Bard High School Early College

Bard High School Early College serves students from all eight wards of the District of Columbia, offering college courses in liberal arts and sciences. Aimed at increasing higher education access for low-income and underrepresented communities, the school provides a free college program. Graduates receive both a high school diploma and a tuition-free Associate in Arts degree from Bard College. It is the first early college program of its kind east of the Anacostia River in Washington, DC.

MCN Build transformed the former 4-story Malcolm X Elementary School into a cutting-edge facility. The new school boasts well-lit classrooms, collaboration areas, a black box theater, gym, auditorium, cafeteria, science labs, studio, performing art spaces, and outdoor learning areas designed to foster a conducive learning environment.

Bard High School Early College is seeking LEED Platinum and Net Zero Energy ready, archived, and certified through a rigorous commissioning process, and the building envelope tested to the highest achievable levels. The building features a solar panel-ready roof, geothermal wells, and numerous other sustainable elements. The sitework includes a hardscape plaza, sidewalks, parking with EV chargers, a basketball court, bioretention structures, and an artificial turf playing field surrounded by a running track.

The modernization was delivered in an active community and involved an intricate understanding of the complex landscape of stakeholders in the District. The former elementary school was a significant part of the community, with neighbors typically using the property as a recreation center, allowing for substantial community engagement. The design-build team created a design that complements the architecture of the neighborhood and provides sought-after community amenities, including a basketball court and public art, were incorporated. Bard High School Early College is a testament to resilient and sustainable buildings.