminary provides leadership opportunities, programs to become involved in the community, the chance to discover individual talents and the encouragement to pursue new interests. We offer an open and safe community dedicated to the intellectual, aesthetic, physical, and emotional development of our students.

There is a strong sense of community felt by all at the school, and we are committed to educating young woman to be future leaders with moral strength. Our Honor Code is integral to instilling strong character, sound judgment, and individual integrity. In addition, SEM students have a wide array of leadership opportunities, either as elected members of SGA, as members of our clubs or athletic teams, or exploring possibilities through our senior internship program. Through the variety of opportunities, SEM students will develop the necessary skills, confidence, knowledge, and character to make a difference both at school and in the world beyond.

Facilities

  • Fitness Center
  • Technology Center
  • Indoor basketball court(s)
  • Squash Courts
  • Soccer Field
  • Ping Pong tables
  • Badminton
  • Ergs & Treadmills

Clubs and Organizations

  • Asian Club
  • Chess Club
  • Community Service
  • Debate Club
  • Diversity Club
  • Dorm Proctors
  • Drama Club
  • Environmental Club
  • Fencing
  • Foreign Language Clubs
  • Honor Council
  • International Clubs
  • Literary Magazine
  • Math Club
  • Mock Trial
  • Model UN
  • National Honor Society
  • Outing Club
  • Peer Tutoring
  • Sailing Club
  • Science Bowl
  • Sexualities Club
  • Student Government
  • SADD
  • Theater
  • Yearbook
  • Book Club
  • Model UN
  • Ski Club
  • Design Club
  • Animal Awareness Club
  • Cum Laude Society
  • Red Key
  • Vegan Club
  • Ping Pong Club
  • Writer's Club
  • Young Politicians Club
  • Hornet/Jacket Board
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Summary: The program emphasizes excellence, commitment, participation and the cultivation of the whole person. SEM is a member of the Monsignor Martin Girls' Athletic Association (MMA) for the following varsity and junior varsity interscholastic sports:

Basketball
Bowling
Crew
Cross Country
Fencing
Field Hockey
Golf
Lacrosse
Sailing
Soccer
Squash
Swimming
Tennis

SEM sails with the Mid-Atlantic District of the Inter-Scholastic Sailing Association (ISSA).

SEM's crew is a member of the Buffalo Scholastic Rowing Association (BSRA).

SEM's fencing team competes in the Western New York Division of the U.S. Fencing Association.

SEM's field hockey team is a member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) interscholastic athletic programs.

SEM's squash team is a member of US Squash and the Buffalo Squash Raquets Association (BSRA).

SEM has a ski club that travels weekly to Holiday Valley in Ellicottville, NY.

SEM's teams are the Red-Tailed Hawks. They can be followed on Twitter at @HawkSquawks.

The Fine and Performing Arts Program at Buffalo Seminary is designed to promote the students' growth through the arts in two ways: first, through the study of the history and philosophy of artistic expression; and, second, through performance, that is, through active participation in art, photography, music, theatre, and dance. Students have an opportunity to select from a rotating list of electives, projects, performances and concerts.

Arts Department Director: Susan Drozd

Athletics Department Director: Eva Cunningham

Notable Achievements: US Squash Division V Champions 2015,'16, '17, Bowling Champs 2015, Soccer Champs 2016, Tennis Doubles & Singles Champs 2013-17

Arts
  • A Cappella Group
  • Chamber Ensemble
  • Dance
  • Drama Club
  • Glee Club
  • String Ensemble
  • Tech Crew
  • Theater
  • Photography
Interscholastic Sports
  • Basketball
  • Bowling
  • Crew
  • Cross-Country Running
  • Fencing
  • Field Hockey
  • Golf
  • Lacrosse
  • Sailing
  • Soccer
  • Squash
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
Recreational Sports
  • Alpine Skiing
  • Snowboarding
  • Table Tennis
 

Summary: At SEM, the goal of college counseling is to help students successfully discover and examine their own academic aspirations and to guide them to those institutions that best fulfill those aspirations. Our college counseling program is an individualized process in which students, their parents and a college counselor together assess a student's interests, needs, strengths and abilities to work toward making the best college choices. At every step, the student is encouraged to own the process: to take advantage of opportunities and instances in which she can educate herself to make informed decisions and find her best fit.

Department Director: Molly Greene

College Information

Percentage of Graduates Who Attend College: 100.00%

Colleges attended in the past 5 years by our graduates:

Emerson College
Amherst College
Babson College
Barnard
Boston College
Boston University
Brown University
California Institute of Tech
Canisius College
Case Western Reserve
Colgate
College of Charleston
Cornell
Davidson University
DePaul University
Drexel University
Duke University
Duquesne University
Elon University
Fashion Institute of Tech
Franklin & Marshall
George Washington University
Georgetown
Gettysburg Collge
Goucher College
Hawaii Pacific U.
High Point U.
Hobart William Smith
Indiana U.
Ithaca College
Johns Hopkins U.
Kenyon College
Lafayette College
Loyola Chicago
Loyola Maryland
Michigan State University
Middlebury Colleg
MIT
Nazareth
New York University
Notre Dame
Oberlin
Ohio State University
Pennsylvania State U.
Pratt Institute
Queen's U, Canada
Rensselaer Polytechnic
Rochester Institute of Tech.
Roger Williams University
Rugers U.
Sarah Lawrence
Savannah College of Art and Design
Simmons College
Skidmore College
St. Lawrence University
State U of NY at Buffalo
SUNY Binghamton
SUNY Buffalo
SUNY Fredonia
SUNY Geneseo
Syracuse U.
Tufts U.
U of Connecticut
U of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
U of Pittsburgh
U of Rochester
U of Vermont UVM
U of Washington
U of Wisconsin, Madison
UC Davis
UC Los Angeles
UC San Diego
UC Santa Cruz
Univ. of Alabama
Univ. of British Columbia, Canada
University of Toronto (Canada)
US Military Academy
Yale
Notable Alumni

Tara Vanderveer (Class of 1971) Stanford University Women's basketball head coach and 1996 U.S. Gold-winning Olympic Women's Basketball coach

Amy Holden Jones (Class of 1972) Screenwriter, movie producer and movie director

Lauren Belfer (Class of 1971) Bestselling author of City of Light and A Fierce Radiance

Isabella Bannerman (Class of 1978) Award-winning syndicated cartoonist

Mara Hoffman (Class of 1995) Fashion designer

Nicole C. Lee (Class of 1994) Human rights lawyer

Elizabeth Swados (Class of 1968) TONY award winning playwright and director

Gwen Whittle (Class of 1979) Academy Award nominated sound designer

Tara Ellis (Class of 1988) Pres. & CEO Foodbank of Western New York

Virginia Horvath (Class of 1975) Pres. SUNY Fredonia


Quotes from Alumni

Because every girl can learn and excel if there's someone who believes in them. That someone was SEM for me, and I take that message cross-country now.

-Kara Kerwin, Class of 1998, President of the Center for Educational Reform


Remember what it means to be a SEM girl. We strive for excellence. We serve others in need. We have a strong obligation to our community. We appreciate the rich history and traditions of our school.

-Molly Armstrong, Class of 2014, School Government President


SEM means everything. Home, education, future, dream, foundation...It made me who I am today.

-Christy Jiang, Class of 2015, residential student from China who now attends Boston University


 

Summary: All-Girl Power All Summer Long!

Crew, Sailing, Squash, Arts and Traditional Camp Experiences at one of the oldest girls' schools in the US.

Day and sleepaway camp.

Classes and activities like fashion lab, video production, coding, basketball, games, arts and crafts all day or pair it with crew, squash or sailing in the morning.

Sleepaway and Immersion campers live family-style in historic homes centered around a courtyard that connects them to the school building.

Weekends are filled with day trips to amusement parks, aerial parks, beaches, trips to see waterfalls and colleges and Universities, exploring the Greater Niagara region as well as relaxing on campus.

Summer at SEM offers a professional faculty, a small student-teacher ratio, and an underlying understanding of the needs of young girls and the philosophy and practices of good camp.

At SEM we graduate young women who can take care of themselves, have a spirit of service, and lead. We’re proud that many of our counselors are SEM graduates.

Department Director: Elizabeth Coffey

[email protected]

July 08, 2018 to July 28, 2018

For girls entering grades 6-9.

Mornings are filled with traditional camp. Afternoons, girls will improve their English through studying the American woman’s experience. The humanities-based immersion curriculum uses primary texts, histories, and trips to take English learning to the next level.

Registration Deadline: June 30, 2018
Tuition: $5,000
Financial Aid Available:  No
More Details

[email protected]

July 15, 2018 to July 28, 2018

Unique all girls Squash Intensive with Connecticut College Squash Head Coach Mike McDonald and Sarah Odell, Assistant Coach. Lessons in the morning, match play in the afternoons. 1-week sessions.

Registration Deadline: June 30, 2018
Tuition: $475-1100
Financial Aid Available:  No
More Details

[email protected]

July 08, 2018 to August 28, 2018

1-week sessions of sleepaway camp in our historic home student residences. Get to know SEM, our neighborhood, and Buffalo! Traditional camp activities and experiences and crew, sailing, or squash in the mornings.

Registration Deadline: June 30, 2018
Tuition: $850
Financial Aid Available:  No
More Details

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summary: Since 1851, Buffalo Seminary has been preparing girls for college and for life.

 
The Association of Boarding Schools
One North Pack Square, Suite 301, Asheville NC 28801, USA
828 258 5354   [email protected]
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