Is Buffalo Prep a school?
Buffalo Prep is not a school. It is a non-profit specializing in academic enrichment in year-round programming throughout the summer and academic year. With a focus on racially and culturally affirming practices, Buffalo Prep advocates for educational access and equity and provides programming to academically ambitious scholars of color. We strive to nurture our scholars’ brilliance while empowering them to engage civically as their authentic selves.
We also provide more than academic enrichment; we have mentorship opportunities and offer a support system for scholars to be successful in high school and through their post-secondary journey.
How long is the program? How long does it take?
Academic enrichment programming starts as early as the summer after 5th grade. As scholars progress through our pipeline, support from Buffalo Prep continues throughout a scholar’s post-secondary journey. We also have an alumni program that provides services including career exploration and development, internships, leadership and enrichment workshops, scholarship assistance, socio-emotional support and mentoring.
As for day-to-day program times…
The summer of 2024 program dates are July 8th- August 9th.
- Prep Scholars Academy takes place in the summer, Monday-Friday from 9am to 4pm.
- Middle School Prep takes place in the summer, Monday-Friday from 9am to 4pm.
- Prep Bridge program which takes place on Saturdays throughout the academic year from 9am-2pm.
- High School Prep takes place in the summer, Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm and throughout the school year on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Tuesday and Thursday classes last from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. Saturday programming is from 9am to 2pm. Optional academic or socio-emotional support offered on Wednesdays during Prep Excel, 4:30pm to 6:30pm.
My child is in 9th grade; how can they join the program?
If your child attends one of our partner schools, they can apply for the College Prep program. You can reach out to Pat Washington, Director of Admissions & Recruitment at pwashington@buffaloprep.org or visit this page to learn more.
What schools are partnered with Buffalo Prep?
Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School
Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart
Buffalo Seminary
Canisius High School
Cardinal O’Hara High School
City Honors School
Leonardo da Vinci High School
Hutchinson Central Technical High School
Mount Mercy Academy
Mount Saint Mary Academy
Nardin Academy
Nichols School
Frederick Law Olmsted School
The Park School of Buffalo
St. Francis High School
St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute
St. Mary’s High School
Tapestry Charter School
Do you provide tutoring?
We provide academic support, such as tutoring, for scholars who are participating in our programs.
What are the requirements to get in?
The requirements to be invited to join Buffalo Prep vary slightly based on eligibility for each program which is based on current grade level. Please visit Buffalo Prep programs to learn more.
Can a child who is visiting WNY for the summer apply to Buffalo Prep?
Yes, if they will be able to attend for the full five weeks of programming.
My child plays on a sports team/participates in extracurricular programs and will miss some days. Is that okay?
At Buffalo Prep, we do not hold a “one-size fits all” attendance policy. Classes are intentionally designed so that success will be very difficult without good attendance. While we encourage the development of the whole scholar, we ask that your child’s first priority is academics while they are at Buffalo Prep.
If a student is absent, a parent/guardian must call or text the program manager to make us aware of the absence. It is then the responsibility of the scholar to make up all work missed, including classwork. If it is a planned absence, the scholar should work with their teachers ahead of time to create a plan that ensures the scholar will stay on track.
I have a student at Middle School Prep. Will they be penalized if they are late because I have to drop off children at two locations?
We understand that many of our families have scholars in two locations and there will be no issues with these scholars sometimes being late.
Is there transportation?
We do not provide transportation at this time.
How much does it cost?
There is a $50 enrollment fee for each Middle School Prep session. There is a $150 enrollment fee for the 14-month High School Prep program. We never want this cost to be a hindrance to joining our programs and will work with families on this whenever necessary.
What supplies do we need?
We provide all the learning materials and supplies that scholars will need.
Will lunch be provided?
Lunch is provided during summer by the BPS summer lunch program; however, you can send lunch from home with your scholar. Ordering food via Grubhub, Doordash, Ubereats or any other type of online ordering system is prohibited.
Is Buffalo Prep a scholarship program?
We are not a scholarship program. We invite scholars with top academic promise to participate in highly personalized academic and enrichment programs that guide, nurture, and prepare them as they strive to make the most of their education.
Frequently Asked Questions- Applying
How do I nominate a student?
If you know a 5th, 6th, or 7th grade scholar who would benefit from Buffalo Prep, you can nominate them by visiting https://buffaloprep.com/admissions/nominate-a-student/.
How do I apply?
Applications become available in November for the programs that begin the following July. Learn more about the application process here.
What do I need to include with my application?
A complete application includes:
- Scholar’s most recent report card and the final report card from the previous academic year – progress reports will NOT be accepted
- Proof of income: 2022 federal tax return(s) for each parent/guardian financially responsible for the applicant
- Two teacher recommendations
- A parent/guardian or family representative who has not participated in Buffalo Prep programming MUST attend an information session
- A High School Prep applicant and a parent/guardian are required to attend an interview and the scholar must take an admissions test
What if I don’t have my tax form done?
Provide us with the most current tax information that you have. You may also provide us with information about any benefits that you receive from the state. This will help us determine if you are eligible based on our income guidelines.
What report cards are required?
- Final Report from previous school year
- Most recent report card from the current school year-If you submit a first quarter report card we may request a second or third quarter report card later in the admissions process
Please note that progress reports will NOT take the place of a report card.
When will I know if my student is accepted?
Buffalo Prep will send out information on acceptance by the end of May.