Dear Bardian:
Welcome to Bard DC! It is an honor to serve as your principal and I look forward to getting to know you over the course of the next four years. Bard students are known for being engaging, thoughtful, energetic, and creative, and I know you are no exception.
Bard’s motto is “ A place to think.” It is a place where students’ ideas are taken seriously and where they are expected to be serious about their ideas. You will discover classes where your test score will not be more important than the ideas you’re currently developing. We are interested in those ideas and the intellectual curiosity you use to cultivate them. We, therefore, expect you to come to class prepared to share those ideas and to hear those of your classmates.
As a Bard student, you will encounter a variety of texts and discuss them in seminar discussions and group activities. You will grow accustomed to writing daily homework responses, and to expressing greater depth in your understanding of literature, art, science and the humanities. The experience is rigorous and difficult, but we know that you are up to the challenge.
You will see that our expectations are high, but so is the level of support that we are prepared to provide for you. We invite you to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you have about the program, and to share your ideas inside and outside the classroom.
I’m looking forward to meeting and learning with you all.
Sincerely,
Vanessa T. Anderson, PhD
Principal, Bard High School Early College
