Bard College at Simon’s Rock, located in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, is the nation’s only four-year college of the liberal arts and sciences specifically designed for younger students, typically those who have completed their sophomore or junior year of high school. Known as the 'early college,' it offers a unique educational model that combines rigorous academics with an accelerated path to a bachelor’s degree, fostering intellectual maturity and independence.
The curriculum at Simon’s Rock is built around small, discussion-based classes and a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. Students begin with the Lower College program, focusing on foundational skills through the Seminar sequence, before progressing to the Upper College, where they design individualized concentrations. The campus fosters a close-knit community where students and faculty collaborate on intellectual and creative projects. With a commitment to empowering motivated young learners, Bard College at Simon’s Rock provides a transformative educational experience that prepares students for further academic pursuits or professional endeavors while encouraging personal growth and critical engagement with the world.
Bard College's main campus in Annandale-On-Hudson offers a wide array of liberal arts and sciences programs designed to foster critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning. As a pioneer in innovative education, Bard emphasizes small class sizes, close faculty-student interaction, and a commitment to intellectual exploration. The curriculum is structured around the idea of a broad-based education, encouraging students to engage with diverse fields of study before specializing.
The college operates on a distinctive academic model, including the First-Year Seminar and the Senior Project, which are integral to its mission of cultivating independent thinkers. Bard’s commitment to civic engagement and global perspectives is evident through initiatives like the Bard Prison Initiative and international partnerships. With a focus on creativity and intellectual rigor, the main campus serves as the heart of Bard’s educational mission, preparing students for impactful careers and lifelong learning in a rapidly changing world.
Bard High School Early College Baltimore, located in Baltimore, Maryland, is a partnership between Bard College and Baltimore City Public Schools. This campus offers a tuition-free, accelerated academic program that allows students to earn both a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree from Bard College in four years. The curriculum integrates high school and college-level studies, delivering a challenging liberal arts education to motivated students.
The program’s cornerstone is the First-Year Seminar, a Bard hallmark that introduces students to interdisciplinary texts and ideas, encouraging intellectual curiosity. The campus is dedicated to academic excellence, civic responsibility, and preparing students for further education or professional success. With a diverse student body and committed faculty, Bard High School Early College Baltimore emphasizes small class sizes and individualized mentorship. Its urban setting offers access to cultural and professional opportunities, enriching the educational experience and inspiring students to engage with their community and think critically about their role in a complex, interconnected world.
Bard High School Early College Cleveland, located in Cleveland, Ohio, is a collaborative initiative between Bard College and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. This campus offers a tuition-free, accelerated program where students can earn a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree from Bard College in just four years. The curriculum combines high school and college-level coursework, providing a rigorous liberal arts education for motivated learners.
The academic program is anchored by the First-Year Seminar, a signature Bard course that introduces students to interdisciplinary ideas and texts, fostering intellectual growth. The campus is committed to preparing students for higher education or professional paths through a focus on civic engagement and critical inquiry. With a diverse student population and dedicated faculty, Bard High School Early College Cleveland offers small class sizes and personalized support. Its location in Cleveland provides access to cultural and community resources, enhancing the educational experience and encouraging students to become active, thoughtful contributors to their local and global communities.
Bard High School Early College Manhattan, situated in New York City’s Lower East Side, is a pioneering collaboration between Bard College and the New York City Department of Education. This campus offers a tuition-free, accelerated program where students can earn a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree from Bard College in four years. The curriculum blends high school and college coursework, challenging students with a rigorous liberal arts education.
The cornerstone of the academic experience is the First-Year Seminar, which introduces students to interdisciplinary ideas and texts, mirroring Bard’s undergraduate approach. The campus emphasizes intellectual growth, civic responsibility, and preparation for higher education or professional life. With a diverse student population and committed faculty, Bard High School Early College Manhattan offers small class sizes and individualized support. Its location in the heart of Manhattan provides unparalleled access to cultural institutions, internships, and community engagement opportunities, enriching students’ learning and encouraging them to become active, thoughtful participants in a complex, interconnected world.
Bard High School Early College Newark, located in Newark, New Jersey, is a partnership between Bard College and the Newark Public Schools system. This campus provides a tuition-free, accelerated academic program that enables students to earn both a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree from Bard College within four years. The curriculum integrates high school and college-level studies, offering a challenging liberal arts education to motivated students.
Central to the program is the First-Year Seminar, a Bard signature course that introduces students to interdisciplinary texts and ideas, fostering intellectual curiosity. The campus is dedicated to academic excellence, civic engagement, and preparing students for further education or professional success. With a diverse student body and supportive faculty, Bard High School Early College Newark emphasizes small class sizes and mentorship. Its urban location offers access to cultural and professional resources, enriching the educational experience and encouraging students to engage with their community and think critically about their role in a global society.
Bard High School Early College Queens, located in Long Island City, New York, is a unique partnership between Bard College and the New York City Department of Education. This campus offers a rigorous, tuition-free program that allows high school students to earn both a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree from Bard College in just four years. The curriculum integrates high school and college-level coursework, providing an accelerated path for motivated students.
The academic model at Bard High School Early College Queens centers on the First-Year Seminar, a cornerstone of Bard’s liberal arts education, which introduces students to interdisciplinary texts and ideas. The campus promotes intellectual curiosity and civic engagement, preparing students for further education or professional paths. With a diverse student body and dedicated faculty, the program emphasizes small class sizes and personalized mentorship. Located in a vibrant urban setting, the campus provides access to cultural and professional opportunities in New York City, enriching the educational experience and encouraging students to think critically about their role in a global society.
Bard High School Early College Washington, D.C., located in the nation’s capital, is a collaboration between Bard College and the District of Columbia Public Schools. This campus provides a tuition-free, accelerated program where students can earn a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree from Bard College in four years. The curriculum blends high school and college-level coursework, offering a rigorous liberal arts education to motivated students.
Central to the academic experience is the First-Year Seminar, a signature Bard course that introduces students to interdisciplinary ideas and texts, fostering intellectual growth. The campus is committed to preparing students for higher education or professional paths through a focus on civic engagement and critical inquiry. With a diverse student population and dedicated faculty, Bard High School Early College Washington, D.C. offers small class sizes and personalized support. Its location in the capital provides unique access to cultural, political, and professional resources, enhancing the educational experience and encouraging students to become active, thoughtful contributors to their local and global communities.
