Sem's Story

Founded as The Buffalo Female Academy in 1851, Buffalo Seminary has long been unique in the history of education both in Buffalo and Western New York. Imbued with the tradition of the New England academy, the school was founded by parents who wanted their daughters to have as rigorous an education as their sons were receiving in boys' schools. Buffalo Seminary was the first independent school in Buffalo and the earliest of its kind in Western New York. In 1889, the trustees voted to change the school's name to Buffalo Seminary, reinforcing their commitment to providing a school of higher education for girls.

Under the direction of L. Gertrude Angell, the expanding school moved to its present location on Bidwell Parkway in 1909. The dynamic Miss Angell served as Headmistress from 1903 until 1952. Through her leadership, the values of scholarship, service, and loyalty became part of Buffalo Seminary.

Over the last five decades, Sem has continued to grow as a venerable educational institution. Our curriculum has been modified to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex world. Remaining true to a commitment to single-sex education for women, we resisted independent education's trend toward coeducation in the early 1970s. In fact, the 1980s and 1990s saw Sem grow as we continued to develop our academic and extracurricular programs without sacrificing time-honored traditions.

In 2006, Jody Douglass joined Buffalo Seminary as our 13th Head of School. Under her leadership, Sem continues to provide young women with an outstanding education. A new strategic plan outlines initiatives to sustain academic excellence, retain superior faculty, and enhance facilities. In 2008, we began our one-to-one tablet computer program and expanded our residential program with host families. In September 2009, we unveiled the Buffalo Seminary Squash and Athletic Center.

Buffalo Seminary continues to fulfill and advance the school mission. Our college preparatory curriculum provides graduates with the skills for academic success in the realm of higher education. Our sense of community and spirit provides a sound basis for life well beyond the classroom.