Neither the Auslandsgesellschaft in Dortmund nor the participants have control over which school the German student will attend in Buffalo. Placement depends on the number of available spots for exchange students and the school that best fits your family’s situation:
- For families with children: the student will attend the same school as your child.
- For families without children (or without children currently in high school): the student will attend the school that is most convenient for your location.
The high schools we currently partner with are:
- Bishop Timon High School
- St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute
- Canisius High School
- Mount St. Mary Academy
- Nardin Academy
- Mount Mercy Academy
- Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart
- Buffalo Seminary
Dependent on where the host family lives and whether there are host siblings attending any of the above schools, schools are chosen. Moreover, girls are able to attend Buffalo Seminary and live on campus for their 4 months stay in Buffalo or for a whole school year
It is important to talk with the host student about school and what they would like to do. Since students rarely have choices in school in Germany, they won’t know how much there is to choose from in an American high school. In addition to their daily schedule of classes, it will be helpful to ask them if they want to join any clubs or sports teams after school. Although they are supposed to look at their school from Germany and prepare such matters, experience has taught us that they often don’t spend much time preparing their schedules. Therefore a trip to the school to get the uniform and let the student plan his/her schedule won’t hurt.
Canisius High School
Bishop Timon High School
The school is located on 601 McKinley Parkway in Buffalo (14220). It is a Roman Catholic college-preparatory high school working independently. As their mission statement says it is “committed to serving young men of diverse backgrounds in the Franciscan Tradition.” The school should not only prepare young men academically for college but also enable them to build their character and independency:
“Faithful to the Franciscan values of inclusiveness and respect for all"
St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute
St. Joe’s is located on 845 Kenmore Avenue in 14223 Buffalo. There are 764 students attending St. Joe’s with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1. St. Joseph’s is a Lasallian and Catholic college preparatory school, which welcomes young men of all religions and origins. As a cultural diverse school men are educated in an atmosphere of social responsibility, equity, and justice. Their mission statement reads:
“St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute transforms the lives of students from diverse backgrounds through academic excellence and care for the whole person in a respectful, Lasallian Catholic community, developing each student’s unique talents in preparation for college and life.”
Mount St. Mary Academy
Located on 3756 Delaware Avenue in Kenmore Mount St. Mary Academy was founded in 1927 by the Sisters of Mary of Namur, who dedicated their lives to Christian education. These Christian values are still transmitted at the school. “Students are challenged to understand people of varied backgrounds by using their diverse gifts to participate in service to the community.” Mount St. Mary offers a varied curriculum so all students can develop their personality. Young women are not just academically prepared for College, but the extra-curriculum courses enhance their global understanding and their moral decision-making skills.
Nardin Academy
Nardin Academy is a private, independent school in Buffalo, New York, offering a values-driven education for students. Founded in 1857 by the Daughters of the Heart of Mary, Nardin emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and leadership in a supportive, inclusive community. With a strong focus on innovation, critical thinking, and service, Nardin prepares students to become compassionate, confident leaders who are ready to make a positive impact on the world.
Mount Mercy Academy
Grounded in its Catholic identity and the charism of Catherine McAuley, Mount Mercy Academy promotes cultural growth, fosters a sense of belonging, and honors the dignity of every individual. We empower young women to reach their fullest potential, excel academically, serve with compassion, and lead with integrity in a global society.
Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart
Sacred Heart Academy, located on 3860 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14226-3398, was founded 1877 by Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity. The Catholic school “has remained faithful to its foundress’ values, providing a sound and challenging education with superior moral foundations for generations of young women.” 75 faculty and staff members take care of approximately 400 students. Sacred Heart students enjoy a comprehensive, balanced and challenging Catholic education, from which they not only learn performance at school but how to develop into a confident character with a strong sense of integrity.
Buffalo Seminary (SEM)
Buffalo Seminary (SEM) is an independent, college-preparatory day and boarding school for girls, located in Buffalo, New York. Founded in 1851, SEM is one of the oldest girls‘ schools in the United States, dedicated to empowering young women through a rigorous academic curriculum, leadership opportunities, and a supportive, all-girls environment. With a focus on developing confident, independent thinkers, SEM prepares its students to excel in higher education and beyond, fostering a lifelong love of learning and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
German exchange students participate in the boarding program and live in the on-campus dorms as residential students
