Middle School

More Than Academics: Where Discovery Meets Community

Cultivating Curiosity & Confidence: Our innovative curriculum, challenging academics, and enriching electives provide a foundation for academic excellence. We emphasize skill development and thematic learning, making the journey of discovery both joyful and meaningful. Students develop strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills across core subjects like math, science, language arts, and social studies.

Thriving Beyond Academics: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is woven throughout the Middle School experience. Students develop the skills to manage emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions, empowering them to navigate the social and emotional complexities of adolescence with confidence.

Exploring Interests & Building Community: Beyond academics, students can explore their passions through a variety of electives, clubs, and flex time activities. Our modified athletics program (HAC Sports) fosters teamwork and sportsmanship. Students can also participate in “Expedition Week,” an immersive learning experience that connects classroom concepts to real-world applications.

A Supportive Environment for Growth: Harley’s Middle School offers a unique block schedule, allowing for in-depth learning and varied teaching methods. Our innovative “looping” system fosters strong student-teacher relationships as students remain with the same core teachers for two consecutive years (5th/6th and 7th/8th grades).

Contact Renee Fishner at (585) 277-1113 to learn more about the vibrant Middle School experience at Harley.

Why Harley?

Why Harley Middle School? We provide a supportive community with small class sizes and personalized attention. Our holistic approach integrates academics, athletics, and social-emotional learning, preparing students for success in high school and beyond.

Hands-on Learning: Students explore through projects, thematic lessons, and outdoor experiences.

Social-Emotional Development: We foster curiosity, creativity, and respect for diverse perspectives.

Academic Excellence: A challenging curriculum prepares students for future success as lifelong learners.

Dedicated Faculty & Individualized Attention

• Our passionate faculty understand the unique needs of Middle Schoolers.
• We offer a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and individualized support.

Beyond the Classroom

• We believe extracurricular activities are an extension of learning. Students can join clubs, flex time, and sports teams.
• We create a safe space for students to learn from both successes and challenges, fostering well-rounded individuals.

Service Learning & Making a Difference

• Our students participate in service learning projects, developing empathy and compassion for others.
• We challenge them to grow by taking ownership of their learning and working towards academic excellence.

Thriving Beyond Academics: Our Social-Emotional Learning Program

At Harley, we understand the importance of nurturing the whole child. That’s why Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is woven throughout the Middle School experience (Grades 5-8).

What is SEL?

SEL equips students with the skills to:

• Manage emotions effectively
• Set and achieve goals
• Develop empathy and build positive relationships
• Make responsible decisions

These skills empower students to navigate the complexities of adolescence with confidence and resilience.

Self-Awareness: Understanding emotions and how they impact behavior.
Self-Management: Developing healthy coping mechanisms and self-regulation skills.
Social Awareness: Recognizing emotions in others and practicing empathy.
Relationship Skills: Building positive connections and communicating effectively.
Responsible Decision-Making: Making thoughtful choices and considering consequences.

By strengthening these skills, students become better equipped to manage stress, navigate social challenges, and thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Special Areas

Middle School: Where Exploration Meets Experience (Grades 5-8)

Flex Your Interests: Choose from a variety of electives like podcasting, coding, or running club. Explore your passions and discover new talents.

Challenge Yourself on the Field: Join our modified athletics program (HAC Sports) and develop teamwork, sportsmanship, and physical fitness. (Link to HAC Athletics website)

Expedition Week: Immerse yourself in real-world learning during a week-long adventure that connects classroom concepts to hands-on experiences.

Hands-on Learning: Dive deeper with interactive projects that encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Why Harley’s Middle School?

Supportive Community: Our small class sizes and experienced faculty provide personalized attention and a safe space to learn and grow.

Holistic Approach: We integrate academics, athletics, and social-emotional learning to prepare students for success in high school and beyond.

Middle School Curriculum

Scheduling and Looping

Students enjoy a unique block schedule that provides time for in-depth learning at a pace that benefits students and allows teachers to employ different methods of teaching. In addition, both students and teachers are able to build strong relationships thanks to our two-year “looping” sequence, where students remain with the same teachers for both 5th/6th and 7th/8th grades.

Middle School students at Harley also benefit from elective offerings in the middle of the day, a unique period where they choose elective courses, seek out extra support from teachers, or independently work in a structured study hall. We believe students should be in charge of their learning, finding joy in what they discover and taking ownership of their education.