a
Founded in 1917, The Harley School is a private, independent school in Rochester, NY offering a college preparatory program for approximately 450 students in Nursery through Grade 12.

When you set foot on the Harley campus, you immediately sense education is different here.

Our approach yields outstanding outcomes to be sure: the highest SAT scores in the region for the past five years, and college acceptances for our graduates at prestigious colleges and universities, including Harvard, MIT, McGill, and Kings College in London.

However, the most important part of our story isn’t results like these; it’s how our students are given the opportunity, the gift really, to be who they are: authentically and with the support of a caring community all around them.

In Their Own Words

"I love Harley. The Harley community's devotion to progress, especially evident in our mission of diversity and inclusion, gives us unique potential as a school that can be a place welcoming to all. And, honestly, I am incredibly grateful for this community. Being who I am, as a queer and trans person, it is not an exaggeration to say that this school saved my life."

—Kai DeJesus ’19; Undergraduate Student, Harvard College; Political Outreach Lead (MA), Brand New Congress

"There’s nothing I love more about Harley than our community. My teachers take time to talk with me or share things they think I’ll find interesting, and my classmates are always willing to help out if there is something I don’t understand. There’s plenty to love about Harley, especially the welcoming and supportive community—that’s why I’ve been here since Grade 1."

—Luke H. '25

Future Students

Our diverse learning community champions intellectual challenge and empathy, powered by students who act with care for themselves, each other, and the world.

Academic Programs

Harley fosters a culture of academic excellence where exploration, risk-taking, and intellectual curiosity fuel innovation and lifelong learning. (link to academic overview)

Culture & Community

Our vibrant learning environment fosters academic achievement, personal growth, a strong sense of community, and fun.

Innovative Student Projects

Cells Unbound: a Grade 7 Science Project

Step into the microscopic world! Our Grade 7 scientists at The Harley School took on the challenge of bringing cellular biology to life. From intricate 3D models to creative material choices, see how our students visualized the building blocks of life through this experiential science project.

Harley's NASA Hunch Program

Learn about the NASA HUNCH program at The Harley School, where students design and build solutions for life on the International Space Station. From the workshop to the launchpad, see how our students are making their mark on the cosmos—by applying creativity, hard science, and ingenuity.

The Solenoid-Based, Midi-Playing Marble Metallophone

Two Upper Schoolers were inspired by The Wintergartan Marble Machine, which sends thousands of steel marbles around an enormously complex circuit to make music. Their version uses circuits, coding, 3D printed parts, and more to play any midi file song file, from Free Bird to Mary Had a Little Lamb.

Grade 3: Harlic Garlic Project

One annual tradition that ties Grade 3 students to the Microfarm is Harlic Garlic. Each year, Grade 3 students sell the garlic that they have grown the previous year (and harvested over the summer), and at the end of the fall, they plant another round of garlic for the next class.

Harley's Podcasts

Joy In Learning

The Harley Parley

Our Instagram Feed

From drawing a childhood picture of her future practice to earning her master’s in Experimental Psychology at RIT, Suzannah Lea Sheeran ’19 has always had a clear calling: helping others. Her journey from Harley kindergarten through Upper School AP Psychology laid the foundation for her passion for cognitive health. Inspired by her own experiences and research on Parkinson’s disease and caregiver well-being, she is now pursuing a career in neuropsychology. We are so proud to watch Suzannah Lea turn her early sparks of curiosity and compassion into impactful research and patient care!
We are thrilled to highlight Marissa DeSiena, Head of Upper School If you haven’t had a chance to meet her on campus yet, Marissa brings a incredible depth of warmth, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to student-centered learning. She believes that the Upper School years should be a time where students aren't just challenged academically, but truly known, supported, and empowered to take ownership of their education. Whether she's collaborating with faculty, chatting with students in the halls, or helping our oldest learners prepare for their next steps, her focus is always on building an inclusive, thoughtful community where every teenager can thrive.
What does running a independent school like Harley teach you about executive leadership in Rochester? In his ongoing Rochester Business Journal column, Head of School Dr. Ryan Kimmet reflects on the realities of modern organizational leadership and how the daily work on our campus mirrors the challenges faced by CEOs, healthcare executives, and community leaders across Greater Rochester. Link in bio.
HAPPENING TODAY! Come shop the Class of 2027 Garage Sale 10 am–4 pm at 2963 Clover St. Tons of clothes, shoes, books, and jewelry available. Don't miss out!
Shop great finds and support the Class of 2027! Stop by the Class of 2027 Garage Sale this Sunday for incredible deals on clothes, books, shoes, jewelry, and more! Date: Sunday, August 23 Time: 10 am–4 pm Location: 2963 Clover St. Bring your friends, family, and reusable bags. See you there!
As the school year approaches, planning is well underway across campus. Today, Student Council President Marco D. stopped by to collaborate on initiatives and events for the upcoming year. We love seeing our student leaders step up to foster connection, school culture, and meaningful fun for their peers. We can't wait to see what Student Council accomplishes this year!