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Tuition and Value

Named Scholarships

Nichols School is extremely fortunate to have many Named Scholarship Funds. These scholarships have been established by alumni and friends of the school to support our financial aid program. Below is a listing of the funds that we have in existence. Please note that not all Named Scholarships are available every year.

* Denotes available scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year.

† Denotes annual gifts versus endowed funds.

List of 51 items.

  • *Allen E. Neil Scholarship Fund

    Established by Mr. Allen Neil and his son, Kenneth ’61, this endowed need-based scholarship fund provides financial assistance to a deserving student or students.
  • *Charles G. Stradella ’15 Memorial Scholarship Fund

    Established in memory of Charles G. Stradella ‘15, the fund is used to support a deserving student, or students, who qualifies for need-based financial aid.
  • *Chispa Scholars Program

    This named scholarship is granted to two students annually who identify as Black or African American and live within the city of Buffalo. Applicants must be entering 5th grade. These students must demonstrate promise of solid academic achievement and strong character traits that will contribute positively to the Nichols community. The Chispa program covers full tuition each year in grades five through twelve, all school fees, and anything additionally needed to participate fully in the Nichols experience. Recipients of this award must meet financial, academic, and Nichols community expectations, all of which will be evaluated yearly.


    Click here for the application.
  • *Christian D. Laettner '88 Scholarship Fund

    Established by Christian Laettner ’88, this need-based scholarship’s purpose is assisting a deserving student in good standing. One student will be awarded a four-year scholarship.
  • *Cullen Foundation †

    The Cullen Foundation seeks to assist families of high-achieving students to mitigate the financial challenges of attaining a private middle school and high school education through the Cullen Scholars program. The program provides access to private schools with preference given to students of color. Cullen Scholars will be selected based on academic achievement, financial need and character.

    Click here to visit the Cullen Foundation website.
  • *Dr. & Mrs. Oscar J. Oberkircher Scholar

    Established in 1978, this endowed need-based scholarship was created by Flora Oberkircher and her sons, Oscar R. ’54 and Paul ’51, in memory of Dr. Oscar J. Oberkircher.
  • *G. Robert Strauss, Jr. '79 Scholarship Award

    Presented annually at Awards Day, this need-based award is given to a junior who exemplifies the characteristics most remembered in Bob Strauss ’79: a commitment to community service, academic growth and athletic participation.
  • *Gisel Family Scholarship Fund

    This scholarship is funded by the Gisel family through the All iN Campaign and is used to support a deserving student who qualifies for need-based financial aid and resides in the City of Buffalo.
  • *Grace McKendry Memorial Scholarship Fund

    Established in October 2007 to honor the memory of local artist and longtime Nichols art teacher Grace McKendry, this need-based scholarship is to be awarded to an incoming ninth grader who shows talent in the visual arts, including painting, sculpture, graphics and drawing. Applicants will be asked to submit an art portfolio and/or recommendations from teachers.

  • *Harbourton Scholars Program †

    Established in 2007, the Harbourton Scholars Program provides financial assistance to a qualified eighth-grade student, who would be unable to attend Nichols School without such financial assistance.
  • *Henrich Scholarship

    Established in 1973, this is an endowed need-based scholarship fund created by Mr. & Mrs. Ralph E. Henrich and their son, John Henrich ’59. John is a former Trustee of Nichols and John is an alumnus, a former Trustee and father of four Nichols graduates. This scholarship is given to a female in the Upper School based on financial need, integrity and contributions of the student.
  • *Jacobs Scholars Program

    The Jacobs Scholars Program will provide an educational pathway for two students of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) who have an interest in healthcare or healthcare related fields. This four-year program will provide unparalleled opportunities for students who demonstrate strong interest and academic achievement in one or more of the STEM disciplines, and will build a talent pipeline connecting highly qualified students with careers in the healthcare fields. The Jacobs Scholars will be granted and are required to satisfactorily complete a summer high school immersion opportunity at the Jacobs Institute for each of their four years in high school.

    Click here to apply.
  • *Judgie Lytle ‘64 and Warren Gelman Scholarship Fund

    Established to honor Judgie Lytle ’64, who died in 1965, this fund was started by a group of his friends to provide needed financial aid for an entering ninth grader. The recipients must be able students with a capacity for excellence when inspired, an enthusiastic athlete, and a loyal and sympathetic friend.

  • *Kaitlin Donahoe '09 Scholarship Fund

    The Kaitlin Donahoe ’09 Scholarship Fund was established in 2009 by the Donahoe family. This need-based scholarship was developed to provide a female student the opportunity to attend and contribute to the Nichols School. The recipient must be an above-average student who demonstrates a commitment to community service work and has demonstrated financial need. The recipient must embody outstanding character, strong work ethic and leadership ability.

    To apply for this scholarship, please click here.
  • *Louise Belcher Keiser Scholarship

    Established in 2012, in memory of Louise B. Keiser. This four-year college scholarship is awarded to a female in the Nichols School senior class who demonstrates those qualities and characteristics that Louise’s family and friends admired in her. Louise was a bright, curious, athletic and purposeful woman who touched the lives of many.

    This award is based on financial need and overall contributions to the school community and will provide up to $10,000 in college tuition assistance each year for four years.


    In order to be considered for the Louise B. Keiser Scholarship, you must submit the following by Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
  • *Oishei Scholarship Program †

    Established by The Oishei Foundation, the Oishei Scholarship Program assists Buffalo area students of color who desire to obtain an education at a private high school. This four-year, full-tuition scholarship is awarded to one incoming freshman, based upon consideration of need, merit and potential for success.

  • *Oliver G. and Sarah Sloan Bauman Fund †

    Established in 1998 at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, this fund provides an annual grant for students demonstrating need and taking Latin.
  • *Richard W. Shaughnessy Scholarship

    Established in 2019, this need-based scholarship is awarded to a female student who qualifies for financial need and who shows a special interest in, propensity for and demonstrated talent in music. 
  • *Robert & Martha Scheu Memorial Scholarship

    The Robert and Martha Scheu Endowment in the Humanities includes a need-based scholarship for a student who, through the Nichols curriculum, demonstrates exceptional promise in the humanities.
  • *Robert L. Stone Family Scholarship Fund

    Established in 2000, this fund provides a need-based scholarship to students in the Upper School who strive to be the best they can be in the classroom, the Nichols community, and in sports, inside and outside of school.
  • *Schneckenburger Scholarship

    This fund was created in memory of Mr. Philip M. Schneckenburger '32 by his family in 2009. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who qualifies for financial need and who shows a special interest in, propensity for and demonstrated talent in music with a specific interest in pursuing engagement in the Nichols School music program.
  • *The 1892 Scholarship

    Established in 1997 by the Board of Trustees, this need-based scholarship is awarded to a young person of ability who has yet to demonstrate his or her full potential. This opportunity reaches out to the students at the margin, who we hope will discover that the demands of the Nichols School curriculum and its faculty will bring out his or her untapped talents. This one-year, non-renewable scholarship is designated for a candidate for the Upper School who demonstrates financial need.
  • *The Matthew Donahoe '08 Scholarship Fund

    The Matthew Donahoe ‘08 Scholarship Fund was established in 2008 by the Donahoe family to support a male student with demonstrated financial need and a commitment to community service. This need-based scholarship will be awarded to an above-average student who is committed to his studies in all disciplines has a strong work ethic and the ability to lead.

    To apply for this scholarship, please click here.
  • *The Walsh Family Scholarship

    Established through The Campaign for Nichols School by members of the Walsh family, this fund was designed to provide financial aid for a successful student who demonstrates need and has made a strong contribution to the Nichols School community.
  • *Vincent H. (Jim) Palisano Scholars †

    Established in 1974 by the trustees of the Vincent H. (Jim) Palisano Foundation, this scholarship is based on financial need.
  • Boocock Memorial Scholarship

    Established in memory of Philip M. B. Boocock, alumnus and Headmaster of Nichols for over 35 years, the need-based scholarship also received memorial gifts for Philip’s brother William Boocock in 1984.
  • Castiglia Family Scholarship Fund

    The Castiglia Family Scholarship Fund was established in 2008 by the Joseph "Jerry" and Barbara Castiglia family. This fund provides need-based grants to deserving and qualified students who are selected pursuant to Nichols School policies for admission and tuition aid.
  • Christopher Cole Scheu '75 Memorial Scholarship

    Established in 1985 by the Scheu family and friends, following the death of Chris Scheu ’75, an outstanding member of the class, this need-based scholarship is given to a freshman student who has demonstrated interest in community service, the arts and science.
  • Clark T. Roberts '14 Memorial Scholarship

    Established in 1995 through the estate of Mary Roberts, this need-based scholarship provides financial aid to deserving students who express interest in athletics.
  • Dudley M. Irwin, III '45 Scholarship

    Established in memory of Dudley M. Irwin, III ’45, by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Dudley M. Irwin, Jr. and a group of his friends, this need-based scholarship recognizes an Upper School student who has financial need and who has shown talent in academics and extracurricular activities at Nichols.
  • Duffy Family Scholarship

    This need-based scholarship will be granted to an incoming 9th grade student new to Nichols School. Students must demonstrate strong academic potential, a community-minded spirit, and the ability to contribute to overall campus life at Nichols School.
    This award may be divided among 2 students (if warranted). Preference may be given to underrepresented students.
  • Duffy-Leahy Memorial Scholarship

    Established in 1999 through the One Community Campaign, this fund is in memory of Charles G. Duffy, Jr. and Virginia Leahy Duffy, and designed to support students of color, preferably Buffalo Prep graduates, who meet the Nichols School admissions criteria and demonstrate financial need.
  • Dwight D. Hopkins Scholarship Fund

    Established to honor Dwight Hopkins ’49, President of the Alumni Board and father of three Nichols graduates, this need-based scholarship is given to a student who has demonstrated financial need and has contributed to the school in both academics and athletics.
  • Eames and Guida Donaldson Scholarship Fund

    Established by the family of Eames and Guida Donaldson, this endowed scholarship is awarded each year to a recipient based on financial need and overall contributions to the school community.
  • Edward G. Zeller, Jr. Memorial Fund

    Established in memory of Edward G. Zeller, the fund is used to support a deserving student who qualifies for need-based financial aid.
  • G. Frederick Zeller ’47 Fund for Ethics and Character

    A student who has shown great potential to grow into a future leader and who exhibits humility and strong character.
  • Harry Hayes Scholarship

    This Named Scholarship will be granted to an African American student who demonstrates promise of high academic achievement. The Harry Hayes Scholarship will provide a full‐tuition need-based award including all associated curricular and extra‐curricular fees. The recipient will carry this prestigious award throughout his/her Nichols career.
  • HSBC Scholarship Fund

    Established as part of the One Community Campaign by HSBC, out of their Western New York headquarters, this need-based scholarship is dedicated to provide tuition aid to students of color at Nichols School.
  • Jay Kahle Memorial Scholarship

    Established in 1979 in memory of Jay Kahle ’52, the need-based scholarship is awarded annually to an Upper School student with average grades who demonstrates those qualities and characteristics that Jay’s family and friends admired in him – leadership, athletic ability, determination, courage, sense of humor and a desire to succeed.
  • John Arthur Ennis '15 Memorial Scholarship Fund

    Established in memory of John Arthur Ennis ’15 by his family and friends. This need-based scholarship will be awarded to an applicant entering the upper school who will participate in the life of the school, sports and extra-curricular activities.
  • John Henry '57 Scholarship Fund †

    Established in September 2005, John Henry ’57 makes an annual contribution for four years to fund the tuition for a student of color who demonstrates financial need, preferably enrolling in the Middle School.
  • Joseph Takats Scholarship

    Established by Joe Takats ’35, this need-based scholarship is awarded annually to a student who has demonstrated financial need and who contributes to the quality of life at Nichols.
  • Keith Celniker '84 Memorial Fund

    Established in honor of Keith Celniker ’84, who died on the eve of his graduation from Nichols, this need-based scholarship is awarded to a deserving student who demonstrates many of Keith's outstanding attributes.
  • Neil Farmelo Scholarship Fund

    This fund was established by Neil Farmelo when he was Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Pursuant to Neil's hope to enrich Nichols students' campus experience by encouraging social and economical diversity, this scholarship is awarded to non-legacy students who qualify for financial aid.
  • Reader's Digest Scholarship Fund

    Established in 1976 by DeWitt Wallace, founder of The Reader’s Digest, this endowed need-based scholarship, is to be awarded to two or three students from middle income families.
  • Richard G. “Dick” Stratton Scholarship Fund

    Established in 2020 by Kathy and Ted Truscott ‘79, this fund is in memory of Dick Stratton, one of the longest-tenured teachers in the history of Nichols. As an English teacher, Mr. Stratton was remembered by his peers and students alike for his profound engagement with literature, poetry and passion for baseball. This fund provides grants to incoming Freshmen who exhibit intellectual curiosity and inspirational leadership qualities and a demonstrated love for poetry and literature.
  • Seymour H. Knox Scholarship Fund

    Established in 1988 by Seymour H. Knox ’15, this need-based scholarship is in recognition of both his philanthropy and his inestimable contribution to the artistic richness and prominence in this community. It is awarded to students who show promise in the arts.
  • The Habib Family Scholarship

    Established in 2017 to help provide assistance and support for students of color who meet the Nichols School admissions criteria and demonstrate financial need.
  • The Subramanian Family Scholarship

    Established in 2017 to help provide assistance and support for a student of color who meet the Nichols School admissions criteria and demonstrate financial need.
  • Walter Goldstein '48 Memorial Scholarship

    Established in 1992 through the estate of Walter J. Goldstein ’48, it was Walter’s wish that a need-based scholarship fund be set up for a deserving student who might not otherwise be able to afford the tuition, in hopes of giving that student a start on life, similar to the start Walter so appreciated.
  • Western New York Scholarship Fund

    Established in the early 1970s, the Western New York Foundation started a loan fund that provided small loans to families. In 2005, the funds were transferred to create a need-based scholarship fund to support students from middle income families, including alumni children or those families with more than one child at Nichols.

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