Dear Community,
Welcome to Bard High School Early College Manhattan (BHSEC). BHSEC is a unique New York City public school where–during the four-year high school experience–students earn both a high school Regents diploma and an Associate in Arts degree from Bard College. Established in 2001 through a partnership between the New York City Public Schools and Bard College, BHSEC is grounded in the belief that young people are capable of rigorous academic work and serious scholarly pursuits. This perspective underpins the mission & theory of change of our school.
BHSEC is grounded in the belief that the bridge between high school and college must be strengthened—especially for students for whom that gap may be the widest. The early college model addresses this challenge by immersing students in authentic college coursework during their final two years of high school. This experience provides rigorous academic preparation and exposure to the habits of mind essential for post-secondary success. Bard offers this opportunity at no cost to families, with individualized academic and social-emotional supports that increase students’ chances of thriving. Rooted in a liberal arts tradition, our program fosters intellectual curiosity, civic engagement, and diverse career pathways. At the heart of this approach is a conviction that when high school students are empowered, challenged, and taken seriously in college classrooms, they rise to the occasion.
To this end, BHSEC Manhattan is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment that actively challenges systemic inequities and affirms the dignity of all students. We recognize that barriers to educational access and success—whether rooted in race, immigration status, class, ability, sexual orientation, or gender expression—must be dismantled through intentional action. At the heart of our community is the belief that education and social justice are deeply interconnected and that students thrive in environments of inclusive excellence.
To all those in our community, we are grateful to be trusted with your learning, development, and well being.
Warmly,
Brian Pew, PhD
Principal, Bard High School Early College Manhattan
