Founded in 1892 by William Nichols, Nichols School is a nationally recognized co-educational college preparatory school, for grades 5 through 12. We are an independent school and non-denominational. With an average enrollment of 570 students, the average class size is 14 students.

Faculty members, chosen for their expertise, regularly publish in their academic field: 75% have master’s degrees; 10% have doctoral degrees; 14% of faculty members are Nichols graduates. They are committed to the School’s educational mission and they have an average of 20 years of service. Teachers are involved in student life beyond their classrooms, serving as student advisors, coaches, club advisors and mentors.

Since our founding in 1892, Nichols School has occupied a special place in Buffalo and the greater Western New York community. Located on 30 acres, the School is minutes away from galleries, historic houses, Olmstead parks and The Buffalo Zoo, our campus feels like a small liberal arts college. Our beautifully landscaped urban campus includes seven separate buildings linked by tree-lined sidewalks and several indoor passageways. To view a map of our campus, click here. 

For more than 100 years, Nichols has grown alongside Buffalo, thoughtfully evolving while maintaining our traditions and roots. When we innovate, we do so deliberately. Nichols strives to reflect the racial, cultural, religious and socioeconomic constitution of our local community by providing need-based financial aid to about 30% of our student body. We offer something unattainable elsewhere in Western New York, and we hope to make this educational experience available to all who wish to meet the challenge. Nichols students represent over 45 different villages and cities in the Western New York and Southern Ontario area. We also welcome several international students to our School community each year.

Nichols is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools and the New York State Department of Education. It received national recognition in the Secondary School Recognition Program and Exemplary Private School Recognition Program. Nichols is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools.