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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

Grade 10 spent their Expedition Week in the wilderness of the Allegheny mountains. From backcountry kayaking and backcountry cooking to trail navigation and late-night camp conversations, the trip challenged students to step away from daily distractions and rely on each other. Off-grid wilderness experiences like this are a core part of how Harley Upper Schoolers build resilience, self-reliance, and deep bonds that last long after they return to campus.
Lafayette College is visiting Harley today from 10–11 am! This is a great opportunity for our Upper School students to get an inside look at their programs, campus life, and application process in a small-group setting.
Lower School faculty recently ended their Professional Development day with pumpkin carving. Well, pumpkin carving with a purpose! This morning, Lower School students cast votes for their favorites using popsicle sticks. Grade 2 is taking it from there—logging the votes, building spreadsheets to analyze the data, and presenting the final tally at Assembly. A simple exercise, but classic Harley: turning a faculty activity into a student lesson in data, technology, and community participation. Pictured: Nursery students voting for their favorite.
Year after year, the McQuaid Invitational delivers unmatched cross-country excitement! The HAC Wolves battled fearlessly against the best in the Northeast, chasing personal bests and pushing past old limits. So proud of the heart and grit the team showed!
Thanks to everyone who joined us to make our jazzy Bebop to Bach concert so foot-tapping fun!
In case you ever wondered: 1. Do dogs at Harley participate in school picture day? 2. What does it take to make those cute dog portraits happen? A behind-the-scenes sneak peek!