BARD HIGH SCHOOL EARLY COLLEGE QUEENS

Bard High School Early College (BHSEC) Queens is a unique public school partnership between the New York City Department of Education and Bard College. Designed to bridge the gap between high school and university, the institution allows students to complete a rigorous four-year academic program that culminates in an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree from Bard College, alongside their New York State high school diploma. Because the degree is earned tuition-free, the school is highly regarded for providing an accelerated, cost-effective path to higher education for students from diverse backgrounds across the borough.

Academically, the school follows a liberal arts curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, writing, and seminar-style discussion. During the first two years, students focus on foundational high school coursework, while the final two years transition into a college-level curriculum taught by professors who hold advanced degrees in their fields. Located in Long Island City, the school creates a collegiate atmosphere that prepares students for the autonomy and intellectual demands of university life, consistently producing graduates who are well-positioned for competitive four-year colleges and universities.