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.
Good Vibrations Just one benefit of our close-knit campus? Cool planned (and impromptu) collaborations across disciplines! Last week, Physics with Kelly F. and Advanced Band with John met up in the Band Room for some sound wave exploration. Of course, Band started by serenading their guests, and then each class created waves visually and aurally – first with a large slinky on the floor, then with guitar and bass strings. (Pro tip: use the slow-mo camera function to capture this!) Using a mega tuning fork, they also listened to the modulation effect created by a small frequency gap.
In the last Beat, we reported on Burke's standout showing at the PVAC Championships – but there's more to come. That same week, Burke (represented by Elena M. '26, Jack J. '26, Miriam T. '26, Jasper S. '27, Odin G. '27, and Will K. '26) also placed 10th in the DC State Championships against schools many times our size. Odin took 10th individually in the 100 Y Back, and Jack recorded top 15 finishes in the 50 Y and 100 Y Free.
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.