About the Bard Early CollegesBard Early Colleges (BECs) are founded on the belief that many high–school–age students are eager and ready for the intellectual challenges of a college education. Bard Early Colleges act on this belief by providing younger scholars with a tuition-free, credit-bearing college course of study in the liberal arts and sciences following the 9th and 10th grades. Students are taught by college faculty in seminar classes; they receive up to 60 college credits and an associate in arts (A.A.) degree from Bard College, concurrently with a high school diploma. Bard Early Colleges begin preparing students for college work as early as the 9th grade and offer ongoing guidance and academic supports.Now in its second decade, the Bard Early Co