Bard High School Early College

Bard High School Early College (BHSEC) Cleveland is a four-year public school that provides students with the unique opportunity to take a two-year, tuition-free college course of study in the liberal arts and sciences following the 9th and 10th grades. Through the partnership between Bard College and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, we make it possible for students to earn both a high school diploma and up to 60 transferable college credits and an Associate in Arts degree from Bard College within four years.

BHSEC provides a rigorous course of study that emphasizes critical thinking through writing, discussion, and inquiry. The school seeks to intellectually engage a diverse group of motivated high school students and prepare them for success in college and beyond. The curriculum is composed of a two-year college preparatory sequence in the 9th and 10th grades that segues directly into a two-year college course of study in place of the traditional 11th and 12th grades. BHSEC faculty members are experienced college professors who teach grades 9-12, all in one building.

The BHSEC campus is a center of intellectual energy and community. From our Writing and Thinking Workshops, which begin the academic year, to our Seminar Sequence, to college electives in humanities, mathematics, sciences, and the arts, all of our students enjoy the benefits of a well-rounded, liberal arts education within a close-knit environment of supportive faculty and students who truly enjoy learning from one another.This alternative to traditional high school is founded on the belief that many young people are ready and eager to do serious college work starting at age 16. BHSEC Cleveland benefits from Bard College’s 13 years of experience running successful early colleges in partnership with public school districts.