Admissions

Admissions FAQs

General Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

  • When does the school day begin and end?

    Classes in Session:
    • Pre-Primary: Nursery (AC3s) and Pre-Kindergarten classes begin at 8:15 a.m. and conclude at 2:30 p.m. We also offer half-days that conclude at 12:30 p.m. for AC3s and Pre-K students.
    • Lower School: Kindergarten through grade 5 morning meetings begin at 8:15 a.m. and classes begin at 8:20 a.m. Classes conclude at 3:00 p.m.
    • Middle School: Advisory for grades 6, 7, and 8 begins at 8:15 a.m. and classes begin at 8:20 a.m. Classes conclude at 3:00 p.m.
    • Upper School: Advisory for grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 begins at 8:15 a.m. and classes begin at 8:20 a.m. Classes conclude at 3:00 p.m.
    Morning and After School Care:
    • Morning care is offered from 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. free of charge.
    • Afternoon care is available from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. through our outstanding after school programs: Rainbow Room (nursery – grade 5), AC After 3 p.m. (pre-kindergarten – grade 12), athletics (grades 7 – 12).

  • How early can I drop off my child?

    Students may be dropped off as early as 7:30 a.m.  Classrooms open at 8:00 a.m., but we have dedicated, comfortable spaces for students who arrive early. Students  arriving before 8:00 a.m. in nursery through grade 2 should go to the preschool classroom and students in grades 3 – 5 should go to the Library. This morning care is offered free of charge.  Middle and Upper School students may arrive as early as 7:30 a.m. and report to their divisional lounges.

  • Does AC offer after school programs or after school care?

    Yes; we offer Rainbow Room, Rainbow Room Jr., and AC After 3 p.m. programs every day.

    Rainbow Room is AC’s after school program for children in AC3s through grade 5.  It is open every day from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. It is also open on most vacation days and conference days.

    AC After 3 p.m. is an after school program that offers different specialized classes for enrichment. The timing can vary depending on the class in which your child(ren) are enrolled.

  • Does AC offer athletics after school?

    Yes; our athletic program is available for students in grades 7-12. We offer more than 30 Modified, JV, and Varsity teams.  Allendale Columbia and Harley join together for athletics and compete in Section V. Learn more by visiting our HAC Athletics website.

Admissions FAQs

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

  • When does the admission process begin?

    We often say it’s never too early to explore different educational options for your child. The admission process for applicants formally begins the year prior to entry. Allendale Columbia’s priority application deadline is January 31st, and we will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis, if space remains available.

  • When should we submit our application?

    We recommend you submit your application and supporting materials by January 31st, if you are interested in starting in September of the same year.

    We do accept applications throughout the year, but priority decisions are mailed in February each year (this also includes merit scholarship applications).

    Families wishing to apply mid-year or in the summer are encouraged to complete and submit their application as soon as possible to our admissions office.

  • When will we know if our child has been accepted?

    Priority admission decisions are sent out in early February for all applicants who submit completed application files prior to January 31st.  We offer rolling admission based on space availability for all applicants after January 31st. We do enroll a number of students in the spring and summer each year, but space is typically limited.

  • When do we schedule a visit for our child(ren)?

    Students applying to Allendale Columbia in grades 1-12 spend a day on campus. These visits can be scheduled anytime after October 1st.  If you wish to apply for mid-year enrollment, please contact the Admissions Office, and we will schedule a visit day as soon as possible.

    Students applying for nursery (AC3s), pre-kindergarten, or kindergarten will meet their teachers during their readiness assessment. Readiness assessments are usually scheduled for January and February or as needed in subsequent months. Contact the Admissions Office to schedule a visit or a readiness assessment.

  • Is there bus transportation?

    Yes; most public school districts provide transportation to Allendale Columbia School free of charge if your home is within 10-15 miles of the school, depending on the district.

    All parents who wish to use public school transportation must complete the necessary form associated with their home district.

Admissions Forms

List of 6 items.

Merit Scholarship Program FAQs

At Allendale Columbia, we look for talented students with strong character regardless of a family’s ability to pay. In addition to our Flexible Tuition program, we also feel fortunate to offer merit scholarships to exemplary incoming students in grades 6 – 12.

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

Flexible Tuition FAQs

List of 11 frequently asked questions.

  • Does my income have to fall under a certain level for my family to qualify for Flexible Tuition?

    No. Since many factors including number of children, assets, and liabilities go into the Flexible Tuition calculation, there is no one specific income level that can clearly represent a cut-off for every family.

  • How is my level of need determined?

    Each year, the Flexible Tuition Committee makes its decisions after careful review of the Parent's Financial Statement (PFS), current IRS forms, supporting schedules, and other pertinent information.

    To determine each family’s degree of need, the Flexible Tuition Committee uses the forms and procedures established by School and Student Services (SSS). Income, assets, expenses, number of dependents, and other special circumstances are taken into account in the process.

    In the case of divorce or separation, the school requests financial information from both parents.

    While a family may demonstrate a given level of need, the school does not promise to meet 100% of that need, therefore a Flexible Tuition Base represents what AC can offer, not necessarily what a family may ask for or qualify for. Strict confidence is expected on the part of all families and a breach of confidentiality can jeopardize Flexible Tuition offers in the future.

  • Will I have to pay a deposit?

    Yes. We ask parents to return a Flexible Tuition agreement with the re-enrollment contract and a small deposit indicating a plan to return the following fall. In keeping with the National Association of Independent Schools Principles of Good Practice for financial aid administration, Allendale Columbia School does not require a full financial commitment until a family has had the opportunity to review our Flexible Tuition offer. A “fully informed enrollment decision” sets our standard for fairness to all families.

  • What is the purpose of the Flexible Tuition program?

    Allendale Columbia School is committed to providing access to an independent school education for all families, and we believe students learn best in communities with peers who come from a wide variety of backgrounds.

    With Flexible Tuition, our need-based assistance program, families who qualify are able to pay tuition based on their unique circumstances.

  • Will I be eligible in my income bracket?

    The only way to answer this question is to complete the confidential Flexible Tuition application process. Since many other factors including number of children, assets, and debts go into the financial aid process, there is no one specific income level that can clearly represent a cut-off for every family.

  • What are the factors other than income that are considered?

    Other factors included in the determination of financial need include number of dependents, underemployed spouses, divorce and child support agreements, investments, student loans, business ownership statements, housing equity, and discretionary spending choices.

  • Will I have to apply for Flexible Tuition each year?

    Families who qualify for Flexible Tuition can expect to receive a similar range of funding each year, if their financial circumstances remain the same.

    Families must reapply for Flexible Tuition each year and meet all stated deadlines. If the current financial picture for a family changes significantly, the level of Flexible Tuition will be adjusted accordingly to reflect the new amount of demonstrated need.

  • Does everyone pay something toward tuition?

    Yes. All families pay some part of their tuition.

  • Will a Flexible Tuition application affect the admissions process?

    No. Admission applications and Flexible Tuition applications are reviewed separately, and submitting an application for Flexible Tuition has no bearing on admissibility. 

  • Are there costs in addition to the tuition that I will have to pay?

    Yes, there are a few additional costs that may come up, but they usually include things like AP test registration, SAT registration, and perhaps rare or specific field trips. Books and lunch are included in the tuition as are many other parts of school life.
Please contact our Admissions Office at 585.641.5344 or admissions@allendalecolumbia.org if you have any questions or require additional information.
519 Allens Creek Road
Rochester, NY 14618

Phone: 585.381.4560
Email: info@allendalecolumbia.org
At Allendale Columbia, we prepare students for the world they will inherit. In our trusting and responsive environment, students 18 months through grade 12 grow in confidence and develop scholastic independence.
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