In a significant announcement impacting the landscape of early college education, the Bard College Board of Trustees and the Bard College at Simon’s Rock Board of Overseers have jointly declared that Simon’s Rock will be moving its campus. Currently located in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Simon’s Rock is set to relocate to a new home on the property of Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. This move, slated to be completed by Fall 2025, will see Simon’s Rock students and programs integrated into a newly acquired campus adjacent to Bard’s existing facilities.
Founded in 1966, Bard College at Simon’s Rock holds the distinction of being the nation’s first early college. It provides a unique educational pathway for motivated students to begin college after completing the 10th or 11th grade. Further expanding its commitment to younger scholars, the Academy at Simon’s Rock was established in 2015, offering a preparatory program for 9th and 10th graders aspiring to enter the Early College program. The relocation to the Bard College campus is designed to maintain the rigorous academic environment, rich creative opportunities, and close-knit community that Simon’s Rock is known for, while simultaneously enriching the student experience through access to Bard’s extensive resources and programs.
Current students at Bard College at Simon’s Rock will continue their studies at the Great Barrington campus through the Spring 2025 semester. For those wishing to pursue their degree at Simon’s Rock, the opportunity will continue at the new Annandale-on-Hudson location starting next fall, ensuring a seamless transition for students committed to their academic path.
Bard College President Leon Botstein emphasized the strategic rationale behind this decision, stating, “Simon’s Rock has been a true pioneer in early college education. Its success has paved the way for a broader national movement, including the establishment of 10 public early college high school campuses founded by Bard across six states. This year alone, over a million high school students nationwide are engaging in early college coursework, a testament to the model Simon’s Rock pioneered.” President Botstein further elaborated, “This widespread adoption of early college programs has shifted the landscape. Demand for the original residential model, while still significant, is different from when Elizabeth Blodgett Hall established Simon’s Rock in the 1960s.”
He continued, “Bard’s recent acquisition of the Massena Campus provides us with the spatial flexibility to secure a more sustainable and academically vibrant future for Simon’s Rock. By positioning Simon’s Rock in close proximity to Bard College, which has nurtured and governed it for 45 years, we are reinforcing its mission and long-term viability.” President Botstein also expressed gratitude to the Great Barrington community, acknowledging their role as Simon’s Rock’s home and supportive neighbor for nearly six decades. He highlighted the unified support for this move, noting the endorsement of the Simon’s Rock Board of Overseers and key donors, many of whom are alumni or parents of alumni, underscoring the collective commitment to this strategic evolution.
The move to the Massena Campus unlocks a wealth of additional resources for Bard College at Simon’s Rock students. Beyond the dedicated amenities and programs planned for their new campus, students will gain access to Bard College’s extensive educational and cultural infrastructure. This includes cutting-edge facilities such as the Reem-Kayden Center for Science and Computation, the architecturally acclaimed Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts designed by Frank Gehry, the comprehensive Stevenson Library, and the Hessel Museum of Art. Furthermore, Simon’s Rock students will be fully integrated into the broader Bard community, with opportunities to participate in Bard events, diverse clubs, musical ensembles, and intercollegiate sports teams, fostering a richer and more diverse college experience.
John B. Weinstein, Provost and Vice President at Bard College at Simon’s Rock, acknowledged the emotional weight of this transition. “This is a pivotal moment for Simon’s Rock,” he stated. “Leaving our cherished Great Barrington campus is undoubtedly হৃদয়বিদারক—it has been my professional home for over two decades and my personal residence for almost five. It holds countless memories for many within our community. However, this relocation represents the necessary path forward to ensure the enduring strength of a residential early college experience amidst the evolving challenges facing higher education institutions nationwide.”
Looking ahead, Simon’s Rock will remain responsible for the upkeep and security of the Great Barrington campus as they collaborate with local authorities to find a suitable new owner for the property. Concurrently, Bard and Simon’s Rock will work closely with officials in Red Hook, New York, to facilitate the timely renovation of the Massena Campus facilities. This collaborative effort aims to guarantee a smooth and well-supported transition for faculty, staff, and students as they settle into their new academic home.
James M. Clark Jr. ’76, Chair of the Bard College at Simon’s Rock Board of Overseers, shared a sentiment that balanced reflection and optimism. “This is a bittersweet moment for all of us who deeply value Simon’s Rock and have been fortunate to be part of the extraordinary community nurtured there,” he remarked. “Yet, it is crucial to understand that with the physical relocation comes an unwavering commitment to the spirit and ethos that have defined Simon’s Rock since its inception. We eagerly anticipate this exciting new chapter in the school’s distinguished history.”
Emily H. Fisher, Bard College at Simon’s Rock Chair Emerita and parent of a Simon’s Rock graduate, offered a forward-looking perspective. “My long-standing love and support for Simon’s Rock stems from my unwavering belief in the exceptional education it provides to young individuals,” she affirmed. “I am genuinely convinced that the new Massena campus marks the beginning of a more vibrant and secure future for Bard College at Simon’s Rock.”
To ensure personalized support during this transition, students will receive individual consultations to discuss the implications of the move on their academic pursuits. For students who may not wish to relocate to the Massena Campus, Bard College at Simon’s Rock is actively collaborating with partner institutions in Massachusetts to establish seamless transfer pathways, prioritizing student needs and academic continuity.
For comprehensive details regarding the relocation and the future plans for the Great Barrington site, please visit simons-rock.edu/announcement.
