Nardin Academy: Increasing Enrollment with Cinematic Storytelling
The Private School Marketing Challenge
When Nardin Academy reached out to North Fifth Media for a school admissions video, they faced challenges common to many private schools in Buffalo and Western New York:
Identity confusion. Nardin is known as an "all-girls Catholic high school," but they actually offer co-ed kindergarten and elementary programs, Montessori education, and K-12 pathways.
Declining enrollment. Like many independent schools post-pandemic, Nardin needed to boost admissions while competing with public schools and alternative education models.
Value proposition. With private school tuition rising, Buffalo families needed compelling reasons to choose Nardin Academy.
Co-founder Lauren Gagliardi Stanley, a Nardin alumna herself, knew this required more than promotional content—it required strategic storytelling.
Our Private School Video Production Approach
Discovery: What Makes Nardin Different?
We identified key value propositions for Buffalo families:
Academic rigor preparing students for competitive colleges
18+ sports programs building character
Extensive extracurriculars including drama and leadership
Faith-based Catholic education
Lifelong community connecting students and alumni
Strategy: Documentary-Style Authenticity
For private school video production, authenticity matters more than polish. We proposed a cinematic testimonial-style admissions video featuring:
Teachers delivering academic programming
Current students experiencing school culture
Parents who made the investment
Alumni reflecting on lasting impact
Working with Nardin's admissions team, we identified 12 subjects representing the full K-12 experience.
Production: Creating a Compelling School Admissions Video
Day 1: Interviews
Drawing on documentary filmmaking techniques, we captured 12 authentic testimonials in one intensive day, using cinematic lighting that made everyone look their best on camera.Days 2-3: B-Roll
We filmed Nardin's campus in action: classroom learning, athletic competition, drama productions, and community moments that visually demonstrate every value proposition.
The Result: An Admissions Video That Converts
The final video achieved three strategic objectives:
1. Clarified school identity – Buffalo families now understand Nardin offers co-ed Montessori and elementary programs alongside all-girls middle and high school education.
2. Demonstrated private education value – Authentic testimonials addressed tuition concerns by showcasing college preparation, individual attention, character development, and long-term community benefits.
3. Positioned Nardin as Buffalo's premier private school – The video established Nardin as the choice for Western New York families seeking academic excellence and values-based education.
Why This Approach Works
Effective private school marketing videos require:
Authenticity – Documentary-style testimonials build trust that scripted promotions cannot
Comprehensive storytelling – Weaving together academics, extracurriculars, community, and values
Visual proof – B-roll of actual students engaged in actual activities
Strategic messaging – Custom strategy addressing your school's unique challenges
Private School Video Production in Buffalo and Beyond
North Fifth Media specializes in cinematic admissions videos for private schools, independent schools, and academic institutions across Western New York and nationally.
Our services include:
School admissions videos
Capital campaign videos
Alumni engagement content
Virtual tour videos
Faculty recruitment videos
Athletic and arts program showcases
Ready to Tell Your School's Story?
If your private school faces enrollment challenges or needs to communicate value to prospective families, strategic video production can transform your marketing.
Contact North Fifth Media to discuss how documentary-style video can elevate your school's brand and drive admissions in Buffalo, Western New York, and beyond.
