Private School
Bard Academy at Simon's Rock
- grade A+Overall Grade
- Private, Boarding
- 9-10
- Great Barrington, MA
- Rating 4.1 out of 5 10 reviews
Bard Academy at Simon's Rock Reviews
Rating 4.1 out of 5 10 reviews
All Categories
PT 1- I didn't go to Bard Academy and therefore shouldn't be writing this, but I feel the need to let potential applicants know about their financial aid awards and admissions. I put my heart and soul into getting into Bard, and for months I stressed and worked myself to the bone. And it paid off, I got in. I was elated, but of course, the financial aid grant was far from what my parents could make work. When COVID 'arrived' and schools and businesses shut down, my mother lost her job, and my dad's business was hanging on threads. We tried explaining this to the Admissions/Financial aid team our situation, but instead of a response, were met with a couple thousand dollars knocked down from the massive price tag. We were grateful of course, but also put off guard at the lack of communication in contrast to their welcoming admissions team in the fall. It became very clear throughout quarantine that they don't usually get families coming from my financial background.
My son loves it but wishes the High School portion had more diversity, as he is part of a small handful of minority students. As a parent, I wish my son had a busier academic schedule. My niece who attends another boarding school nearby, has a very full calendar and it makes for a more rounded student in my opinion. My son has more down-time than, others in his grade in other schools. He came from an elementary school which gave tons and tons of homework to a high school that in comparison gives little. He is just finishing up on his freshman year, looking forward to what the next grade brings.
Great school, wonderful people. Professors are the same as those in the college, very resourceful and knowledgeable. My time at Bard Academy has been challenging and life-changing; I look forward to watching the school grow over time. Wonderful peer environment.
Great school, challenging academics. A bit too much drug use though. Campus life is pretty nice, and the professors are often outstanding. Peers are good, although slightly less mature than one might expect from this 2-year accelerated high school program.
Bard Academy has been an amazing place for me, providing me with the knowledge and facilities to grow in my learning, expand my interests, and meet new and interesting people who I know I will continue to have a bond with for the rest of my life. There are places where improvement can be made, specifically around communication between students and administration, but I see an active effort from the administration to make those changes. In my first few months, I was able to meet new friends, and I was surprised at how accepting and welcoming the community is. Teachers are engaged and passionate, and I enjoyed subjects that I have disliked in the past, because the teachers are engaged and actively encourage participation. In one of my favorite classes, bioethics, my teacher told us that we shouldn't be afraid to question the perspectives he stated in discussions. Bard Academy has resources available to students, including personal tutoring, teacher office hours, and a writing center.
The academics here are absolutely incredible! Coming from a small public school, I found the transition made easier by the incredible staff here. They are all kind and understanding and care about helping you to succeed.
The Simon's rock staff and faculty are top professionals that are dedicated to the students. The Vice Provost and Dean are always accessible and open to feedback from parents.
Small classes, teachers seemed like they would rather be teaching the college students (tbh they were overqualified), the usual group of kids who would hang out and smoke weed behind the classrooms.
Attending Bard Academy at Simon's Rock was certainly one of the best decisions I have made in my life. As dramatic as that sounds, I truly feel it was the best place for me to grow as an independent person, and as an academic.
Before Bard, I was frustrated with my school's lack of an engaging learning environment, felt out of place alongside my peers, and knew that a new program would be a positive change.
As an alum, I can say with confidence that it lived up to and exceeded my hopes. I felt more inspired to learn than I ever had, with access to more resources to do so than ever. On top of that, I completed high school at an accelerated pace.
The school excels in providing a supportive environment for students, and exists on a campus that is full of exciting events, opportunities, and extracurriculars. In my time here, I have grown as an athlete, an artist, and a musician.
I highly recommend the program to students who want a challenge, great opportunities, and a positive community.
Before Bard, I was frustrated with my school's lack of an engaging learning environment, felt out of place alongside my peers, and knew that a new program would be a positive change.
As an alum, I can say with confidence that it lived up to and exceeded my hopes. I felt more inspired to learn than I ever had, with access to more resources to do so than ever. On top of that, I completed high school at an accelerated pace.
The school excels in providing a supportive environment for students, and exists on a campus that is full of exciting events, opportunities, and extracurriculars. In my time here, I have grown as an athlete, an artist, and a musician.
I highly recommend the program to students who want a challenge, great opportunities, and a positive community.
I really enjoyed spending time as a student in Bard Academy at Simon's Rock. Overall, I have to say the academics of the school are incredibly strong, and the program most certainly accomplishes its goal of preparing individuals for college in two years. Bard Academy offers opportunities you can't find almost anywhere else: the chance to have all of your classes taught by incredible professors, the privilege of having the full resources of a college campus and being able to speak with any college professor in any field about anything on your mind, and being able to take (admittedly up to two) college classes while in high school. My greatest frustration during my time in the Academy was the limit on two college classes; however, the program is quite young and is still evolving. As a result, the staff and faculty who lead it love to hear your propositions, and enjoy working alongside students to make things work best both from an administrative and an individual student's perspective.