Understanding Nardin Academy Tuition and Affordability

Nardin Academy, an all-girls Catholic private high school located in the Elmwood Village neighborhood of Buffalo, NY, is known for its commitment to academic excellence, athletics, and the arts, all while upholding a deep commitment to service. Founded in 1857, Nardin Academy serves students in grades 9 through 12. With an enrollment of 492 students and a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, the school prides itself on providing a supportive and engaging learning environment. As a member of the American Montessori Society, the National Association of Independent Schools, and the National Catholic Educational Association, Nardin Academy is dedicated to providing students with the highest standards of education.

Nardin Academy Tuition Costs

The annual tuition for Nardin Academy is $25,000. When compared to the average private high school tuition in Buffalo, NY, which is $12,441, Nardin Academy's tuition is significantly higher. While this may seem like a substantial investment, it's important to consider the value and the opportunities that a Nardin education provides. Nardin Academy ranks in the top 20% of New York private schools for student diversity, enrollment size, and longevity of school history.

Factors Influencing Tuition Costs

Tuition at Nardin Academy reflects the institution's investment in its academic programs, student support services, and resources. The tuition supports student activities, class- and grade-level events, field trips, and access to technology, including Chromebooks and on-site technical support.

Nardin Academy emphasizes a commitment to making its education accessible to qualified students, regardless of their financial background. It's important to note that at Nardin Academy, no student pays 100% of the cost of education. With the support of generous donors, the endowment fund, and supporting activities like athletic facility rentals, every student's cost of education is supplemented by 15%.

Tuition Assistance and Scholarship Opportunities

Recognizing that finances play an important part in the decision-making process for families, Nardin Academy offers several avenues for financial assistance, including tuition assistance, merit-based awards, and scholarships.

Need-Based Tuition Assistance

Tuition assistance is available for families in Montessori Capstone and in Kindergarten (traditional) through Grade 12. Awards are determined through a confidential third-party financial review process that evaluates demonstrated need. Assistance is renewable annually and requires reapplication each year.

Many factors are considered when determining the tuition amount a family is able to pay, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and size of the family. The resources available for the family in a given year must also be considered in light of the Tuition Assistance awards available at Nardin Academy.

Merit-Based Awards

Merit-based awards recognize high school students for academic achievement and other qualifications and are applied toward tuition.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available at select grade levels. For families in Montessori, Lower School, and Middle School, support is provided through the Bison Scholarship. High school scholarship opportunities may be available based on eligibility criteria.

Specific Scholarship Programs

Bison Scholarship: This scholarship provides support for families in Montessori, Lower School, and Middle School.
GirlsLEAD Scholarship: This unique opportunity recognizes an exceptional young woman with a half-off tuition scholarship for each of her four years at Nardin Academy High School. The GirlsLEAD Scholarship is awarded based on a student's capacity to lead and serve. In addition, the review committee considers the student's commitment to making a difference at her school, community, and the world around her. No more than two students may hold this scholarship at any given time.
Alumnae Scholarship: The Alumnae Scholarship is awarded to the daughter of a Nardin Alumna who receives the highest score on the entrance exam.
Academic Scholarships: Nardin offers academic scholarships to students who score exceptionally high on the entrance exam.
Performing Arts Scholarships: The Performing Arts Scholarships are awarded for the freshman year tuition of two students with strong vocal, acting, and/or instrumental music backgrounds. This scholarship is awarded to students who excel in music. To apply, students must complete the Performing Arts Scholarship form and record a piece of their choice via video.
Buffalo Prep Scholarship: A full tuition scholarship for four years funded by Nardin Academy and awarded to two (2) underrepresented youth who participate in the Buffalo Prep program.

Applying for Tuition Assistance

The application for Tuition Assistance does not affect the re-enrollment or the admission process. Regardless of financial need, parents should initiate the re-enrollment or admission process as early as possible. New families may apply for Tuition Assistance only after they have applied for admission to the school. Re-enrolling students must apply for Tuition Assistance each year.

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It is not possible for a family or the school to estimate the tuition assistance for which a family qualifies without the completion of a Tuition Assistance application. Applications are submitted directly to a third-party company which evaluates the application based on a methodology and algorithm for Western New York and makes a recommendation to the school’s Tuition Assistance committee as to what the family can afford towards a Nardin Academy education. Qualifying families are notified of their award from the Director of Finance and Tuition Assistance.

The cost of applying for Tuition Assistance is $60, which is an amount that the third-party company sets.

Key Considerations for Tuition Assistance

Confidentiality: The tuition assistance process is confidential, ensuring that families' financial information is handled with discretion.
Third-Party Review: A third-party financial review process evaluates demonstrated need, ensuring a fair and objective assessment.
Annual Renewal: Tuition assistance is renewable annually, requiring families to reapply each year to reflect any changes in their financial situation.
Separate Application Processes: Applying for admission to Nardin Academy and applying for tuition assistance are two separate processes, and one does not affect the other.
Financial Investment Required: Every family is required to make a financial investment in their child’s education, even those receiving tuition assistance.
Limited Funds: Nardin Academy has a limited amount of funds to provide for tuition assistance, so it is recommended that families apply as early as possible.
No Impact on Class Size: Tuition assistance does not lead to larger class sizes.

Guidance on Applying for Tuition Assistance

Only families where affordability is a concern and feel they may not be able to pay the full Tuition should submit a financial application. If a family does not qualify for the program this year, they are welcome to reapply the following year, as a family’s financial situation can change from year-to-year.

Nardin Academy encourages families to apply for tuition assistance if affordability is a concern, as the school desires to enroll as many talented, hard-working students as possible and would like to provide access and affordability towards its outstanding education. A wide range of families with a variety of circumstances may qualify for the program.

Payment Plans and Additional Fees

Families may choose to pay tuition in full or select a 4-month or 8-month payment plan. Payment plans begin July 1. For incoming freshmen, the enrollment deposit is due February 4. For other grade levels, enrollment is handled on a rolling basis, and space may not be confirmed until current families complete re-enrollment (March 1-31).

In addition to tuition, there is an Activity & Technology Fee which supports student activities, class- and grade-level events, field trips, and access to technology, including Chromebooks and on-site technical support. Some fees may vary by grade level. For example, after-school care may apply in earlier grades, while AP exam fees apply at the high school level. Nardin does not offer a sibling discount.

After-School Programs

Nardin Academy also offers a variety of after-school programs for students in its Montessori program, including:

Animal Explorations: This program allows children to explore the world of animals. The cost of materials is embedded in the tuition of $150.
Yoga: This class is designed to give children an introduction to yoga, promoting motor development and teaching calming techniques. Classes are held at the Montessori West Ferry campus on Mondays. The charge for this program is $150.
Ballet: The ECP Montessori After school Ballet Program is held at the Montessori West Ferry campus on Fridays. The charge for this dance experience is $335.00 for the entire year.

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