History

A Collaborative Effort in Education: In June 2001,The New York City Board of Education and Bard College jointly created Bard High School Early College (BHSEC). This alternative to the traditional high school is founded on the belief that many young people are ready and eager to do serious college work at age 16. It enables highly motivated students to move in four years from ninth grade through the first two years of college, earning the associate of arts (A.A.) degree from Bard College as well as a New York State Regents high school diploma.

Since the mid-1960s, Simon's Rock College of Bard, the nation's only four-year college specifically designed for younger scholars, has provided such students the opportunity to prove themselves in a rigorous and supportive learning environment. Bard College, with the support of the New York City Department of Education, has adapted this model to the urban public school setting.

Historical Timeline

In 2007, 3,500 students applied for a place in the 150 person ninth grade class at BHSEC Manhattan.  In response to the rising demand, and in order to make the opportunity of a BHSEC education more easily accessible to students from Queens, The Bronx, and Upper Manhattan, BHSEC Queens opened in a temporary location in Elmhust, Queens. The school moved to its permanent home at 30-20 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City in September 2009. In June 2010, BHSEC Manhattan will graduate its eigth class of young scholars and BHSEC Queens will celebrate its first graduating class.