Compare International Schools in Amherst, United States

Instructs in English

Ages 14 - 18 years

Fees $18,350

Pupils 375

Type Girls School

Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart is an all‑girls Catholic IB World School in Buffalo, New York, serving students aged 14–18 with a college‑prep curriculum. It offers IB Middle Years (MYP) and Diploma Programs (DP) and Advanced Placement courses, with the IB core including Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity and Service, and a 4,000‑word Extended Essay. The LOTE requirement includes Spanish, French, or Latin, supporting a global perspective. The campus blends a 1930 Main Building with arts, science, and athletic facilities: Clare Music Hall, two art studios with kilns, a Library/Media Center, a science lab, an Art Gallery, Collaboratory, Museum, and the Sister Building. The Athletic Center (2014) supports basketball and volleyball; partnerships provide swimming, field hockey, soccer, golf, softball, tennis, and lacrosse. Distinctive programs include the M&T Bank Women in Leadership and Business Academy and a community‑service tradition through Campus Ministry, Day of SHAring, and the Footprints Service Program.

Location

Buffalo, New York. The campus is at 3860 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14226. It draws nearly 400 young women from more than 26 school districts across the Buffalo area.

Stages

High school (grades 9–12).

Type

All-girls Catholic IB World School offering a college-preparatory high school curriculum.

Religious affiliation

Catholic

School day structure

The school day runs from 8:00 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. The building opens at 6:30 a.m.; students arriving before 7:45 a.m. report to their first-period class by 8:00 a.m.

Bus service

Public transportation is provided by local school districts within 15 miles; a Metro Pass is provided to residents of the City of Buffalo, Town of Tonawanda, and the Village of Kenmore who live more than 1.5 miles from SHA.

Application fees

- Entrance exam fee: USD 25.00 (exam fee may be waived for students who completed the school's Entrance Exam Prep Course).
- Enrollment/registration deposit: USD 500.00 non‑refundable; this deposit is credited to the student's tuition account and is required to confirm enrollment. (Transfer students are required to submit the USD 500.00 deposit within two weeks of acceptance; incoming freshman deadlines are specified at time of acceptance.)

Tuition and annual fees (2026–27)

- Tuition (annual): USD 17,850.00.
- General annual student fee: USD 500.00 (covers technology and consumable materials, yearbook cost, and Parent Guild dues).
- Total annual billed amount (tuition + general fee): USD 18,350.00 (2026–27).
- One‑time technology charge (billed upon registration): iPad fee USD 700.00 (one‑time).

Per‑term / payment installment detail

- Payment in full: USD 18,350.00 due by July 1 (one payment for the year).
- Semi‑annual payments: two equal payments (July and December). Each semi‑annual payment equals approximately USD 9,175.00 (USD 18,350.00 ÷ 2).
- Eleven equal monthly installments: eleven payments from July through May. Each installment equals approximately USD 1,668.18 (USD 18,350.00 ÷ 11, rounded to cents). The installment plan is administered through FACTS and uses automatic bank withdrawal on a preset monthly date.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The school offers three tuition payment options: (1) payment in full by July 1; (2) semi‑annual payments (July and December); (3) eleven equal monthly installments (July–May) administered by FACTS via automatic bank withdrawal.
- The USD 500.00 enrollment deposit is non‑refundable but is applied to the tuition account once paid. Transfer applicants must submit the deposit within two weeks of acceptance. Freshman enrollment deadlines for the deposit and enrollment forms are provided at acceptance/registration.
- Additional charges such as private instrumental lesson fees, Advanced Placement exam fees, online and college‑level course fees, and field trip fees are billed separately as they apply. Families are also expected to participate in the annual walkathon fundraising goal (USD 125 suggested).

Boarding

- Boarding: Not applicable. The Academy operates as a day school (boarding facilities: day).

Other costs and common additional fees

- One‑time iPad fee (new device at registration): USD 700.00.
- Private instrumental lessons, AP/college course fees, online course fees, and field trip fees: charged separately when applicable; amounts vary by program and are billed in addition to tuition and the general fee.
- Yearly fundraising expectation: students are expected to raise USD 125.00 for the annual walkathon.
- Uniforms: the school requires uniforms per the dress code; uniform purchasing and pricing are managed through the school's uniform/dress code process. Specific uniform pricing is handled separately.
- Summer courses/camps: program fees apply (example: some summer courses have fees such as USD 300.00) and refund/cancellation rules for those programs are set by the program (certain camps/refunds follow stated cancellation windows).

Refunds and cancellation

- Enrollment/tuition deposit (USD 500.00) is non‑refundable.
- Refund rules for specific programs (summer courses, camps) are governed by the program policies; for example, summer camp refunds are granted only for cancellations made at least seven days prior to the start, and certain summer courses are non‑refundable once they begin.

Fee payment options

- FACTS automatic bank withdrawal (ACH) for installment plans and financial management.
- Credit card payment (MasterCard or Visa) can be arranged for tuition payments through the school's tuition payment form when directed by the Finance Office.
- Checks payable to "Sacred Heart Academy" and cash are accepted for certain payments (for example, some event or exam payments may accept check or cash as noted). Mail‑in check payment instructions are provided where applicable.

Contact the Finance Office for account‑specific billing details, payment authorization forms, and deadlines for the chosen payment plan.

Uniform Requirement

The school requires a daily uniform worn during regular school hours. Shirts are white, maroon, or black polo shirts with the SHA logo; gray skirts or gray pants are worn, and a nametag on a class-color lanyard is worn every day. Uniform pieces are available from Lands' End, the Shark Shop, and FlynnO'Hara; sweatshirts or sweaters with the SHA emblem may be worn, hoodies must be down at all times, and polo shirts must be worn underneath sweatshirts.

Food Options

Breakfast is served daily from 7:00 to 7:45 a.m. with a chef's feature hot breakfast, plus bagels, toast, pastries, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, and beverages. Lunch includes soups, hot entrées, salads, deli sandwiches, pizza, vegetables, fruits, and starches; microwaves and toasters are available in the dining hall. Allergies and special diet needs can be accommodated with medical documentation; a monthly menu is available via Nutrislice and meals can be prepaid through MySchoolBucks.

Governance and Ownership

The school is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents and is an IB World School. It is governed by a Board of Directors, with Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity (Holy Name Province) as Sole Member (Stella Niagara, NY), and an Administrative Council led by the Head of School.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The Counseling Center provides individualized attention and support to each student. Two full-time school counselors meet with students individually and in the classroom to assist with course selection, the college search, and career planning. Counselors help students search for scholarships and financial aid through Naviance and other online resources. Freshwomen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors receive ongoing guidance that supports academic and personal development. Naviance Family Connection is used to track course plans and college and career goals.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

PAUSE, a 26-minute daily pause after third period, offers academic support; Lab courses in ELA and Math are available for students who need extra help. Extended courses in Regents Math and English 9 and 10 provide additional instructional time with small class sizes to support paced, individualized learning. Counselors monitor student progress and coordinate supports as needed. The Counseling Center supports academic planning and college readiness as part of ongoing student guidance.

Mental Wellbeing

Mindfulness is offered weekly as a junior-year mindfulness course, teaching the neuroscience behind meditation and various practices such as breathing, yoga, body scans and compassion. Counseling services provide individualized support with two full-time school counselors. Campus Ministry promotes spiritual development, prayer, reflection, and service as part of student well-being. The Footprints Service Program and the Day of SHAring foster community involvement and personal growth. These elements support students' mental well-being and resilience.

Safeguarding

The Student Handbook includes a Physical & Sexual Harassment Policy and a Safety/Security section. A Non-Discrimination policy protects all students. Policies outline reporting procedures and responsibilities of school leaders for safeguarding. Questions about policies can be directed to the Head of School and the Student Life Coordinator.

History

Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart was founded in 1877 by the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity. The Sisters began teaching high school classes to 15 students in their convent on Washington Street in downtown Buffalo. The State Education Department of New York officially recognized the high school for young women in 1889 and issued a permanent charter of education in 1895. In 1898, Sacred Heart Academy opened a new school building on Washington Street, and within 30 years the Sisters purchased five acres of land in Eggertsville and began construction of a new campus. On May 11, 1930, the new Sacred Heart Academy opened with 230 students and 14 faculty members. Throughout its more than 140-year history, the school has remained faithful to the values of St. Francis and St. Clare, providing a balanced college preparatory education with a commitment to service; a history museum was installed on the first floor of the building in 2016.

Community

Campus Ministry is a vibrant component of Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart that promotes student spiritual development in the Franciscan tradition, providing opportunities for prayer and self-reflection and encouraging service to the community. The Day of SHAring is a school-wide day of community service in which students, faculty, staff, parents, alumnae and board members volunteer with about 50 Western New York organizations. The Footprints Service Program requires all students to complete 20 service hours annually and includes reflections on the service experiences, with seniors completing a four-year service reflection. The campus ministry also coordinates religious services (Mass about monthly), class retreats, and service/immersion trips to places like the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Zambia, as well as a summer service camp, engaging more than 150 Western New York organizations in various capacities.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Parent Guild includes all parents and/or guardians of SHA students and promotes goodwill and understanding between home and school, cooperates with the Head of School in maintaining high standards, aids the school financially, and provides families with opportunities to socialize and stay informed about SHA happenings. Parent Guild meetings and events include Open House, business meetings, the Walkathon, the Mother-Daughter Mass and Breakfast, and the Poinsettia and Wreath Sale among others. All SHA parents are members of the Parent Guild, which invites involvement across a range of activities and volunteering opportunities.

Facilities Overview

SHA's campus centers on a historic Main Building (1930) and a collection of specialized facilities for arts, athletics, and student life. The Athletic Center opened in 2014 and contains a gymnasium with a home court for basketball and volleyball, seating for about 500, two locker rooms, and an indoor practice space; a fitness center with cardio and weight equipment and a dance studio is housed there. The campus also includes Clare Music Hall, an Art Gallery (2015), a Collaboratory (2016), a Museum (2016), and the Sister Building (purchased in 2023). Additional spaces include a Library/Media Center, science labs, two art studios with kilns, and a Student Dining Hall connected by a bridge to the Athletic Center. The campus supports a breadth of arts and academic spaces that enhance daily student life.

Sports Facilities

The Athletic Center (opened 2014) features a home court for SHA basketball and volleyball, seating 500, two locker rooms, and an indoor practice site. A fitness center provides cardio and weight training equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, an eight-station Universal weight circuit, and weight benches; a dance studio is also housed there. SHA partners with outside facilities for competitions and practices, including ECC City Flickinger Pool and Canisius College Koessler Center for swimming, Willow Ridge School and Dobson Field for field hockey, Willow Ridge School and Tapestry Charter School for soccer, Grover Cleveland Golf Course for golf, Northtown Center for softball, and Willow Ridge Park for tennis and lacrosse.

Academic Facilities

Main Building (1930) anchors the campus along with Clare Music Hall, Art Gallery (2015), Collaboratory (2016), and Museum (2016), and the Sister Building (purchased 2023). The Library/Media Center provides 21st-century research resources, while a Science Lab supports science instruction. Fine Arts facilities include two art studios with natural light, two kilns and wheels for ceramics, and the Art Gallery for student exhibits. Additional academic spaces include classroom areas across the main and sister buildings designed to support collaborative learning in the Collaboratory.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Extracurricular opportunities are supported by spaces such as the Athletic Center with its gym and dance studio, Clare Music Hall for music ensembles, the Art Gallery and two art studios for visual arts, and the Theatre program with two annual full-length productions. The Library/Media Center serves clubs and study, while the Collaboratory and Museum spaces support student projects and exhibits. The Student Dining Hall and Wellness Center contribute to daily life and activities beyond academics.

Academic & Intellectual

Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart is an IB World School. It offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. SHA welcomed its first IB cohort in September 2021 after earning IB World School designation in 2020. The program includes Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS), and a 4,000-word Extended Essay to develop the intellectual, social, personal, and emotional skills needed for a globalized world.

Arts & Creative

Art, Music, and Dance are part of the graduation requirements. The school supports arts-focused clubs such as Art Club and Glee Club, and Stage Crew Club supports productions. The Literary Magazine (Quoth The Raven), Film Club, and Music Ministry provide opportunities to create and perform.

Cultural & Language

LOTE (Language Other Than English) is a 3-credit requirement with Spanish, French, or Latin offered. World Cultures Club explores traditions and cultures, and Model UN contributes to an international perspective. The IB program emphasizes a global viewpoint and cross-cultural learning.

Social & Hobbies

Clubs and Organizations span arts, culture, service, and competition, including Art Club, Asian Students In Alliance, Black Student Union, Calm Club, Classics Club, Debate Club, DECA, Environmental Club, Film Club, Glee Club, Model UN, Literary Magazine, National Honor Society, and World Cultures Club, among others. These groups provide leadership opportunities, collaboration, and social engagement.

Community & Service

Campus Ministry promotes spiritual development and service, with Mass, prayer services, and retreats. The Day of SHAring is a school-wide service day, and the Footprints Service Program requires 20 service hours annually; international immersion service trips and service camps broaden community engagement.

Leadership & Professional

Leadership opportunities are provided through Student Council, an active student government that plans events such as Spirit Week, Homecoming, and dances. The M&T Bank Women in Leadership and Business Academy connects students with Western New York business leaders for speed networking and career development.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Campus Ministry supports spiritual and personal growth through retreats, service, and community; Mass and liturgies involve students in leadership roles. Calm Club and other service-oriented groups promote well-being through reflection, mindfulness, and community involvement.

Admissions

Step 1. What we consider for acceptance: The school considers the Catholic High School Entrance Exam scores, final grades from 6th, 7th and 8th grades (1st quarter or trimester), past standardized testing when available, and a letter of recommendation (required). Step 2. Open House: Open House is for prospective 6th–8th grade girls and their families, with events on October 1, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and October 3, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; tours are offered and information is provided about the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and the M&T Bank Women in Leadership & Business Academy; pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Step 3. Shadow Day: 8th grade girls may shadow for a day, paired with a ninth or tenth grade SHA student to attend classes, have lunch, and meet faculty and staff to learn what it is like to be an SHA girl; sign up by calling the Admissions Office or via the Shadow Day link. Step 4. Entrance Exam registration: The Catholic High School Entrance Exam is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2026; the exam fee is $25, waived for students who enroll in the Entrance Exam Prep Course; print the confirmation email and bring it to the guidance office; the counselor will forward the required documents (final report cards from 6th–8th grade and past testing when available). Step 5. Supplemental Application: A Supplemental Application is required and can be found via the provided link; the guidance counselor will forward the necessary documents, and applicants who list SHA as their first choice will receive confirmation of their application along with scholarship and financial aid information. Step 6. Entrance Exam Prep Course: The Entrance Exam Prep Course runs Fall 2026 on Saturdays (October 31, November 7, November 14) from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; the course costs $75 and includes a Peterson's review book; the Catholic High School Entrance Exam fee is waived for students who take the Prep Course and SHA exam. Step 7. IB Information Evening: An International Baccalaureate Information Evening is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; prospective families can learn about the IB Diploma Program; SHA is the only private high school in Western New York to offer this opportunity and is a candidate for the IB Middle Years Program. Step 8. Scholarships and Financial Aid: Scholarships and financial aid are available; students who list SHA as their first choice are eligible to apply for scholarships and/or financial aid; a complete list of scholarships is available and the FACTS financial aid application opens by October 1, 2026. Step 9. Acceptance Letters: Letters of Acceptance, along with scholarship and financial aid notification, are mailed on January 21, 2027; students who apply after this date are considered on a rolling basis. Step 10. Enroll and Registration: To enroll, families submit a $500 tuition deposit and enrollment forms by February 1, 2027, to confirm the daughter's spot as a member of the Class of 2031; after enrollment, attend Registration to finalize placement as a Class of 2031 student.

Scholarships

The school offers scholarships and financial aid. Students who list Sacred Heart Academy as their first choice are eligible to apply for scholarships and/or financial aid. A complete list of scholarships is available to applicants, and the financial aid application (FACTS) opens by October 1.

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Compare International Schools in Amherst, United States

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