Some Rochester city school students are getting an academic boost at Allendale Columbia School in Pittsford as part of the annual Summer LEAP learning program.

Summer LEAP is in its ninth year. This summer is its largest camp so far with 170 Rochester students taking part in the free, five-week program.

What You Need To Know

  • AC Summer LEAP is a five-week summer enrichment program that seeks to close the opportunity gap by offering learning experiences at Allendale Columbia School to Rochester students with low income

  • Allendale Columbia says students gain an average two months worth of reading skills at the LEAP learning program

  • LEAP has certified teachers engaging K-8 students in reading, math and STEAM activities five days a week for five weeks

Soon to be fifth grader, Ezrah Williams is keeping his reading, writing, science, and social skills sharp.

“Basically we do fun stuff and activities. Last week we were preparing for an egg drop that we are going to do for an experiment,” said Williams. “It was really fun.”

Students get to try activities like yoga. It can help them redirect energy and calm their mind and body. Art is also in the LEAP program. The kids are so proud of what they’re doing.

LEAP director Indy Maring says it’s culturally relevant curriculum to make learning fun.

“We have kindergarten through eighth graders,” Maring said. “We know it’s hard for kids. We don’t want them to feel like this is summer school because it’s not, it’s summer camp. “So we try to do as much as hands on learning as possible so when they leave, they are excited to come back the next day.”

“We do it because we are an invested part of this community,” said Head of School at Allendale Columbia Shannon Baudo. “We are part of the Rochester community and we are more than happy to have a group of students to come onto our campus and run around the 33 acres that we have here. We love having the students here it brings a lot of life and energy here during the summer. We are all part of one community.”

For students like Williams, it’s good social time too.

“It’s fun because you get to meet new people every year,” said Williams

Allendale Columbia encourages students to explore, discover, engage and experience new things. They go on several field trips including the RMSC and Rochester Public Market.

Allendale Columbia, the RCSD and community sponsors work together to make LEAP possible.