Admissions

New Student Information

New Student Information

Welcome to Nichols. As your family prepares for the upcoming school year, we have compiled helpful resources, important information, and answers to frequently asked questions below for both Middle and Upper School. If you have additional questions, please contact the Admissions Office at 716-332-6325.

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Last Updated 05/18/2026

Important Dates

April 1:
Transportation Request Deadline 
Families seeking bus transportation must submit a request form through their local school district by this date. This form must be completed each year.

April 23 6:00 - 7:00pm:
AI Parent Night with Maggie Renken (ISM)
Join us to learn about AI, its impact on education, and how to discuss it with your children. Register here. 

May 19:
Orientation for Incoming 9th Grade Students
RSVP for your student by clicking here. 

Links & Resources

Middle School Information

Additional information for Middle School families, including dress code guidelines, supply lists, and other grade-level details for the 2026–27 school year, will be added to this page as it becomes available.

Families will receive an email from the Admissions Office when new information is posted.

      Upper School Information

      Important Dates:  Upper School Resources: 

      Additional information for Upper School families, including dress code guidelines, supply lists, and other grade-level details for the 2026–27 school year, will be added to this page as it becomes available.

      Families will receive an email from the Admissions Office when new information is posted.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      School Day

      List of 4 frequently asked questions.

      • Q. What time does the school day begin and end?

        The school day begins at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday with your first class. On Wednesday school starts at 8:30 a.m. with your first class. The school day officially ends at 3:25 p.m.

        Campus opens to students at 7:00 a.m. Athletic practices and extracurricular activities begin after the academic day and end at varying times.

      • Q. Do students need to wear their student ID badges?

        Yes. All students are issued a Nichols lanyard and student ID badge, which should be worn and visible throughout the school day. Student ID badges are used to access campus buildings and are an important part of campus safety and security.

      • Q. How will I know if school is closed due to weather or another emergency?

        School closing information is shared through the School’s notification system and posted on Nichols communication channels. Nichols may not always follow Buffalo Public Schools closings. For extended closures, students may be asked to attend classes online. 

      • Q. Is there a nurse on campus? How will I be notified if my student is ill or hurt? 

        Yes. The Health Office is available to assess student illness or injury and will contact families when necessary. The Health Office Number is 716-332-5105. 

      Technology

      List of 4 frequently asked questions.

      • Q. What technology does my student need?

        Technology requirements vary by division.

        Middle School students will be provided with a Lenovo Chromebook outfitted with all of the apps needed for their classes, including digital texts. Personal devices are not permitted in the Middle School. Opportunities to purchase insurance to avoid damages and replacement fees will be sent to families closer to the beginning of the school year. 

        Upper School students are expected to bring a charged personal device (not a phone) to school each day.  Nichols School will provide students with any software that is required for the courses they are taking.  We support Windows devices, Apple devices, and Chromebooks. Please contact our IT department at support@nicholsschool.org with any questions or if you wish to rent a Chromebook from our school.  A member of our team will return your email or call you back as soon as possible.

      • Q. Will Nichols provide the necessary software?

        Yes. Nichols will provide any software required for coursework.

      • Q. How will my Upper School student use technology each day?

        Upper School students use several digital platforms throughout the school day, including Google Classroom, MySchoolApp (MSA), and Gmail.
        Assignments, schedules, grades, and important class information are managed through MSA, and teachers may also use Google Classroom to share resources and coursework.
        Each student will receive a Nichols Gmail account and is expected to check their email daily. Faculty, advisors, deans, and staff regularly communicate important updates, schedule changes, announcements, and assignment information through email.
        Students are expected to use appropriate email etiquette when communicating with faculty and staff, including:
        • Using their Nichols Gmail account
        • Beginning emails with a greeting
        • Writing in complete sentences
        • Signing messages with their name

      • Q. Who should I contact with technology questions?

        Please contact the IT team at support@nicholsschool.org with any questions or if you wish to rent a Chromebook from our school. 

      Transportation

      List of 2 frequently asked questions.

      • Q. Does Nichols provide transportation?

        Nichols does not directly provide transportation. Transportation eligibility and arrangements are handled through your local school district.

      • Q. How do I request bus transportation?

        Transportation forms are available on your school district’s website and must be submitted annually by April 1 for the upcoming school year.

      Attendance

      List of 4 frequently asked questions.

      • Q. My student is sick. How do I notify the school?

        Families should contact the Middle School Front Office (716-332-5100) or Upper School Front Office (716-332-6300) that morning between 7:45 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. to report an absence. 

      • Q. What if my student will be late?

        Families should notify the Middle School Front Office (716-332-5100) or Upper School Front Office (716-332-6300) by 8:00 a.m. of the student’s arrival time. Students arriving late must sign in at the front office. 

      • Q. What if my student needs to leave early?

        Notify the Front Office by sending a note stating time of departure, return and the reason for the absence. The student must hand in the note before 8:30 a.m. Students must sign out in the Front Office, and may wait inside or outside. Students must be in school for a full day in order to participate in after school activities such as athletic practices, games and play rehearsals. If your student has a doctor's appointment, they must bring a note from the doctor in order to participate in after school activities.

      • Q. What if my student will miss school because of travel or another planned absence?

        Please notify the appropriate grade-level dean in advance explaining the reason for, and duration of, the absence.

        Students are responsible for informing each teacher and getting homework assignments. Please note, when a student is absent from school without a legitimate excuse, they must make up for all of the work missed. 

      Academics

      List of 6 frequently asked questions.

      • Q. When will my student receive their schedule?

        Student schedules are typically shared with families in late summer before the start of school.

      • Q. What is the Upper School rotating schedule?

        The Upper School uses a rotating block schedule, which means students do not attend classes in the same order every day and may not meet every class daily.
        There are seven academic blocks, labeled A through G, which rotate throughout a ten-day cycle.
        Each day also includes an X Block, which is used for:
        • Physical Education
        • Orchestra
        • Choir
        • Wind Symphony
        • Dance
        • Extra help and meetings with teachers
        Students without an X Block commitment may spend that time in Advisory or other designated activities.
        Upper School students take a minimum of six courses each year. Many 9th grade students choose to add an additional course such as orchestra, choir, wind symphony, dance, or another arts elective.

      • Q. How are students placed in classes?

        Class placement is based on a careful review of prior coursework, grades, testing, and the School’s understanding of each student’s academic background. 

        It is important to note that we section separately for each discipline. A student might be at the Advanced level in the humanities, but not in the math and sciences. 

      • Q. Can a student change classes after the school year begins?

        Course changes are limited and subject to approval. Any requests should be directed to the appropriate dean. Changes can be made after the first quarter in the beginning of the school year, and also from one year to the next, depending on the student's performance. 

      • Q. How do I sign up for a teacher conference?

        Conference information and sign-up instructions will be shared with families during the school year.

      • Q. What does “Culture of Extra Help” mean?

        The Upper School promotes a strong “Culture of Extra Help,” meaning students are encouraged to ask questions, seek support, and meet with teachers whenever they need additional guidance.
        Seeking extra help is viewed as a normal and important part of the learning process at Nichols.
        Students can access support in several ways:
        • Meeting with a teacher during X Block or by appointment
        • Speaking with their advisor or dean for additional guidance and support
        • Signing up for a peer tutor through the Upper School tutoring program
        • Visiting the Writing Center for support with brainstorming, drafting, revising, and editing written work
        Peer tutors are Upper School students who have previously completed the course and are available to help support fellow students.
        Students are always encouraged to advocate for themselves and seek support whenever needed.

      Athletics

      List of 4 frequently asked questions.

      • Q. When do athletics begin?

        Start dates vary by season. Fall athletics typically begin in late summer before the academic year starts.

      • Q. How can my student participate in athletics?

        Each season (fall, winter, spring), all students are required to take physical education or a Nichols dance class, or be a member of a sports team. Students must have a physical form on record to try out for a school sport. Practice and game schedules are on the Athletics page. 

      • Q. Are physical forms required?

        Yes. Students must have the necessary health and athletics documentation on file before participating.

      • Q. What happens if my student misses a practice or game?

        Students are required to notify the coach in a timely manner if they will miss a practice or game. Please also see the attendance policy for more information.

      Lunch & Campus Life

      List of 11 frequently asked questions.

      • Q. What is the Nichols Honor Code?

        At Nichols School, the Honor Code serves as a guide for how we treat others, hold ourselves accountable, and strengthen our community. Students will learn more about the Honor Code throughout the fall and will formally sign it together as a community.
        Nichols School pledges to provide students with a safe learning environment where they are respected as individuals and treated fairly as members of the community. In turn, Nichols students agree to uphold the following principles:
        • Value themselves as members of the Nichols community and uphold the ethical expectations of the School
        • Treat all members of the community with respect and fairness
        • Respect and foster the ideals of diversity within the School
        • Maintain the highest standards of academic honesty
        • Show respect and restraint while resolving conflicts
        • Respect the property of others
        Families should also review the Community Handbook and complete the required acknowledgment forms prior to the start of school in August.

      • Q. Is lunch provided?

        Yes. Daily lunch is included in tuition.

      • Q. Can students bring lunch from home?

        Students are not allowed to bring a lunch from home unless there is a specific medical condition that is confirmed by the student's physician and documentation has been given to the School Nurse. The lunch menu can be found on the website here. 

      • Q. How do I contact my student during the school day?

        Families are encouraged to make daily arrangements in advance whenever possible. For urgent messages or significant changes in plans, please contact the school office before 2:00 p.m. and they will get a message to your student. 

        Please note: Cell phones are NOT permitted to be used in the classrooms during the school day without permission of faculty or staff.

      • Q. What are Upper School Meetings?

        Upper School Meetings are weekly gatherings where students hear announcements, celebrate achievements across academics and extracurricular activities, and learn about upcoming school and community events.
        Meetings may also include student performances, presentations, guest speakers, and other community-wide experiences.

      • Q. What is Advisory?

        Each Upper School student is placed in an Advisory group that remains together throughout their four years at Nichols.
        Advisory groups include approximately 10 students and are led by a faculty or staff advisor who serves as an advocate and source of support throughout the school year.
        Students meet weekly during Advisory time for community-building activities, conversations, and informal check-ins.

      • Q. What is FLEX Block?

        FLEX Block is dedicated community time that may include grade-level, Upper School, or full-school gatherings.
        FLEX programming may include guest speakers, student presentations, activities, or community discussions designed to encourage learning, engagement, and personal growth.

      • Q. What are Grade-Level Meetings?

        Grade-Level Meetings are an important part of student life in the Upper School and help build community within each class.
        Some meetings focus on important announcements and upcoming events, while others provide opportunities for students to discuss goals, reflect on experiences, and engage in conversations as a class community.
        Students are encouraged to participate and contribute throughout the year.

      • Q. What clubs and activities are available in the Upper School?

        There are more than 40 clubs and student organizations in the Upper School, offering opportunities for students to explore interests, build leadership skills, and connect with students across grade levels.
        Clubs typically meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays and are led by Upper School students.
        Students are encouraged to participate in multiple clubs and activities throughout the year. New club proposals may also be submitted during the school year for consideration.
        Joining clubs is one of the best ways for students to meet peers across grades and become involved in the Upper School community.

      • Q. What is Student Council?

        Upper School Student Council is made up of students elected by their classmates to represent and support the student body.
        Student Council helps coordinate school traditions and activities such as Spirit Week and Homecoming, encourages positive engagement within the Nichols community, and shares student feedback and recommendations with school leadership.
        Students interested in serving as class representatives will have the opportunity to participate in elections during the first few weeks of school.

      • Q. What community engagement opportunities are available to Upper School students?

        Nichols students and faculty are actively engaged in the Buffalo and Western New York community through service and social justice volunteer opportunities.
        Several times each month, Upper School students have the opportunity to participate in off-campus service experiences with local partner organizations. These trips take place during the school day and are considered excused school activities, as community engagement is viewed as an important part of a Nichols education.
        Students interested in issues such as food insecurity, environmental justice, and support for refugees and migrants will have opportunities to learn, contribute, and engage meaningfully with the wider community.
        These experiences allow students to build connections, broaden perspectives, and contribute to work that matters.

      Dress Code

      List of 2 frequently asked questions.

      • Q. Is there a dress code?

        Yes. Nichols dress code aims to instill a sense of purpose in academic pursuits and pride in the Nichols community, preparing them to confidently navigate diverse professional and social environments as adults. It emphasizes appropriateness of attire across different settings and occasions. The dress code is implemented to cultivate an atmosphere of decorum and regard for oneself and others. 

      • Q. Where can I find dress code details?

        Full dress code information will be shared with families prior to the start of the school year. 

      Books & Supplies

      List of 4 frequently asked questions.

      • Q. Where do we purchase books?

        You’ll be able to buy your books online in the summer. Your families will receive information about that with a link to an online bookstore.  Not all your classes will require books. For example, Physics won’t have an online book to buy this summer, but you will receive materials in August from your teacher. Be sure to have all your books on the first day of school or please reach out to Ms. Habelt and let her know.  

      • Q. Where can I find supply information?

        Supply information will be available by division and grade level before the start of the school year.

        Upper School
        Your teachers will also expect you to have the following supplies for class:
        • TI-84 Plus calculator (TI-82/TI-83/TI-83Plus or refurbished/used are also acceptable)
        • Graph Paper
        • Loose Leaf Paper
        • Ruler
        • Pencils 
        • Highlighters
        • Pencils in multiple colors, at least 3
        • Pens in multiple colors, at least 3 
        • Notebooks
        • 3 Ring Binders

        Additionally, the following courses have additional required supplies:  Physics, Art, Algebra 1, Algebra 2,  and PreCalculus do not have any additional items other than the list above.  

        History (All 9th graders): 1.5-inch 3 ring binder and History notebook that you’ll only use for History.
        English (All 9th graders): Notebook that you’ll only use for English. Students will be provided a binder with pre-AP materials.
        Geometry: Ruler,  dry-erase marker,  3 ring binder you’ll use only for Geometry class. 
        Honors or Advanced Geometry: Protractor, Compass, Ruler and folder or 3 ring binder you’ll use only for Honors or Advanced Geometry class. 
        French: Folder with prongs and pockets that you’ll only use for French, subject spiral notebook
        Chinese: Package of index cards, dedicated folder with pockets
        Spanish:  1 subject spiral notebook and dedicated folder

        Please note, Physics, Art, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and PreCalculus do not have any additional items other than the general items listed above. 

      • Q. Does Nichols have a campus store?

        Yes. The Campus Store, located in Albright Hall, offers school supplies, apparel, and selected items during the school year.

        Hours during the academic year are Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. The store is closed when classes are not in session.

        When a student makes a purchase in the Campus Store, it is billed directly to their student account. Students need to present a picture ID (distributed in September) in order to charge an item to their account. Purchases may also be paid with cash or credit card. Receipts are available upon request. You will receive a detailed accounting of all purchases each month.

        Any questions regarding Campus Store purchases should be directed to Jeff Ryan, Manager of the Campus Store, at 716-332-6391.

      • Q. Do Upper School students have lockers and where should backpacks be stored?

        Upper School students are assigned a locker located in the basement of Mitchell Hall near the Mitchell Student Center. Students may purchase a lock through the Campus Store.
        Students should only use their assigned locker and should not switch lockers with other students.
        Backpacks may be used to carry books and materials to and from school. During the school day, backpacks should be stored in lockers or designated areas such as the Student Commons cubbies.
        Please note that backpacks are not permitted in the Flickinger Performing Arts Center (FPAC) during meetings and assemblies.

      Parent Portal & Communication

      List of 2 frequently asked questions.

      Address

      1250 Amherst Street, Buffalo New York 14216 United States
      Phone: (716) 332-6300

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