Admissions

Tuition Information

Tuition Assistance

If you believe Nardin Academy is the right fit for your child, we can help you make this opportunity a reality and a financial possibility for your family. For more information about our Tuition Assistance program and how to apply, click the link below.

Tuition Assistance FAQs & Scholarships

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  • Think you can't afford a quality Independent Catholic Education?

    Think Again! At Nardin Academy, it may be a surprise to some, that no student pays 100% of the cost of education. With our generous donors, our endowment fund, and supporting activities like our athletic facility rentals to help fill the gap, every student’s cost of education has already been supplemented by 15%. Nardin Academy offers tuition assistance to qualifying families which adjusts tuition rates to meet your family’s financial position. For more information on Tuition Assistance, please review the FAQs below.

    We are happy to speak with you as you consider an affordable, quality independent Catholic education at Nardin Academy. If you have questions, please call 716-881-6262 x1380  or email Leslie McSpadden, Director of Montessori, Lower and Middle School Admissions, at lmcspadden@nardin.org or call 716-881-6262 x 1030 or email Laura Gill, Director of High School Admissions at lgill@nardin.org.
  • General FAQs

    What is Tuition Assistance?
    Tuition Assistance adjusts tuition rates based on need. This allows families to apply for tuition assistance; thus, making a Nardin Academy education affordable to many qualified students who could not otherwise join our school community.

    How Does Tuition Assistance Work?
    Any family (current or new) of a full-time enrolled five year-old through twelfth-grade student may apply for Tuition Assistance if they are concerned about affording the tuition at Nardin Academy. 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.

    An 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.

    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.

    Unfortunately, the school is not able to provide Tuition Assistance to every deserving student. We work within our available resources to make the school accessible to as many qualified, mission-appropriate students and families as possible.

    Do I need to apply to Nardin Academy to receive confirmation of my Tuition Assistance?
    Yes.

    What is the cost to apply for Tuition Assistance?
    The cost of applying for Tuition Assistance is $60, which is an amount that the third-party company sets. Families below certain income levels may be eligible for a fee waiver which is automatically applied to your application.
  • FAQs for Prospective Parents

    Should every new Nardin Academy family submit an application for Tuition Assistance?
    No. Only families where affordability is a concern and feel they may not be able to pay the full Tuition should submit a financial application.

    Do I need to apply for Tuition Assistance every year?
    Yes. A new application must be submitted every year because a family’s financial situation can change from year-to-year.

    If I do not qualify for the program this year, can I apply again next year?
    Yes. A family that does not qualify is welcome to reapply the following year. Again, a family’s financial situation can change from year-to-year.

    Do I need to apply for admission separately from applying for Tuition Assistance?
    Yes. For new students, application to Nardin Academy and application for Tuition Assistance are two separate processes. However, new families may complete both application processes simultaneously.

    Will applying for Tuition Assistance hurt my child’s chance of being admitted to the school?
    No. Admission applications and Tuition Assistance applications are evaluated separately, and an application for Tuition Assistance has no bearing on admission decisions.

    Are some families awarded full tuition?
    No. Every family is required to make a financial investment in their child’s education. Our commitment in providing Tuition Assistance means that we are sharing in that investment with you.

    Where does the funding come from to support Tuition Assistance?
    Like most independent schools, funding comes from our Annual Fund, Endowment, and other revenue generating activities such as our athletic facility rentals.

    What kind of economic situation is typical of a family who qualifies for Tuition Assistance?
    A wide range of families with a variety of circumstances may qualify for the program. It is our desire to enroll as many talented, hard-working students as possible and we would like to provide access and affordability towards our outstanding education. If affordability is a concern for your family, we encourage you to apply for Tuition Assistance.

    Are all admitted students offered Tuition Assistance if the family qualifies?
    We have a limited amount of funds to provide our families and do our best to bridge the gap to help families fund a Nardin Academy education. Therefore, a student may be admitted to the school but placed on a waiting list for Tuition Assistance. It is recommended that families apply for Tuition Assistance as early as possible.

    Will Tuition Assistance lead to larger class sizes?
    No. Nardin Academy will continue to accept qualified, mission-appropriate students who have a high level of commitment to their studies.

    Who should I contact with questions about Tuition Assistance?
    Questions about Tuition Assistance should be directed to:
    Kerri Blake, Director of Finance & Tuition Assistance 
    716.881.6262 x1060
  • FAQs for Current Parents

    Should every returning Nardin Academy family submit an application for Tuition Assistance?
    No. Only families who feel they may not be able to pay full tuition should submit a financial application. If affordability is a concern for your family, we encourage you to apply for Tuition Assistance.

    Do I need to apply for Tuition Assistance every year?
    Yes. A new application may be submitted every year because a family’s financial situation can change from year-to-year. 

    If I do not qualify for the program this year, can I apply again next year?
    Yes. A family that does not qualify is welcome to reapply the following year. Again, a family’s financial situation can change from year-to-year.

    Are some families awarded full tuition?
    No. Every family is required to make a financial investment in their child’s education. Our commitment in providing Tuition Assistance means that we are sharing in that investment with you.

    Where does the funding come from to support Tuition Assistance?
    Like most independent schools, funding comes from our Annual Fund, Endowment, and other revenue generating activities such as our athletic facility rentals.

    What kind of economic situation is typical of a family who qualifies for Tuition Assistance?
    A wide range of families with a variety of circumstances may qualify for the program. It is our desire to enroll as many talented, hard-working students as possible and we would like to provide access and affordability towards our outstanding education. If affordability is a concern for a family, we encourage you to apply for Tuition Assistance.

    Will Tuition Assistance lead to larger class sizes?
    No. Nardin Academy will continue to accept qualified, mission-appropriate students who have a high level commitment to their studies.

    Who should I contact with questions about Tuition Assistance?
    Questions about Tuition Assistance should be directed to:
    Kerri Blake, Director of Finance & Tuition Assistance
    716.881.6262 x1060
  • 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. Learn more here. 
  • Art Scholarship: $1000

    This scholarship is awarded to students who have achieved excellence in art.
    How to apply:
    • Complete the Art Scholarship application (application coming soon)
    • Digitally submit a portfolio of your work to rwright@nardin.org. Please email the files in jpeg form.
      • Three to five pieces of original artwork, demonstrating skill in a variety of 2D and 3D mediums
    • The scholarship recipient is expected to be an integral part of the fine arts program by:
      • Being actively engaged in her art courses.
      • Applying herself earnestly towards excellence in art by maintaining a B+ average in her art class
      • Presenting herself as a leader and a role model for her peers in art class
      • Engaging in art-making and art-related opportunities outside the school environment
  • Instrumental Music Scholarship: $1000

    This scholarship is awarded to students who have achieved excellence in art.
    How to apply:
    • Complete the Art Scholarship application (application coming soon)
    • Digitally submit a portfolio of your work to rwright@nardin.org. Please email the files in jpeg form.
      • Three to five pieces of original artwork, demonstrating skill in a variety of 2D and 3D mediums
    • The scholarship recipient is expected to be an integral part of the fine arts program by:
      • Being actively engaged in her art courses.
      • Applying herself earnestly towards excellence in art by maintaining a B+ average in her art class
      • Presenting herself as a leader and a role model for her peers in art class
      • Engaging in art-making and art-related opportunities outside the school environment
  • Vocal Performance Scholarship: $1000

    This scholarship is awarded to students who excel in music and vocal performance.
    How to apply:
    • Complete the Vocal Audition form, and recording (coming soon)
    • Please record a piece of your choice via video. Please announce your song choice, and the composer before singing, and send your finished video to Mrs. Snyder at csnyder@nardin.org.
    • Submit a letter of recommendation from a current music teacher discussing the student’s repertoire, years of study, practice habits, and general musicianship to csnyder@nardin.org.
    • The scholarship recipient who receives a vocal scholarship is expected to be an integral part of the performing arts program by:
      • Being actively engaged in Choir
      • Applying herself earnestly towards excellence in music by maintaining a B+ average in Choir
      • Presenting herself as a leader and a role model for her peers in Choir
      • Engaging in music-making opportunities outside the school environment
Nardin Academy offers academic and endowed (no application required) scholarships to qualified incoming 9th grade students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and potential. A student’s scholarship award is renewed automatically each school year, provided the student is in good academic standing. These scholarships have been established by our generous alumni and community partners to support our Tuition Assistance program. Below is a listing of the funds that we have in existence. Please note that not all Scholarships are available every year.

Opportunities for scholarship, include:
  • 50th Reunion Endowed Scholarship
  • Alumnae Scholarship
  • Barbara J. Rapier Financial Aid Fund
  • Board of Trustees Scholarship
  • Christine Ann Dickerson '02 Scholarship
  • Daughters of the Heart of Mary Scholarship
  • Edna Heilbrun Endowed Scholarship
  • Endowed Scholarship Honoring Class of 1959
  • Ernestine Nardin, DHM, Scholarship
  • Grey Blanket Scholarship
  • Harriet Gilles, DHM, Endowed Scholarship
  • Jacqueline Saab Taylor '55 Endowed Scholarship
  • Joanne E. Fuchs '82 Endowed Scholarship
  • John J. and Elaine (Saab) Sullivan Endowed Scholarship
  • Kathleen McGuire '76 Endowed Scholarship
  • Margaret O'Brian Fritton '33 Endowed Scholarship
  • President's Scholarship
  • Principal's Scholarship
  • Sally Benner First Generation Endowed Scholarship
  • The Alice E. Drexelius '18 Endowed Scholarship
  • The Alice Posluszny Russ '52, Natalie Cheney '16 & Amelia Cheney '18 Endowed Scholarship
  • The Eberl Family Endowed Scholarship
  • The Fatta Foundation 150th Anniversary Endowed Scholarship
  • The Fidelma Fitzpatrick '87, E ‘83/Rooney Family Endowed Scholarship
  • The Joan Sacco Crosby '71 and Jennifer Crosby Finnerty '01 Endowed Scholarship
  • The Joy Family Foundation 150th Anniversary Endowed Scholarship
  • The Mary Ann Z. Bishara, MD, '49 and Daniel W. Bishara, Esq. Endowed Scholarship
A private, independent, Catholic school in Buffalo, NY, with coed Montessori, Lower and Middle Schools and a college preparatory High School for young women.