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 the relocation of Simon’s Rock. This pioneering institution, renowned for offering college education to students after the 10th or 11th grade, will be moving from its long-standing campus in Great Barrington, MA, to a new home on the property of Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, NY. The transition is slated to be completed by Fall 2025, when the newly acquired campus, adjacent to Bard’s existing facilities, will officially welcome Simon’s Rock students.
Founded in 1966 by Elizabeth Blodgett Hall, Simon’s Rock has been at the forefront of early college education. Its unique model allows younger students to embark on their higher education journey sooner, fostering an environment of academic rigor and intellectual curiosity. The Academy at Simon’s Rock, established in 2015, further prepares students in 9th and 10th grade for the Early College program. This strategic move ensures that both Academy and Early College students will continue to benefit from the same high-quality academic programs and close-knit community that Simon’s Rock is known for, while simultaneously gaining access to the extensive resources of Bard College. Current students will remain at the Great Barrington campus until the end of the Spring 2025 semester, with options to continue their studies at the new location in Annandale-on-Hudson.
Legacy of Simon’s Rock and the Rationale for Relocation
The decision to relocate Simon’s Rock comes at a pivotal moment for early college education. As Bard College President Leon Botstein articulated, “Simon’s Rock has been the pioneer of early college, and as a result of its success and track record, there are now 10 public early college high school campuses founded by Bard in six states and more than 1 million high school students nationwide taking early college courses this year.” This widespread adoption of the early college model, partly inspired by Simon’s Rock’s pioneering efforts, has shifted the demand for the original residential model.
President Botstein further explained the strategic reasoning behind the move: “Because of that success, and the larger national movement which it inspired, demand for the original residential model is less strong than it was when Elizabeth Blodgett Hall founded Simon’s Rock in the 1960s. With Bard’s recent purchase of the Massena Campus, we now have more flexibility in space that can allow for a more financially viable and educationally rich future for Simon’s Rock by placing it physically proximate to the institution that has owned and run it for 45 years.” He emphasized that this relocation is not a closure, but rather an opportunity for Simon’s Rock to thrive and continue its mission in a sustainable manner, acknowledging the long-standing relationship with Great Barrington and expressing gratitude for the community’s support over nearly six decades.
Enhanced Opportunities at Bard’s Annandale-on-Hudson Campus
The move to the Massena Campus within Bard College promises a wealth of new opportunities for Simon’s Rock students. Beyond the dedicated amenities and programming planned for their new campus, students will gain access to Bard’s extensive educational and cultural resources. These include state-of-the-art facilities such as the Reem-Kayden Center for Science and Computation, the Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts designed by Frank Gehry, the Stevenson Library, and the Hessel Museum of Art.
This integration extends beyond physical resources, as Simon’s Rock students will also be encouraged to participate in Bard events, clubs, musical groups, and sports teams, enriching their college experience and fostering a broader sense of community. John B. Weinstein, Provost and Vice President at Bard College at Simon’s Rock, highlighted the significance of this moment, stating, “We are now at a pivotal moment for Simon’s Rock. Departing from our beloved Great Barrington campus is heartbreaking… But this move is the only course of action for the school to preserve the viability of a residential early college experience in an unpredictable time for institutions of higher education nationwide.”
A Bittersweet Transition and Commitment to the Future
James M. Clark Jr. ’76, Chair of the Bard College at Simon’s Rock Board of Overseers, described the moment as “bittersweet,” acknowledging the deep emotional connection many have with the Great Barrington campus. However, he reassured the community that “along with the physical relocation of the school comes a transfer of the spirit and ethos that has guided Simon’s Rock since its founding. We are excited for this new chapter in the school’s history.”
Emily H. Fisher, Bard College at Simon’s Rock Chair Emerita, and parent of a Simon’s Rock graduate, echoed this sentiment, expressing her belief that “the new Massena campus is the beginning of a brighter, more secure future for Simon’s Rock.” Simon’s Rock is committed to supporting its students through this transition, offering individual consultations to address their academic paths. For students who may not wish to relocate, the institution is working with partner institutions in Massachusetts to facilitate transfer pathways.
Simon’s Rock will maintain the Great Barrington campus during the transition and collaborate with local officials to find a suitable new owner for the property. Simultaneously, Bard and Simon’s Rock will work closely with New York officials to ensure the timely renovation of the Massena Campus and a smooth transition for faculty, staff, and students. For further details on the relocation and the future of the Great Barrington site, please visit simons-rock.edu/announcement.
