The Guidance Department provides personal, social, and academic support to students either during individual and/or group counseling sessions. Counselors collaborate with parents and faculty members to insure the success and safety of Bard students. The primary focus of counseling is to equip students with coping strategies designed to help them manage personal stressors. Students learn to identify obstacles that interfere with their ability to achieve their goals. The counseling staff also offers conflict mediation services, organizational support, and, when necessary, members of the Guidance Department make referrals to and collaborate with community based organizations and external mental health professionals.
Key support services are listed below:
All faculty members at Bard offer office hours—dedicated time in which they work individually with students. Students are encouraged to meet with their faculty members. Faculty members also offer organized group study for students who appear to be struggling in their classes. Click here to view the current Faculty Office Hours Schedule.
Prior to entering Bard, all incoming 9th graders are invited to attend a week-long introduction to Bard High School Early College. The program is held during the summer and its primary goal is to transition students into a new setting and ease any anxiety they may have about making new friends and engaging in early college work. Students take sample classes, learn study skills, become familiar with the neighborhood, and collaborate in group activities that promote team building.
Bard High School Early College 9th and 10th grade students participate in Bard 101 during their freshman year and Bard 102 during their sophomore year. Bard 101/102 is held once bi-weekly during the students history class. This course is designed to increase students’ persistence and success in high school and aid the transition into college courses by providing academic, social, emotional, and life management skills.
