Academics

At Nardin Academy, we are proud of our reputation for academic excellence.

Nardin Montessori is accredited by the American Montessori Society, which sets the standard for Montessori educational excellence in the United States. Nardin Academy High School has held the title of #1 Catholic High School in Western New York for the past seventeen years since the Buffalo Business First ranking system originated, while Nardin Middle and Lower Schools are consistently ranked in the top ten Catholic schools in the area.
 
Each school provides an enriching academic experience which enables students to develop their talents, form complex global perspectives, and nurture their potential while becoming women and men of integrity and compassion. Our faculty and staff challenge students at every level and prepare all of our students for life beyond the classroom.
 
We encourage you to explore the programs and curriculum offered at each of our three schools.

Mission Statement

We believe that every student has the potential to do amazing things.

Programs and Curriculum

  • Montessori Montessori
    Click to learn more about our Montessori Toddler, Early Childhood, and Elementary programs.
  • Lower School Lower School
    Click to learn more about our Lower School and Curriculum Programs.
  • Middle School Middle School
    Click to learn more about our Middle School Curriculum.
  • High School High School
    Click to learn about our High School Curriculum

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Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Is the school accredited?
    High School Academics

    Nardin Academy is fully accredited to ensure the highest standards of education and continuous improvement at every level. Our Montessori program is accredited by the American Montessori Society, recognized nationally for excellence in Montessori education. The entire school, including the High School, holds accreditation from the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges, reaffirmed through a rigorous process every seven years. These accreditations mean we meet strict quality standards, giving families confidence in the academic and community experience we provide. Learn more about our accreditation process.

  • Can students take AP or dual enrollment classes?
    High School Academics

    Students at Nardin Academy have access to a robust selection of Advanced Placement (AP) courses across subjects like English, History, Math, Science, World Languages, and Computer Science. There is no limit on the number of AP or Honors courses a qualified student may take, though we recommend no more than three per year to maintain balance. The school maintains an open enrollment policy for AP courses, allowing students to challenge themselves as they wish. Additionally, students can take dual enrollment classes through SUNY Erie in specific courses, providing college credit opportunities. Students may also expand their options by taking extra courses online via One Schoolhouse.

    Highlights:
    - 19 AP courses and 8 Honors classes available
    - AP courses prepare students for college-level work and exams
    - Open enrollment policy for AP classes
    - Dual enrollment available through SUNY Erie in select courses
    - Opportunity to take additional courses online via One Schoolhouse

    Learn more about our high school curriculum and AP offerings to see how we support rigorous academics and college readiness.

  • Does the school offer STEM / STEAM classes or programs?
    Academics

    Nardin Academy offers rich STEM and STEAM opportunities across all grade levels to spark curiosity and build real-world skills.

    Preschool & Kindergarten: Hands-on Montessori activities introduce early math and science concepts through tactile learning and nature exploration.

    Lower School: Lower School Students have thematic school-wide STEM Learning Events each month.

    Middle School: The curriculum emphasizes digital citizenship, robotics, coding, and responsible AI exploration. After-school clubs have included Engineering for Kids, Future Scientists Society, STEM career exploration, birding, fun science experiments, Lego, and Girls Who Code.

    High School: Advanced courses include Robotics, AP Computer Science, Principles of Engineering, Environmental Science, and more. The Koessler Innovation and Technology Center supports research, coding, and design projects.

    Explore our after-school electives and computer science curriculum for detailed offerings.

  • Does the school offer foreign language or language immersion?
    Academics

    Nardin offers a comprehensive World Language program starting in early childhood and continuing through high school.

    Preschool & Kindergarten: Students begin with semi-immersion classes in French and Spanish, where most instruction is in the target language, making learning fun and natural.

    Lower School: World Language classes focus on French and Spanish, building foundational skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, along with cultural exploration and interactive activities.

    Middle School: French and Spanish classes are nearly fully immersive, with at least 85% of instruction conducted in the target language. An honors track is available in Spanish for grades 7 and 8. Students who attend Nardin Middle School for all four years or enter with comparable experience often test into advanced high school language courses (level 2 or 3).

    High School: Students can choose from Spanish and French courses, including advanced, honors, and AP levels, with classes conducted primarily in the language. While Latin is no longer offered, a Latin-based Medical Terminology elective is available. Opportunities to travel and participate in cultural events further enrich learning.

    Learn more about our Lower School World Language, Middle School language offerings, and High School World Language curriculum.

  • Does the school provide extended learning or after-school academic programs?
    Academics

    Nardin offers a rich variety of after-school academic and enrichment programs tailored to every age.

    Preschool & Kindergarten: Our Montessori and early childhood programs include after-school options like yoga and creative arts that nurture motor skills and calm focus.

    Lower School: Students can explore interests through electives such as Lego Club, art, yoga, dance, STEM activities, embroidery, and teambuilding through the Huddle Up! Football Program. Additionally, the Lower School hosts monthly whole-school STEM mornings where students engage in thematic engineering tasks.

    Middle School: After-school clubs include fine arts, science, robotics, and leadership opportunities, encouraging curiosity and confidence. Private tutoring with our teachers is also available for an additional fee.

    High School: While focused on academics, students also engage in arts, service, and specialized electives after school.

    Learn more about our diverse after-school electives designed to spark creativity and growth.

  • Does the school offer summer camps for students?
    Academics

    We offer a variety of summer camps for all ages, designed to build skills, confidence, and fun. For our youngest learners, the Toddler Summer Camp provides outdoor play and creative projects. Lower and middle school students can choose from camps like Cooking, Environmental Science, Flag Football, Squash, and Dungeons & Dragons, each fostering teamwork and leadership. High schoolers have specialized options too. Camps run mostly in June and July, with detailed schedules and registration available through our summer camp programs. Please note camps pause on June 19th for Juneteenth.

  • How do your school's SAT scores compare to other schools in the area?
    High School Academics

    Nardin Academy does not report aggregate SAT scores due to the widespread Test Optional Policy among colleges. However, our high school consistently outperforms Western New York, state, and national averages on SAT, ACT, and Advanced Placement exams. We offer a rigorous, supportive academic environment with over 20 AP courses and personalized college counseling to prepare every student for success beyond high school. Learn more about our college counseling program and academic offerings.

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

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