Canisius High School

Canisius High School (CHS) is a Catholic, Jesuit, college-preparatory school founded in 1870 for boys in grades 9 through 12. CHS offers a challenging curriculum that provides a broad range of course offerings that includes honors and Advanced Placement courses, complemented by a host of enriching electives. The school offers its students participation in inter-scholastic sports as well as dozens of music ensembles, teams, and clubs. At the heart of it all is a commitment to Christian Service in the Jesuit tradition, designed to instill the desire to become a "Man for Others" in each and every graduate.

Canisius High School, located in the city of Buffalo, is a Catholic, Jesuit, independent, college-preparatory school serving young men of diverse backgrounds from throughout Western New York. Canisius challenges its students to strive for excellence as critical thinkers and effective communicators who are open to growth, intellectually competent, religious, loving, and committed to justice.

Canisius promotes the development of students through a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum firmly rooted in the Jesuit tradition of education, spirituality and service. Faithful to St. Ignatius Loyola’s desire to provide care and concern for the whole person, Canisius affords each member of the school community the opportunity to develop individual talents for the service of others and the greater glory of God.

Canisius High School students are required to enroll in seven academic courses per semester and earn a passing grade of 70% in each for course credit. Our accreditation by the Middle States Association Commission on Secondary Schools (M.S.A.C.S.S.) and membership with the New York State Association of Independent Schools (N.Y.S.A.I.S.) demonstrates our dedication to a college-preparatory curriculum.

As a Jesuit school, we believe in a long tradition rooted in the teachings of St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, that maintains that everything God has created is worthy of our study and care. Canisius High School students and faculty are committed to academic excellence in the classroom and through extracurricular and co-curricular activities as well as in Christian service through our campus ministry service programs. Our learning lab is available to assist students in study and organizational habits and in general academic support. Students also have the opportunity to meet with each of their teachers during our daily consultation period.

Our guidance department staff is available to facilitate parent-teacher conferences or one-on-one counseling sessions. Counselors also provide study skills seminars, college search help, and support through the college application process.

At Canisius, students come first. The rigorous academic program prepares young men for college. The diverse extracurricular programs engage the mind and body. And, the mission of the school - to create "Men for Others" - inspires the spirit. A Canisius High School student is one who excels in the classroom, on the athletic field or stage, and in his community.

For nearly 150 years, the school has been producing young men of competence, conscience, compassion, and character. Our graduates demonstrate an ability to thrive in the classroom and beyond, consistently showing their readiness to take leading roles in their communities once their formal education is complete.

Because you are taking time to explore this website, it is apparent that you care deeply about education. Know then, that at Canisius academic excellence matters and teachers are dedicated to helping every student find success. That success may come in a classroom or a computer lab, on a stage or an athletic field, as a leader or as a volunteer. The commitment to help young men find their places in the world is one that is taken very seriously.