Independent day and boarding school for college-bound girls 205 Bidwell Parkway Buffalo, NY 14222 | 716-885-6780 2 BUFFALOSEMINARY.ORG
VALUES
• Health and Resilience: We nurture the wellness of ourselves and our community, knowing it is essential to learning and growth.
•Global Perspective: We know that whether in school, in Buffalo, or in the world we must engage as empathetic and informed citizens.
SEM is a leader in girls’ education, distinguished by more than 170 years of excellence and innovation. Today, SEM inspires young women from around the globe to join with those from Western New York to create a community dedicated to preparing you to emerge from your high school experience as a leader, proud to shape society rather than be controlled or defined by it. You will learn to live and lead with energy, confidence, honor, and courage.
•actions.Women
We look forward to introducing you to this school and vibrant community. We want you to understand and appreciate just how the culture of this school, its distinctive faculty, distinguished alumnae, and outstanding students create an educational experience that resonates powerfully in these important and challenging times.
as Scholars and Leaders: We cultivate the intellect and independence of women, supporting them as life-long scholars and leaders.
• Community of Belonging: We are a community of belonging. We embrace the richness of diversity in people and ideas and strive for an equitable experience for all.
THE POWER OF ALL-GIRLS
• Integrity of Character: We expect honor, compassion, and honesty in our words and actions.
Visit us. Talk to our students, faculty, staff, and Head of School. Meet our alumnae who exemplify the values and promises of SEM every day throughout the world.
These values are the core beliefs at SEM that shape our community, inform our decisions, and guide our
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Morgan B. ‘17 Yale ‘21 73 ELECTIVES 4 YEAR COMPUTER SCIENCE CURRICULUM 19 COURSESAP 47CAPSTONESENIORPROJECTS 2023 10 AP Scholars, 5 AP Scholars with Honors, 7 AP Scholars with Distinction CLASSOF Academics
SEM teachers have challenged me to be better in all aspects - to say what I mean, to stick up for my perspective, to listen deeply, and to learn widely while being mindful of those around me. teachers have given me the confidence to exist as my full self, both in and outside of SEM.
15 TEAMS 70% OF STUDENTS COMPETE IN AT LEAST ONE SPORT 2 SWIM AND GOLF 2022 Scholar-AthleteAll-WNYWinners yearschampionsswimmingmmhsaainarow 2020, 2021, 2022 Monsignor Martin High School Athletic Association BowlingBasketball(JV + Varsity) CrossCrew TennisSwimmingSquashSoccerSailingLacrosseHockeyGolfFieldFencingCountryHockey CHAMPIONSHIPTENNIS OFFICIAL MASCOT: RED-TAILED HAWK 2 2022 NCAA College Signings SWIM AT MIT & TRACK AND FIELD AT GEORGIAUNIVERSITYSTATE 1 1 2021 Monsignor Martin High School Athletic Association 3
“This educational model was perfectly suited for [Melissa’s] personal and educational goals,” Alice Jacobs, her mother, said. “She was able to ride in competitions throughout the United States, while simultaneously completing her demanding academic coursework, being a part of the SEM community, and ultimately graduating alongside her classmates.”
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We support students in their pursuits through SEMFlex, a way for you to still receive our outstanding academic programming, with the flexibility to take time out of the traditional classroom. This groundbreaking initiative allows students to complete their schoolwork remotely, while competing or traveling for special interests such as equestrian, music, figure skating and Indance.this
SEMFlex can be granted towards much more than athletics. If you have a passion for academic research, land a life-changing internship in NYC, work a part-time job to support your college fund, these opportunities are yours to take.
SEMFlex enables students to passionspursue
Our mission and vision honor this commitment to flexible learning, celebrating your personal pursuits while receiving a SEM education and meaningful learning experience.
Are you an aspiring dancer? SEMFlex allowed Emmy Robin ‘22 to pursue the opportunity to join an intensive dance conservatory at the Joffrey Ballet School in Chicago. She’s now secured a spot with the Atlanta Ballet, dancing professionally.
SEMFlex.throughdreamsyourPursuearepossibilitiesYourendless.
program, you’ll work one-on-one with a dedicated teacher liaison to create a specialized program that keeps you on track academically and on time for graduation.
At SEM, we understand that some of the most important and life-changing opportunities can happen off-campus. These moments often require travel or stints away from conventional schooling.
For aspiring equestrians, the Buffalo Equestrian Center, located five minutes from campus, allows riders to train and compete regionally and nationally. Professional equestrian Melissa Jacobs ‘12 was one of the first pioneers of SEMFlex.
With a 4-year unique health & leadership curriculum that covers everything from public speaking to digital literacy, health, nutrition, self defense, and simple car maintenance you are given the tools you need to navigate the Throughworld.our 25+ fun and student-runengagingclubs, a community service board, and a school government, you will learn arecommitmentresponsibility,cooperation,and–SEMgirlstobesolidsupportersandgoodleaders.
This is leadershiphowisnurtured.
Bessie S. ‘16 Babson College ‘20
It is natural for me to be in a small class where more than one language is spoken. I am accustomed to discussions with diverse viewpoints, open minds, and where differences are seen as advantages. I embrace my cultural uniqueness, and I will add my voice to the community. I can’t imagine not continuing this in college.
An Arts Faculty of Practicing Professionals
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Have you ever imagined what it would be like to hone your painting and drawing skills with the guidance of an exhibiting artist? How about taking the stage with guidance from a professional director? At SEM, you can do all of this and more. Our faculty of practicing professionals will help stretch you in ways you’ve only dreamed of - and make some pretty great art along the way.
Students study in the library under the watchful gaze of former headmistress Miss L. Gertrude Angell.
Seated by a fireplace,
around a Harkness table, on teams, and in clubs, or connected through our successful distance learning program, you will discover the power of your voice and find your place in the world as you prepare for college.
Tradition
Hornet/Jacket Day at Larkin Field.
Our Traditions are Legend
At SEM, you will participate in spirited field days and academic contests to vie for the annual cup. You will celebrate and honor our communtiy with events throughout the year such as Hanging of the Greens, Holiday Revel, Lunar New Year, and Black History Month.
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Will you be a Hornet or a Jacket? As one of the oldest schools for girls in the U.S., our traditions span centuries. The Hornet/Jacket tradition was established in 1916 to give our SEM girls the experience of competition. Meet a SEM alumna anywhere in the world and you can ask, “Hornet or Jacket?” It’s a guaranteed icebreaker!
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Elizabeth Lewin ’05 Multimedia Journalist
Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, England, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Norway, Poland, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United States, Wales
COUNTRIES
“I had a unique educational experience at SEM. My older sister was a senior and the president of the school when I was a freshman, so like many girls, I too struggled to create my own sense of individuality. But the intimacy of classroom and one-on-one opportunities to build relationships with teachers and faculty encouraged me to cultivate my own voice and find my niche. SEM taught me, as a woman and, more importantly, as an individual, that we all have a light inside of us that has the capacity to shine. Sometimes, all you need is a little help along the way. I employ that same philosophy every day as a journalist. My goal, through every story that I tell and person that I meet, is to let the light of truth shine on our community.”
Dr. Susan Henderson ’87 Physician at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
“SEM instilled the importance of honesty in me. We were required to sign an honor pledge, ‘I pledge my honor that I have neither given nor received assistance.’ Teachers walked out of the room when we were taking tests, to show us that they trusted us. Building trust is one of the most important aspects of establishing relationships, and trust is based on honesty. In my current role as a Peace Corps Supervisory Medical Officer, I work with physicians all over the world. They see me as their advocate and a person who will not make false promises, but who will answer their questions with honesty and integrity.”
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Our Virtual Reality lab, our Mac lab, our NAO robots, our freshman engineering class, and our 4-year computer science curriculum all taught by female computer science teachers show you a future where you can be engineers, coders, gamers, programmers, and entrepreneurs. According to a recent SEM survey, approximately 35% of SEM students said they plan to major in a STEM field.
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Our daughter Alicia enrolled as a computer science major at the University of Virginia, went from taking a required assessment to determine which freshmanlevel programming course was appropriate, to being directed to take a placement exam, which resulted in placing out of the first-year courses altogether.
Natalia Land P’19
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Alicia can now move forward in her studies and incorporate more advanced electives as a part of fulfilling the degree program requirements. We credit SEM with offering programming courses that not only sparked her interest in computer science but gave her the tools to get ahead.
Buffalo’s nicknames include "The Queen City," "Nickel City," and "The City of Light." A 2018 New York Times “52 Places to Go” destination!
SEM is the only all-girls school in the region with a 5- and 7-day residential program. Renovated historic houses, all located beside the school and connected by the Magavern-Sutton Courtyard, are homes to girls from across the region and all parts of the world.
BUFFALOCAMPSUMMERCAMPUS
SEM is located in the lively Elmwood Village neighborhood of Buffalo, NY, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. United by the Magavern-Sutton Courtyard, residential students and faculty live in renovated homes beside the school building.
SUMMER AT SEM DAY CAMP FOR GIRLS ENTERING GRADES 4-91
101 MILES TO TORONTO (162.5 KILOMETERS) 1 HOUR FLIGHT TO: BOSTON, CHICAGO, DC, DETROIT, NEW YORK, PHILADELPHIA28 MINUTES TO NIAGARA FALLS BY CAR 11 FIREPLACES 10 PIANOS5 STUDENT & RESIDENCESFACULTY 5 TABLESHARKNESSBIOLOGY,LABS: CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS, MAC, VIRTUAL REALITY5 F SEM’s Residential houses You Won’t Get This Experience Anywhere Else
SEM is college prep and it’s life prep.
Emma B. ‘17, Residential House Prefect
SEMatLiving
My hometown in the Southeast is very small and rural, so coming to Buffalo is a huge difference. I love going to the park, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, stores, and restaurants. Boarding at SEM was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
To send a girl to boarding school is a significant decision.
We understand the responsibility entrusted to us. SEM students live family-style with faculty members in four beautiful historic houses adjacent to the school and centered around the oasis of the Magavern-Sutton Courtyard. Girls make homes in these houses and form close connections with students from all over the world. Living at SEM, students have access to all the amenities a small city offers. Concerts, museums, sports, restaurants, shopping – girls learn autonomy in preparation for college and life. On weekends we ski, ice-skate, skateboard, kayak, zipline, pumpkin-pick, or take in a movie.
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