Two private schools in Rochester are gearing up for a big merger.
Board of Trustee members confirmed Monday that the Harley School and Allendale Columbia School are joining as one.
- Area private schools Harley and Allendale Columbia merging
- Changes targeted for 2020-2021 school year
- Harley School will assume operational responsibility after final affiliation agreement is signed in June
School leaders say teaming up will offer a better experience and more opportunities for students. They are planning to include the community's input and are asking parents to join in on the conversation oh how this merger will take place.
"I just want to say that I am really excited at the prospect," said Larry Frye, Harley School. "We at the Harley School hold Allendale in high regard. There are a lot of extraordinary programs there. We like to think there are a lot of great programs here as well and the prospect of the two schools coming together kind of represents the possibility of a national exemplary, independent school."
The start of the 2019 school year will bring no significant changes for students, and the actual changes are targeted for the 2020-2021 school year.
"We've got two stunning, prestigious schools that try to do the best educationally for students all the time, and now we get to leverage the talents and assets of both schools to provide a program for 800 to 900 students in a couple years' time," said Mick Gee, Allendale Columbia School.
The final affiliation agreement is expected to be signed by June 30 of this year, with Harley School assuming operational responsibility for the two schools going forward.
The two schools have run joint athletic programs for nearly 50 years.
It's still unclear whether any jobs would be affected. School officials say employment levels are always dictated by student enrollment and course needs.
Parents and students have many questions, which is why a town hall is scheduled for May 4, as both schools work to get ideas and input from the school community at large.