2015-16 SEM Viewbook

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For college-bound girls

Program As a college preparatory school specifically for girls, SEM aims to develop thoughtful, engaged, global citizens. Nonsectarian always, we provide a culture of mutual respect for individual differences. To further that, our humanities classrooms feature Harkness tables which foster thoughtful discussion and intelligent debate.

Technology is fully integrated into the curriculum through instruction, access, and experimentation. We ensure that all students are grounded in its applications in every subject and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art & design, mathematics).

Why

?

Girls’ school students report higher motivation and engagement— since 1851, SEM has been creating a culture of achievement, scholarship, and leadership for girls. Our unique campus is located in the historic and bustling Elmwood Village neighborhood of Buffalo, NY. We do not require uniforms and are not bound by religion—our independent high school environment allows girls to challenge themselves, express themselves, and to succeed.

At SEM, girls are excited to be part of a school community where trust is intrinsic and independent thinking is valued.

BuffaloSeminary.org 716-885-6780 205 Bidwell Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14222

National Coalition of Girls’ Schools research shows that girls’ school graduates are six times more likely to consider majoring in math, science, and technology, and three times more likely to consider engineering careers compared to girls who attend coed schools.

Our successful college counseling pairs an emphasis on achievement with finding the best fit, so graduates continue to flourish after SEM.

A Global Perspective A SEM education fosters a multicultural, global perspective.

We provide opportunities for travel and study abroad and also host exchange students. The diversity and cohesion of our student population was remarked upon by John Chubb, president of the National Association of Independent Schools.

15% 13% 10%

MIDDLE ASIAN AFRICAN China AMERICAN EASTERN NATIVE Japan AMERICAN S. Korea Taiwan LATINA

Residential Life Students live with faculty members in four historic homes next door to the school building and together with Larkin Field, SEM’s unique, intimate, urban campus is formed. Residential students are steps away from stores, coffee shops, art galleries, notable architecture, and an Olmsted park.

Students frequently attend Buffalo’s theaters, concert halls and professional sports, explore restaurants and attractions, and take weekend trips to the country to kayak, zipline, pumpkin pick, or ice skate.

Since the residential program began in 2009, girls have chosen to board at SEM from our region and the nation, Australia, Bermuda, China, France, Germany, Jamaica, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

“I was struck by how well-prepared these girls will be for the diverse world they will soon lead.”

Athletics From our nationally competitive teams and state-of-the-art facilities to club and contract sports opportunities, SEM offers a wide variety of choices for athletes of every skill level. We offer 18 interscholastic sports teams, and are members of the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association, the Midwest Girls’ Lacrosse Association, Mid-Atlantic District of the InterScholastic Sailing Association, U.S. Squash and U.S. Rowing.

Contract sports are available to students who have exceptional talent in an athletic area not offered at 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.

The Arts The SEM curriculum requires arts classes for three years.

From painting and drawing in our skylit studio, to digital photography in our Mac lab, to music theory to theatre, the offerings are expansive. Extracurricular arts clubs—drama, dance, glee, ensemble (voice and instrument), and SEMachords, our a capella group— are joyfully participated in.

Girls also take advantage of the galleries, museums and readings that our city boasts.

In 2014-2015 SEM students volunteered for a total of

8,407.5 hours!

Community Service Community service is an integral part of life at SEM. Through service to others, students discover meaningful connections to the larger community. Students held blood drives, gathered donations, tutored refugee children, worked in soup kitchens, and cleaned up the shoreline. 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.

At SEM, we believe in standards - but not standardization.

An Independent School

Traditions Even as we offer students access to 21st century learning, beloved traditions remain at the core of our school culture. From our daily all-school Morning Meeting and singing our alma mater, to our Academic and Social Honor Code, to the spirited fun of our 100-yearold Hornet-Jacket competitions, SEM is committed to creating a respectful and dynamic community for both students and faculty alike.

As an independent high school, we’re not limited by the Regents requirements mandated by New York State. By her junior and senior years, in addition to taking honors and Advanced Placement courses, a SEM student can pursue electives that explore specific interests such as urban studies, theatre, oceanography, technical drafting or contemporary poetry.

Accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools

NYSAIS

Member of: National Coalition of Girls’ Schools

NCGS

Online School for Girls

OSG

The Association of Boarding Schools

TABS

Small Boarding School Association

SBSA

National Association of Independent Schools

NAIS

Ready to Learn More?

Call (716) 885-6780

or email Admissions@buffaloseminary.org