Admissions

International Students

Join our community of global learners!

Each year we have 25-35 international students from as many as 15 different countries and 4 continents enrolled at AC! You will be among diverse, smart, talented students at Allendale Columbia School. We offer AP courses, an excellent college-preparatory curriculum, the opportunity for internships, May Term, and a welcoming community that feels like an extended family. AC has an experienced, full-time college counselor who has visited more than 170 colleges and universities. Our students consistently attend some of the most competitive colleges and universities and they go on to achieve in life beyond college.  

OUR CAMPUS INTERNATIONAL HOUSE offers an extraordinary, personalized boutique residential opportunity for students to live in a home away from home.

Living and learning in Rochester, New York

Rochester has been consistently rated as having an outstanding quality of life by top publications like Forbes, Money, and Child Magazine. We have four beautiful seasons, many cultural attractions, and safe communities in which to live. Rochester is also home to world-class colleges and universities, including the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology. You can learn more about our city by visiting www.visitrochester.com, and please feel free to contact the Admissions team at any time with questions! We would be happy to hear from you.

The international student experience at Allendale Columbia School

Allendale Columbia School embraces diversity, enrolling students from all over the world. Over the last few years our school community has included students from China, France, Germany, India, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Nepal, the Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, South Korea, Sweden, and Zimbabwe. We welcome new international students each year. Our students and faculty truly value the opportunity to learn about new cultures while helping our international students experience life and education in America. Our international students are high achieving, strong English speakers and writers who are excited to contribute fully to our community while being fully immersed in classes at AC.  We are confident that the AC experience prepares our graduates to  excel at some of the most competitive colleges or universities in the United States and around the world.

List of 1 items.

  • Rob C. ’11, Harvard University ’15

    “Academically speaking, there is no better preparation for the future than an Allendale Columbia education.  The values and life skills taught at AC are applicable in every aspect of life.”
In addition to host family accommodations that provide the opportunity to experience the American culture in a supportive family environment, Allendale Columbia School has a residential option adjacent to campus for international students. AC owns two homes walking distance from campus that provide top quality living experiences, a chef, and transportation as needed. We house up to 10 boys in the Tait International House and 8 girls in the International House for Girls.

All international students benefit from weekend activities to enhance the experience of living in the United States.

Inside the International House

International Student Application

Applying to AC is easy! International applicants entering grades 8-12, along with non-degree seeking one year exchange students, can apply online with a payment of $160. Our application deadline is January 31, however we will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis, if space remains available. Please email the Admission Office at admissions@allendalecolumbia.org to inquire about space availability if you are applying after the January 31 deadline.
  1. Complete a Parent Application
  2. Complete a Student Application (Student must hand write application)
  3. Submit three (3) teacher recommendations (translated)
  4. Submit an official transcript (translated). This should include classes taken and grades received.
  5. Submit your TOEFL or TOEFL JR. score (iBT TOEFL is accepted) or SSAT
    TOEFL code is 3542
    SSAT code is 1205
  6. Complete an online interview with Director of Admissions and a member of the Admission Committee.

Use the links below to get started!

Housing Options

Allendale Columbia School works with a variety of agencies who provide homestay experiences. Students looking for a homestay option must work with an agency to secure a homestay family; AC can provide recommendations of agencies with whom we currently work, but we do not manage a homestay program.

Students interested in living in our international residences are not required to work with an agency and should submit their information directly to the admissions office at Allendale Columbia School. Once a family enrolls at Allendale Columbia School with an agency, we require that family to remain with an agency for the duration of the student’s time at Allendale Columbia School.

International Student Financial Information

AN ALLENDALE COLUMBIA SCHOOL EDUCATION IS A SMART INVESTMENT.

AC’s tuition includes our our personalized College Counseling Program; certain field trips; the ninth grade retreat; a comprehensive athletic program for grades 7-12; choral ensembles; textbooks and eBooks through Upper School; specials in Art, Library, PE, STEM, Robotics, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Global Engagement, Spanish, and French; all-inclusive family-style lunch; and much more. Tuition is set annually. While additional expenses are not incurred often, there are costs associated with AP test registration, SAT, ACT, and TOEFL tests.

Our international student tuition ranges from $33,070 to $62,350, depending on housing status. Tuition assistance is also available in the form of need-based financial aid and Global Merit Scholarships. For more information please contact the Admission Office at 585.641.5344 or admissions@allendalecolumbia.org.

An Enrollment Deposit is due with the completed Enrollment

Contract:
 Please note that the deposit is non-refundable and will be credited toward total tuition. Contracts submitted without the full deposit will be incomplete, and the student’s place cannot be held.

Terms of Account: Family accounts with the School must be kept current. An account will be considered current if it is paid by the due dates noted under the tuition payment options. The School may charge a late payment fee of 2% as well as 1.5% interest per month on delinquent accounts. Grades and transcripts may be withheld for the student whose family accounts are not kept current. Failure to meet payment schedules in a timely manner may result in the suspension of the student and such a suspension shall not constitute a breach of the Enrollment Contract by the School. In the event of a default in payment, families agree to be responsible for all costs of collection including reasonable attorneys’ fees. If an unpaid balance exists, the student will not be considered as having completed the academic year.

Tuition Refund Plan: The School makes available and strongly recommends participation in the Tuition Refund Plan (TRP). A TRP is used to ensure the School receives all expected tuition dollars and to protect families from paying their full net tuition costs in cases of unforeseen withdraw from Allendale Columbia School.  Families using the TRP in effect pay a prorated net tuition cost if their student is required to withdraw. The TRP cost will be billed to participants at a rate of 3.9% of the tuition amount listed with the payment option selected.

Medical Insurance: The School requires all international students to provide proof of medical insurance that is valid in the United States.
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.