Boarding Schools  Buffalo Seminary

Buffalo Seminary www.buffaloseminary.org

Founded in 1851, Buffalo Seminary is Western New York’s only independent college-preparatory school for girls, and the only school in the area with an all-girls residential program. Commonly known as Sem, our school is located in the historic Elmwood Village neighborhood of Buffalo, New York. At Buffalo Seminary, girls take center stage as they learn and grow. Our school is more than classrooms. The combination of vibrant teaching, active learning, creative engagement and community spirit makes a Sem education a transformative experience.

Our uniquely intimate environment allows Sem girls to grow and to thrive. Students receive individual attention from outstanding faculty and staff, and classes are small so that every student’s perspective is voiced and heard. At Buffalo Seminary, girls are excited to be part of a school community where independent thinking is valued. We offer an open forum that encourages cooperation and leadership.

 Academics

The curriculum at Buffalo Seminary instills in its students an appreciation for all areas of learning by providing them with experiences in the humanities, arts, and sciences. Throughout our history, Buffalo Seminary has enjoyed a reputation of academic excellence. We can be justifiably proud of the countless contributions our graduates have made – and continue to make – in communities around the world.

 Special Highlights

Senior Internships. The Senior Internship program is the final rite of passage before graduating from Buffalo Seminary. Internships are designed to give students experience in fields that they plan to pursue or to satisfy their curiosity about fields in which they might be interested. In order to graduate in June, each senior is required to complete her internship during a two-week time period in mid-May following exams. During this period, students report daily to their sites. Following the internship, each student is required to make an oral presentation before Sem faculty and submit a written report on the experience.

Hornets and Jackets. The Hornet-Jacket competition is one of the most enjoyable aspects of Buffalo Seminary; it’s also one of Sem’s oldest traditions, dating back to 1916. Upon entrance into the school, every student, faculty, and staff member becomes either a Hornet or a Jacket. The two teams then battle it out and try to win points in different contests throughout the year, such as the Famous Faces contest, Spirit Week, Hornet-Jacket Day, the Turkey Hunt, Halloween costume contest, Holiday door-decorating contest, and Puttin’ on the Hits. At the end of the year, the points are tallied, and the name of the winning team is engraved on the Hornet-Jacket cup.

 Top colleges attended by students

University of Buffalo, Elon University, Colgate University, NYU, Hobart & William, Smith

 What the school looks for in students…

“We are looking for students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, academic achievement, and involvement in their communities and extracurricular activities.”