Academics
High School

wINTERMISSION

True to the vision of our founders, the Daughters of the Heart of Mary, Nardin Academy continuously looks for ways to live our mission by encouraging life-long learning, helping our students ignite their curiosity, finding their inner passion, and inspiring their potential. One of the unique ways Nardin supports this is through wINTERMISSION. When students return from Christmas Break, they come back to a week of experiential learning in our Western New York community and beyond. This is a time for our students to participate in internships, academic intensives, cultural experiences, and service. wINTERMISSION at Nardin Academy is a part of all students’ graduation requirements.

To learn more about the exciting opportunities available, view Nardin’s wINTERMISSION Booklet.

wINTERMISSION Courses 2024 - 2025 Academic Year

List of 13 items.

  • A Culinary & Hospitality Experience

    Students will explore career opportunities in the culinary and hospitality fields through hands-on learning. They will learn at area restaurants and hotels by partnering with local programs and restaurateurs. In addition, students will participate in hands-on cooking lessons guided by professionals in the field. They will end with a day of service at St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy.
  • Belize Natural Wonders

    Explore the natural wonders of Belize in Belize City and San Ignacio. After a boat ride along the New River Lagoon, we will visit the Lamanai Maya ruins in the jungle, and listen for the black howler monkeys. On our way to San Ignacio, the center of rebellion against Spanish conquistadors in 1641, we will have a mini history lesson, and then explore sacred Mayan caves by inner tube - viewing the amazing rock formations and archaeological remains as we glide down underground rivers. 

    Belize's diverse and colorful wildlife will come alive as we cross bridges, cables, and platforms suspended high in the rainforest canopy as we zipline. Canoe through Barton Creek Cave as we explore the Xunantunich Ruins, made up of more than 26 temples and palaces. We will stop at Rio on Pools on the drive back to Belize City to end our trip. 
  • Cafe Nardin

    The Earnest Bean Cafe is back! Do you love coffee? Have you ever dreamed about the idea of starting your own business, but have no idea where to start? This wINTERMISSION program is designed to teach students about how to make phenomenal coffee, while also figuring out how to run a profitable business that shares what they learn with the Nardin community.  We will learn about the history and growing of coffee, the basics of many different methods of coffee making and roasting, we will design our own drinks for the cafe and we will come up with a business plan to get the Earnest Bean Cafe up and running again permanently. 
  • Experience the Arts - NYC

    Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of theater and art with our educational trip to New York City! Join us as we explore the bustling streets of Manhattan and dive into the rich cultural scene the city has to offer. From Broadway shows to renowned art museums, this trip promises an unforgettable experience for students of all ages.

    Approximate cost $1400 - Supervised by  Mrs. Jennifer Kiener. Click Here for Deposit Information.
  • Local, State & Federal Government (w/Homeland Security)

    With a Special Agent from Homeland Security serving as our contact we will experience all that our wonderful local, state, and federal government has to offer. This session is ideal for students who are interested in pursuing careers in civics, political science, law, or law enforcement. Students will have the opportunity to watch live court proceedings, observe tactical SWAT team training, meet and greet a variety of K-9 units, operate TSA checkpoints at the Buffalo Airport, get a behind the scenes look at the local Border Patrol office, and view live fire training from a tactical anti-terrorism squad. This is only open to juniors and seniors.
  • Marching Down Buffalo's Medical Corridor

    Spend a week visiting the places and meeting the people who make Buffalo a destination for healthcare. Explore the many paths a career in medicine can offer as we spend time at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Oishei Children's Hospital, Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, and UB Medical School. Open to juniors & seniors only.
  • New Orleans wINTERMISSION 2025

    Students will immerse themselves into the New Orleans culture while serving the most vulnerable in the community. Students will learn the value of community, spirituality, simple living, and social justice. This trip is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
  • Self-Care Isn’t Selfish

    After a busy first semester, join us for a week of relaxation and mindfulness. This will be a week of nurturing the mind, body and spirit. Experiences include yoga, art, healthy eating, and art and nature appreciation with field trips to the Botanical Gardens and the AKG Art Gallery.
  • Something Old, Something New

    Off-campus, students will work closely with Journey’s End Refugee Services to learn about the resettlement process and what life is like for refugees. Our on and off-campus focus will be to refurbish and repurpose furniture to help create a home for refugees. We hope to organize the Nardin community in a “Home Again” project to set up a household for a family in need.
  • Student Teaching Experience

    Experience the world of teaching before you commit to it as a major in college. This program will include an opportunity for students to observe the classroom, work as an aide to the classroom teacher, and create and then implement an activity/lesson.
  • Studio Life

    An intensive art experience. Students will develop a concept, create it in the medium of their choice, take field trips to local art galleries and studios, as well as interact with local artists. Students will also take a trip to a local college so they are able to see what a college fine arts building and it’s studio space look like. At the end we will have a group critique and reflect on our experience.
  • The Great Nardin Bake-off

    Three days of baking tutorials, recipe building, experimentation and learning the science of baking. Local patissiers will speak to the students about owning and operating a small business in Buffalo. Students will present their best baked-good from the week on Day Four to a panel of judges made up of faculty, staff, and students. Students will write a short reflection and build their own recipe based on what they have learned throughout the week.
  • We’re Talking Proud: Buffalo History

    With our rich history in the American Expansion we will explore our beautiful city. Possibilities for trips could include the History Museum, Black Musicians Club, Pierce-Arrow transportation, Darwin Martin House and Graycliff, Underground Railroad Heritage Center, Botanical Gardens, and Our Lady of Victory Basilica.
A private, independent, Catholic school in Buffalo, NY, with coed Montessori, Lower and Middle Schools and a college preparatory High School for young women.