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Upper School

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Our Approach

In Upper School, Harley students learn how to advocate, both for themselves and for others. 

Our small class sizes (7:1 student-to-faculty ratio) build the foundation for this work where students routinely participate in round-table discussions, debates, and hands-on workshops. They grow comfortable asking questions, sharing their views, and listening to perspectives different from their own. 

During Upper School, students have many leadership opportunities, such as working with Rochester City School District students through our Horizons at Harley program, presenting through the Commons Capstone program, and caring for Hospice patients. Our student council organizes many aspects of Upper School student life from new student orientation to elf day. The Upper School experience is uniquely tailored to each student’s goals and interests.

When they leave Harley, our students go into the world as confident thinkers, speakers, and writers—young adults able to articulate positions and defend them. They are ready for college—and the next chapters of their lives.

Upper School Highlights

Capstone/Independent Studies

Hospice

Social Justice

Student Leadership & Clubs

Food & Farm

Athletics

College Counseling

An Opportunity-rich Environment

At Harley, our Upper School students are known. Their peers and our faculty combine to create a unique learning community not duplicated elsewhere. Curiosity and drive for learning open up conversations and studies across disciplines, allowing for sophisticated connections and analysis. Our outstanding teachers guide students in exploring the rich environment around them, where they can take advantage of classes and electives to both follow passions and deepen interests.

Harley’s motto—”Become What Thou Art”—is lived by our Upper Schoolers as they prepare for their journeys with confidence and reason.

I can’t imagine being anywhere else! Harley is truly one-of-a-kind, and my classmates are no different. The teachers are so accommodating; they don’t try to fit you to a mold, instead they let you shape your mold. I know this sounds cliche, but I experience the magic of this school daily.  —Grade 11 Student

Academics and Outcomes

With 18 APs and plenty of other offerings, including over fifty electives each year, student inquiry and interests are spurred by topics such as: Computer Science, Economics, Food & Farm, Multimedia Journalism, Net Zero Energy, Philosophy & Ethics, and Hospice.

We are, at heart, a college preparatory school and we have the SAT/ACT scores, National Merit Finalists, college merit awards and acceptances to prove it. However, we are not interested in graduating students who learn to be outstanding test-takers but aren’t inclined to explore big questions and the larger world around them. As global life becomes more complex, each student needs to be ready to think critically and commit themselves to pursuing lifelong learning as active members of a healthy, thriving society. 

Our whole person approach doesn’t force students onto one track or another. At Harley, students can participate in sports, performing and visual arts, clubs, and social activities in addition to academic pursuits. This vibrancy creates a close community, and friendships that last for decades.

[dvmd_table_maker tbl_title_mode=”on” tbl_title_text=”STEM AP Scores–Harley vs. National Mean, 2018-2022″ tbl_title_spacing=”10px” tbl_row_min_height=”40px” tbl_top_left_mode=”on” tbl_rhead_cell_color=”#FFFFFF” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” tbl_title_text_align=”center” tbl_title_text_color=”#EFE9E4″ tbl_title_font_size=”20px” tbl_chead_text_font=”|600|||||||” tbl_chead_text_line_height=”1.2em” tbl_rhead_text_font=”|600|||||||” tbl_rhead_text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”][dvmd_table_maker_item col_content=”Subject
Biology
Calculus AB
Calculus BC
Chemistry
Computer Science A
Environmental Science
Physics 1
Statistics” col_column_max_width=”1fr” col_chead_cell_color=”#00502F” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” col_chead_text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_content=”Total Exams
27
60
16
50
29
36
51
56″ col_column_max_width=”0.4fr” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_content=”National Mean
2.97
3
3.79
2.72
3.2
2.69
2.48
2.87″ col_column_max_width=”0.4fr” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_content=”Harley Mean
4.26
4.63
4.94
3.92
3.45
3.72
3.63
4.22″ col_column_max_width=”0.4fr” col_tcell_cell_color=”#D1DE30″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/dvmd_table_maker_item][/dvmd_table_maker]

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Acorn Grants Are Now Available!

Interested in learning how to make a Harley education possible for your child? Acorn Grants are smaller grants awarded to families who may not be eligible for need-based financial aid.  It is a grant of up to $5,000 intended to put the Harley education within reach for your family. The Acorn Grant stays with your child until graduation. 

Learn more about our Acorn Grants

Come for a Visit

Learn more about what makes The Harley School experience unique.

Inquire

The Harley School

1981 Clover Street
Rochester, NY 14618
(585) 442-1770

enrollment@harleyschool.org

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