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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.
average class size
12
student-teacher ratio
6:1
teachers with advanced degrees
77%
represented zip codes
59
students from DC
64%
blocks from the Metro
2
students of color
40%
new students from public schools
46%
new students from private schools
48%
new students from international schools
6%
1/10
creative, curious, and independent thinkers
Wicked for the Win (a Founders' Day Fairy Tale)
With benevolent weather on our side, the Founders' Day student leaders ran a joyous and highly efficient Founders' Day on May 1, with a villainous theme. Named for Captain Hook, Cruella, and Gaston (among others), the inter-grade teams competed in a range of relays at Howard Field in the morning, including bobbing for non-poisoned apples and scaling a giant inflatable castle. They then moved indoors for collaborative games and competitions before the grand finale: the Lip Sync Battle in the Atrium, wherein teams danced to famous villain songs mixed with contemporary hits.
For the 10th grade civic engagement framework (Action Civics in the DMV), each student identified a social issue that spoke to them and volunteered at an organization addressing that issue – ranging from clean rivers to affordable housing. This spring, each student researched their issue in depth and wrote a "soapbox speech," based on Mikva Challenge's Project Soapbox public speaking program.
Hampton, VA More than twenty Burke students from 9th-11th grade traveled to Hampton University's 45th Annual High School Day in April, where they could tour campus, visit residence halls, browse academic and student activities fairs, and experience the HU Marching FORCE. Founded in 1868, Hampton is an historically black research university and home to Hampton University Museum, "the nation's oldest African-American museum." Shout-out to Dennis H. for leading and making possible this HBCU campus trip.
Five athletes represented the Golf Team at the PVAC Championships on May 1 and recorded the Bengals' best finish in recent memory, tying for 2nd in the conference.
At our April 17 assembly, we welcomed back Nik Alexander '16, now a graduate student at the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University, focusing on "deconfliction and management of systems on other celestial bodies," and a 2024-25 Axiom Space fellowship winner. Nik is also Managing Editor of Space Scout, a volunteer-run news organization focused on the space industry.
Our Intermediate 9/10 and Advanced 11/12 Bands will perform at Pearl Street Warehouse at The Wharf DC on Monday May 5 at 6 PM. This debut continues more than 20 years of Burke bands performing in the community at local clubs, which have included Blues Alley and The Carlyle Room.
Early last week, softball was 1-1-1 in the PVAC, including a narrow loss (17-18) to McLean School and a decisive win over Spencerville (17-8). Coach Amy reported, "despite injuries, this team is learning a lot and playing hard. These players have base running down to a science! Amy T. '28, Brooklyn M. '26, Charlie L. '25, Emily R. U. '25, Feli M. F. '30, Lailah B. '25, Matilda P. '26, Miriam K. G. '25, and Yanet G. '28. have all stolen bases this season. Alara R. '28, Aspen C. '27, Brooklyn, Charlie, Emily, Lailah, Matilda, and Miriam have all had solid contact with the ball and driven in runs. Aspen is working hard behind the plate, with more than 10 strikeouts this season."
On Friday, April 11, the Jewish Affinity Group (JAG) hosted their first "Shabbat-Luck" (Shabbat + Potluck) for more than 50 students, faculty, staff, and Burke families in the Atrium.
As part of their grade's civic engagement framework (Hunger and Food Justice), each 9th grader spent a day at the Capital Area Food Bank, either on April 2 or April 4.
As part of their civic engagement framework (Sustainable Pathways), the 7th grade spent two days at Camp Wabanna, along Maryland's tidal South River, in April.
10th graders in Curtis' Modern World History class headed to the World War I Memorial on April 1. He shared, "after learning about World War I in class, we analyzed the memorial using three big questions: 1) What story is the memorial telling? 2) What story is it not telling? and 3) What story should it tell?"
This spring's middle school musical, Disney's The Little Mermaid JR., will be a true community endeavor, with nearly half of 6th-8th graders taking the stage. Mark your calendars for May 16-17 and prepare to venture under the sea.
"Conceived in 2016 as a graduate class at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology," the Duckietown ecosystem was "originally designed to provide an answer to the question: what is the least hardware we need for deploying single- and multi-robot advanced autonomy solutions?"
Never let it be said that Burke celebrates Pi Day in anything short of fine fashion. In this case, we combined three celebrations into one extensive assembly on March 14 (aka: 3.14).
Students in Kay C.'sAdvanced Digital Media 11/12 course added an interactive element to the 2nd floor Commons this month. Passersby can use their Burke iPads to scan the QR code under each image to trigger an augmented reality (AR) experience, which lets us "see the real-life environment right in front of us with a digital augmentation overlaid on it."
Pictured: image triggers by Maria R. '26 and Willem O. L. '26.
Yes, They Rule In Constitutional Law, 11th and 12th graders have been researching cases currently before (or recently decided by) the US Supreme Court. In a series of gallery walk-style presentations last week, students discussed their predictions on how the court will rule and how they think the court should rule.
an egalitarian, democratic, and participatory approach to education
Alum '22
I appreciated the opportunities for class discussion at Burke, and the small-class environment. Getting to know my teachers well and feeling comfortable enough to answer questions in class at Burke was formative for me. [I could then] translate that skill to college, where I felt confident enough to approach the professor to ask a question or start a conversation.
Alum '23
Burke’s English department is fantastic and I’m a very strong writer because of it.
Alum '24
If I could give a gift to everyone on this planet, it would be the opportunity to learn the way we are taught here.
Alum '24
From brilliant mentorship to top-notch curricula, I have no doubt that all my teachers at Burke have prepared me to use my math skills to change the world.
Alum '97
Burke's capacity to empower students to stand up for what's right, challenge assumptions, and approach problems thoughtfully is more important than ever.
Alum Parent '21, '22
The teachers at Burke know how to connect with their students and give them a voice. They bring real-world issues into the classroom, create authentic learning experiences, teach with purpose and intention, and are masters of their craft.
Student '25
Burke welcomes everyone and encourages you to try new things and hang out with everyone, regardless of their grade. I knew that transferring to a new school for my junior year was going to be hard, but Burke made the transition smooth.
Student '30
Burke makes school awesome.
Student '28
Burke doesn't just allow you to be yourself; they give you the materials you need to express who you are.
Faculty
Burke students default to respecting each other, and the impact that has on the learning environment, for everyone, is astronomical.
Amy '28
Started in 8th Grade - "Burke is an extremely welcoming place."