Admissions

Families can choose from both full-day and part-day child care options in our Early Education programs. For toddlers (18-36 months), sessions range from 2 to 5 days a week, typically mornings from 8:30 to 11:15 a.m. Early Childhood children (ages 3-5) have half-day options (8:00 to 11:30 a.m.) and full-day programs (8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) available Monday through Friday. Full-day programs run 5 days a week, while part-day options vary by age and schedule needs. Additionally, after school care is available each day until 5:30 p.m., providing extended support for your family’s routine and your child’s growth. Learn more about our Early Childhood Program.

Children can start our Preschool (Early Childhood Program) when they are 3 years old by September 1st of the year they begin. If your child is close to this date, we’ll invite you for an interview to assess readiness. All preschoolers must be fully toilet trained and able to use the bathroom independently — pull-ups aren’t allowed. Our program offers flexible schedules with half-day and full-day options to fit your family’s needs. Learn more about our Early Childhood Program.

Children need to be five years old by September 1st of the year they start Kindergarten. If your child’s birthday is close to this date, our Kindergarten teachers will assess their readiness to ensure they’re prepared. This age guideline helps us create a supportive and engaging learning environment where every child can thrive. For more details on our Kindergarten experience and curriculum, feel free to explore our Kindergarten program.

Scheduling a shadow day is a wonderful way for your child to experience life at Nardin and connect with current students.

For Lower School (Grades K-4):
- Students have a half-day shadow visit focused on classroom observation.

For Middle School (Grades 5-8):
- Students participate in a full-day shadow visit.
- They also have the opportunity to take an entrance assessment on the same day to help determine readiness.

How to schedule for Lower and Middle School:
- Contact the Admissions Office at admissions@nardin.org
- Or use the Admissions Progress tab in your child’s Blackbaud account to sign up.

For High School:
- Shadow days allow prospective students to attend classes and meet teachers.
- Reach out via admissions@nardin.org to arrange a visit or use the Admissions Progress tab in your child’s Blackbaud account to sign up.

We look forward to welcoming your child and showing what makes Nardin special!

Nardin Academy serves children from 18 months through Grade 12, with programs tailored to each stage:

• Montessori (Toddler to Grade 3): Ages 18 months to about 8 years, nurturing independence and hands-on learning in a calm, prepared environment. Early childhood programs begin at age 3.
• Lower School (Kindergarten to Grade 4): For children 5 years and older, focusing on personalized attention, foundational academics, and joyful growth.
• Middle School (Grades 5-8): Supporting ages roughly 10 to 14 with leadership, curiosity, and independence.
• High School (Grades 9-12): An all-girls college-prep program for ages 14-18, offering a challenging curriculum that empowers young women to lead. The application deadline for incoming freshmen is mid-December (date varies each year), while applications for other grades are accepted on a rolling basis.

Learn more about each stage and how to apply through our admissions pages.

Admissions deadlines vary by program and grade level, but here’s what you need to know:

• Montessori, Lower School and Middle School: Admissions are rolling, but space may be limited after March 1st. Early applications are encouraged to secure placement.
• High School: Applications follow the Catholic high school timeline, with entrance exams in November and decisions typically by January.
• Returning Families: The $500 deposit is due by March 31st. There is no longer a Continuous Enrollment Agreement. Missing the deposit deadline may result in a non-refundable deposit and possible tuition responsibility. Extensions can be requested by contacting enrollment@nardin.org by March 31st.

We recommend starting early and reaching out if you need more time or assistance.

There is a non-refundable application fee of $50 required for all applicants to be considered for enrollment at Nardin Academy, including Montessori, Lower and Middle School, and High School programs. This fee helps cover the processing of your application and is a standard part of the admissions process. You can start your application online through our parent portal. To create an account in our enrollment management system, please complete an inquiry form. This is also where the admissions checklist is found, including the link to schedule a shadow day.

For more details, please visit the Montessori admissions, Lower and Middle School admissions, or High School admissions pages.

To apply at Nardin Academy, families should:

• Complete the online application through our parent portal, Blackbaud.
• Submit required documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation, which you can manage easily via your Blackbaud Admissions Checklist.
• For Lower and Middle School applicants, include teacher evaluations and participate in a student readiness assessment.
• High School applicants applying for 9th grade must also complete the Catholic High Schools of WNY application and take the entrance exam.
• For younger children in Montessori or Kindergarten, submit any applicable teacher recommendations and complete readiness steps.

Please note, if you miss the March 31st deadline or decide not to return after that date, your deposit becomes non-refundable and you may owe tuition for the next year.

You can start your application or learn more about the process by visiting our Admissions Process page.

New students at Nardin Academy do need to take a placement test or academic evaluation tailored to their age and grade level. For Lower and Middle School (Grades K-8), Kindergarten students complete a readiness assessment, lower school students (1 - 4) also take a readiness assessment during their shadow day experience, while middle school students participate in a readiness assessment during their shadow day to determine academic placement. High School applicants take an entrance exam as part of the application process, with optional review courses available to prepare. If you’re unsure about your application by March 31st, you can request an extension by contacting enrollment@nardin.org with no penalty. These evaluations help us place students in classes that match their skills and support their success. Learn more about the Lower and Middle School admissions and High School admissions.

Admissions decisions for high school applicants are typically released in January, provided your application is complete by December 2025. A complete application includes:
- The Catholic High Schools WNY application with Nardin as your first choice
- A completed Nardin Application Checklist
- A Shadow Day experience
- Completion of the Entrance Exam
- Tuition Assistance application, if applicable

After January 22, watch your email for enrollment instructions to officially join us as a Gator! For details, visit our high school admissions page.

Lower and Middle School admissions are rolling, and applications are reviewed as they are completed.

Currently, siblings of enrolled students do not receive priority in admissions. Every applicant is considered individually to ensure a fair and mission-appropriate selection process. We encourage families to apply early to secure placement and avoid fees, and to complete all requirements, including assessments and recommendations, to strengthen their child’s candidacy. For details on admissions steps and timelines across all stages—from Montessori through high school—please explore our admissions process. If you have specific questions, our admissions team is happy to assist you.

To confirm your child's enrollment, we require a signed Continuous Enrollment Agreement and a $500 deposit per child due by March 31st. This deposit secures your child’s spot for the next school year. Once signed, re-enrollment becomes an easy opt-out process, guaranteeing placement until graduation. If you decide not to return, please notify us in writing by March 31st to avoid losing your deposit. For details, you can review the Continuous Enrollment process.

During registration and orientation, parents can expect a welcoming, supportive experience tailored to each stage of their child’s journey. For all ages, we guide you through submitting applications, required documents, and any assessments. You’ll learn about school policies, dress codes, and health requirements. At orientation, families meet teachers and staff, explore classrooms, and get familiar with daily routines and community values.

Key points for parents:

• Preschool/Montessori: Focus on independence, daily routines, and a nurturing environment.
• Lower School & Middle School: Emphasis on academic programs, student support, and community involvement.
• High School: Overview of academic expectations, counseling services, and traditions like wINTERMISSION and the House System.

We encourage families to apply early to secure placement and avoid fees. Scheduling a visit or tour is also recommended to experience the community firsthand and connect with our admissions team for personalized support. Learn more about our admissions process and how to prepare for your visit.

New students at Nardin Academy are welcomed into a community that values academic readiness and positive behavior at every level.

Preschool & Kindergarten: We emphasize independence, confidence, and social-emotional growth, encouraging children to take responsibility for simple tasks and engage kindly with others.

Lower & Middle School: Students are expected to meet academic standards in reading, math, science, and social studies while demonstrating respect, kindness, and responsibility. Support services are available for those with documented needs. Please note, repeating a grade is not an option; students who do not meet academic requirements must attend summer school to continue at Nardin.

High School: New students should be prepared for a rigorous college-prep curriculum, including core subjects and electives. We expect integrity, respect, and active participation in our faith and service traditions. Our dress code promotes professionalism and community spirit.

For more details, families can explore our admissions process, academic programs, and student handbook.