<p>Because Sonja posted information on United World Colleges, I though I would post info on another unconventional option: Simon's Rock <a href="http://www.simons-rock.edu/%5B/url%5D">http://www.simons-rock.edu/</a> 10th & 11th graders fast track out of high school and study at the college level. I know 3 people who send their children there, and they are very happy with the program. I never looked at it for my s because it would not be the right program for him. I'm posting it here in case it is of interest to any of you.</p>
<p>I went to the website, and I am still kind of confused.</p>
<p>If I wanted to go there for grades 11 and 12, would I only go there for two years or more? In my 12th grade year, could I apply to regular universities?</p>
<p>I believe it works like this -- after 2 years you apply to college as a transfer student who has completed 2 years of college -- after 4 years there you complete college and go on to graduate school. It is a college for younger students.</p>
<p>I get it.</p>
<p>Thank you. :)</p>
<p>Do univerisites look down on programs like this?</p>
<p>I don't know. This is not a fast path to Harvard. However, some students are ready for a high level of challenge and can work independently. They would thrive in a college like this.</p>
<p>I have friends there who are thrilled with the program.</p>
<p>Actually, Simon's Rock is a wonderful college, but sometimes a difficult concept for those who are not familiar with it to understand. Although the students are 16 - 17 (or occasionally even younger), it is a rigorous college liberal arts program which is highly regarded at most colleges in the country as juniors (there seems to be no difficulty transferring a full slate of credits, they are simply treated as any other transfer student). All students receive an AA degree after two years (when most are 18) and then transfer into some of the best colleges in the country, including Yale, Stanford, University of Chicago, Swarthmore, Brown, Wesleyan, Cornell, etc etc etc. You can view a larger list on their website. Of course, not every student gets into a top tier college, but they are extremely competitive and they do look very favorably on Simon's Rock students, and they seem to understand the program quite well. I know a fair amount about this, having lived through it with my daughter. One third of the students stay at Simon's Rock and receive a BA after two more years -- many of them spend their junior year studying abroad, as they would at other colleges. </p>
<p>The teachers seem to be excellent, and the intellectual discussions among students can be riveting. </p>
<p>Simon's Rock is not for everyone. But if you are seriously contemplating early college and are not afraid of tackling college level work at a young age, it is a good option and worth considering. One of the main advantages to simply leaving high school and entering another college early is that at S-R, you are with students your own age for at least two years. Socially, this can be a tremendous advantage.</p>
<p>If I were to want to transger to college when I turn 18, would I apply as a first year transfer or third year?</p>
<p>You would transfer in as a third year student.</p>
<p>I'm sorry if I asked this before, but are there any other similar programs like this?</p>
<p>Simon's Rock is affiliated with Bard College (in fact, students who want to transfer and keep their grades up are guaranteed admission to Bard if they want ot go that route). Bard also has a program in New York City called Bard High School Early College, which I believe integrates high school with a program modeled after Simon's Rock for what would have been grades 11 and12. I'm not sure what else there is out there. I think there may be a program in Washington State, and there are probably some others, although I do believe that Simon's Rock is the most established and recognized program. I also believe that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is promoting early college as an option and there has been a lot of interest in this lately.</p>
<p>Of course, many colleges and junior colleges offer accelarated courses for high school students to get started while still in high school, but this is different than actually starting college early with a group of peers.</p>
<p>Thanks. . .. .</p>
<p>I thought I would bump up this thread. Simons Rock is not for everyone. It is an unconventional path with an uncertain outcome. However, it might be just the right place for a few people. </p>
<p>By the way, one of its 2 founders used to be the Headmistress at Concord Academy. It looks like their application deadline is April/May. </p>
<p>My knowledge is very limited. If you have questions, you might want to contact Fermata.</p>
<p>Bump. It looks like they offer Arabic. If I remember correctly, they offer a merit scholarship that might have an application deadline in Feb. If you are interested, take a look at their website.</p>
<p>789/=
*-63524</p>
<p>I will start attending this fall so if any questions pm me.</p>
<p>How are their football and hockey programs?</p>
<p>Simon's Rock is known for many things, but football is not one of them.</p>
<p>The only sports we have are swimming,basketball,and soccer,We are nto a sport's school. So sorry</p>
<p>Antonuccia -- you have now been at Simon's Rock for a few months. I'm curious as to how you like it at this point. Has it lived up to your expectations? Do you feel you made the right decision?</p>