Overview of Bard College at Simon’s Rock
Bard College at Simon’s Rock, often referred to simply as Simon’s Rock, is a distinctive and innovative institution that stands out in the realm of higher education. Founded in 1966, Simon’s Rock is located in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, and it is known for being an early college. Unlike traditional colleges, Simon’s Rock specifically caters to intellectually advanced and motivated students who are ready to embark on college-level studies earlier than the typical age.
- Early College Model: One of the key distinguishing features of Bard College at Simon’s Rock is its early college model. The institution admits students after the 10th or 11th grade of high school, allowing them to bypass the final years of secondary education and enter directly into a college environment. This model is designed for students who are intellectually precocious and seek an academic challenge beyond what traditional high schools can offer.
- Undergraduate Degrees: Simon’s Rock offers a range of undergraduate degree programs. Students can pursue Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees in a variety of disciplines, including the humanities, sciences, social sciences, and the arts. The curriculum is academically rigorous, and students are encouraged to explore their intellectual interests through a diverse array of courses.
- Focus on Critical Thinking and Inquiry: The curriculum at Simon’s Rock emphasizes critical thinking, intellectual inquiry, and interdisciplinary approaches to learning. The institution aims to cultivate a love of learning and the ability to engage deeply with academic material. Small class sizes and close interactions with faculty members contribute to a personalized and engaging educational experience.
- Accelerated Pathways: Since students at Simon’s Rock enter college at an earlier stage, the institution offers accelerated pathways to degree completion. This allows students to progress through their undergraduate studies more quickly than they would at a traditional four-year college. Some students may even choose to pursue graduate studies or enter the workforce earlier than their peers.
- Diverse and Inclusive Community: Simon’s Rock is known for fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The student body is comprised of individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, interests, and talents. This diversity contributes to a vibrant and intellectually stimulating campus environment.
- Focus on Writing and Communication: Writing and communication skills are given significant emphasis at Simon’s Rock. Students are encouraged to express themselves effectively through writing, and the development of strong communication skills is considered integral to the educational experience. This emphasis aligns with Bard College’s broader commitment to the liberal arts.
- Opportunities for Research and Creativity: Simon’s Rock provides opportunities for students to engage in research and creative projects. Faculty members actively support students in pursuing independent studies, research initiatives, and artistic endeavors. This hands-on approach to learning allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.
- Beautiful Campus and Resources: The campus of Bard College at Simon’s Rock is set in the picturesque Berkshires, providing a scenic and inspiring backdrop for academic pursuits. The institution offers various facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, art studios, and a library, to support the academic and extracurricular activities of its students.
Bard College at Simon’s Rock stands as an exemplar of educational innovation, providing a unique and challenging experience for intellectually gifted students who are ready to commence their college journey earlier than usual. The institution’s commitment to a rigorous curriculum, individualized attention, and a diverse community contributes to its reputation as a distinctive and respected member of the higher education landscape.
84 Alford Road Great Barrington, MA 01230
Phone: (413) 528-7312
Email: admit@simons-rock.edu
Web site: http://www.simons-rock.edu
Rankings: Bard College at Simon’s Rock
Located in Barrington, MA, Bard College at Simon’s Rock is one of the best universities in the state of Massachusetts. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Bard College at Simon’s Rock in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Bard College at Simon’s Rock.
Bard College at Simon’s Rock is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the nation. According to U.S. News & World Report, Bard College at Simon’s Rock is ranked #22 in Regional Colleges North for 2020 and #4 in Best Value Schools in Regional Colleges North for 2020. The Princeton Review has also ranked Bard College at Simon’s Rock as one of the best 384 colleges for 2020, as well as one of the best 381 green colleges for 2020. Additionally, Washington Monthly has ranked Bard College at Simon’s Rock #13 in Liberal Arts Colleges and #3 in Master’s Universities (North) for social mobility, research, and service.
The college has also been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of America’s Top Colleges 2019 and by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine as one of the Best Values in Private Colleges 2018-2019. Furthermore, Bard College at Simon’s Rock was featured on The Princeton Review’s list of “Colleges That Create Futures: 50 Schools That Launch Careers By Going Beyond The Classroom” (2018). Additionally, Money Magazine named Bard College at Simon’s Rock on its list of “Best Colleges for Your Money 2019″ due to its quality education and low costs.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 9 |
| Score: | 49 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 3.4 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 12 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 81.7% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | N/A |
| Predicted graduation rate: | N/A |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | N/A |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 8 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): 1 | 88.0% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 0.0% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 9:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 82.8% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 15 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 1155-1410 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 48% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 81% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 80.2% |
| Financial resources rank: | 45 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 34 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 6.7% |
Essential Facts: Bard College at Simon’s Rock
- Bard College at Simon’s Rock (more commonly known as Simon’s Rock) is a residential liberal arts college in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
- The school is an “early college”, designed for students to enroll immediately after completing the tenth or eleventh grade, rather than after graduating from high school.
- At the time that Simon’s Rock was looking for a school to acquire it, some of the possible schools included Boston University and Yale University.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | N/A |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | N/A |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | N/A |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 90% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | No |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | N/A |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | No |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance mandatory, hazing prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | N/A |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, literary magazine, music ensembles, musical theater, radio station, student government, student newspaper, student film society, yearbook |