Middle School Admissions Process

Your Application, Step by Step

Applying to Middle School should feel manageable. Your parent portal will guide you through each required item and allow you to track your progress along the way. Applications for Grades 5–8 follow the Regular Decision process.

Already submitted an inquiry? Use your existing parent portal login so your information remains connected and you do not create a duplicate account.

Start or Continue Your Application

Regular Decision
Regular Decision applications for Grades 5–12 open October 1, 2026.

Applications open: October 1
Application deadline: December 15
Financial aid deadline: December 15
Decision date: January 21

How to Complete Your Application

List of 5 items.

Start Your Application

Create an account or log in to your existing parent portal to complete the student and parent sections of the application. Both sections should be submitted before the student interview.
Request Recommendations and Your Student's Transcript
All forms and instructions are available through the parent portal checklist. Middle School applicants are required to submit:
1. 1. A recommendation from their current English teacher
  2. A recommendation from their current math teacher
  3. A transcript release form to request report cards from the past three years
  4. Optional recommendations in Arts or Athletics
Complete the Writing Sample

All applicants submit a writing sample as part of the application. The writing prompt and submission instructions will appear on your student's checklist in the parent portal.
Complete the Student Interview

The student interview gives our Admissions Team the opportunity to learn more about your student's interests, strengths, and experiences and gives your family another opportunity to ask questions about Nichols. Interviews may take place on campus or via Zoom.

To schedule, contact admissions@nicholsschool.org or 716-332-6325.
Visit Nichols

All Middle School applicants are required to complete a campus visit as part of the admissions process. A visit gives your student an opportunity to experience Nichols in person while giving our Admissions Team another chance to get to know them.

Upcoming opportunities are listed on our admissions events page. Options include an Open House, See Us In Action, Young Scholars Workshop, or a private tour if needed.

View Admissions Events →

Applying for Financial Aid?

Financial aid is a separate process that can be completed alongside your admissions application. Families requesting need-based financial aid must submit a financial aid application through Clarity.

Deadline: December 15, 2026

Explore Tuition & Aid

Track Your Progress

Your parent portal is your central resource throughout the application process. Log in at any time to review outstanding checklist items, submit materials, register for applicant experiences, and track your progress.

Questions Along the Way?

Every family arrives with different questions, priorities, and circumstances. Tell us a little about your student and what has led you to consider Nichols. Our admissions team will help you identify the most useful next step.