Bard College at Simon's Rock: the Early College
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Experience a Safe, In-Person Learning Environment

Simon's Rock Arrival Day Sign pano

At Simon’s Rock, every moment matters. That’s why we’ve never wavered in our mission to help bright, motivated students to fully realize their intellectual and creative potential by starting college early. We have successfully created a safe (but still fun!) campus environment through careful planning, informed decision-making, and a culture of community support. We’re committed to preserving the rich and engaging education that students expect from Simon’s Rock.

If you’re yearning for a bold challenge that offers more than the traditional path to college, Simon’s Rock is here to help jump-start your journey.

 

What Students, PARENTS, and Faculty Are Saying

Carson Stone college student

I’m happy I’m here this semester. I think Simon’s Rock remains a place for students looking for something new—for a different way to learn and live while still finding that sense of community and people you want to be around.

— Carson Stone, first-year College student
Cathy Zhang Simon's Rock Academy

I’m glad to be here and to be in the classroom. I feel safe because our community is safe, and I also feel connected to my peers both in and outside the classroom. Our professors are doing everything to make this work, and it shows in the quality of class discussions.

— Cathy Zhang, second-year Academy student
Brendan Mathews

What I’ve noticed about classes this semester is that everyone is especially present in the room. Engaging with one another in the same space has allowed for so many unpredictable moments of discovery. When everyone is together, it feels like we’re advancing into real group discussion and inquiry — and the sparks fly.

— Brendan Mathews, faculty in creative writing and literature
Maryann Tebben

I’m teaching a cheese-making class where we meet in-person for a discussion one day and the next day we have a hybrid, hands-on class.

— Maryann Tebben, professor of French and head of the Center for Food Studies

It was daunting to send our first child to college in this environment, but everything about our experience with Simon’s Rock — from the detailed preparedness plans to interactions with faculty and leadership — was really open and transparent. We felt they would create a safe environment with a strong support system, and they have.

— Claire Raper, mother of Lily ’20

When we left campus after our tour, my daughter burst into laughter and said, ‘I just found where I belong.’ She was right. We were worried about sending a 16-year-old to college during a global health crisis. But Simon's Rock has been the best parenting decision we’ve ever made. I’ve never known my kid to be this happy.

— Lynn Cockett, mother of Hannah ’20
Simon's Rock students masked collage


A Safe Community Grounded in Mutual Support

Outdoor class Simon's Rock fall 2020
An outdoor physics class during the fall 2020 semester.

At Simon’s Rock, our core priority is maintaining the health and wellbeing of our community and our neighbors while delivering on our academic mission. Our procedures follow best practices for public health to allow for an interactive in-person learning experience while offering students meaningful opportunities for connection, relationship-building, and autonomy alongside their peers.

Highlights of our successful safety protocols include:

  • Rigorous cleaning and sanitization of all campus facilities
  • Transparent, consistent, and timely communication
  • Easily accessible support systems for academics, campus life, and health and wellness

Apply Now

If you’re curious about the world and want to take the next big step by starting college early, there’s no reason to delay. We want to help you keep your academic goals on track, starting now.

Connect & Learn More

The admission team welcomes your questions. We’ve got you covered when it comes to learning more about early college at Simon’s Rock, talking you through the application process, and helping you meet your admission and financial aid deadlines.