Admissions

Lower School

Explore Nardin Academy’s Lower School here faith and learning inspire children right from the start.


Starting in Kindergarten through 4th grade, Nardin blends responsive teaching, faith-centered rhythms, and a whole-child focus to prepare students not only for what’s next, but for who they are becoming in a warm and joyful space. Our low student-teacher ratios allow for the individualized attention our children need, while an active learning schedule that weaves movement throughout the school day helps students thrive socially and academically.

 
 

Ready to Explore Nardin? Take the next step towards finding the right fit for your child

List of 7 items.

  • Get Started

    To begin the admissions process, start here to create an account in our admissions portal. Your account will allow you to track your application, stay informed of important events, deadlines, and next steps, and will become your parent portal once your child is enrolled.
  • Tuition Assistance

    If you believe Nardin Academy is the right fit for your child, we can help make this opportunity a reality and financially possible for your family.   

    We do not provide merit based scholarships in our Lower School.  However, there may be options for need based Tuition Assistance as a supplement to your tuition cost. 

    Please follow this link to apply for Tuition Assistance via our third party financial service. Nardin’s Partner Code is 15194. You can directly link your W2s for ease.

    We also accept the BISON Children’s Scholarship Fund as well. At times, families are eligible for both Nardin Tuition Assistance in addition to a BISON. Click here to learn more and apply for this additional funding option. 


    If you have any further questions regarding tuition, tuition assistance, or payment options please contact:
    Kerri Blake
    Director of Finance
    716.881.6262 x1060
  • Visit

    At Nardin, we know that finding the right fit for your child is an important milestone. We’re here to partner with your family as you explore your options. A private tour offers the opportunity to explore Nardin, ask questions, and hold personalized conversation regarding your child’s individual needs, interests, and academic and character growth goals.  Click Here to book a private tour.

    We will also hold three options for our parent-and-child Immersive Open Houses:
    Rising Kindergarteners and their parents
    Thursday, January 28th, 2027
    Friday, January 29th, 2027

    Rising 1st - 4th graders, and their parents
    Friday, March 12th, 2027
    8:00am - 10:45am

    Questions before you visit? We are here to help.
    Jillmarie Giardina
    Associate Director of Admissions
    716.881.6262 x1150

  • Apply

    To begin the application process, click here to create an account and submit your application through our parent portal, Blackbaud. If you already have an account, log in with your email address and visit the Admissions Checklist to guide you.

    Lower School admission is rolling and is based on grade-level availability. A non-refundable application fee of $50 is required at the time of application.

  • Be a Gator Guest - Shadow Day

    Prospective Lower School students entering Grades 1 - 4 are invited to spend a morning at Nardin, from 8:00 – 11:30 am. Your child will be matched with a Gator Guide and have the opportunity to connect with current students and experience life at Nardin firsthand.

    Prospective Kindergarten students visit, with parent(s), for an immersive Kindergarten morning.  Click Here to register for Nardin’s Kindergarten Experience.

    Please note, prospective students in Grades 1 - 4 will be given a grade level assessment to determine readiness as part of a student's shadow day. Kindergarten Readiness Assessments will be scheduled February 1st - 5th, 2027.
  • Submit Academic Records

    Each application must be accompanied by supporting documents, including report cards, transcripts, and completely automated recommendation forms from both an English and Math teacher. These items are outlined within your account, and can be uploaded when you visit the Checklist tab in your child’s Blackbaud account.
     
    At Nardin Academy, we are deeply committed to understanding and supporting the individual needs of our students. As part of this process, please submit any Individualized Education Programs (IEP), 504 Plans or accommodations, and documentation of additional support services, such as speech or occupational therapy.

    Providing detailed and current information allows our team to thoughtfully consider each student’s needs and ensure we have a clear understanding of the support they may require to thrive at Nardin. Our student Support Services team is dedicated to partnering with families to support each student’s success. Feel free to reach out to jgiardina@nardin.org with any questions about this process.
  • Acceptance and Enrollment

    We look forward to welcoming your family to the Nardin community. 

    Once you have completed the steps outlined above, your application file will be considered complete and will be submitted to the Lower School Admissions Committee for thoughtful review. You will be notified of an admissions decision via email within two weeks of your file being completed. 

    Upon an offer of admission, due to demand, you will be given an enrollment deadline, with detailed instructions to officially secure your spot as a Gator!

 
 

Get in Touch

We are here to help guide you through the admission process and answer any questions you may have. Feel free to reach Jillmarie Giardina, Associate Director of Admissions, at 716-881-6262 x1150 or jgiardina@nardin.org at any time.

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A private, independent, Catholic school in Buffalo, NY, with coed Montessori, Lower and Middle Schools and a college preparatory High School for young women.