International Baccalaureate Program
Following a year-long process, Sacred Heart Academy has been designated an IB World School and is the only private high school in the Greater Buffalo area to offer this exceptional opportunity! The IB Diploma Program’s rigorous and comprehensive two-year curriculum for juniors and seniors launched in September 2021. The IB Diploma Program is commonly recognized as the gold standard of high school curricula. The global perspective at the core of the IB curriculum is more relevant than ever and completely aligns with SHA’s mission and vision of empowering young women with excellence in education that prepares them to make a positive impact on the world.
Harvard University has said the following regarding the IB Diploma Program: “Success in an IB Program correlates well with success at Harvard. We are always pleased to see the credentials of the IB Diploma Program on the transcript.” Closer to home, an IB Diploma can result in sophomore standing and/or up to 30 college credits at institutions like Canisius College and the University at Buffalo.
Developed over 50 years ago, the IB curriculum is accepted and respected the world over. IB Diploma Candidates will take six IB courses their junior and senior years, along with a two-year course in Theory of Knowledge. Additionally, each diploma candidate must complete and reflect on creativity, activity and service hours as well as complete a 4,000-word research paper. The breadth and depth of this well-established curriculum will prepare students exceptionally well for the rigor and independence of college.
The authorization and verification process to obtain IB Designation was extensive and involved a team of teachers, administrators and board members, all of whom have made this our designation as a IB World School possible. Steps to prepare for the designation included professional development, written course outlines, policy development, and a verification visit from IB. During the visit, the IB representatives expressed how impressed they were with Sacred Heart generally and more particularly with the team that was assembled to explore and implement the program.
*Due to the rigor of the program, participation in the IB Diploma Program will be based upon coursework, grades and an application process. Eligible students will be invited during the second half of their freshman year, which will allow them to prepare throughout their sophomore year for the demands of the program.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Overview
M&T Bank Women in Leadership & Business Academy (WLB)
This program provides students with the skills and knowledge to create and manage a business through a series of courses and related experiences. Students enrolled in the WLB take a core of four courses including Entrepreneurship and Internship, as well as participate in a summer immersion program where they visit local businesses. The Entrepreneurship course, taught by a local small business owner, engages students in the process of creating their own business from concept to actual launch. Students present their prototypes and business plans at a regional Shark Tank-like pitch competition to a panel of investors. Students are also encouraged to participate in the DECA Club. This new program was made possible by the generous support of M&T Bank. Learn more here.
Innovation in Our CollaboratoryThe Collaboratory is an experimental, flexible space where our strong science, technology, engineering, math and art curricula intersect with real life application and creative ingenuity. This space is equipped with 3D printers, a laser cutter, computers, scanner, microcontrollers, robotics kits, soldering tools, motors, circuitry, experimentation kits, digital cameras, larger format printer, and an interactive projection device. Course offerings in this space include Introduction to Engineering, 3D Design and Animation, Stained Glass and AP Computer Science Principles. The space is also home to our Rocketry and Science Olympiad Teams.
Senior Internship
Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart’s Internship Program gives seniors the opportunity to observe and work with professionals in a field of their interest. Students spend three afternoons per week, or the equivalent, at the workplace. This experience is complemented by one class period per week to address workplace issues and career development.
Students have interned in a wide range of fields for a host of different organizations and professionals. These include Kenmore Mercy Hospital (Pharmacy), Canisius College Athletic Department, Roswell Park Cancer Institute (Immunology, Public Relations, Pharmacy), Town of Amherst Department of Engineering, Niagara Falls Aquarium, Hauptman Woodward, Amherst Middle School, the University at Buffalo Department of Admissions, Daybreak Productions, Estee Lauder, and several local law and dental offices.
Critical Thinking and Growth MindsetHow do you educate girls for jobs and careers that likely do not even exist in today's world? Experts tell us that over 50% of the jobs opening ten years from now are in careers and fields that have yet to emerge. We know that thinking critically, knowing the power of collaboration, and embracing a growth mindset are essential to these opportunities. For this reason, we teach critical thinking skills to all our sophomores. Each year we select a timely and multi-faceted subject of interest and dive into its complexity, helping to develop girls’ problem solving, analytic and research skills through collaborative and innovative instruction. Past topics have included social media, genetically altered foods and voting rights.
Leadership Studies and Capstone ProjectAt Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, we are committed to graduating young women with leadership skills that will prepare them to change the world for good. This commitment spans their four years at the Academy and culminates with a Leadership Capstone Project. One such project, Locks for Lyons, was a cancer awareness and hair donation drive that culminated in over half of the school donating six or more inches of hair for chemotherapy patients.
Leadership Studies Program
Mindfulness
Knowing that junior year is busy and can be demanding for our students, we have introduced a weekly mindfulness course partnering with area professionals. Girls learn about the neuroscience behind the effectiveness of meditation and are introduced to various meditation practices including breathing exercises, yoga, body scans and studies in compassion. We all know that high school can be an amazing four years- with mindfulness training, our girls are “present” to experience it.
Global Citizenship and International Learning Opportunities
We live in a global reality and feel strongly that opportunities for girls to create their world view should be supported by world experiences. Each year, approximately 75 students avail themselves of an international learning opportunity. Opportunities vary each summer, but have included cultural tours of Italy and Greece, the British Isles, Portugal, Spain, France, Costa Rica, Central Europe, New Zealand and Australia plus a research and field experience trip to the Bahamas. We offer a mission-based service trip to El Salvador (through Young Life and led by one of our faculty members). In addition, our student body is enriched each year through German students who are here for a semester as part of the Buffalo-Dortmund Sister City Student Exchange Program.
International OpportunitiesExtended CoursesWe are committed to meeting our students exactly where they are and providing the supports to help them succeed. Our extended courses in all Regents math and English 9 and 10 courses offer additional instructional time and small class sizes to support appropriately paced and individualized instruction. This model allows our teachers time to ensure comprehension and has been highly successful. In the Class of 2022, 98% of students graduated with the enhanced Advanced Designation Regents Diploma.
Community Service The Gospel of Jesus Christ and the example of St. Francis of Assisi call us to serve the needs of the community. Through our Footprints Service Program, students provide community service, reflect upon their experiences, and understand the ministry of service in their own lives. A third of our students volunteer more than 50 hours each year. Each year, the entire SHA community participates in a Day of Sharing, with over 700 volunteers performing 4,200 hours at 70 sites.
Day of SHAringA perennial favorite showcasing our commitment to our Franciscan tradition, the Day of SHAring engages the entire community-students, faculty, parents, alumnae and friends- in a day of service amounting to over 4,200 volunteer hours at over 70 sites throughout Western New York. The day starts with a prayer service before we disperse throughout the community. Every year we are amazed by what can be accomplished by the SHA community dedicated to making a positive impact. Many girls are moved to continue their volunteerism at the site they visit on their Day of SHAring.
Robust Educational TechnologyBuffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart has a robust academic technology program designed to prepare our students to become women who possess the analytical skills to evaluate, question and contribute to the global body of information; and who have the ethical and spiritual foundation to use these tools and this information to contribute to the good of the local and global community. To achieve this goal we have an online Learning Management System, Smart Boards in every classroom, a 1:1 student iPad program, laptops available for science lab work, networked computer labs, and online textbooks, notetaking and study apps.
Naviance and College Counseling SeminarAs a college preparatory high school with 100% college placement, we are committed to assisting girls in finding the right college or university to continue their learning and pursue their career and professional goals. This exploration begins freshman year and culminates in Senior Seminar. Students utilize Naviance as a tool to explore interests, personality types, careers, majors and possible colleges and universities. We know each family's budget and college goals are different and our counseling department is here to help your daughter navigate this exciting path of opportunity. We are thrilled to report that the Class of 2022 was awarded more than $40.5 million dollars in scholarships and grants!
World and Classical LanguagesStudents choose among three languages to study: Spanish, French or Latin and can earn college credit in each of these languages through our partnerships with the Online School for Girls and Niagara University. Students can also take American Sign Language I and II as electives or participate in American Sign Language club.
