More Opportunities... for college-bound girls
“Sem really hit me during my junior year. This place really has so much to offer, so many opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. And being an all-girls school truly gives you the support to find your own voice. It’s Sem that gave me the confidence to be who I really am.” NATALIE
Sem Class of 2012 Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Class of 2016
“Everyone at Sem has a voice – her own voice. No matter who you are or what you’re into, you can succeed here. Sem teaches you to be dedicated, to really honor your commitments and to take advantage of all your opportunities.” ELIZA Sem Class of 2012, SGA President 2011-2012 University of Pittsburgh, Class of 2016
WHY SEM?
As a private day and boarding school in a safe and affordable midsized city, Sem offers an independent college-preparatory education for young women through vibrant teaching, active learning, creative engagement, diversity and community spirit. Ours in not just a high school education, but a transformative experience. Some benefits that make Sem an exceptional choice include: • The all-girl advantage • Small classes and a hands-on advisory system • Beloved traditions combined with 21st century learning • A nonreligious, independent curriculum that goes beyond NYS Regents • Technology that puts girls in control • Individualized college counseling • Athletic facilities that emphasize wellness and strength • A focus on the arts that inspires individual expression • A residential program that brings together girls from across the region and around the world • A school spirit tradition that inspires the entire Sem community by dividing students and faculty alike into Hornets and Jackets
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ELCOME TO SEM! Buffalo Seminary is Western New York’s only independent day and boarding school for college-bound girls. Commonly known as Sem, our school is located in the historic Elmwood Village neighborhood. Our intimate environment allows Sem girls to grow and to thrive. Students receive individual attention from outstanding faculty who promote learner-centered classrooms. And because the 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 independent thinking is valued.
ATHLETICS From our nationally competitive teams and state-of-the-art facilities to contract sports opportunities, Sem offers a wide variety of choices for athletes of every skill level. Sem is a member of the Monsignor Martin League for varsity and junior varsity sports. We offer 16 interscholastic sports teams, and hold memberships in U.S. Squash, U.S. Rowing, and the Midwest Girls Lacrosse League and participate in events sponsored by each. Contract sports are available to students who have exceptional talent in an athletic area not offered by Sem. Recent students have competed in horseback riding, ice skating, skiing and dance. Our program promotes leadership, good sportsmanship, commitment, and individual as well as team excellence.
A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
A Sem education fosters a multicultural, global perspective. The diversity in the student population at Sem is reflective of the larger world: 15% of our students are from Asian countries (China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan), and we have also welcomed boarding students from Europe, Latin America and Australia. Within our day population, 13% are African American, and nearly 10% include backgrounds that are Middle Eastern, Native American and Hispanic. Because we are nonsectarian, we are also able to welcome students from diverse religious backgrounds. To further enrich each student’s global perspective, opportunities to travel and study abroad are offered every year.
AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL
ACADEMICS As a college preparatory school, Sem develops each girl’s intellect, widens her perspective, encourages active community involvement, and equips her for a dynamic and purposeful life. Nonsectarian since our founding in 1851, we provide a culture of mutual respect for individual differences. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that all students are well grounded in all of the traditional disciplines. Within these disciplines, girls are inspired to pursue patterns of rigorous thought, fruitful reflection, and clear expression as skills essential to a process of lifelong learning. Our one-to-one tablet computer program ensures that each girl learns to research and manage information with confidence and sophistication.
At Sem, we firmly believe schools can and should have standards – but without standardization. As an independent school, we’re not limited by the Regents requirements mandated by New York State. By her junior and senior years, in addition to taking Advanced Placement courses to earn college credit, a Sem student can pursue electives that explore specific interests such as urban studies, women’s history, oceanography or Gothic literature. More importantly, all Sem students are encouraged to pursue independent academic work within courses or by creating their own. Accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), we are also a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools (NCGS), the Online School for Girls (OSG) and The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS).
COMMUNITY SERVICE TRADITIONS
Even as we offer students access to 21st century learning, beloved traditions remain at the core of our school culture. From our daily Morning Meeting, where anyone can participate, to our Academic and Social Honor Code, to the spirited fun of our Hornet-Jacket competitions, Sem is committed to creating a respectful and dynamic community for both students and faculty alike.
Community service is an integral part of life at Sem. Through service to others, students discover their connections to the larger community. Last year, 100% of our students completed all of their community service projects. And along with its countless cultural activities, the city of Buffalo presents a world of opportunities and inspires Sem students to give back to the communities in which they live.
“Live by honor. Invest in yourself, your community and your future.”
READY TO LEARN MORE? Call 716.885.6780 email admission@buffaloseminary.org, or visit www.BuffaloSeminary.org/apply today. An independent day and boarding school for college-bound girls
205 Bidwell Parkway Buffalo, New York 14222 BuffaloSeminary.org Twitter.com/BuffaloSeminary Facebook.com/BuffaloSeminary