Chris Becker
Mr. Becker was a truly incredible teacher with a passion for his subject, and he shared his passion for chemistry with his students during each and every class. He pushed students to do their best and he worked hard to make sure they succeeded in his class. Whether it was re-working a homework problem, explaining labs, or helping students outside of class, Mr. Becker was always there to lend a hand.
His enthusiasm for chemistry was infectious, and it energized the class. He was also constantly innovating. During one lab, we produced an unknown gas, and he lit a match and stuck it in the test tube so that we could determine what it was. It was this kind of experience that made his class engaging. Mr. Becker had a love of learning, teaching, and his subject that made him an incredible teacher. I am so lucky to have been in his AP Chem class this year, and I wish him luck as he moves on to new and exciting opportunities.
—Frances Dickinson ‘23
Harley’s Approach to College Counseling
“Club Rush” is an afternoon every fall in the Upper School when students have the chance to sign up for clubs for the year, and each year it is very different because new clubs are created based on student initiative and enthusiasm.
Each and every year, students at The Harley School participate in HAC Athletics, and their success continues to be impressive, both as students and athletes. Our athletic program is an integral part of Harley, teaching student-athletes invaluable lessons about teamwork, time management, persistence, and competition. Our program allows them to develop physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally as they represent their school on and off the field. They grow, mature, and work hard to be the best teammate they can, while creating lifelong memories with teammates who often remain friends for life. 
Our Upper School is filled with formal and informal opportunities for students to take on leadership roles. Whether following passions or learning new skills, student-driven opportunities take many shapes.
Unlike this class, death is not an elective. Although it is one of two universal human experiences, our culture often ignores, denies, or misconstrues the true nature of death and dying. What happens when we bear witness to this natural process in the cycle of life and develop our ability to be fully present with others when they need us more than ever? It has the potential to change us deeply and fundamentally while shining a brilliant light on the path of our own lives.
This program utilizes environmentally-focused approaches to education and hands-on learning in order to foster the next generation of leaders through a lens of sustainability and problem-solving.
At Harley, our students learn how to evaluate social systems in order to identify complex problems in society through a lens of social justice. They take a hands-on approach to working for a fair, equitable society by researching, exploring and evaluating different perspectives, and offering solutions—both theoretical and practical.
Students may create independent studies with supervising teachers throughout their Upper School experience or, during Grade 12, they can design Capstone projects—intensive collaborations with Harley faculty and off-campus mentors—involving rigorous academic study and culminating in public presentations. 