The 10 Best Private Schools in Buffalo, NY

The 10 Best Private Schools in Buffalo, NY

Western NY’s Academic Anchors: Tradition and Excellence

As the second-largest city in New York State, Buffalo boasts a rich history, distinct cultural identity, and a strong educational landscape. Its private schools are often characterized by deep community roots, long-standing traditions (many dating back over a century), and a commitment to rigorous college preparation.

Unlike the intense pressure cooker of NYC, Buffalo’s elite schools offer a blend of high academic standards within a more community-focused, often faith-based, environment.

Serving Western New York, these institutions range from powerful Catholic preparatory schools to historic independent day schools.

Families choose Buffalo’s private schools for their strong sense of community, dedicated faculty, excellent facilities often situated near the city’s famed Olmsted parks system, and a proven track record of sending graduates to top colleges and universities across the nation.

Explore Our New York State Education Guides

Guide/Category	Explore Further
NYC Elite Education Landscape (Master Guide)	The Comprehensive Overview
Top 10 Universities in NY State	Includes Uni options near Buffalo
The 25 Best NYC Metro Elite Schools	Comparison with Downstate Schools
Guide to NYC Private School Tiers	Understanding School Categories

Strategic Tips for Buffalo Admissions

• Strong Catholic Presence: Similar to Queens and Staten Island, the Catholic school system (run by the Diocese of Buffalo) is a major force, offering high-quality, often single-sex, and relatively affordable private education.
• Historic Independent Schools: Buffalo is home to several highly respected, long-established independent schools (Nichols, Buffalo Seminary, Elmwood Franklin) that compete directly with the top Catholic schools for high-achieving students.
• Community and Tradition: Expect schools with deep local roots, strong alumni networks within Western NY, and a focus on traditional values and character development.
• Emphasis on College Prep: While perhaps less overtly focused on the Ivy League *pipeline* compared to NYC’s top tier, these schools provide rigorous college preparation and send graduates to a wide range of excellent universities nationwide.

The Buffalo X-Factor: Legacy & Local Leadership. Buffalo’s top private schools have educated generations of Western New York’s leaders in business, law, medicine, and public service. Attending one of these institutions often means joining a deeply connected local network with a strong sense of regional pride and history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are Buffalo private schools as good as NYC private schools?

The top Buffalo schools like Nichols and Buffalo Seminary offer excellent academics and strong college placement records. While they may operate on a different scale and budget compared to NYC’s $70k+ institutions, they provide a high-quality education highly respected by universities.

What is the typical tuition for Buffalo private schools?

Tuition is generally significantly lower than in the NYC metro area. Independent schools might range from $20,000 to $35,000, while Catholic schools are often in the $10,000 to $20,000 range, offering strong value.

Are there boarding options in Buffalo?

While most schools on this list are day schools, some, like Nichols School, have historically offered boarding or homestay programs, particularly for international students. It’s best to check directly with the schools for current offerings.

Ranking: The 10 Best Private Schools in Buffalo, NY

Ranked based on reputation, academic rigor, college placement, and community influence in Western New York.

1. Nichols School (Buffalo)

Highlight: Buffalo’s premier co-ed independent day school (grades 5-12) known for rigorous academics, strong athletics, and beautiful campus near Delaware Park.

Justification: Nichols is widely regarded as the top non-sectarian prep school in Western NY. It offers a challenging curriculum, impressive facilities, and a strong record of placing graduates in selective colleges.

Address: 1250 Amherst St, Buffalo, NY 14216

Phone: (716) 332-6300

Website: nicholsschool.org

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2. Buffalo Seminary (SEM) (Buffalo)

Highlight: An elite all-girls independent day school (grades 9-12) known for academic excellence, leadership development, and strong arts programs.

Justification: SEM provides a rigorous, supportive environment focused on empowering young women. Its location in the Elmwood Village cultural district enhances its strong arts and humanities focus.

Address: 205 Bidwell Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14222

Phone: (716) 885-6780

Website: buffaloseminary.org

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3. Canisius High School (Buffalo)

Highlight: The leading all-boys Catholic (Jesuit) college preparatory high school (grades 9-12).

Justification: Affiliated with Canisius College, Canisius High School offers a demanding Jesuit education focused on academic excellence, faith formation (“Men for Others”), and service. It has a powerful alumni network.

Address: 1180 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209

Phone: (716) 882-0466

Website: canisiushigh.org

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4. Nardin Academy (Buffalo)

Highlight: A co-ed Catholic school system (Montessori Pre-K to Grade 8) culminating in an all-girls high school (grades 9-12).

Justification: Nardin is a major Catholic educational institution in Buffalo. Its highly-regarded all-girls high school provides rigorous college prep within a strong faith community.

Address: 135 Cleveland Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222 (High School) / Montessori & Elem. Campuses nearby

Phone: (716) 881-6262 (Main)

Website: nardin.org

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5. St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute (Buffalo)

Highlight: A prominent all-boys Catholic (Lasallian) college preparatory high school (grades 9-12).

Justification: St. Joe’s is known for its strong brotherhood, demanding academics, and competitive athletic programs. It follows the Lasallian tradition emphasizing faith, service, and community.

Address: 845 Kenmore Ave, Buffalo, NY 14223

Phone: (716) 874-4024

Website: sjci.com

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6. Mount Saint Mary Academy (Kenmore)

Highlight: A leading all-girls Catholic college preparatory high school (grades 9-12).

Justification: Mount St. Mary provides a nurturing yet challenging environment focused on empowering young women academically and spiritually, with strong college placement results.

Address: 3756 Delaware Ave, Kenmore, NY 14217

Phone: (716) 877-1358

Website: msmacademy.org

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7. Elmwood Franklin School (Buffalo)

Highlight: Buffalo’s premier independent school for early childhood through eighth grade (Pre-K-8). Feeder school.

Justification: Elmwood Franklin offers an exceptional foundational education focused on inquiry-based learning and critical thinking, preparing students for success at top high schools like Nichols, SEM, or boarding schools.

Address: 104 New Amsterdam Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216

Phone: (716) 877-5035

Website: elmwoodfranklin.org

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8. The Park School of Buffalo (Snyder)

Highlight: A progressive independent school (Pre-K-12) on a large, wooded campus, emphasizing experiential learning.

Justification: Park School offers an alternative to traditional prep schools, focusing on project-based learning, creativity, and utilizing its natural setting.

Address: 4625 Harlem Rd, Snyder, NY 14226

Phone: (716) 839-1242

Website: theparkschool.org

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9. St. Mary’s High School (Lancaster)

Highlight: A co-ed Catholic high school (grades 9-12) serving Buffalo’s eastern suburbs.

Justification: St. Mary’s provides a strong, faith-based college preparatory education with a focus on community and well-rounded development.

Address: 142 Laverack Ave, Lancaster, NY 14086

Phone: (716) 683-4824

Website: smhlancers.org

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10. Cardinal O’Hara High School (Tonawanda)

Highlight: A co-ed Catholic high school (grades 9-12) serving Buffalo’s northern suburbs.

Justification: Cardinal O’Hara offers a comprehensive Catholic education focused on college preparation, faith development, and extracurricular involvement.

Address: 39 O’Hara Rd, Tonawanda, NY 14150

Phone: (716) 695-2600

Website: cardinalohara.com

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