Admissions

Scholarships & Flexible Tuition

Flexible Tuition

Flexible Tuition at AC is based on the financial need of each individual family. Families apply annually through Clarity Financial. Just as there are more applicants each year than available spaces at AC, there are also more families requesting consideration for Flexible Tuition than there are funds available, therefore student merit is also a considerable factor. Flexible Tuition 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.

An AC Education is within reach through

  • Flexible Tuition: Available for students in Pre-K through Grade 12 and awarded based on demonstrated need.

  • 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.

Flexible Tuition Calculator


Please note this is simply an estimate of the tuition you could pay using our Flexible Tuition model. Your financial application takes much more information into account including but not limited to living arrangements, cars, loans and assets to help us determine your flexible tuition amount. Each year we receive more requests for financial assistance than we can accommodate. If you would like an actual number, please complete the SSS application and a member of our admissions team will be in touch.
Please contact our Admissions Office at 585.641.5344 or admissions@allendalecolumbia.org if you have any questions or require additional information.

What to Expect

During the Allendale Columbia School admission process, parents should indicate their interest in Flexible Tuition on the application. Flexible Tuition requests have no impact on the admission decisions made by the Admission Committee.

The Flexible Tuition program is designed to make an Allendale Columbia  education possible for all families based on demonstrated financial need and the availability of funds.

BEGINNING ON AUGUST 28th AC is proud to use the Clarity Application to determine a family’s level of financial need based on the information that families share in the application which includes assets, income, expenses, and debts.
 
To get started, please go to the Clarity Application and create an account. The application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete. The Clarity Application is also mobile-friendly so you can complete it from anywhere. You are also able to save your progress and return at any time. At the end of the application, there is a $60 fee to submit.

If you need support during the process of completing your application, there is in-app support available through the “Help” button in the bottom left of the screen, as well as email and phone support at support@clarityapp.com or 206-210-3752, in both English and Spanish. The application itself is also fully translated into Spanish.

You can still apply for flexible tuition for the 2024-2025 school year. AC currently uses School and Student Services to determine need based aid for our families. Please  visit https://www.solutionsbysss.com/parents/ to complete your application today. The school code is 1198.
 
Step by Step Instructions:
How do Completed the Parent Financial Statement (PFS) online
  • Begin a PFS for the academic year to which you are applying. 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 tax documents we require there. 
We will then communicate our Flexible Tuition decision to you. To make our decision, we use the information from the Clarity Application as a starting point but also consider our school policy, practices, and available budget.

Important Deadlines

Family Flexible Tuition Deadline:
January 31*
Flexible Tuition applications completed and verified with supporting documents after January 31st will be considered on a rolling basis, if funding remains available.

How to Apply for Flexible Tuition

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  • Flexible Tuition FAQs

    How do I apply for Flexible Tuition?

    You can apply online here.


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

    No. Since many other 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 Clarity application, 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 Clarity. 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 Flexible Tuition 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.


    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. 

    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.


    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 Flexible Tuition application by the stated deadlines will be notified, in writing, of their Flexible Tuition determination in their acceptance email.

RETURNING families who have completed the Flexible Tuition application by the stated deadlines will be notified, in writing, of their Flexible Tuition determination in early February; notification will be included in the renewed enrollment contract.

Flexible Tuition is applied 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

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  • 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 admissions application
    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 are merit scholarships?

    Merit scholarships are awarded, regardless of financial need, to top incoming students in grades 6 – 12 based on academic excellence, extraordinary character, and demonstrated leadership.

    When are all financial (Flexible Tuition 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 Flexible Tuition or a merit scholarship, you should indicate this as early in your admission process as possible. All financial decisions are made only after a student has completed the admission process. Although the processes for admission and financial decisions are separate, we try to include a financial information 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.

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  • 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.
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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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