Nichols School
- Private
- BUFFALO, NY
Private School
Nichols School Reviews
Rating 4.32 out of 5 97 reviews
The best part of Nichols was how it got you ready for a college level in environment, which class selection and multiple designated buildings to move from class to class. The worst part was the separation and low involvement we as students could have on the impact of the school. I wish, as a student body, we were able to have a lot more control.
Teachers are helpful, friends, and available to help. The classes are rigorous and challenging with many options to choose from regular level to advanced to honors to AP.
Personally, as a kid who went through this school for 8 years, this school holds a special place in my heart. So, I feel I have a lot I can say about this school. For starters this school has a lot of work, and I mean A LOT. But, it is a preparatory school for college so it makes sense. Once you get used to the workflow, school life becomes much easier. I think this school isn't the greatest when it comes to running events. Other than that though this school has some of the best opportunities such as volunteering and trips to very interesting places. The clubs are pretty good too such as ski club, anti gravity club, and fight club. Honestly, this school is mainly academically focused and other than hockey, the sport teams aren't really that well known, but they do have a lot of different sports to try such as squash and lacrosse. The food here is something you'd never see at other schools as well. One time they had a chocolate fountain! Crazy! Overall I won't ever forget this school.
I've enjoyed my time at Nichols and believe they have prepared me well for college. They hold you to a high academic standard.
The positives of this school are the food and the beautiful facilities. Unfortunately, those are just veneers to a pretty toxic culture. As one of the previous reviews stated, this is probably not the best place to send your child if they are not 100% politically liberal. My child, who is generally happy and social, was miserable after the first week of school. In the end, we discovered that teachers would openly harass and bully students that wouldn't conform to their left-wing political philosophies. This is not a place that is acceptable for diverse opinions.
Overall I had a very good experience with Nichols. However, during my senior year administration started to fall off. A lot of teachers started to leave and overall it felt like I had a worse education experience. Ever since then, I have seen through my younger siblings' experience that it has not gotten much better.
The teachers are great and the classes are great. The schedule definitely is different, but I prefer it over others. It is a very well-rounded school and there are people of all backgrounds, especially those from China and London. Nichols offers a lot of opportunities that can not be found elsewhere.
At Nichols School, my experience since I started my freshman year has been a huge shift in anything I ever expected. There has been many highs and lows during my time at Nichols so far, but I could say I have learned a lot from my achievements and a lot more from my mistakes. I love how I feel prepared and supported for once I move onto the adult world, and not scared like I once was. Lastly, I would appreciate the quality of the food improving. They focus on having a lot which is great, but usually most students do not eat when the food is undercooked, burnt, or off tasting.
As someone who transferred in from a big public school, it was super different. To be blunt, if you don't come from money it's a hard adjustment to make, but if you want to be there it's definitely worth it in my experience. Personally, I believe that the academic opportunities that I've gotten there opened doors for me that I didn't know existed, and that overall it was well worth the tuition and uncomfortable acclimation.
Nichols is working on it curriculum to modernise it. Most of the faculty are excellent. Some of the new programs are great opportunities for the students to write their own future.
I have very few positive things to say from my 7 years at Nichols. The teaching staff was incredible during my time, however, in recent years, it has witnessed a strong downwards trend. Other than the teachers, I was left continually disappointed by the school's internal workings and prejudices. If you are not an avid donor or a white male, the school will do very little to lift you up and recognize your work. They pick a few favorites and forget the rest. Anything you do will be taken with a grain of salt if you are a woman or POC. If you attempt to bring up these issues, you are met with harsh pushback and disapproval. The administration is aware of the toxic environment but refuses to do anything. Furthermore, the school is cliquey and unwelcoming to newcomers, POC, or non-Buffalo natives. I look back upon my time at Nichols with contempt. I was physically and emotionally bullied by classmates -- all of which was reported to the administration and yet received no action.
Wow, where to begin...
What you see is not necessarily what you get with Nichols. On the outside, it presents itself as an "elite" private school. To an extent, it is. If you submit to "the process" and beg and grovel, you might find some fondness for it. This is especially relevant to the "poster kids," or the students that Nichols publicizes beyond all others. The white lacrosse kid, the white hockey player, the token POC. Most of the Nichols graduates you see succeeding come from money, and it is that money that propels them forward. Surely, having all A's on a Nichols report card accelerates that, but it is their ability to afford a 75K Ivy League tuition that seals the deal. Oh, forgot about the administration, which has been complicit in SEVERAL sexual assault scandals. That being said, I got my diploma and got out. I'm very fortunate to be attending college where I am and, without Nichols, it may not have been possible. But, hey, anything to go to Harvard, right?
What you see is not necessarily what you get with Nichols. On the outside, it presents itself as an "elite" private school. To an extent, it is. If you submit to "the process" and beg and grovel, you might find some fondness for it. This is especially relevant to the "poster kids," or the students that Nichols publicizes beyond all others. The white lacrosse kid, the white hockey player, the token POC. Most of the Nichols graduates you see succeeding come from money, and it is that money that propels them forward. Surely, having all A's on a Nichols report card accelerates that, but it is their ability to afford a 75K Ivy League tuition that seals the deal. Oh, forgot about the administration, which has been complicit in SEVERAL sexual assault scandals. That being said, I got my diploma and got out. I'm very fortunate to be attending college where I am and, without Nichols, it may not have been possible. But, hey, anything to go to Harvard, right?
Being at Nichols was a life changing experience for me. I met some of my closest friends and was able to connect with the teachers and faculty on a high academic level.
As a college student, I can proudly say that Nichols had definitely prepared me for college homework loads while juggling other extracurriculars
This school has it all. Academics, sports, community, clubs. The teachers are very accommodating and they truly get to know each student and their specific strengths and weaknesses.
Great teachers and a structured environment. The workload can be difficult but it prepares you. Great campus and athletics. Teachers are willing to help anytime.
There is a community feel that you can't get any of the larger high schools in the area. All the teachers enjoy seeing the students and want to build relationships that have a real impact on your life.