NativityMiguel Middle School of Buffalo is dedicated to providing middle school students at risk of academic failure with the character, strength and skills they need to graduate from high school, attend college and become successful members of our community. Click here to see a video about the school.
Our Mission
To provide motivated, low-income students with the opportunity to graduate from high school in a setting that will prepare them for college. This is accomplished through a strong middle-school program that includes skilled and dedicated teachers, extended school days and school year, small, single-gender classes and ongoing support through high school graduation.
Our Model
The NativityMiguel model is patterned after a Catholic inner-city education program developed in New York City in the 1970’s. Since 1989, this model has been replicated in over 60 schools serving underserved communities in 27 states. It has garnered the recognition of the United States Department of Education as a brand that demonstrates quality in urban faith-based schools.
Our Mission Effectiveness Standards
• Single gender programs for Grades 5-8
• Faith Based
• Service to the Poor and Marginalized
• Addresses the Needs of the Whole Child
• Partners with the Family
• Extended Day and Year
• Commitment Beyond Graduation
• Effective Administrative Structure
• On-going Assessment and Inquiry
Our Mission with the Poor
Ninety percent of our students come from poor families. Every family pays something toward tuition, but this only covers about 5% of operating costs. The balance is raised through private sources including foundation grants and individual donations. All donations are considered an investment in the life of a child.
Co-Endorsing Organizations
We are co-endorsed by the Society of Jesus, the Sisters of Mercy, the Christian Brothers, the Daughters of the Heart of Mary and True Bethel Baptist Church.
Our Families
The families served include African-American, Latino and African “asylees” from violence and persecution in Africa.
As they enter the school, many of our students are performing below grade level academically and already showing signs of negative street influence including poor self esteem, lack of self confidence, and limited anger control.
Age
Grades Fifth to Eighth. June 2011 enrollment is 84 students (59 boys and 25 girls). 122 students have graduated since the 2004/2005 school year.
Means
From a family that would otherwise not be able to afford a non-public education.
Situation
From a neighborhood (or living situation) where there are obstacles to academic success.
Academic Ability
Ability to improve from their current level.
A Positive Attitude
The key factor for admission is a positive attitude towards self, academics, and peers.
Student attendance rate is 96%. Our students are in school for 8.5 hours a day and up to 11 months a year.
Our Success
Even students whose standardized test scores would lead one to believe them incapable of high school achievement are proving that hard work and determination are themselves tools for success.
Our Graduates:
Our graduates are attending top public, charter, and Catholic schools including Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, Canisius High School, Bishop Timon-St. Jude, St. Mary’s High School, Mount St. Mary Academy, Mt. Mercy, Nardin Academy, Cardinal O’Hara, Hutchinson Technical, Maritime Charter School and Tapestry Charter School.
Our high school graduation rate is 85%. All students who graduated from a private high school are now attending college, such as D’Youville, Cornell and Worchester Polytechnic Institute.