Enrollment at Harley
A Message from Our Director of Enrollment
As a parent and an educator, I know that choosing a school is one of the most significant decisions your family will make. What I love most about The Harley School is that from the moment a child enters our doors, their natural curiosity is treated as a superpower. Watching our students transform into confident, independent thinkers from Nursery through Grade 12 is the greatest joy of my work.
My goal, and the goal of the Enrollment Team, is to ensure you feel supported, heard, and informed every step of the way. I look forward to getting to know your family's story and helping you discover if Harley is the right educational home for your child.
I look forward to seeing you on campus!
Warmly,
Ashley Kline '01, P '41
Director of Enrollment
Learn About Our Enrollment Process
Our enrollment process is thoughtfully designed for you to discover Harley, and for us to get to know your family. As you explore our campus and connect with our community, you will experience our commitment to academic depth, mindful balance, and authentic connection in real time, from active, hands-on discovery in Nursery, guided critical thinking and self-advocacy in Middle School, through college-level research in Upper School.
At Harley, we recognize the importance of finding your child’s educational home: a place where their natural curiosity is nurtured from day one. As you step through our doors, you will feel the warmth of a dynamic, joyful, and inclusive environment where every student is empowered to find their voice.
Our enrollment team is here to guide you, share insights, and answer questions. You can connect with us via phone or email: (585) 277-1113 or enrollment@harleyschool.org.
We look forward to getting to know your family and sharing the Harley community with you.
The Harley School Enrollment Team
Enrollment Process
Nursery 3 & 4
Join us for a Virtual Information Session, Open House or call to schedule a follow up meeting and tour. 585-277-1113
An opportunity for your student to interact within a Harley classroom. Our Nursery faculty will be there to both observe and connect with your child.
Nursery 3 & 4 Applicant Checklist
All steps will be managed through your Blackbaud Admissions Portal: harleyschool.myschoolapp.com
☐ Schedule a Tour, Attend an Open House, or an Information Session
Register for an Open House or Information Session online. Please contact our Enrollment Office to schedule a tour at enrollment@harleyschool.org or 585-277-1113.
☐ Parent Interview
Join the Enrollment team for a relaxed conversation. We look forward to learning more about your student and family!
☐ Create Your Online Portal & Complete the Application
The link to do so will be sent via email.
☐ Submit Recommendation (if applicable)
After January 1, recommendation requests can be sent directly to your student’s teacher by entering their email in your admission portal.
☐ Complete Parent Questionnaire
Please submit after January 1.
☐ Submit Short Video Clips
Upload in your admission portal. Videos are reviewed only by the Nursery faculty.
☐ Upload an Applicant Photo (Optional)
☐ Schedule and Attend Nursery Playdate
The Enrollment Office will contact you to schedule a 30 minute playdate with our faculty to take place in January or February.
☐ Upload a Copy of Birth Certificate
Grades K-4
Join us for a Virtual Information Session, Open House or call to schedule a follow up meeting and tour. 585-277-1113
Grade level assessments will be completed by a member of our faculty during the student's visit.
Kindergarten Applicant Checklist
All steps will be managed through your Blackbaud Admissions Portal: harleyschool.myschoolapp.com
☐ Schedule a Tour, Attend a Open House, or Information Session
You can register for an Open House or Information Session online. Please contact our Enrollment Office to schedule a tour at enrollment@harleyschool.org or call 585-277-1113.
☐ Parent Interview
Join the Enrollment team for a relaxed conversation. We look forward to learning more about your student and family!
☐ Create Your Online Portal & Complete the Application
The link to do so will be sent via email.
☐ Submit Recommendation (if applicable)
After January 1, recommendation requests can be sent directly to your student’s teacher by entering their email in your admission portal.
☐ Complete Parent Questionnaire
Please submit after January 1
☐ Schedule and Attend Kindergarten Playdate & Screening Visit We look forward to contacting you to schedule a 30 minute playdate visit with our faculty in January or February.
☐ Upload an Applicant Photo (Optional)
☐ Upload a Copy of Birth Certificate
Grade 1 - Grade 4 Applicant Checklist
All steps will be managed through your Blackbaud Admissions Portal: harleyschool.myschoolapp.com
☐ Schedule a Tour, Attend a Open House, or Information Session
You can register for an Open House or Information Session online. Please contact our Enrollment Office to schedule a tour at enrollment@harleyschool.org or call 585-277-1113.
☐ Parent Interview
Join the Enrollment team for a relaxed conversation. We look forward to learning more about your student and family!
☐ Create Your Online Portal & Complete the Application
The link to do so will be sent via email.
☐ Records Release Form
Complete form and send it to the Enrollment Office; we will request school transcripts on your behalf.
☐ Submit Teacher Recommendation
After January 1, recommendation requests can be sent directly to your student’s teacher by entering their email in your admission portal.
☐ Schedule a Classroom Visit & Assessment
We look forward to contacting you to schedule a classroom visit for your child and a grade level assessment, which will take place after the first of the year.
☐ Upload an Applicant Photo (Optional)
☐ Upload a Copy of Birth Certificate
Middle School (Grades 5-8)
Join us for a Virtual Information Session, Open House or call to schedule a follow up meeting and tour. 585-277-1113
Grade 5 - Grade 8 Applicant Checklist
All steps will be managed through your Blackbaud Admissions Portal: harleyschool.myschoolapp.com
☐ Schedule a Tour, Attend a Meet Your Village Open House, or
Information Session
You can register for an Open House or Information Session online. Please contact our Enrollment Office to schedule a tour at enrollment@harleyschool.org or call 585-277-1113.
☐ Parent Interview
Join the Enrollment team for a relaxed conversation. We look forward to learning more about your student and family!
☐ Create Your Online Portal & Complete the Application
The link to do so will be sent via email.
☐ Records Release Form
Complete form and send it to the Enrollment Office; we will request school transcripts on your behalf.
☐ Shadow Day (Required)
If you are unable to attend Meet Your Village, please contact the Enrollment Office at enrollment@harleyschool.org to schedule your shadowday.
☐ Request Recommendations from current Math & English
Teachers
After January 1, recommendation requests can be sent directly to your student’s teacher by entering their email in your admission portal.
☐ Schedule Math & English Assessment
The Enrollment office will be in contact to schedule.
☐ Upload an Applicant Photo (Optional)
☐ Upload a Copy of Birth Certificate
Grade level assessments in Math and English to help determine class placement. The Enrollment Office will be in contact to schedule these assessments.
Upper School (Grades 5-8)
Join us for a Virtual Information Session, Open House or call to schedule a follow up meeting and tour. 585-277-1113
Grade 9 - Grade 11 Applicant Checklist
All steps will be managed through your Blackbaud Admissions Portal: harleyschool.myschoolapp.com
☐ Schedule a Tour, Attend a Meet Your Village Open House, or
Information Session
You can register for an Open House or Information Session online. Please contact our Enrollment Office to schedule a tour at enrollment@harleyschool.org or call 585-277-1113.
☐ Parent Interview
Join the Enrollment team for a relaxed conversation. We look forward to learning more about your student and family!
☐ Create Your Online Portal & Complete the Application
The link to do so will be sent via email.
☐ Records Release Form
Complete form and send it to the Enrollment Office; we will request school transcripts on your behalf.
☐ Shadow Day (Required)
If you are unable to attend Meet Your Village, please contact the Enrollment Office at enrollment@harleyschool.org to schedule your shadowday.
☐ Request Recommendations from current Math & English
Teachers
After January 1, recommendation requests can be sent directly to your student’s teacher by entering their email in your admission portal.
☐ Submit Personal Statement
To be written by the applicant.
☐ Schedule Math & English Assessment
The Enrollment office will be in contact to schedule.
☐ Upload an Applicant Photo (Optional)
☐ Upload a Copy of Birth Certificate
Grade level assessments in Math and English to help determine class placement. The Enrollment Office will be in contact to schedule these assessments.
Discover Harley
Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective Families
Why choose Harley?
At Harley, education moves far beyond test scores and rigid standards. We nurture each student's innate curiosity through joyful rigor, hands-on learning, and deep personal connections across Nursery through Grade 12. Our small class sizes, 12-year average faculty tenure, and whole-child focus allow educators to truly know your child; giving them the right environment to take risks, explore diverse perspectives, and grow into confident, independent thinkers.
Does Harley offer tuition assistance?
Yes. Harley is deeply committed to economic diversity and making our education accessible to qualified families. We offer need-based Financial Assistance. These grants are handled confidentially by our Financial Assistance committee and are evaluated independently of admissions eligibility.
What is the best way to experience Harley before applying?
The best way to know Harley is to see our community in action! We encourage families to schedule a campus tour, attend an Open House, or join us for a shadow day (available for prospective Middle and Upper School students). You’ll see firsthand how our students engage with teachers, explore our campus signature spaces like The Commons, and participate in campus life.
Do you accept late or mid-year applications?
We welcome applications on a rolling, space-available basis. If you are relocating or seeking a mid-year transition, please reach out to our Enrollment Office directly to discuss availability.
How will I stay informed as a parent?
Your family will receive consistent, relevant, and timely information from the Head of School, Division Heads, and classroom teachers. You will also hear from Parent Council about volunteering and events. My.Harley.org is our main information portal that is available 24/7.
Does Harley offer extended day or after-school care?
Yes! We offer rich Extended Day programming called Acornville for Lower School students, providing a safe, engaging space for creative play, outdoor time, and enrichment activities after the school day ends. For Middle School students, supervised spaces like the library and designated study areas are available. We also provide varying afterschool classes at an additional cost each trimester ranging from coding to art to dance, and more!
What is the student-to-teacher ratio at The Harley School?
The Harley School maintains an intentional 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio, with average class sizes of 12–15 students across Nursery through Grade 12. This small class size ensures individualized academic support, strong teacher relationships, and active student participation at every grade level.
Where is The Harley School located, and which Rochester school districts do families come from?
The Harley School is located on a 25-acre campus at 1981 Clover Street in Brighton, NY (serving the greater Rochester area). Our students hail from over 30 school districts across Monroe, Ontario, and Wayne counties, including Pittsford, Brighton, Penfield, Fairport, Victor, and the City of Rochester.
Does Rochester public school district transportation cover students attending The Harley School?
Yes. Under New York State Education Law, public school districts within a 15-mile radius of The Harley School (including Pittsford, Brighton, Penfield, Fairport, Webster, and Rush-Henrietta) provide free bus transportation for enrolled students. Families simply submit a busing request form to their home district by April 1. If your student is admitted after April 1, exceptions apply and you will be able to set up busing.
What is the difference between a private, independent school and a parochial school in Rochester?
While both are non-public, schools like The Harley School operate independently, governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees, have no religious affiliation, and are funded primarily through tuition and philanthropy. This independence allows Harley to design a flexible, curiosity-driven curriculum centered on project-based learning, social-emotional growth, and academic depth without the constraints of state-mandated standardized test prep.
Does The Harley School offer college counseling and AP (Advanced Placement) courses?
Harley offers a comprehensive, personalized College Counseling program starting in Grade 9, helping 100% of graduates gain acceptance to their right fit colleges, universities, or other paths. Rather than teaching to standard AP tests, Harley offers rigorous, college-level Advanced and Honors courses that encourage deep research, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving.
What age does Nursery and Kindergarten start at The Harley School?
Our Early Childhood program welcomes children starting at age 3 for Nursery and age 4 for Pre-Kindergarten (Each child must turn 3 or 4 by December 1 of the entry year). Kindergarten entry requires a child to be 5 years old by December 1.