Our History
Over 100 years strong!
Beginning in 1917
A group of mothers of widely differing social circles met to discuss the means of providing a school experience for their four-year-olds. The school, originally based in the Montessori method, stressed the development of the individual at their own pace with the teacher as a “guide” rather than as a “goad.”
The Harley School was first called “The Children’s University School of Rochester” and Mrs. Cogswell (Harriet) Bentley was credited as the founder. In January 1924, the school was incorporated under the name Harley, a combination of the first three and last three letters of Mrs. Harriet Bentley’s name. The school grew and prospered and enrollment grew. Harley moved to various locations downtown until the permanent location on Clover Street was purchased.
Think, for a moment, of the lasting commitment of the founders and early families. Their dedication to a co-ed, child-centered school planted the seeds for the Harley of today. Their work informs our exciting future as we provide an outstanding educational experience, with incredible opportunities for children as the premiere independent school in Greater Rochester.
Harley through the Years
Faculty, Students, and Alumni
Traditions
Scrapbook 1920s-1930s
Scrapbook 1940-1944
Scrapbook 1945-1959
Scrapbook 1980’s
Harley Timeline
1910
1917 – The Harley School Founded
1920
1924 – School incorporated
1924 – Acquired 242 Oxford St. and expanded to include Nursery 4 – Gr. 5
1925 – Louise M. Sumner Director 
1926 – Moved to reonovated barn on Clover st. and expanded to Gr. 12
1926 – Candlelight tradition began
1927 – First May Day Celebration; First Commencement with one graduate; First banner (Horn)
1930
1931 – Gymnasium and Auditorium buildings opened: Harley flag created
1932 – School accredited
1933 – The Comet Yearbook debuted
1934 – Commencement included first male graduates
1934 – First Harley Pageant
1940
1941 – Alma Mater written; Hollister House opened (a boarding facility; First Harley day camp
1944 – Lawrence Wesley Utter director 
1944 – First Harley Sale
1949 – Hollister House closed; First Harley Gallery and Perkins Building Opened
1950
1954 – Soccer field completed
1958 – First alumni children graduated
1959 – Rowland P. Mckinley, Jr. Headmaster 
1960
1960 – Alumni cup introduced
1962 – Russell building opened
1963 – Stephen Hinrichs Headmaster 
1964 – Trimester plan began; Harley Record debuted
1967 – An Experience of Worth published for 50th Anniversary
1968 – Richard U. Wilson building, Beckerman Center, Math, French, and Science Classrooms opened in West Wing; First Ralph S. Mckee Athletic Trophy Award
1969 – Field House and Pool opened, Tennis and Swim Association formed
1970
1972 – Gift of Love written for pageant
1972 – HAC Athletics formed
1976 – Honors Assembly established; Wilson Arts center opened
1977 – Dexter Lewis Headmaster 
1980
1980 – Harley Scottish Exchange launched
1981 – Banner Magazine debuted
1982 – John F. Skillman Headmaster 
1984 – Grandparents & Special Friends Day began
1988 – Miriam Snyder Head 
1989 – William Burleigh acting Head of School 
1990
1991 – Richard M. Blumenthal Headmaster 
1992 – A History of the Harley School written by Ruth Ewell for 75th Anniversary
1996 – HAC Braves renamed Wolves
1998 – Sundae Sunday started
1999 – First Blast! Fundraiser
1999 – Richard F. Barter Interim Headmaster 
2000
2000 – Paul Schiffman Head of School 
2001 – Becoming Newsletter published; Oak Tree Ceremony instituted
2003 – Robert Lehman Center for Visual Arts opened
2004 – Harley Hospice program began
2005 – Sands-Stern Academic Center (Middle and Upper School Addition) and Wilson Gallery unveiled
2006 – Timothy Cottrell Head of School 
; First Day Flowers
2009 – Becoming Magazine debuted
2010
2010 – Dry Stone wall, Circle, Cairn completed; Pam Kimmet Natural Playground dedicated
2012 – Valerie Myntti Interim Head of School 
2013 – Ward Ghory Head of School 
2014 – The Commons Opened; The Commons Series began
2015 – New Harley Mission Statement
2017 – Centennial Celebrations commenced
2018 – Moore/Brown Center for Creative Media built
2018 – Peckham Wellness Center and Winslow Natural Playground & Outdoor Learning Center Groundbreaking; Larry Frye Head of School 
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