School Opens Renovated Saffrin Hall in Buffalo
Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School celebrated the grand opening of its renovated Saffrin Hall, a former Medaille University library building.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School held a grand opening celebration for renovated Saffrin Hall on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The building, formerly the Medaille University library known as Huber Hall, now houses BuffSci Middle School, which opened there in September 2026.
Why it matters
Charter schools receive no state or federal funding for facilities, so the renovation depended on fundraising from foundations and supporters, including the Saffrin Foundation. The project reflects how Buffalo's charter schools are repurposing closed college space on the former Medaille campus to expand local education options.
The library-to-school renovation was completed in three months, funded largely by foundation and donor contributions because charter schools receive no state or federal facility funding. The total project cost was not reported.
The players
Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School
A Buffalo charter public school that operates on the former Medaille University campus and is fundraising to expand its facilities.
Saffrin Foundation
A foundation that served as a major donor for the renovation of Saffrin Hall.
The details
The former Medaille University library building, known as Huber Hall, was renovated to add classrooms and middle school spaces and renamed Saffrin Hall. The Saffrin Foundation was a major donor, and the campus is planned to eventually include an athletic field, sports facilities, and a high school.
Timeline
September 2026: BuffSci Middle School opened at Saffrin Hall.
Thursday, November 5, 2026: Grand opening and dedication of renovated Saffrin Hall was celebrated.
Market Landscape
Because New York charter schools receive no state or federal facilities funding, they must rely on private donors to acquire and renovate buildings. The Saffrin Hall project shows how Buffalo charter schools are turning closed college campuses into school space through philanthropy.
Families considering BuffSci Middle School now have a completed campus building at Saffrin Hall to attend. The campus's planned athletic field and high school are still in development and not yet available to students.
The takeaway
Charter school growth in Buffalo depends heavily on private philanthropy because public facility funding is unavailable. Supporters who want to see the campus expand, including the planned athletic field, can follow future fundraising efforts.
Further reading
For more on how donors shape local education in the region, explore Philanthropy coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wivb4.
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