Admissions

Visit Us

Nothing quite substitutes a visit to AC. Seeing really is believing!

It’s not too late to make a change…
WE ARE STILL ENROLLING FOR THE 24/25 SCHOOL YEAR!
When you visit Allendale Columbia School, you'll have the opportunity to take a tour of the school that will last about an hour. If you're interested in a particular program, let us know ahead of time and we'll try to arrange for you to meet with that adviser or teacher and gather additional information for you.

Please call the Admissions Office at 585.641.5344 or email admissions@allendalecolumbia.org to schedule your visit.

Explore our different visit opportunities below!

Open House

Please join us Tuesday, January 21st for our next Lower School Open House, or Thursday, January 23rd for our next Middle & Upper School Open House.

Attending an AC Open House gives you the opportunity to tour campus, meet with admissions staff, and learn more about the school from faculty and staff.

Can't make it to Open House? No problem! Schedule a private tour by calling 585.641.5344.

Walk In Wednesdays

Drop in ANY Wednesday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a guided tour and to learn more about AC or call 585.641.5344 to make an appointment today!

Personal Visit

We would love to welcome you to campus! During your visit, you will have time to speak with an Admissions representative and enjoy a tour of campus.

Meet Our Admissions Team

Shelby Riter
Director of Enrollment Management & Financial Aid
sriter@allendalecolumbia.org
585.641.5225

A graduate of Allendale Columbia School (Class of 2008), Shelby returned to AC as Assistant Director of Admissions in 2014. In 2020, she assumed the role of Interim Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid. Shelby earned a degree in journalism from Rochester Institute of Technology and had six years of experience working in television as a Producer and Entertainment/Sports Reporter prior to joining AC.


Abhirami "Abhi" Somaskanda
Associate Director of Admissions 
asomaskanda@allendalecolumbia.org
585.641.5322

Abhi began working at AC in 2022 as the Associate Director of Admissions. As a graduate of AC, she decided to return to help families navigate the admissions process and learn more about the unique educational experiences AC provides, which she experienced firsthand. Prior to working at AC, Abhi worked in admissions at the Rochester Institute of Technology since 2014. During her tenure at RIT, Abhi spent many years meeting with prospective students, reviewing thousands of applications, and executing campus-wide events for high school students. Abhi holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Boston University and a master’s degree in Childhood/Special Education Teaching & Curriculum from the University of Rochester. 
Laura Smith
Administrative Assistant for Admissions
lsmith@allendalecolumbia.org
585.641.5222

Laura joined AC as the Administrative Assistant to the Admissions Office in 2022. She graduated from Nazareth College in 2006 with a B.A. in English Literature and Religious Studies and completed her M.A.R. from Yale University in 2008. Prior to working at AC, Laura served as the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry beginning in 2009 and later moved into church administration and youth ministries at Fairport United Methodist Church. 
Lisa Shearing
Admissions Assistant & Welcome Desk Associate
lshearing@allendalecolumbia.org
585.641.5221

As Admissions Assistant, Lisa helps introduce families to Allendale Columbia School and assists them throughout the admission process. In addition to her role in admissions, Lisa also co-manages the Welcome Desk at AC. She studied Philosophy at the State University of New York College at Brockport. 


Allendale Columbia School is Located at:

519 Allens Creek Road, Rochester, NY 14618
Tel. 585.381.4560

Directions and Parking Information
Allendale Columbia School is located at 519 Allens Creek Road in Rochester, NY. Please note that the entrance to our campus sneaks up on you, so drive slowly down Allens Creek Road. Upon entering campus, please veer to the right and park in the Visitor Parking spots closest to the front entrance; the reception desk is just inside those doors. If the visitor spots are full, you may park in the lot at the back of the school and follow the signs to Reception.

How to Get to AC

List of 3 items.

  • From the East

    Take 490 West to 590 South. Exit at Elmwood Avenue, and make a left. Make a right on Clover Street. At the first light, make a left onto Allens Creek Road. The school is about a half mile down on the right.
  • From the South

    Take 590 North. Exit at Monroe Avenue, and make a left. Make a right on Allens Creek Road. The school is about one mile down on the right.
  • From the West

    Take 490 East to 590 South. Exit at Elmwood Avenue, and make a left. Make a right on Clover Street. At the first light, make a left onto Allens Creek Road. The school is about a half mile down on the right.
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.