Bard College at Simon's Rock

Bard College at Simon's Rock is the only four-year residential college designed for thoughtful, exceptionally motivated students who are ready to start college early. The first early college of its kind, and the home for driven students who don't want more of the same, Simon's Rock is a private liberal arts college nestled in the heart of the Berkshires, in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

The average age of students who enroll at Simon's Rock is 16. Forty percent of students are students of color. With a student population of 400, our female student population outweighs our male student population, and twenty percent of our students identify as nonbinary. Twenty-five percent of the student body are international students representing 24 countries across the world, among them China, South Korea, Myanmar, and Uganda. Domestically, 47 states are represented such as Colorado, California, Florida, Texas, and Georgia.

Clubs and organizations are student-led and represent current student interests. There's a strong International Student Association and Pre-Med Society. The QueerSA, FIFE women's center, Black Student Union, Asian Student Association and Social Justice Committee all meet regularly. Poetry club, motorcycle club, Simon's Rock EMS, and Jews of Simon's Rock are among some of the newest student clubs to join the roster of exciting groups.

Simon’s Rock typically attracts “hyperintellectual” students who possess a strong “desire to learn.” Indeed, many individuals who enroll here are “exceptionally self-driven and motivated to carve their own paths.” And though students can sometimes come across as “pretentious” and “smug,” their desire to engage in “critical thought” is completely genuine. As one proud student explains, “Even at parties, you’ll find us debating philosophy or mathematics, discussing aspects of cellular biology, or hosting political conversations.” Additionally, a large number of students describe themselves as very “liberal” and most are “actively involved in social justice” causes as well. We’re also told that Simon’s Rock has a “large LGBTQ+ community...which is welcoming, diverse [and] full of pride.” Fortunately, no matter their politics or sexual orientation, undergrads here “are always kind and willing to lend a helping hand.” Another grateful student concludes, “We are like one big family. I have never seen people form relationships as deeply and as quickly as they do here.”

We’re not going to mince words; Simon’s Rock students tend to be “academically oriented.” Therefore, the majority of their “time...outside of class is spent studying.” But even these dedicated scholars kick back periodically, and there’s plenty of fun to be had when they do. To begin with, the college sponsors numerous events ranging “from poetry slams to lip sync battles and school dances.” “Open mics” are also fairly popular and well attended. And there are “always interesting guest lecturers or music performances” happening around campus as well. Additionally, many people are “incredibly active...in clubs and [with] various student-led initiatives.” As one undergrad gushes, “There are clubs for everything you can think of, in fact, I was head of Slytherin House for [the] Harry Potter Club.” And you’re in luck if you love sitting in darkened theaters! After all, students frequently host “film nights,” screening everything from “art films [and] historical pieces [to] social commentary documentaries and even Game of Thrones.” But don’t despair if you’re an individual who prefers the outdoors. There are plenty of great “hiking” trails close to the school as well as places to ski in the winter months. Trust us, no matter your passion, you’ll be able to indulge at Simon’s Rock.