The Harley School

We talk often about our students taking healthy risks, embracing responsibility, and pursuing interests far beyond the perimeter of our campus.

Recently, the Brighton Fire Department Explorer Post 513 and the Brighton Police Department Youth Explorer Program were recognized as some of the most highly decorated youth initiatives in Monroe County—earning both local and state-wide honors for their dedication, lifesaving efforts, and extensive volunteer work.

Among these honors was the prestigious William H. Spurgeon, III Award, the highest national recognition given for excellence in Explorer leadership and community service.

Pictured here, Harley student Ted T. alongside Nora M. and advisors Joel K. and Juan C., proudly accepted the award on behalf of the programs.

Congratulations to Ted and the entire Explorer community for their steadfast commitment to public service and safety.

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a campus transitions from a place of daytime study to a place of nighttime adventure. Last night, our Grade 2 students stepped into the special time during a beloved Harley tradition—the Grade 2 overnight.

The evening was classic: swimming, dinner from the grill, tie-dying, and a bonfire in the nature center. But the real highlight was the introduction to Harley lore about the Harley Ghost who loves to cause hijinks while the students are asleep!

Sure enough, this morning brought undeniable proof of the visitor. Lower School classrooms were all mixed up, and Dr. Smith’s office was completely crisscrossed with yarn.

Beyond the campfires and ghost stories, the overnight remains a deliberate, joyous milestone in student independence and community-building.

Thank you to the employees who help to keep this tradition alive!

Our Grade 8 students celebrated their official transition from Middle School to Upper School. From sharing breakfast together and offering heartfelt reflections on their journey, to being lovingly serenaded by our faculty, the entire day was filled with that undeniable "Harley Sparkle."

We are so proud of who these students have become, and we can’t wait to see them thrive in the Upper School this fall!

Thank you to Spectrum News for interviewing our Upper School NASA HUNCH team. Their SUSTAIN project, a Medical Informatics System, combines wearable monitoring with AI detection by utilizing data analysis, smart routing, and a specialized medical Large Language Model. These talented students had presented their work live in Houston in April.

Every year, our community comes together for a heartfelt tradition celebrating our graduating seniors.

Each board features a portrait of a Grade 12 student—beautifully captured by senior photographer Liam R.–thank you!

They are now on display for the community to sign, share memories, and leave messages of encouragement for posterity as our seniors prepare for their next chapter.

Looking for the perfect Sunday plans?

Join us today for day two of the Summer Reading Book Sale at Book Culture! Your purchases benefit the Harley library, so stop in!

We have another incredible lineup of special guests and live music joining us throughout the day:

SUNDAY SCHEDULE:
11 am: Storytime with the fantastic Mr. Wayne!
11:30 am: A live a ca****la musical performance by Harley's very own Vocal Chords! 🎶
1:30 pm: Storytime with our Head of Lower School, Dr. Smith!

We can't wait to see many of our Harley families today.

Incredible news from the Monroe County Envirothon! Out of 23 competing teams, Harley teams finished in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place!

For those unfamiliar, the Envirothon is an intensive environmental science competition where students are tested in the field by natural resource professionals. Teams work together to solve real-world challenges in Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Soils & Land Use, Wildlife, and Current Environmental Issues.

To have three of our teams finish right at the top of a massive 23-team field is a fantastic testament to their hard work, scientific curiosity, and collaboration.

Join us this weekend for the Summer Reading Book Sale at Book Culture in Pittsford!

Stop by on Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31 to browse an amazing selection of books, grab your official Harley Summer Reading Lists, share recommendations, and enjoy live music—all while supporting the Harley library!

We have an incredible lineup all weekend long:
SATURDAY
11 am: Poetry & storytime with beloved retired Harley faculty member, Bart White!
1 pm: Storytime with our wonderful Lower School librarian, Mrs. Buhrman!

SUNDAY:
11 am: Storytime with the fantastic Mr. Wayne!
11:30 am: A ca****la musical performance by Harley's very own Vocal Chords! 🎶
1:30 pm: Storytime with our Head of Lower School, Dr. Smith!

We can't wait to see you there.

CHAMPIONS!
Huge congratulations to the HAC Wolves girls' track and field team on winning the Section V Class C3 Championship Meet!

From spectacular individual performances to gritty team relays, these athletes left everything out on the track and field to bring home the block. Your hard work, dedication, and team spirit all season long completely paid off!

Our Middle School musicians brought the house down tonight!

From creating a zombie movie to go with a piece of music to traditional songs from around the world, their talent was absolutely terrific.