High School for Two Years. Then College, Early.
At Bard Academy, you’ll find faculty who welcome your intellectual curiosity, staff who foster your independent spirit, and classmates who love to learn—just as much as you do. We haven’t condensed the high school experience. Instead, we’ve created a program that takes a collegiate approach to learning from day one. After the 10th grade, all students in good academic and social standing are admitted to Simon’s Rock at Bard College to pursue their associate in arts degree.
At Bard Academy, you’ll find faculty who welcome your intellectual curiosity, staff who foster your independent spirit, and classmates who love to learn—just as much as you do. We haven’t condensed the high school experience. Instead, we’ve created a program that takes a collegiate approach to learning from day one. After the 10th grade, all students in good academic and social standing are admitted to Simon’s Rock at Bard College to pursue their associate in arts degree.
Academic Pathways Through Simon's Rock
There's more than one way move through the Simon's Rock academic programs.
Features of the Bard Academy
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High School Taught by Your Future College ProfessorsOur professors are active scholars and artists, which means they have a stake in what they teach. They are also experienced teachers of younger students. The Academy curriculum enables students to fulfill core requirements with plenty of opportunities for more advanced inquiry. -
High School on a College CampusBard Academy is located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, on Bard College's verdant Massena Campus, also home of Simon's Rock at Bard College. Bard Academy students enjoy all of Simon's Rock's resources and facilities, from our research labs and gymnasium to our library, art studios, and performance spaces. -
Ready to Ask the Big Questions?At Bard Academy, we welcome intellectual curiosity and classmates who love to learn just as much as you do. You’ll end up realizing there is no end—and no limit—once you start engaging in the world around you as an original thinker with a strong foundation from Bard Academy.
Photos by Tricia McCormack
Academics at the Bard Academy
Bard Academy courses are designed and taught by the faculty of Simon’s Rock at Bard College. The Academy is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Independent Schools (NEASC-CIS). Our professors are active scholars and artists, which means they have a stake in what they teach. They are also experienced teachers of younger students. The Academy curriculum enables students to fulfill core requirements with plenty of opportunities for more advanced inquiry.
Photo credit: Tricia McCormack Photography
Why did you choose Bard Academy?
“I chose Bard Academy because of its welcoming environment and accelerated education program. I was interested in starting college early so that I could fulfill higher education goals sooner. When I toured the campus for the first time, I instantly knew it was the right place for me.”
What is your favorite class here and why?
“My favorite class I took at Bard Academy was Social Movements in U.S. History. Every week, we explored a new social movement and discussed the problems that brought them about, the tactics they used, and the voices that changed our society as we know it. I enjoyed this class because of its discussion, how the teacher formatted our engagement with the material, and the opportunities for us to do our own research on social movements we were most interested in.”
What is your favorite class here and why?
“My favorite class I took at Bard Academy was Social Movements in U.S. History. Every week, we explored a new social movement and discussed the problems that brought them about, the tactics they used, and the voices that changed our society as we know it. I enjoyed this class because of its discussion, how the teacher formatted our engagement with the material, and the opportunities for us to do our own research on social movements we were most interested in.”
Why is Bard Academy better than traditional high school?
“Bard Academy is better than a traditional high school because of the courses it offers, the connection between teachers and students, and its education model. Students have the opportunity to select classes they are interested in within distributional requirements and advance quickly in subjects they would often not be able to at a traditional high school. With the small class sizes, teachers and students form close relationships and an environment is created that allows students to thrive.”
What do you enjoy most about working with the faculty here?
“I enjoy being able to talk with my teachers one-on-one as often as I need. It is clear they are all here to support us and are working in our best interest.
- Lucia '26, Bard Academy Matriculant to Simon's Rock
“Bard Academy is better than a traditional high school because of the courses it offers, the connection between teachers and students, and its education model. Students have the opportunity to select classes they are interested in within distributional requirements and advance quickly in subjects they would often not be able to at a traditional high school. With the small class sizes, teachers and students form close relationships and an environment is created that allows students to thrive.”
What do you enjoy most about working with the faculty here?
“I enjoy being able to talk with my teachers one-on-one as often as I need. It is clear they are all here to support us and are working in our best interest.
- Lucia '26, Bard Academy Matriculant to Simon's Rock
Bard Academy Resources
After the Bard Academy
The College Program
After completing the 10th grade Bard Academy program, all students in good academic and social standing are accepted into Simon’s Rock at Bard College. Matriculation is the process of completing your Academy studies and enrolling at Simon’s Rock at Bard College. You will be asked to reflect on your time at the Academy and set goals as you move into the College program.