Lasallian Schools - Excellence in International Education

There are more than 900 Lasallian schools, located all over the world and in more than 80 countries that have focused on providing an excellent education to young people.  Lasallian schools are located on North and South America, Asia, Africa and Europe. These Lasallian Schools are organized and teach in the tradition of St. John the Baptist de la Salle. In accordance with local language and custom, these schools are referred to as Christian Brothers Schools or De La Salle Christian Brother Schools. This international presence demonstrates the commitment to the understanding that we live in a global community and a deep respect for the different cultures around the world.

Admissions Policy

In keeping with its Lasallian mission, St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute is committed to promoting positive social relations within a diverse group of students, establishing a school environment of respectful and culturally sensitive interactions between students and between students and faculty.  SJCI creates an inclusive Catholic educational program and pedagogy, fostering respect for individual, cultural, and socioeconomic differences, developing commitment to social responsibility, equity, and justice.  SJCI recognizes the value of diversity within its school community.  Therefore, we seek to ensure the inclusion of these identities within the culture of our school as a major component in preparing our students for active and positive participation in our global world. 

Admission Philosophy

SJCI seeks students who are prepared to meet the challenge of a rigorous college preparatory curriculum.  Admission to SJCI is based upon the candidate's transcript, letters of recommendation from Teachers, Administrators or Counselors and whenever possible, standardized tests such and experiences as the SSAT, PSAT, TOEFL, and SLEP. The references provided will be carefully reviewed. For students who cannot visit in person, a phone or Skype interview will be required.

Additionally, we seek students who are more than just academically prepared. The school prides itself on its strong sense of community and the diverse backgrounds and varied interests of its students. The Committee considers the ways in which each applicant will bring quality and vitality to the St. Joe's community. Such things as extra-curricular activities, non-academic interests, and creativity all become part of the admissions decision.

Be Welcomed - Be Challenged - Be Inspired

Why St. Joe's? There are many reasons to choose St. Joe's.  As a student, you'll receive an outstanding education led by a dedicated faculty and staff. You'll be welcomed by our St. Joe's family; you'll be challenged by a rigorous academic program designed to prepare you for higher education at a four-year college. You'll be inspired by the atmosphere of learning. In addition, the small size of our residential program means that you'll be fully integrated into our school community. You'll make good friends, and participate in school traditions that date back to our founding in 1850. Come learn with us - and experience a special place that emphasizes lifelong connections and an appreciation for the wider world! Our students often take advantage of the intellectual and cultural offerings made possible by the 17 colleges and universities in the area. Many graduate with college credits as a result of our collaboration with some of these institutions.

Living and Studying in Buffalo-Niagara Falls Area

Buffalo, a major city in New York State, is located in Western New York, also known as the Buffalo Niagara region. The city is filled with premiere cultural attractions, architectural landmarks and prestigious colleges and universities. We love our sports and have a deep appreciation of the arts!   Students can play in one (or several) of our many team sports. Check out what St Joe's offers: http://www.sjci.com/athletics  St. Joe's is known for its loud cheering section.  You'll get a taste of college life by attending a St. Joe's football game, basketball or hockey game and cheering on your classmates. Buffalo has the Buffalo Bills that play in the National Football League and the Buffalo Sabres that play in the National Hockey League.

St. Joe's students enjoy a first class Performing Arts program. Play an instrument?  Want to join a choral group? Look what is available at St. Joe's http://www.sjci.com/visual-performing-arts . Join in or enjoy the performances of your classmates.

Buffalo offers many indoor and outdoor recreational sites. Situated along beautiful Lake Erie, Buffalo is approximately one hour by plane from other U.S. metropolitan areas, including Boston, Chicago, and New York City. Toronto, the largest city in Canada, is just 90 minutes away by car. Buffalo is also 20 minutes from Niagara Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Living with a Host Family

International students reside with host families in the Buffalo, New York area.  SJCI will match International Students who are interested in studying at the school with a family who has expressed a desire to host them for the ten-month school term. These can be current St. Joe's school families, or families that live close to the school and with whom SJCI has developed a relationship.

Our Students

St. Joe's has traditionally attracted students from the Buffalo and Niagara Falls area, both from within those cities and the suburbs that surround them.  This area has an international flavor. Buffalo shares an international border with Canada. The State University of New York at Buffalo, a major university with a significant international student population, is only a few miles from St. Joe's.  This international flavor has allowed St Joe's to attract students with a wide range of cultural and religious backgrounds.  We have had students from Rwanda, Vietnam, and Ghana to give a small sample of the diversity at the school. Each year our graduates attend the very best universities in the world.  Each graduation class from St. Joe's sends graduates to the Ivy League and other top tier educational institutions. A 2010 graduate from Rwanda  was noted in a local newspaper for his incredible journey form Rwanda to St. Joe's to Brown University.     

http://www.kentonbee.com/news/2010-05-11/Education/St_Joes_senior_a_Rwandan_emigrant_accepted_into_Iv.html

Application Deadline

SJCI encourages all qualified students to apply for admission. Decisions are made on a rolling basis, and admission is competitive. We accept applications throughout the year on a first come first serve basis.  We recommend, however, that candidates complete the application process by June 1. Once we have received an applicant's complete application, we will make an admission decision within four weeks. Each application is considered carefully.


If you have any questions or would like more information about SJCI, please contact Pete Kennedy, Director of Admissions. Otherwise, you may download the application forms and begin the application process. We appreciate your interest in SJCI and look forward to reviewing your application materials.

Application for Grade 9 

Application for Grades 10 through 12 


Pete Kennedy
Director of Admissions
St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute
Buffalo, New York 14223

Tel: 716-874-4953
Fax: 716-874-4956

Email: pkennedy@sjci.com