Monroe County

Harley School Tops Niche's 2027 Private School Rankings

Rochester, N.Y. – October 19, 2026 -- Families comparing schools in the Rochester area have a new data point: The Harley School has been named the #1 Best Private High School and the #1 Best Private K-12 School in both Monroe County and the Rochester area on Niche's 2027 Best Schools list.

Harley's STEM programs rank #2 on Niche's list

Niche also ranked Harley #2 for Best High School STEM Programs. According to the school, that is the highest ranking for any private school in the area.

Niche builds rankings from report cards and real reviews

Niche is an online platform for searching for schools and colleges. It publishes its rankings annually, drawing on a comprehensive K-12 report card along with real reviews, user data and surveys. Families use the database to find the right school for their children.

What Makes a Monroe County Indoor Play Center Kid-Friendly

Rochester – October 12, 2026 -- Parents in Monroe County picking an indoor play center can look at lighting, noise, layout and floor padding, according to a HelloNation article featuring Kristen Bonn of Play Palace.

Soft lighting and quiet corners help kids focus

Soft, natural or adjustable lighting reduces glare, the article explains. Sound-absorbing materials and controlled noise levels let children concentrate without distraction. Quiet corners give them a place to pause, regroup or switch to calmer activities.

Defined play zones let children set their own pace

Open floor plans with clearly marked zones show children where each type of play happens. Separate areas for climbing, imaginative play and creative exploration let them move at their own speed. Padded flooring and safe equipment support motor development and lower the risk of injury.