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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

At Harley, our students show up for the Rochester community in powerful ways. This past weekend, Ted T. demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication. On Friday, he ran in the HAC Wolves Cross-Country time trial. Then, over the next two days, he completed a grueling series of 9/11 memorial events—including a first responders 5K, a memorial stair climb, and a tribute bike ride. Thank you, Ted, for exemplifying true leadership and heart.
Today we welcomed our Grade 5 students and new Middle Schoolers to campus for orientation. It was wonderful seeing them explore their spaces, connect with classmates, and get ready for the start of the school year. Thank you to our Middle School faculty and student leaders for giving everyone such a warm welcome. See you all tomorrow morning!
Someone’s really missing our students! Dr. Kimmet gave Linus a special musical pep talk to hold him over until back-to-school. We’re so excited to see Grades 2–12 tomorrow and Grades N–1 on Thursday! Turn your sound on and enjoy!
Upper School Orientation is officially under way! A massive welcome to our Grade 9 students and all of our new members joining the Upper School community today! This entire orientation experience was created, organized, and hosted by our incredible Student Council to help our newest Upper Schoolers integrate seamlessly, make connections, and kick off their Harley adventures.
Thank you for an incredible start to the 2026 Fall Sports Season! It has been inspiring to see our student-athletes building skills, connecting with teammates, and diving into competition. Go HAC Wolves!
Back home and funnier than ever! Rochester native Madelein Murphy is bringing her new stand-up show, Lesbian American Princess, to The Harley School for the 2026 ESL Rochester Fringe Festival! Fresh off her comedy special Muddin', Madelein delivers a fast-paced hour of sharp crowd work and hilarious local insights on family & relationships. Saturday, September 19 4 pm (16+) | 6 pm (18+) | 8 pm (18+) Tickets: $20 via the Rochester Fringe Festival box office