Bennington College is a private, nonsectarian liberal arts college in Bennington, Vermont. The college was founded in 1932 to explore new approaches in higher education, including an emphasis on self-directed learning and hands-on experience in the field. Originally a women's college, it became co-educational in 1969. Bennington was the first college to include visual and performing arts as an equal partner in the liberal arts curriculum.[3] It is accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges.