Bard College at Simon's Rock
- 4 Year
- GREAT BARRINGTON, MA
College
Bard College at Simon's Rock
- grade C+Overall Grade
- 4 Year
- GREAT BARRINGTON, MA
- Rating 3.3 out of 5 347 reviews
Bard College at Simon's Rock Reviews
Rating 3.3 out of 5 347 reviews
The classes may be excellent, but the quality of teaching is overshadowed by the absence of child protection, the preponderance of social conflict, the rampant drug abuse, and the unavailability of proper student support. SR does not provide ample resources for the multitude of neurodivergent, non-binary, and mentally ill children in attendance. There is no clear academic path if SR fails your child. Don't be fooled, transferring is not a simple process. If you take this leap, make sure your child gets their diploma or GED before leaving high school. Otherwise they can end up with no high school diploma, no associate's degree, no clear path forward, and no more college savings. My plea to SR is that they take bold action to make campus, especially dorms, a safe and supportive place for children--physically and socially. Many students are still minors and have serious mental health challenges. This student body will benefit from an increase in therapists and learning specialists.
Unremarkable academics. Good opportunity for younger students willing to transfer. Not a great BA program.
Simon's Rock gave me an opportunity to succeed where I had no other opportunities. The school's individualized approach meant that I was challenged academically to the fullest of my abilities while also feeling supported both academically and personally. Without Simon's Rock I wouldn't have gone to college, let alone the grad school I went to after.
I loved the small size of the classes and the campus is beautiful. It's a very everyone knows everyone campus, which has it's benefits... and downsides. I received a lot of financial aid, and was awarded additional scholarships from the school for my junior and senior years. Some of my friends transferred after receiving their associates degree, which was difficult socially. But many of my friends did stay and we are still a tightly knit group five years after graduating.
Early colleges may be popping up in lots of places in the US now, but there is something specific to Simon's Rock that keeps it a step above the rest of the pack.
I loved the small size of the classes and the campus is beautiful. It's a very everyone knows everyone campus, which has it's benefits... and downsides. I received a lot of financial aid, and was awarded additional scholarships from the school for my junior and senior years. Some of my friends transferred after receiving their associates degree, which was difficult socially. But many of my friends did stay and we are still a tightly knit group five years after graduating.
Early colleges may be popping up in lots of places in the US now, but there is something specific to Simon's Rock that keeps it a step above the rest of the pack.
When I originally came to Simon's Rock, I intended to only stay for a semester. I needed a place to land, to organize my thoughts and myself, and to get on with the next chapter of my life. I saw it as a temporary stepping stone, somewhere to give me a break while I found my way. Instead, after just a few weeks on campus, I knew that I would stay here to complete my BA. The mentorship I received from the faculty was invaluable. Sure, the rural setting and smaller population size might not be everyone's cup of tea, and with a smaller institution comes fewer perks and amenities, but I would gladly give that up again and again to make the choice that I did. At Simon's Rock, I was able to take advantage of one on one attention from some of the most supportive faculty I have ever encountered. I was pushed to think harder, in more creative directions, and with more authenticity than I could ever have achieved at a different school.
Intense work-load but great professors. Cute campus but small student body. Overall, I feel like I am just here for the academics but not in a bad way.
I have enjoyed nearly every moment of my time at Simon's Rock. You're surrounded by geniuses, whether it be students, faculty, or staff, who have, and will continue to excel in whatever they do beyond Simon's Rock. The offerings, possibilities, and opportunities here are all plentiful and quality and if you're the type of person to take full advantage of this, then you'll surely end up, and hopefully enjoy your time at Simon's Rock.
The memories made here cannot be replicated, and words can't describe them. You'll find that friends made here will also become family, and I surely won't forget about them when my time here is done.
There's no doubt that there is room for improvement at Simon's Rock, however, as long as you're realistic, and for making the change you want to see, you'll realize that nowhere is going to be the perfect place, and that's OK. If there's one thing I'll take with me, it's that the students here will always find a way to make the change they dream to see.
The memories made here cannot be replicated, and words can't describe them. You'll find that friends made here will also become family, and I surely won't forget about them when my time here is done.
There's no doubt that there is room for improvement at Simon's Rock, however, as long as you're realistic, and for making the change you want to see, you'll realize that nowhere is going to be the perfect place, and that's OK. If there's one thing I'll take with me, it's that the students here will always find a way to make the change they dream to see.
Simon’s Rock has an academic experience like no other school I’ve been to. The small class sizes encourage genuine, authentic conversation that grow students as learners and people. As a result of the campus being so small, the community is really tight knit. Some of my only struggles so far have been how isolated the campus is, and administrative issues. At the end of the day, I’ve received tons of support from most everyone on campus, and any struggles I’ve faced are the struggles of running a non-traditional early college.
At Simon's Rock, there is a community for some but not all. It is a unique environment that is both isolating and inclusive depending on who you are; there are many issues with the on-campus culture regarding the way administration, faculty, and the student body respond to interpersonal harm and systemic problems like discrimination, racism, and sexual assault. There is a high drop-out rate and few students from each class stay on to complete their Bachelor's degree, let alone finish their sophomore year. It is not all bad and I made some beautiful and life-long friendships- unfortunately, some of those bonds were forged in the shared trauma of our experiences at the school. For a campus that caters to teens, and a wide age-range at that, it is not safe enough for me to recommend. I hope to see drastic improvement because I think the early college opportunity is incredible for many, as it was for me, and I don't regret going there. It was life-changing, in many and not all good ways.
I attended Simon's Rock from 2008-2012. My academic experience was excellent, with an unparalleled level of personalized attention from faculty; seven of my courses were one-on-one tutorials. The coursework was demanding— by the time I was writing my senior thesis, I was working over 95 hours a week—but deeply intellectually fulfilling. Simon's Rock was also enormously socially enriching for me. It's where I met my husband and formed all of my closest friendships. I loved the beautiful and rural setting of the campus.
However, there was very little in the way of career services, with the expectation that most students will attend graduate school. I observed that there were inadequate supports for students struggling with mental health/substance use, which was especially concerning given that the majority were legal minors. Most troublingly, the school did not respond appropriately to a classmate who stalked me, until the student ultimately attacked a faculty member.
However, there was very little in the way of career services, with the expectation that most students will attend graduate school. I observed that there were inadequate supports for students struggling with mental health/substance use, which was especially concerning given that the majority were legal minors. Most troublingly, the school did not respond appropriately to a classmate who stalked me, until the student ultimately attacked a faculty member.
I have really enjoyed Bard College at Simon's Rock because of the support systems for students that are in place. These support systems focus mostly on academic support, i.e. students will meet with an advisor once every two weeks in order to make sure that they are on the right track. An advisor will also help students find out their interests, and will guide first year and second year students towards that interest in an academic setting. For instance, students who like politics and economics will be guided towards the political economy major. The class schedules are also pretty flexible, allowing students to explore various different interests of their's if so desired. On top of this, Simon's Rock has a good leave to study away program, which includes schools like Oxford, Qingdao University, as well as the London School of Economics. The diversity of leave to study away programs permits students to explore areas of interest beyond Simon's Rock.
I chose to go to Simon's Rock because I needed more freedom to grow as a person and a more challenging course load than high school was providing me. The teachers there care and take their jobs with pride, when questions are asked they do their best to answer and oftentimes if they cannot answer they will make sure to help find it. The community works to create a inclusive and uplifting environment for all students, no matter their skin color, sexual or gender orientation, or socio-economic status. While the campus is full of people from all walks of life, it is very difficult to get around, especially if you have any physical disabilities, though current students are trying to get this remedied. Overall I love going to school here.
Simon's Rock is an innovative and unique experience that I've found to be priceless. There are notable cons to SR such as poor administration, very few students, and an isolating campus. The dorms are nothing to be excited about and there aren't many parties; weed is pretty common, alcohol less so. It's academics are more challenging than one would expect and tends to stimulate growth in ones thinking. I found the small class sizes to be very engaging and comfortable. It's important to keep in mind that it is what you make of it and some students find it difficult to find their people. If you are thinking of coming and are worried about finances, SR provides an extensive amount of aid compared to the tuition; very few students pay that much. I can genuinely say that SR has allowed me the freedom and safety I needed to discover and develop the person I am. I love SR and have found a place in the world here. If you feel it may be the place for you, it's worth applying.
Simon's Rock provides an opportunity that no other college covers, and they do it brilliantly. After graduation, I went on to a graduate program at a prestigious university and was by far one of the most well-prepared students in my class thanks to my experience at Simon's Rock. It's not everyone's cup of tea socially, being so small and isolated, but the faculty and staff are truly supportive and invested in every student.
TL;DR: Don't come here till something changes. 5 stars for excellent bonds with professors, horrific assault and sexual harassment management (in addition to management of racism, though I am less knowledgeable about that so I won't say more)- see recent news on student sit in protest.
Before I say more, I love studying here. I consider myself incredibly lucky to be so well acquanited with such smart, cool, accomplished professors and peers who share my passions.
However, I have lost essentially all respect for the administration who continues to not only try to silence the voices of sexual assault survivors on this campus but also belittle the good faith efforts of students working hard to peacefully protest the status quo. I am furious that the names of the people I so admire here are tied to such a horrible institution.
I have worked multiple student jobs advertising the school and its values, but I don't think I could anymore without being a hypocrite.
Before I say more, I love studying here. I consider myself incredibly lucky to be so well acquanited with such smart, cool, accomplished professors and peers who share my passions.
However, I have lost essentially all respect for the administration who continues to not only try to silence the voices of sexual assault survivors on this campus but also belittle the good faith efforts of students working hard to peacefully protest the status quo. I am furious that the names of the people I so admire here are tied to such a horrible institution.
I have worked multiple student jobs advertising the school and its values, but I don't think I could anymore without being a hypocrite.
Simons Rock was an escape. I am grateful for that escape, however I can say now as an almost 25 year old SRC was unbelievably damaging to my development. There is not enough structure and safety measures set in place for people who are so young. When I began to truly struggle with my mental health and told an SRC counselor, they did nothing to procure me more resources or inform my parents. There was heavy drug and alcohol use amongst my peers, even with lack of a ‘party’ scene. Several of my close friends were victims of sexual assault cases, that felt barely handled at best. I’m grateful for the academics and the travel opportunities SRC gave me, but that’s it. Transferring is harder than they say and the options for a 4 year degree can be slim if you haven’t built relationships with your professors. Campus is on the older side even if location is beautiful. And you are paying a pretty penny for it, even with financial help.
Good education. It takes a certain person to fit in there. Teachers are personable and caring. Campus is beautiful.
Simon's Rock has amazing academics and borderline abysmal quality of life. The food is practically inedible (food poisoning multiple times) and it's isolating. Additionally, the culture is incredibly toxic at times. However the academics usually make up for it. If you aren't fairly dedicated to your academics, I don't think you will gain much from going here. Just finish high school, it's not worth it.
Our daughter is just finishing up her first year as a "rocker" - and it has been so amazing to see how this college has transformed her life. She has always been into thinking and making - and cared so much about ideas and how the world works. Her very "good" and "competitive" high school in New York full of students striving towards elite University and exceptional test scorces just shuit her down completely. She was getting fine grades but the love of learning was being ground down and away.
At Simon's Rock its a completely different story. She's connected with amazing faculty who treat her like an adult - and wildly high and exciting expectations about what she can do. The reading lists are fantastic and the ability to pursue the amazingly diverse things she cares about (phenomology, natural building techniques, botany, Finish symbolist painting) has been unmatched.
This is a campus where everybody knows the provost and the maintainece crew. It is a place for humans.
At Simon's Rock its a completely different story. She's connected with amazing faculty who treat her like an adult - and wildly high and exciting expectations about what she can do. The reading lists are fantastic and the ability to pursue the amazingly diverse things she cares about (phenomology, natural building techniques, botany, Finish symbolist painting) has been unmatched.
This is a campus where everybody knows the provost and the maintainece crew. It is a place for humans.
I think the first thing you have to evaluate when Simon's Rock is an option is why are you coming here? Are you running? A good proportion of people here are bored of high school, another taking off from troublesome situations back home. My experience here is a mixed bag, now having received by Bachelors elsewhere, Simon's Rock has by far a superior education. But the disclaimer to that is the campus has a serious drug problem when I was there due to a lack of mental health support, and there was an inability by the administration to do something about it without alerting parents of the situation. I've seen people get a lot out of here, and others none.
As a student of color, the scene is iffy. Some professors are extremely nice and others are blatantly racist. When going to admin they are just removed from that class and come back after that semester is over.
There are genuinely amazing staff and some classes are easier that most other colleges.
There are genuinely amazing staff and some classes are easier that most other colleges.