In a significant development for 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 from its long-standing campus in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, to a new site at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. This move, set to take effect in Fall 2025, will see Simon’s Rock establish its new home on the recently acquired Massena Campus, adjacent to Bard’s existing facilities.
Founded in 1966, Simon’s Rock has been a pioneering institution, allowing motivated students to commence their college journey after completing the 10th or 11th grade. Furthering its commitment to early college education, the Academy at Simon’s Rock was established in 2015, specifically designed to prepare 9th and 10th graders for the rigorous Early College program. The relocation promises to maintain the high educational standards, foster creative exploration, and preserve the close-knit community that Simon’s Rock is known for, while additionally offering students access to the extensive resources of Bard College.
Current students at Simon’s Rock Massachusetts will continue their studies at the Great Barrington campus through the Spring 2025 semester. For those wishing to pursue their degrees at Simon’s Rock, the opportunity to transition to the new campus and continue their academic programs will be available in Fall 2025.
Bard College President Leon Botstein emphasized the strategic rationale behind this decision. “Simon’s Rock has been at the forefront of the early college movement. Its success has inspired the creation of 10 public early college high school campuses by Bard across six states, with over a million high school students nationwide now engaging in early college coursework annually,” stated President Botstein. He further explained, “This widespread adoption of the early college model has shifted the landscape. Demand for the original residential model of early college is different today compared to when Elizabeth Blodgett Hall established Simon’s Rock in the 1960s. Bard College’s recent acquisition of the Massena Campus provides us with the spatial flexibility to ensure a more sustainable and enriched future for Simon’s Rock. By situating it in close proximity to Bard, the institution that has nurtured it for 45 years, we are creating a stronger foundation for its enduring mission.”
President Botstein also acknowledged the historical significance of Great Barrington, noting, “We express our gratitude to the Great Barrington community in the Berkshires for being the foundational home of Simon’s Rock and a supportive neighbor for nearly six decades. This relocation is endorsed by the Simon’s Rock Board of Overseers and our key benefactors, many of whom are alumni or parents of alumni, highlighting a shared vision for the future.”
The Massena Campus will not only provide state-of-the-art amenities and dedicated programming for Simon’s Rock students but also grant them access to Bard College’s extensive academic and cultural resources. These include leading 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. Furthermore, Simon’s Rock students will be encouraged to participate in Bard College’s diverse events, clubs, musical ensembles, and sports teams, enriching their overall college experience.
John B. Weinstein, Provost and Vice President at Bard College at Simon’s Rock, described the move as a necessary step for the institution’s long-term health. “We are at a crucial juncture for Simon’s Rock,” Provost Weinstein remarked. “The prospect of leaving our cherished Great Barrington campus is deeply emotional. This campus has been my professional home for over two decades and my personal residence for nearly five. It holds countless memories for many within our community. However, this relocation is the most responsible path forward to ensure the continued strength of a residential early college experience, especially given the unpredictable climate facing higher education institutions across the nation.”
Simon’s Rock will remain committed to maintaining the Great Barrington campus during the transition and will collaborate with local authorities to find a suitable new owner for the property. In New York, Bard and Simon’s Rock will work closely with officials in Red Hook 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, recognized the mixed emotions surrounding the announcement. “This is undoubtedly a bittersweet moment for all of us who deeply value Simon’s Rock and have been fortunate to be part of its extraordinary community,” Chair Clark stated. “However, it is essential to understand that this relocation is not just a physical move; it is a transfer of the very spirit and principles that have defined Simon’s Rock since its inception. We are enthusiastic about the promising future that awaits Simon’s Rock in this new chapter.”
Emily H. Fisher, Bard College at Simon’s Rock Chair Emerita and parent of a Simon’s Rock graduate, expressed her optimistic outlook. “My long-standing support for Simon’s Rock stems from my unwavering belief in the exceptional education it offers to young individuals,” said Chair Emerita Fisher. “I am confident that the Massena campus represents the beginning of a more vibrant and secure future for Simon’s Rock.”
Simon’s Rock is committed to providing personalized guidance to students to address any concerns related to the relocation and its impact 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 further details regarding the relocation and plans for the Great Barrington site, please visit simons-rock.edu/announcement.
Post Date: 11-19-2024
