What We Accomplished
TOGETHER 2025-2026
From the Head of School
Dear Allendale Columbia Community, As I reflect on our 135 year history, I am reminded that what makes Allendale Columbia unique is the community of students, families, alumni, faculty, and staff who remain committed to the excellence of an independent school education– one that challenges every student to learn, grow, and thrive. At AC, students learn in an environment that inspires curiosity, builds confidence, and helps them reach their full potential. Our dedicated faculty and staff work tirelessly to cultivate a caring and welcoming environment where every student feels seen, valued, and safe to explore, learn, and grow. Our school is a place of genuine warmth that fosters intellectual curiosity, creativity, and personal development. The greatest measure of our success is the success of our students. Because of the steadfast support of our community of parents, alumni, and friends like you, our students experience opportunities that reach far beyond what would otherwise be possible. It allows students to pursue scientific inquiry and in-depth research, then proudly share their discoveries at our annual Symposium of Learning. It opens doors to global experiences, early language learning, and advanced certification as dual-language speakers. It also encourages students to test the limits of their creativity through our awardwinning performing arts, music, and visual arts programs. Thank you for being an integral part of this extraordinary community. We are grateful for your partnership and hope you feel inspired by What We Accomplished Together. With gratitude,
Shannon M. Baudo Head of School
Congratulations, Class of 2026 This year’s senior class approached the college process with ambition and authenticity, and their results reflect not only impressive accomplishments but also a clear commitment to finding colleges that were the right fit for each student. The Class of 2026 submitted 265 applications to 146 colleges and universities across the United States and internationally, including institutions in Canada, the Netherlands, and Spain. With students applying to an average of 7 colleges each, the process remained highly personalized and intentional.
Among this year’s highlights: • 7 3% of students who applied Early Decision were accepted to their first choice college • Students will attend 28 distinct colleges and universities across 7 states and 3 countries • 7 student-athletes were recruited to compete in the NCAA • The class earned more than $6.4 million in merit scholarships • Two-thirds of merit scholarship recipients earned six-figure awards Over the past five years, AC students have earned acceptances to some of the nation’s most selective colleges and universities, including Brown, Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, Cornell, Duke, Northwestern, Penn, WashU, Williams, and Yale. During that same period, the top college destinations for AC graduates have been Rochester Institute of Technology (15), Cornell University (10), and University of Rochester (8).
(class of 2026 continued)
What stands out most each year is the diversity of pathways our students pursue. From engineering and business programs to conservatories, international universities, and liberal arts colleges, AC students continue to define success in deeply personal and meaningful ways.
Merit Scholarship Highlights The Class of 2026 earned a total of $6,470,713 in merit scholarships. • 68% of students received merit scholarships • The average four year merit scholarship totaled $101,104 • Two-thirds of merit scholarship recipients earned awards exceeding six figures • The largest four year scholarship awarded to a single student totaled $248,000
Class of 2026 College Enrollments Clarkson University Clemson University College of Charleston Cornell University (2) Fordham University Hobart and William Smith Colleges (2) IE University (Spain) Ithaca College Kent State University Marshall University Nazareth University (2) New York University Niagara University Roberts Wesleyan University
Rochester Institute of Technology (2) St. John Fisher University (3) St. Lawrence University SUNY Alfred State SUNY Buffalo SUNY Fredonia Syracuse University Union College University of Miami (2) University of Rochester (2) University of Scranton University of South Carolina University of Toronto (Canada) Virginia Tech
Celebrating Creativity Through the Arts at Every Age The arts continued to flourish at Allendale Columbia this year, providing students across every grade level with opportunities to create, perform, and be recognized for their talents. From Kindergarten through Grade 12, students took the stage in concerts, plays, musicals, and other performances that showcased their artistic growth, confidence, and creativity. Our youngest artists were featured in the Kinder Art Show, while students across the divisions earned recognition through the prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. This year also brought national recognition as Allendale Columbia was named a 2026 Best Communities for Music Education by The NAMM Foundation. This distinguished honor, awarded to just over 1,000 schools and districts nationwide, recognizes AC’s exceptional commitment to providing students with equitable access to high quality music education and reflects the strength of our arts program, dedicated faculty, and vibrant creative community.
AC Students Shine at 4th Annual Symposium of Learning The AC Symposium of Learning is an opportunity for students of all interests and passions to showcase their learning and celebrate their achievements. This annual event highlights authentic learning experiences from across the school, with students sharing work developed over a semester, a full academic year, or even the course of their time at AC. The Symposium empowers students to communicate their unique learning journeys, inspire their peers, and demonstrate agency and ownership of their education. Middle and Upper School students and faculty engage as presenters, facilitators, and participants in a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences. Lower School students welcome their families into their classrooms to share the exciting projects and learning experiences they have been engaged in throughout the year. Visitors have the opportunity to celebrate students’ growth and accomplishments while exploring their important work. Our students’ work is published in the annual AC student publication “Research, Science and Discovery”. Please follow the link here to read about the articles and scholastic achievements of our students, the culmination of their hard work.
Authentic Learning in Action: May Term May Term at AC provides educational opportunities outside of the normal structure of the school year to support intellectual discovery, encourage collaboration, and foster community involvement. Embodying AC’s core values, May Term provides authentic learning experiences through both faculty and student-led workshops, promoting hands-on learning and covering a range of topics. Students work together across divisions on projects that impact the larger community, creating an enriching experience that delves deeply beyond the traditional curriculum. Follow this link to learn more about some of the May Term courses offered at AC.
Global Trips to Spain and Morocco! This year, Allendale Columbia students expanded their understanding of the world through transformative international experiences in Spain and Morocco. Upper School students’ time in Zaragoza, Spain, was a true blend of history, culture, and hands-on learning. Students explored the intricate beauty of Mudejar art, even designing their own tiles before visiting the stunning Aljafería Palace, where they saw those same patterns come to life. They also stepped into the future at the Palacio de Congresos Expo, attending sessions on AI and innovation. A guided tour through the city brought history into focus, with visits to the iconic Basílica del Pilar and La Seo Cathedral. A scenic bike ride along the Ebro River offered a new perspective on the city. Students rounded out their experience with creative and joyful moments, from a tapas contest and an origami workshop to hands-on science experiments, ending their time abroad with connection, curiosity, and memories that will last well beyond the trip. During May Term, a group of AC students spent two weeks immersed in the rich cultures and histories of Morocco. Their journey began in Marrakesh, where they explored iconic sites including Palais El Bahia, historic architecture, lush gardens, and centuries-old mosques, gaining firsthand insight into Morocco’s vibrant heritage. In Taza, students worked with a women’s cooperative in the Atlas Mountain village of Maghoura, supporting the production of almond oil, handmade jewelry, and traditional rugs. To support the local economy and tourism, students developed an online presence to connect the cooperative with global buyers and travelers. Lastly, students hiked mountain trails, visited Chefchaouen, Tetouan, and Tangier, and experienced the beauty of Morocco’s Mediterranean coast. Through these immersive international experiences, students embraced new cultures, challenged themselves, and brought learning to life through travel.
A Banner Year for AC Athletics The 2025–2026 school year was one of the most successful in recent AC athletics history. Four teams captured Section V Championships, including Varsity Girls Cross Country, Varsity Girls Tennis, Varsity Swimming, and Varsity Girls Outdoor Track and Field. The Varsity Girls Cross Country team also earned the title of New York State Runner-Up, the best finish in program history. Individual athletes continued to raise the bar as well. Jessica Chapados claimed Section V Individual Championships in both Girls Cross Country and Girls Outdoor Track and Field. Noa Lung captured Section V titles in Boys Indoor Track and Field and Boys Outdoor Track and Field, while Katie Chapados earned Individual Section V Championships in both Indoor Track and Field and Girls Outdoor Track and Field. Our student-athletes also excelled in the classroom. Every athletic season during the 2025–2026 school year earned NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete distinction, recognizing that at least 75% of AC’s teams achieved a team GPA of 90 or higher. These accomplishments reflect the dedication, discipline, and character of our student-athletes, who continue to demonstrate that success at Allendale Columbia is measured not only by championships, but by excellence in academics, athletics, and leadership.
AC Cares Committee Celebrates Community At Allendale Columbia, our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is woven into the fabric of our school community. This year, we launched “AC Cares,” a committee dedicated to building awareness and education around diversity, equity, and inclusion while creating authentic spaces for student and family voices to be heard. The group works to celebrate diverse identities and cultures, strengthen connections beyond the school community, and gather feedback to thoughtfully measure progress. We celebrated a range of events and initiatives that reflect this dedication, including our vibrant and well-attended Annual Heritage Dinner, which honored the many cultures represented within our school. Our students and faculty proudly marched in the Rochester PRIDE Parade, and we were honored to host 174 students from 12 local schools at the 5th Annual Black Student Alliance Conference for a day of connection and collaboration. We also participated in the annual Anti-Racism Summit, providing students with the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about equity and justice. Additional community events, such as the African American Read-In and our Hispanic Heritage Month movie night, further highlighted the importance of representation and cultural celebration. These efforts reflect our ongoing work to build a more inclusive, respectful, and aware school environment for all.