Admissions
Applying to Nichols School

Upper School Admissions Process

Whether you are considering Nichols or have already begun the application, please contact a member of the admissions team with any questions you may have! Call the admissions office at 716-332-6325 or email the team at admissions@nicholsschool.org.
 

A complete Nichols application includes the following:

  • Online Application. Please create an account or log in at www.nicholsschool.schooladminonline.com. We require that student and parent sections of the application be completed and submitted prior to your child’s interview.
  • Admission Test. All Upper School applicants must take our admission test. The test runs from 9-11:30 a.m. and there are several set dates offered throughout the fall and early winter. Please register in advance for a test date on our events page. A completed application is required in advance of sitting for the test.
  • Writing Sample. All applicants are required to provide a writing sample. You can find this writing prompt on the checklist in your child’s online account.
  • Student Interview. We require all applicants schedule an interview either at the end of a campus visit or through Zoom. This is an opportunity for us to get to know your child’s interests and strengths. We also welcome the chance to answer questions about Nichols School. To schedule your interview, please contact our office at 716-332-6325 or admissions@nicholsschool.org to schedule your interview. 
  • Recommendations and Transcript Release Forms. There are three recommendation forms that are required to be completed by your child’s current teachers and returned to the Admissions Office electronically. All Upper School applicants are required to submit a recommendation for Math, English, and Foreign Language. There are two optional recommendation forms for artists and athletes that may be filled out at the discretion of the applicant. A transcript release form must also be sent to your child’s current school. The recommendations and the transcript release forms can be found in your child’s checklist once you’ve created an online account.
  • Student Campus Visit. We require all students to visit Nichols School at one of our Admissions events. This is perhaps the best way for students to learn about Nichols and for us to learn about your student. Any of the following meet the requirement for a student campus visit: 
    • Open Houses are large scale events that allow students and families to tour campus and learn about the robust programs we offer. Registration links for Open Houses can be found here.
    • See Us in Action events take place during the school day and are held approximately once per month. During these smaller events, students and/or families will tour campus with a current student and have an opportunity to ask questions to a panel of teachers, administrators, and students. Registration links for See Us in Action events can be found here.
    • Small Group Tours will be scheduled, when possible, for students or families that cannot attend a See Us in Action or an Open House. Contact the Admissions Office directly to schedule a tour.
  • Financial Aid Application. Please note that if you are applying for financial aid or a scholarship, you will be required to submit a separate application through the online system Clarity. Financial aid is need-based and more information about the application and to see if you qualify can be found on the Tuition and Value page of our website.
We look forward to hearing from you and learning more about your child through the application process. Call us at 716-332-6325 or email admissions@nicholsschool.org.

2024-2025 Admissions Deadlines

October 1, 2023

Admissions application is available for the 2024-2025 school year.

December 15, 2023

Financial aid application deadline for the 2024-2025 school year.

December 15, 2023

Admission application deadline for the 2024-2025 school year.


Families are encouraged to apply after the first round deadline. We will admit students on a rolling basis as space is available in certain grade levels.

About Us

Nichols School is a nationally recognized college preparatory coed independent school with a 130-year history.