Admissions

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Financial Assistance

Financial aid at AC is based on the financial need of the family, in conjunction with the school’s financial aid budget. Families apply annually through the School and Student Services (SSS). Because AC receives many more financial aid applications than it can afford to fund, student merit is also a considerable factor. Financial aid is renewed yearly (adjusted for changes to the family’s financial circumstances) and is available to students of any race, religion, creed, or ethnic origin. 

Types of Financial Aid Offered:

  • Need-Based Financial Aid: Available for students in Pre-K through Grade 12 and awarded based on need and available funds.

  • Scholarships: Available for students in Grades 6-12 and awarded based on the focus of the scholarship.

  • Sibling Discount: AC offers a 10% sibling discount to families with multiple children enrolled.

What to Expect

During the Allendale Columbia School admission process, parents should indicate their interest in financial aid on the application. To be considered for financial aid, a student must apply for both admission and for financial aid. Financial aid requests have no impact on the admission decisions made by the Admission Committee.

We partner with School and Student Services (SSS) by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) in our financial aid process. To begin your financial aid application, you will complete SSS’s Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS).

The PFS is a comprehensive application that will take some time to complete. Give yourself the time you need by not waiting until the deadline to begin. We also recommend having your most recent tax return with you, before beginning the PFS.

We highly recommend that you review the wide range of materials that SSS has put together to help families navigate the financial aid process. 

We will then communicate our financial aid decision to you. To make our decision, we use the information from the PFS as a starting point but also consider our school policy, practices, and available budget.

Important Deadlines

NEW Family Financial Aid Deadline:
January 31*

RETURNING Family Financial Aid Deadline:
February 1
Your financial aid application cannot be considered until the PFS is completed and submitted, with Allendale Columbia School as a dedicated recipient (school code 1198).

All supporting documents must be uploaded by March 15th.

*Financial aid applications completed and verified with supporting documents after January 31st will be considered on a rolling basis, if financial aid funding remains available.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

List of 3 items.

  • First Time Financial Aid Applicants

    First time financial aid applicants can begin applying for aid as early as November 1.
      1. Submit an online Parent Financial Statement (PFS)
        School Code: 1198
      2. Pay processing fee $55
      3. Upload Current Tax Year 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ (including all associated schedules) and both parent W2s to SSS
    Financial Aid Deadline: January 31
    Please be sure to upload each supporting tax document into SSS as a separate PDF. There should be three (3) total, if both parents are working. 
    Example:
        1. Current Tax Year Household 1040
        2. Current Tax Year Parent A- W2
        3. Current Tax Year Parent B- W2
    Financial aid cannot be awarded until ALL documents are received.
    Step by Step Instructions

    How to Complete the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) Online:
    • Go to https://sssandtadsfa.force.com/familyportal.
    • Create your PFS Online account with your email address and a password.
    • Begin a PFS for the academic year you are applying for. You can log out of the PFS Online at any time, then return later to complete it.
    • After you have pressed submit, you’ll be brought to a payment screen. The fee of $55 is nonrefundable. Once your PFS is submitted, it cannot be withdrawn from the SSS system.
    • After you pay for and submit your PFS, you’ll have access in the PFS Online to a section called “My Documents.” You can upload the additional documents we require there.

    How to Submit Additional Required Documents Online:
    • Prepare your documents to be uploaded. Make sure the documents are on your computer, each saved as a separate file. Remove any security or password protection from your document files.
    • Return to the PFS Online and log in.
    • Select the Academic Year button.
    • From the PFS Online, click on the “My Documents” tab.
    • On the “My Documents” page, you will see an upload button or a hyperlink next to a specific document name in the “Required Documents” section of the PFS. Clicking either the upload button or a hyperlink will lead you through a series of steps allowing you to name, locate, and save the file.
    • Once you have uploaded a document, the date will appear in the “Date Uploaded” column within minutes of the upload. Some tax documents go through a verification process. It can take up to 48 hours for the verification process to complete.
    If you wish to submit required documents by mail, please send them to: School and Student Services, PO Box 449, Randolph, MA 02368-0449. For overnight service, use: SSS by NAIS, Application Processing Center, 15 Dan Road, Suite 102, Canton, MA 02021.

    If you need help completing the PFS, contact SSS customer service at (800) 344-8328.

  • Returning Financial Aid Applicants

    Returning financial aid applicants can begin applying for aid as early as November 1.

    1. Submit an online Parent Financial Statement (PFS) (school code 1198)
    2. Pay processing fee $55
    3. UploadCurrent Tax Year 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ (including all associated schedules) and both parent W2s to SSS
    Financial Aid Deadline: February 1

    Please be sure to upload each supporting tax document into SSS as a separate PDF. There should be 3 total, if both parents are working. Financial aid cannot be
    awarded until ALL documents are received.
    1. Current Tax Year Household 1040
    2. Current Tax Year Parent A- W2
    3. Current Tax Year Parent B- W2
    Step by Step Instructions

    How to Complete the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) Online:
    • Go to https://sssandtadsfa.force.com/familyportal.
    • Log in to your account with your email address and a password.
    • Begin a PFS for the academic year you are applying for. You can log out of the PFS Online at any time, then return later to complete it.
    • After you have pressed submit, you’ll be brought to a payment screen. The fee of $55 is nonrefundable. Once your PFS is submitted, it cannot be withdrawn from the SSS system.
    • After you pay for and submit your PFS, you’ll have access in the PFS Online to a section called “My Documents.” You can upload the additional documents we require there.
    How to Submit Additional Required Documents Online:
    • Prepare your documents to be uploaded. Make sure the documents are on your computer, each saved as a separate file. Remove any security or password protection from your document files.
    • Return to the PFS Online and log in.
    • Select the Academic Year button.
    • From the PFS Online, click on the “My Documents” tab.
    • On the “My Documents” page, you will see an upload button or a hyperlink next to a specific document name in the “Required Documents” section of the PFS.
    • Clicking either the upload button or a hyperlink will lead you through a series of steps allowing you to name, locate, and save the file.
    • Once you have uploaded a document, the date will appear in the “Date
    • Uploaded” column within minutes of the upload. Some tax documents go through a verification process. It can take up to 48 hours for the verification process to complete.
    If you wish to submit required documents by mail, send to School and Student Services, PO Box 449, Randolph, MA 02368-0449. For overnight service, use: SSS by NAIS, Application Processing Center, 15 Dan Road, Suite 102, Canton, MA 02021.

    If you need help completing the PFS, contact SSS customer service at (800) 344-8328.

  • Financial Aid FAQs

    How do I apply for financial aid?

    You can apply online here.


    Does my income have to fall under a certain level for my family to qualify for financial aid?

    No. Since many other factors including number of children, assets, and liabilities go into the financial aid process, 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 Financial Aid 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 Financial Aid 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 financial aid grant 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 financial aid offers in the future.

    Will I have to pay a deposit?

    Yes. We ask parents to return a financial aid 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 financial aid offer. A “fully informed enrollment decision” sets our standard for fairness to all families.


    Will a financial aid application affect the admissions process?

    No. The need for financial aid in no way affects the admission process or decision. Financial aid decisions are made with the Financial Aid Committee. Admission decisions are made with a faculty-driven Admissions Committee. The processes are separate. However, financial aid decisions are not formally rendered until an applicant has been deemed admissible.

    What is the purpose of the financial aid program?

    Allendale Columbia School is proud of its tradition of providing an outstanding education that prepares students for life’s important next steps. A strong financial aid program helps make our independent educational experience affordable and accessible to families seeking such an education for their children.

    Will I be eligible in my income bracket?

    The only way to answer this question is to complete the confidential financial aid 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 financial aid each year?

    Yes. Every family that wishes to be considered for financial aid must reapply every year by the deadline. Funds often run out and preference is given to those parents who complete their application by the deadline and submit the necessary tax paperwork by the deadline. Applications received after the deadline may not be offered financial aid for the upcoming year. Accounts must remain in good standing to be considered for financial aid.

    Can I expect to pay the same amount each year once I enroll?

    No. We re-evaluate each family’s situation every year and there are a variety of circumstances that affect the allocation of financial aid. Financial aid funds are not guaranteed. We try to work with returning families to help ensure continuity of experience for the student(s) as long as parents stay current with their payments. We believe long term financial planning is as important as long term educational planning and we look forward to working with every family.

    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.  This year books and lunch are included in the tuition as are many other parts of school life.

    Does everyone pay something toward tuition?

    Yes. All families pay some part of their tuition.

Notification & Renewal

NEW families who have completed the financial aid process by the stated deadlines will be notified, in writing, of their financial aid award in their acceptance email.

RETURNING families who have completed the financial aid process by the stated deadlines will be notified, in writing, of their financial aid award in early February; notification will be included in the renewed enrollment contract.

Financial aid is awarded for one year and must be renewed yearly following the application procedure and schedule above.

Scholarships

Allendale Columbia School offers merit scholarships to new students in Middle and Upper School.

At Allendale Columbia School, we look for talented students with strong character regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Allendale Columbia offers need-based financial aid to curious and high achieving students in pre-kindergarten – grade 12. Allendale Columbia also offers merit scholarships to top incoming students in grades 6 – 12.

Please click on the scholarship links below to learn more.

Merit & Honors Scholarships

List of 6 items.

  • Merit & Honors Scholarship (Grades 6-12)

    Each Merit Scholar will demonstrate academic excellence both through their academic record and standardized test scores while also exhibiting extraordinary character.

    Merit-Based Scholarship Process
    If you would like to be considered for a merit scholarship offered to top applicants applying to Middle or Upper School, please do the following:
    1. Complete the application process
    2. Submit one piece of additional work in the form of an essay or a portfolio

    Preference will be given to applicants who have completed their admission file (including one piece of additional work) prior to January 31. After January 31, we will consider applicants on a rolling basis. Interested families may call the Admissions Office (585-641-5344) at any time of the year to inquire about space and scholarships available.

  • Upper School Honors Scholarships (Grades 8-10)

    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.

    Upper School Honors Scholarship Process

    Extraordinary character. Recommendations from teachers, school administrators, and community leaders should reflect the applicant’s superior character. Personal interviews conducted on campus during the admissions process will give the applicant an opportunity to reflect on issues of character.

    Demonstrated leadership. By presenting an outstanding record of participation in and dedication to activities such as school clubs, athletics, fine and performing arts, debate, student government, church or civic activities, applicants have demonstrated their potential to be an outstanding member of the AC community.

    Academic excellence. Successful applicants demonstrate outstanding academic achievement by earning strong grades throughout a challenging middle school curriculum while posting standardized test scores commensurate with their ability.

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

  • Middle School Honors Scholarship (Grades 5-7)

    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. Select recipients may have their awards continued through Upper School.

    Middle School Honors Scholarship Process

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

  • S.T.R.E.A.M. Scholarship (Grades 8-10)

    This partial scholarship is awarded to top incoming students entering Upper School who have demonstrated success in a S.T.R.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts, Math) area and who possess a remarkable passion for studying some or all of the S.T.R.E.A.M. subjects. It is renewable until graduation as long as the student remains in good standing. Preference will be given to students who have demonstrated a commitment to an authentic learning experience that combines multiple disciplines.

    S.T.R.E.A.M. Scholarship Process

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

  • Global Leadership Scholarship (International Applicants in Grades 8-10)

    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.

    Global Leadership Scholarship Process

    To be eligible for this merit scholarship consideration, an applicant must:
    • 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. and/or SSAT, but the committee reserves the ability to require the TOEFL);
    • Complete an interview on campus or via Skype; and
    • Submit one piece of additional work in the form of an essay or a portfolio.

  • Scholarship FAQs

    Can I apply for more than one merit scholarship?

    Yes. Students who apply for any of the merit scholarships may be considered for the others.

    What is the difference between need-based aid and merit scholarships?

    Need-based financial aid grants are offered to families who demonstrate financial need after submitting the financial aid application. All families who anticipate needing financial assistance are encouraged to submit their financial aid form to School and Student Services (SSS) when starting the admissions process. Merit scholarships are awarded regardless of need to top incoming students in grades 6 – 12 based on academic excellence, extraordinary character, and demonstrated leadership.

    When are all financial aid (need-based and merit) decisions made?

    Priority decisions are mailed in February for those families who have met the January deadlines. After the first deadline, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. If you plan to apply for need-based financial aid or a merit scholarship you should indicate this as early in your admission process as possible. All financial aid decisions are made only after a student has completed the admission process. Although the processes for admission and financial aid are separate, we try to include a financial aid decision with your admission decision.

    Please contact our Admissions Office at 585.641.5344 or admissions@allendalecolumbia.org if you have any questions or require additional information.

Named Scholarships

Thanks to generous donations from dedicated members of the Allendale Columbia School community, we have the honor of offering several named scholarships to incoming and returning students.  While such an award confers special recognition and honor, the dollar amount of the grant is based upon family need calculated through the financial aid process.

To choose scholarship recipients, we identify students who meet the given requirements for financial need; this is done during the financial aid application process each year.  Within that group, we seek to recognize and support students who most accurately match the criteria associated with each of named scholarships and who demonstrate exemplary character within and beyond the classroom.

We always have many more applicants than named scholarships available. These named scholarships are not necessarily offered each year; some named scholarship recipients carry the scholarship recognition for one year, others carry it with them each year until they graduate.

Please click on the scholarships below to learn more.

List of 7 items.

  • The Donald R. and Mary W. Clark Family Scholarship

    The Donald R. and Mary W. Clark Family Scholarship was first awarded in Allendale Columbia’s Centennial Year (1990-91). The purpose of the scholarship is to create 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. The financial assistance would continue throughout the student’s Allendale Columbia School career.

  • Alumni Scholarships

    Alumni Scholarships: Four scholarships of $1,000 each are available to students entering grades six through twelve. Special consideration is given to applicants who are relatives of alumni of Allendale School, alumnae of Columbia School, or alumni of Allendale Columbia School.

  • The Elizabeth Trubek Crouse Scholarship

    The Elizabeth Trubek Crouse Scholarship was established to provide tuition assistance to an Allendale Columbia Upper School student who has demonstrated need for financial assistance, who practices good school citizenship, and who applies herself or himself to the academic program.

  • The Robert Adamson and Lois Adamson Shumanski Scholarship

    The Robert Adamson and Lois Adamson Shumanski Scholarship was endowed in 2001 by Dag Adamson ’83 to honor his parents. It is awarded to a Middle School student whose family demonstrates financial need. To be eligible, a student must possess the capacity to benefit from the Allendale Columbia School experience.

  • The Melissa R. Bean '10 Scholarship

    The Melissa R. Bean '10 Scholarship was endowed in 2010 by Ursula Burns and Lloyd Bean, in honor of their daughter. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who demonstrates determination, spirit and commitment, as well as a need for financial assistance.

  • The Grosso Scholarship Fund

    The Grosso Scholarship Fund was 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. The scholarship will be awarded to a current Upper School student who has demonstrated a commitment to AC and who is also academically qualified and financially deserving.

  • Opportunity Scholar Program

    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. The Opportunity Scholar Program seeks to fund high achieving students who demonstrate financial need.
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 in nursery through grade 12 grow in confidence and develop scholastic independence.
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