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 News
Dr. Kimmet in the RBJ: From fun to fulfillment: What businesses can learn from joyful learning
Human beings thrive when they experience growth, purpose, belonging and agency. The same lesson applies in schools. Students may enjoy occasional moments of entertainment in the classroom, but lasting engagement rarely comes from novelty alone. Real joy in learning emerges when students feel challenged, supported, connected to one another and empowered to grow.
Harley Handmade Holiday Market 2026
Saturday, Nov 21, 10am-2pm: Get ready for the start of the holiday season!
Join us for the Harley Homemade Holiday Market. Browse a collection of unique, handcrafted gifts from over 40 talented local artists and crafters. Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind art, jewelry, home goods, or other creative treasures, you’ll find the perfect, thoughtful presents for everyone on your list.
Come shop local and support the creative community!
Located at The Harley School, 1981 Clover St, Rochester, NY 14618
HAC Athletics: New Chapter
For over a century, athletics have been an important thread in the fabric of the Harley community. Like the school itself, the program has grown, adapted, and evolved—always with the same goal in mind: to provide students with meaningful experiences that build...
Innovation in Action: The Harley School’s Maker’s Edge Brings STEAM to Life
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — On a vibrant Saturday in May, the halls of The Harley School were transformed into a sprawling laboratory of creativity and technical prowess. The school hosted its highly anticipated community event, “Maker’s Edge: A Community STEAM Day,” a...
Harley School celebrates student creativity with annual showcase event
The Harley School enjoyed recent coverage of our Student Innovation & Creativity Showcase, highlighting work across all divisions. Student work included examining and organizing the archival history of the school, NASA Hunch robotics, glassblowing demonstrations, and studying the cardiology field to name a few.
What If Your Child Could Be Both a High Achiever and a Happy Human Being?
Dr. Kimmet was a recent guest on “Rochester Speaks.” Here’s part of the blurb about the episode:
“What If Your Child Could Be Both a High Achiever and a Happy Human Being? Harley Says Both Are Possible.”
Dr. Ryan Kimmet, Head of School at the Harley School in Rochester, makes a compelling case that academic rigor and student wellbeing are not opposites and that the century old progressive education model pioneered by John Dewey might be exactly what kids need right now.
