2024 Best Schools in the Buffalo Area

• Buffalo, NY•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  92 reviews

Senior: I came into Nichols as a Junior, and loved the campus and teaching style. There is no NYS regents exams which allows the teachers to spend more time on confusing topics and skip easier ones. Definitely a great education that is preparing for college. The sports are top notch. Nichols has prepared me to play Division 1 lacrosse and introduced me to multiple successful people playing college lacrosse. Although the school prioritizes academics, sports are not pushed aside. The food is amazing, we have wonderful chefs that make great food including a salad bar, grilled chicken, Ice cream machine, juices and whatever the main meal is of the day! The head of school is rational and intelligent, making great decisions to lead the school. Coming from a different school, I realize how special Nichols is and I wish I attended the school since 5th grade!... Read 92 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 567

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Williamsville Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  282 reviews

Senior: Williamsville East High School is one of the BEST schools I've ever gone to in my life! The classes that are offered at East are very fun to take, classes from Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, LOTE, Technology, Business, Music, Art, ETC, you choose the class that's right for you to have the best experience at East. Sports, clubs and after school activities are offered throughout the school year with many to choose from like the Newspaper club, fall, winter and spring sports, anything! The learning environment is very different specifically with no walls in classrooms, you'll get used to the environment in about a week for those that attend or go here.... Read 282 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 962

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Buffalo, NY•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  125 reviews

Junior: I am a rising senior at Buffalo Seminary currently, and have greatly enjoyed my time here. This school is incredibly welcoming and all of the students and teachers are very encouraging. I've had a very positive experience with my classes, and since SEM offers a very wide variety of courses, it is easy to find classes that interest you. Also, SEM's arts program is very strong, and there are many different opportunities to be involved in the SEM arts community. I have appreciated the efforts to create a more diverse community, but feel that the administration could be doing more to uplift students of color. Overall, I feel very ready to go into college and feel that SEM has given me many opportunities to make my application strong. I truly do love SEM, and I would definitely recommend upcoming students to check it out!... Read 125 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 160

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Amherst, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  35 reviews

Senior: The Park School of Buffalo provides me with a lot of things that I find crucial in the sense of an academic upbringing. There’s an incredible art program that helps encourage students to pursue their own creativity. This is paired with a hand tailored schedule that is made to suit the individuals interests. While yes, there isn’t much choice given when you have to pick math, there’s an extensive list of English, history, and electives one can look into taking. Not only this, but they provide the student an opportunity to try an “independent study”. A student can come up with a specific topic they wish to learn about and ask a teacher to make it into an independent study, then giving the student the opportunity to learn about a topic that is not generally taught within the school. While of course certain things could use adapting, like the lunch menu, the school as a whole is relatively very enjoyable and is a good place to grow an individuals skills and talent.... Read 35 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 291

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Williamsville, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  46 reviews

Senior: I'm a senior at Christian Central Academy and have attended since kindergarten, I love it! The teachers really care about the students and the culture of the school is one of growth and love. It is an academically rigorous school that promotes college readiness and AP classes of which I've taken many. There are small classes, rarely more than 20 students so everyone gets one one one time with the teachers and no one is overlooked. It has a safe and positive environment and I'm so grateful for my parents enrolling me here. Being a small school our sports teams have much fewer numbers but the student sections are filled with cheers and our high school girls varsity basketball team made state playoffs last year! Extracurriculars like music and clubs are promoted and everyone looks forward to (being in/watching) the high school play every year. CCA is a K-12 school in one building and friendships between grades are common and encouraging.... Read 46 reviews

• grade A

• Students 260

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Williamsville Central School District, NY•

• 5-8

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  6 reviews

Middle School Student: All the teachers are amazing, and the learning is incredible. I highly suggest moving here if you're considering the schools.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• Students 867

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Williamsville Central School District, NY•

• K-4

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: We moved into this school's district in order that my son would be able to attend this school. It did not disappoint. His teachers are absolutely wonderful, helpful, and attentive to each one of the students. My son improved from not being able to read to now consuming books on his own, all in less than one academic year!... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 538

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Williamsville Central School District, NY•

• K-4

• grade A

• Students 636

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Clarence Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 497

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Buffalo, NY•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  113 reviews

Alum: Canisius is a place where diverse students, athletes, and faculty form to build community. Canisius is one community and recognizes individual talent and celebrates the individual.... Read 113 reviews

• grade A

• Students 830

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Williamsville Central School District, NY•

• K-4

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: We love Dodge Elementary and couldn't be more proud of Mr. Smilinich and the entire faculty for working together to achieve such great results!... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 561

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Buffalo Public Schools, NY•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  235 reviews

Senior: I am a student at my high school for more than a year. Although I am very new, I have picked up on a few things that I really appreciate and enjoy. In my opinion, the school is the perfect size. The campus is my favorite part: It fits a gym and a pool, both of which my previous school did not have. All the teachers were very understanding and encouraging when I joined. City honors does offer the IB program which is another amazing bonus. Nevertheless there were a few hardships, although meeting new people is always nice, having to say goodbye to my old friends was pretty tough, and probably the only personal negative experience I had at City Honors School. The school quickly advised to join the soccer team where I met most of my new friends. I also become a certified Red Cross lifeguard thanks to the counselor. To me there are not many changes that can be done. The school is well organized and disciplined which helped in pushing me to better academic results and achievements.... Read 235 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,074

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Williamsville Central School District, NY•

• K-4

• •
  Rating 3.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Senior: Maple west elementary is a great school academically but in terms of order it is bad.Often people get bullied and they don’t look at the camera footage.Also the lunch ladies are given I would say $10,000 yet they spend around 2-3,000.And the thing is the lunch ladies once served leaves you can find outside.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 656

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Williamsville Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  365 reviews

Senior: Williamsville North is a great school hands down. The issues or problems that could be raised with this school are insignificant when compared to the wider benefits of this school. As an alum, I thoroughly enjoyed my time here even though I had my gripes when I was an actual student. Looking back, when compared to other schools, North offers so many opportunities and great programs. The sports may not be state championship level, but they offer great camaraderie and experiences. The music department is well-funded, the music suite is new and impressive, and Spartan Spectrum is a wonderful event. Homecoming is amazing even though they are making it worse over time. The teachers are mostly very friendly, even if some of them are slightly on edge and have below-average teaching methods. Overall, you'll look back on great years at Will North. Roll Spartans!... Read 365 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,352

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Clarence Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 453

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Clarence Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 468

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Williamsville Central School District, NY•

• 5-8

• grade A

• Students 618

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Williamsville Central School District, NY•

• K-4

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Years ago, my 6 year- old nephew and his mother came to stay with my wife and I after his parents divorced. both of them had been through a lot. He was enrolled to start 1st grade at Forest Elementary in September. My nephew was shy, withdrawn and did not even know his ABCs. The staff at Forest Elementary wasted no time evaluating him and putting together a special team of experts to get my nephew up to snuff. Staff insisted on getting his mother involved (which was therapeutic for her as well) to help with exercises and school functions. By December, my nephew was reading at a 4th grade level, and was a confident kid with a lot of friends. Staff at Forest Elementary are nothing short of miracle workers. Thank you.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 509

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Williamsville Central School District, NY•

• 5-8

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Alum: Heim Middle School is in one of the best school districts in the area. It is also in one of the safest towns in the country. The teachers are excellent and enthusiastic. There are many academic opportunities including advanced classes, clubs, and activities. From what I remember the food was average middle school food - much room for improvement. But overall it is a great school!... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 594

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Overall the school is just above average. The school culture among the students seems to be great. The PTA is a bit clicque and oblivious to the economic diversity of the student body. Some, if not most of the teachers are great and really seem to care about the children. Special programs leaves something to be desired.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 480

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Buffalo, NY•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  185 reviews

Senior: My time at Sacred Heart Academy has been nothing short of amazing. The teachers genuinely care about the wellbeing of each of the students and strive for each student to be successful in and outside of the classroom. The teachers often attend sporting events to support our teams and are always willing to go out of their way to meet to discuss about the coursework and answer questions. There is an unlimited amount of opportunities that Sacred Heart has provided, and the community is welcoming and positive.... Read 185 reviews

• grade A

• Students 465

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Clarence Central School District, NY•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: I have been impressed by the expansive opportunities that CMS students are given; from day-to-day course work to extracurriculars. Teachers at CMS show-up everyday engaged and ready to teach. CMS is a community that even the shyest of students can flourish in because there really IS something for everyone!... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 955

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• East Aurora Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  128 reviews

Alum: East Aurora High School was a great school. My teachers were amazing and student-oriented. They were always willing to help me with my both in academic and non-academic ways. There was one time, the track team needed a throwing coach. My teammates and I went and asked a teacher, who had coached in the past, if he could help us out and he did. East Aurora High School also offers lots of good mathematics and technology classes. I participated in several of them. These programs provided many opportunities to explore and to better my technology skills. I learned how to use 3D printers, laser cutters, 3D modeling apps, and woodworking machines. East Aurora High School also has great sports teams. I participated on the Men's Swim team, which had 51 years of division titles in a row, and the Tack and Field Team, which also had several division titles. Other sports teams like the Girl's swim team, the cross-country teams, soccer teams, and basketball teams had won several division titles.... Read 128 reviews

• grade A

• Students 555

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Orchard Park Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 674

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• East Aurora Union Free School District, NY•

• K-4

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: They have an over all great academic program for all children!! They have great readiness programs and hold many great fundraisers to help the community come together to raise money for school activities and supplies!! They focus on bringing kindness and peace within the school and hold no tollerance to bulliness!! The faculty and members are all very well educated and bring a positive energy to the children!!... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 600

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1