Independent. Progressive. College Prep. Grades 6-12.Founded in 1968.
our mission: Burke consciously brings together students who are different from one another in many ways, actively engages them in their own education, holds them to high expectations, gives them power and responsibility, and supports and advances their growth as skilled and independent thinkers who step forward to make positive contributions to the world in which they live.
In Vidya'sAdvanced Statistics class, students complete independent projects that apply statistical methods to areas of social justice. Miriam T. '26 conducted an observational study that revealed discrepancies in playground conditions among different wards in DC. Miriam sent her report to Mayor Bowser's office, recommending that the city "allot more resources into maintaining playgrounds in lower income areas" and asking how students could "support more equitable public spaces." She received a follow-up from DPR's Community Engagement Manager – who happens to be a Burke graduate (Class of 1988)! He has since shared the work with the capital projects team and agency leadership.
In the Behavioral Psychology and Advanced Psychology electives with David, students wrapped up the winter trimester by exploring how to improve areas of their lives (sleep, healthy eating, and time management) based on psychological concepts and producing short documentaries on the experience.
At Burke, our goal is for students to continually explore – be that in 6th, 9th, or 12th grade. Whether you are brand-new or well-versed in a discipline, Burke will be your space to grow.
How do we make that possible?
1. "No Cut" Policy: this doesn't mean we eschew auditions and tryouts, and it doesn't mean we guarantee equal playing time. But it means that any student who wants to try soccer, acting, swim, or costume design (and more) will have a place in those programs.
2. The Burke Schedule: we build arts, clubs, and leadership into the school day, which both affirms their significant value and lessens the constraints on after school hours.
Our identity as an urban school in DC provides inspiration and opportunity to engage students in experiential education. While field trips are a crucial ingredient, the recipe for experiential learning goes beyond that. This approach calls students to learn by doing and then by reflecting on what they've done.