In a significant announcement reshaping the landscape of early college education, Bard College and Bard College at Simon’s Rock have jointly declared the relocation of Simon’s Rock from its long-standing campus in Great Barrington, MA to a new site at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, NY. This move, set to be completed by Fall 2025, will see Simon’s Rock, a pioneering institution in early college education, transition to the newly acquired Massena Campus, adjacent to Bard’s existing facilities.
Founded in 1966, Simon’s Rock has distinguished itself by offering a unique educational pathway for 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, specifically designed to prepare 9th and 10th graders for the rigors of the Early College program. The relocation aims to enhance the educational environment for both Academy and Early College students by maintaining the intimate campus community and rigorous academics that Simon’s Rock is known for, while simultaneously providing access to the extensive resources of Bard College.
Bard College President Leon Botstein highlighted the evolving demand for early college education as a key factor in this strategic decision. “Simon’s Rock pioneered the early college model, and its success has inspired a nationwide movement,” stated President Botstein. He pointed to the expansion of Bard’s early college initiatives, including 10 public early college high school campuses across six states and over a million high school students engaging in early college courses nationally. “This broader success means the demand for the original residential model of Simon’s Rock is different today than when Elizabeth Blodgett Hall established it in the 1960s in Great Barrington.”
President Botstein further explained that Bard’s acquisition of the Massena Campus provides an opportunity to create a more sustainable and enriched future for Simon’s Rock. “By relocating to the Massena Campus, we are offering Simon’s Rock a pathway to continue its vital mission,” he affirmed. He also acknowledged the deep ties Simon’s Rock has with its original location, stating, “We extend our gratitude to the Great Barrington community in the Berkshires, which has been a gracious host to Simon’s Rock for nearly six decades. We are fortunate to have the support of the Simon’s Rock Board of Overseers and key donors, many of whom are alumni or parents of alumni, for this transition.”
The move to the Massena Campus will significantly broaden the resources available to Simon’s Rock students. They will gain access to Bard College’s extensive educational and cultural infrastructure, including 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. Furthermore, Simon’s Rock students will be encouraged to participate in Bard College’s diverse extracurricular activities, from clubs and musical ensembles to sports teams.
John B. Weinstein, Provost and Vice President at Bard College at Simon’s Rock, recognized the emotional weight of leaving the Great Barrington campus. “Departing from our cherished Great Barrington campus is indeed heartbreaking,” Provost Weinstein admitted. “It has been my professional home for over two decades and my personal residence for nearly five. The campus holds countless memories for many. However, this relocation represents the necessary path forward to ensure the enduring strength of a residential early college experience in an increasingly challenging environment for higher education institutions.”
Looking ahead, Simon’s Rock is committed to the responsible stewardship of its current campus in Great Barrington. The institution will maintain the property and collaborate closely with local Great Barrington officials to find a suitable new owner for the site. In tandem, Bard and Simon’s Rock will work in partnership with officials in Red Hook, New York, to facilitate the timely renovation of the Massena Campus and ensure a seamless transition for faculty, staff, and students to their new location.
James M. Clark Jr. ’76, Chair of the Bard College at Simon’s Rock Board of Overseers, reflected on the legacy of Simon’s Rock in Great Barrington while embracing the future. “This is a moment of mixed emotions for all who cherish Simon’s Rock and have been part of its extraordinary community,” Chair Clark acknowledged. “Yet, it is crucial to understand that this relocation is not just a physical move; it is a continuation of the spirit and principles that have defined Simon’s Rock from its inception. We eagerly anticipate this exciting new chapter in the school’s history.”
Echoing this sentiment of optimism, Emily H. Fisher, Bard College at Simon’s Rock Chair Emerita and parent of a Simon’s Rock graduate, stated, “I have been a long-time supporter of Simon’s Rock because I believe deeply in the exceptional education it provides to young individuals. I am confident that the Massena campus represents the dawn of a more vibrant and secure future for Simon’s Rock.”
Simon’s Rock is committed to supporting its students through this transition. Individual consultations will be provided to students to discuss the implications of the relocation on their academic paths. For students who may not wish to move to the Massena Campus, Simon’s Rock is establishing transfer pathways with partner institutions in Massachusetts.
For comprehensive details regarding the relocation and the future plans for the Great Barrington site, please visit simons-rock.edu/announcement.
