Understanding Allendale Columbia School Tuition and Financial Aid Options

Choosing the right school for your child is a significant decision, and understanding the financial aspects is a crucial part of that process. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the tuition structure, financial aid opportunities, and scholarship programs available at Allendale Columbia School (AC), a leading independent school in Rochester, NY, serving students from 18 months through grade 12.

Allendale Columbia School: An Overview

Allendale Columbia School, located in Pittsford, on the east side of Rochester, New York, is a private, co-educational day school that offers education for students from nursery through twelfth grade. The school is known for its college-preparatory curriculum and its commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. AC emphasizes a strong coeducational liberal arts program, encouraging students to develop a lifelong enthusiasm for learning, accept challenges, take risks, and think independently.

With students coming from 26 school districts, 42 zip codes, and 9 nations abroad, Allendale Columbia prides itself on its diverse and inclusive community. The school operates two international houses near campus to provide housing for international students and supplement the host family stay option. Each year, approximately 25-35 international students from around 15 different countries and 4 continents are enrolled at AC.

Tuition Costs at Allendale Columbia School

Tuition at Allendale Columbia School is set annually and covers a wide range of services and resources. While specific tuition figures may vary depending on the grade level, AC provides a comprehensive educational experience.

AC’s tuition includes a 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.

Read also: Columbia University Legacy

For international students, the tuition ranges from $34,060 to $64,220, depending on housing status.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Allendale Columbia School is committed to making its education accessible to talented students with strong character, regardless of their family's ability to pay. The school offers need-based financial aid to students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12.

AC has a Flexible Tuition program that aims to support families' financial circumstances with an individualized review process, keeping their unique finances in mind. To get started, families can complete the Flexible Tuition Application via Clarity. The application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete and is mobile-friendly.

Merit Scholarships

In addition to need-based financial aid, Allendale Columbia School offers merit scholarships to new students in Middle and Upper School. These scholarships recognize top applicants for their academic excellence and extraordinary character.

Merit-Based Scholarship Process

To be considered for a merit scholarship, applicants must:

Complete the admissions application.
Submit one piece of additional work in the form of an essay or a portfolio.

Preference is given to applicants who have completed their admission file (including one piece of additional work) prior to January 31. After January 31, applications are considered on a rolling basis.

Upper School Honors Scholarship

This partial scholarship is awarded to new students entering Upper School to recognize top applicants for their extraordinary character, demonstrated leadership, and academic excellence. It is renewable until graduation as long as the student remains in good standing. Recommendations from teachers, school administrators, and community leaders should reflect the applicant’s superior character.

Middle School Merit Scholarship

This partial scholarship is awarded to recognize top new students to Allendale Columbia Middle School who have demonstrated remarkable curiosity, a passion for learning, and leadership potential. The award recognizes and supports students during their Middle School years exclusively and is renewable until graduation as long as the student remains in good standing.

Global Leadership Scholarship

This partial scholarship is awarded to top international applicants entering Upper School who have demonstrated success both within and beyond the classroom and is renewable until graduation as long as the student remains in good standing.

To be eligible for this merit scholarship consideration, an applicant must:

Read also: Paying for Columbia

Be a new student applying to Allendale Columbia School.
Be currently enrolled in eighth, ninth, or tenth grade.
Submit a complete admissions application, including the TOEFL (applicants may also submit scores from the TOEFL Jr.).

Applicants can apply for more than one merit scholarship.

Named Scholarships

Allendale Columbia School also offers several named scholarships, each with its own specific criteria and purpose.

The Donald R. and Mary W. Clark Family Scholarship

First awarded in Allendale Columbia’s Centennial Year (1990-91), this scholarship creates an opportunity for an Upper School student to experience an Allendale Columbia education. The student selected must demonstrate a desire and ability to take advantage of the broad curricular and extracurricular programs offered and must need financial aid.

Alumni Scholarships

Four scholarships of $1,000 each are available to students entering grades six through twelve.

The Robert Adamson and Lois Adamson Shumanski Scholarship

Endowed in 2001 by Dag Adamson ’83 to honor his parents, this scholarship is awarded to a Middle School student whose family demonstrates financial need.

The Melissa R. Bean '10 Scholarship

Endowed in 2010 by Ursula Burns and Lloyd Bean, in honor of their daughter.

The Grosso Scholarship Fund

Endowed in 2013 by Frank Grosso, in memory of his late wife, Diane Holahan Grosso ’52, and in honor of his son Christopher Gibson Grosso ’85.

Opportunity Scholar Program

Began in 1985 as a result of a gift from the Gleason Family Foundation to support the financial aid program at Allendale Columbia School.

Additional Financial Considerations

Enrollment Deposit

An Enrollment Deposit is due with the completed Enrollment Contract. The deposit is non-refundable and will be credited toward total tuition.

Terms of Account

Family accounts with the School must be kept current. An account is 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.

Tuition Refund Plan

The School makes available and strongly recommends participation in the Tuition Refund Plan (TRP). A TRP ensures the School receives all expected tuition dollars and protects families from paying their full net tuition costs in cases of unforeseen withdrawal from Allendale Columbia School. Families using the TRP effectively pay a prorated net tuition cost if their student is required to withdraw.

The Allendale Columbia Experience

Choosing Allendale Columbia School means investing in a comprehensive and personalized education. The school's commitment to academic excellence, global engagement, and innovation creates a unique learning environment where students can thrive.

AC offers AP courses, an excellent college-preparatory curriculum, the opportunity for internships, May Term, and a welcoming community. AC has an experienced, full-time college counselor who has visited more than 170 colleges and universities. Allendale Columbia School works with a variety of agencies who provide homestay experiences.

How to Apply

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. The application deadline is January 31; however, AC will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis if space remains available.

To complete the application, you will need to submit an official transcript (translated) and your TOEFL or TOEFL JR. scores.

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