Allendale Columbia School

previous
Allendale Columbia School Photo #1 - Allendale Columbia School has been a leading independent school in Rochester since 1890.
next
Allendale Columbia School Photo #1 - Allendale Columbia School has been a leading independent school in Rochester since 1890.
Allendale Columbia School Photo #2 - Our 33-acre, park-like campus is nestled on Allens Creek Road, just on the border of Pittsford and Brighton.
Allendale Columbia School Photo #3 - Each year we enroll exceptionally talented and motivated students who bring a tremendous amount to our community. Our ability to provide access to a diverse population of students creates an intentional and unique community where students become engaged global citizens, independent and self-directed learners, and creative and discerning thinkers.
Allendale Columbia School Photo #4 - An AC education can begin as young as 18 months-old through our Reggio-Emilia inspired curriculum at the AC Little School.
Allendale Columbia School Photo #5 - Students in Nursery through Fifth Grade are free to explore, encouraged to take risks and develop their own voice, while learning the key foundational skills needed to be successful as they continue their education beyond this Division.
Allendale Columbia School Photo #6 - We believe learning is about more than what happens within the walls of our school. Through our authentic learning opportunities, we connect what students learn in the classroom to real-world issues, problems, and applications.
Allendale Columbia School Photo #7 - We believe that physical health, learning, and the environment are naturally connected. Our commitment to a healthy and sustainable food program means that we limit processed foods, provide homemade meals whenever possible, and offer a variety of options for students to choose from daily. We accommodate a wide variety of food allergies, vegetarian or vegan diets, or medically-related food needs.
Allendale Columbia School Photo #8 - Each year Allendale Columbia School's two international houses serve as a home away from home for our 25-35 international students who come from as many as 15 different countries and 4 continents!
Allendale Columbia School Photo #9 - Get ready to roll up your sleeves and get outside! Most days if you were to visit campus, you would see our classes taking advantage of our on-campus creek, nature trails, apiary, courtyard, playgrounds, and athletic fields. Who says learning has to just be indoors?!
Allendale Columbia School Photo #10 - Our Centers for Impact, including the Center for Global Engagement, the Center for Entrepreneurship, and the Invent Center for STEM & Innovation, provide students with opportunities for leadership, internships, and real-world experiences to prepare them for life beyond AC.
Allendale Columbia is a leading independent school for students age 18 months through grade 12.
Allendale Columbia's Centers for Entrepreneurship; Global Engagement; and Invent Center for STEM & Innovation provide students with opportunitites to engage locally and internationally.
Our students come from 26 school districts, 42 zip codes, and 9 nations abroad.
We operate two international houses near campus to provide housing for international students and to supplement our host family stay option.
Allendale Columbia is the most diverse school in Rochester, according to recent data in the Rochester Business Journal's Annual School Report.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked NY School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
  • Enrollment: 356 students
  • Acceptance rate: 84%
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 31 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Allendale Columbia School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
Year Founded
1890
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
356 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
28%
State avg.: 41%
Students by Grade
Allendale Columbia School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
46 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
71%
Average Class Size
8 students
Number of AP Courses
12 courses
Advanced Courses
AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP European History, AP French Language and Culture, AP Physics 2, AP Physics I, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Statistics, Computer Science (Post-AP Course), Science Writing and Research (Post-AP Course)
Average SAT score
1256
Average ACT score
28
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 31 / rolling
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies by grade level and is updated annually. Please email admissions@allendalecolumbia.org to request our current tuition rates.
% on Financial Aid
56%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$13,000
Acceptance Rate
84%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Shelby Riter
Admissions Associate
Abhi Somaskanda

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
25 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Advocacy Clubs, Best Buddies, Community Service, Debate, Entrepreneurship, Gardening, Global Engagement, Literary Magazine, Robotics, STEM, Student Leadership, Summer LEAP, TEDx, Yearbook

Arts and Music Programs:
Acting, Band, Ceramics, Choir, Creative Movement, Digital Photography, Drama Production, Filmmaking, Graphic Design

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Intramural Sports, Ski Club

School Notes

  • Leading, independent, co-ed day school
  • Students ages 18 months - Grade 12
  • Diverse international residential program
  • Student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1
  • Center for STEM and Innovation
  • Center for Entrepreneurship
  • Center for Global Engagement
  • "Academically speaking, there is no better preparation for the future than Allendale Columbia education. Beyond the classroom, the values and life skills taught at Allendale Columbia are applicable to every aspect of life.' Rob C. '11, Harvard University '15.
  • "This is my first year, and I've never had this much fun at school." Megan C. '17
  • "Here, we teach students to reach out to their teachers, to initiate further conversation, to dig deeper. Student-teacher relationships are cherished and as a result, every student is known and challenged." Mick Gee, Former Head of School
  • "Actively participating in class can sometimes be challenging, but because it was so encouraged at AC, it has become infinitely easier for me." Sarina S. '11, Princeton University '16
  • "I find myself well-prepared for the challenging courses offered in college compared to other students in my classes." Yunmei Z. '12, Cornell University '16
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

What schools are Allendale Columbia School often compared to?
Allendale Columbia Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like The Harley School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Allendale Columbia School?
The acceptance rate of Allendale Columbia School is 84%, which is higher than the national average of 79%.
Does Allendale Columbia School offer a summer program?
Yes, Allendale Columbia School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Allendale Columbia School offer?
Allendale Columbia School offers 11 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. Allendale Columbia School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in New York for most sports offered.
What is Allendale Columbia School's ranking?
Allendale Columbia School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Largest student body, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Allendale Columbia School?
The application deadline for Allendale Columbia School is Jan. 31 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 31 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Calendar

View the Allendale Columbia School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:

Event
Date
All School Open House
March 23, 2024 (Saturday)
Good Friday Full School Closed
March 29, 2024 (Friday)
Spring Break - Full School Closed
April 01, 2024 (Monday)
Memorial Day - Full School Closed
May 27, 2024 (Monday)
AC3s/Pre-K Picnic (last day of school for AC3's and Pre-K)
June 06, 2024 (Thursday)

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (6 reviews)
5  
Our grandchildren attend Allendale Columbia and we are staunch supporters of this School of Excellence. Although it is noteworthy for its creative and rigorous Academics we are most impressed with the family atmosphere, inclusion, and fostering of school, community, and worldwide focus and development. It takes a Village to Raise a Child and AC embodies that concept. As grandparents, we have always felt welcomed and included. We recall fondly many Grandparent days, Strawberry Breakfast, Innovation Days, and fundraising Galas, etc. We would come to AC weekly for lunch with our grandson. The farm-to-table, locally sourced organic food was always delicious and how food should be provided to growing children. What was most impressive was AC's handling of the Pandemic. The school the first one to close in Monroe County on Friday in March 2020 opened that Monday in virtual classrooms. Our grandson said the only difference with this time online was that he could not whisper in his classmate's/friend's ears. In the Fall of 2020, the students returned to 5 days in-person 8 am-3 pm providing students with the education, connection, and camaraderie they need. Our grandsons treasure this school so much they would gladly go year-round with no summers off. I cannot express with words the depth of appreciation and gratitude I have for all the faculty, staff, and administrators that demonstrate such commitment to this school and its students. Thank you for all you do to make AC the special school it is!!!
- Posted by
5  
Allendale Columbia is a school that is evolving - I love what the school is doing with May Term offerings, and it allows for my two children to be seen as individuals with individual needs. They are both actively involved in music, and extra-curricular activities, like the Lego Robotics teams and pit band. It is a wonderful feeling knowing that the sports program is a no-cut policy, where my kids can feel like they can try a sport and be part of a team without being cut out of the process from the start. I highly recommend this school for anyone who wants a unique, student-centric, and high quality education for their child.
- Posted by
5  
Allendale Columbia is a completely different school than it was two years. Thanks primarily to the arrival of Mick Gee, the new Head of School in 2012 and John Sullivan, the new Head of the Lower School in 2011, AC is being restructured and set on a new path. The school has freed itself from standardized testing and bureaucrat regulations to instead enable it to quickly respond to new educational trends and the are responsible for the fine strokes. The students feel like they are part in school seven days a week if she could. Another key item that makes AC noteworthy is their ability to serve children with needs on both ends of the spectrum. They have employed math and reading stimulation. At the beginning of the 2012 school year, AC responded to a need in a matter of weeks to implement their new STEM program
- Posted by
5  
As it concerns the Lower School, Allendale Columbia is a completely different school than it was two years. Thanks primarily to the arrival of Mick Gee, the new Head of School in 2012 and John Sullivan, the new Head of the Lower School in 2011, AC is being restructured and set on a new path. The school has freed itself from standardized testing and bureaucrat regulations to instead enable it to quickly respond to new educational trends and the individual needs of the students. Lower School education is now project and inquiry based learning with real world relevance. The faculty paints the broad strokes of the curriculum, but the students are responsible for the fine strokes. The students feel like they are part of a higher purpose and can participate in projects that they are passionate about, have a stake in, and can help make a difference. Learning is now interesting and fun.
- Posted by
5  
Parents are involved and have many opportunities to connect with other parents to discuss their child(ren) and to support each other. This spirals into students who benefit from this community atmosphere and who develop into mature adults.
- Posted by
5  
The teachers are amazing and extremely supportive . The environment is safe and nurturing and children are allowed to blossom to their fullest potential. Amazing school. We are here to stay!
- Posted by

Endorse Allendale Columbia School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
  • Academic or athletic awards
Endorse this school:

Recent Articles

Private School Search Tips
Private School Search Tips
We look at several ways you can use to search for private schools. Whether you are beginning the search process for a school for your child or just want to find out more about particular schools, we offer some tips and tricks to make searching more efficient.
Secrets to Becoming a Great School
Secrets to Becoming a Great School
Discover the essential ingredients that drive academic success and cultivate a thriving school community.
All About JROTC
All About JROTC
Explore the multifaceted advantages of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) programs in private schools. Delve into how JROTC cultivates leadership, discipline, and citizenship skills among students, contributing to their holistic development and future success.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked NY School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
  • Enrollment: 356 students
  • Acceptance rate: 84%
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 31 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Rochester, NY is $6,629 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Rochester, NY is 92% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Related School Videos

Quick Links