Academics
Curriculum
Progressive | Challenging | Project-Based
At Burke, you'll learn through challenging college prep academics – our progressive pedagogy values your individuality and places you at the center of your education.
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HS - Constitutional Law
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6th Grade - Core
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HS - Adv. Microbiology Research
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7th Grade - French
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9th Grade - Earth Science
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8th Grade - US History
YOU'LL LEARN FROM:
- Thoughtful Debate
- Rigorous Courses
- Spirited Collaboration
- Faculty who Prioritize Critical Thinking
- Visits to Museums, Parks, and Embassies
- Hands-On, Multi-Disciplinary Projects
Most importantly, you'll learn from your peers ... because your interests, background, and experience contribute to everyone's education.
List of 6 items.
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1:1 iPad Program
Incorporating technology into our curriculum is essential to keep students engaged and to teach them how to navigate a world full of screens. We are committed to applying the latest research into how students learn and what helps them to succeed.
In our iPad program, each student has a tablet to use during the school day (and to bring home in High School) and teachers meet regularly to discuss creative ways to incorporate tablets into the learning environment.
> More about iPad use in Middle School -
Civic Engagement
Every year, Burke students experience a year-long, integrated civics, equity, and leadership curriculum, grounded in social justice pedagogy. We draw inspiration from our founders' vision: a learning environment in which students become active and socially responsible citizen-leaders, committed to advancing social justice in their communities. Learn more. -
Independent Study
In the High School, the Independent Study option enables students to pursue interests and explore personal passions, with support from a faculty member. In recent years, students have delved into Chinese and Japanese language, American Sign Language, Advanced Drawing & Painting and 2-D art, computer science and web applications, and music theory. -
Learning Support
Our Learning Support Department assists students in meeting the demands of Burke's challenging academic program. Full-time learning specialists provide support with organization, note and test-taking strategy, and self-advocacy. Learn more. -
Senior Projects
The Senior Project gives students an opportunity to pursue interests and passions beyond the classroom and allows them to contribute to communities and workplaces outside of Burke. Students work with their families, faculty and staff, and advisor to find and develop a meaningful internship or project that takes place during mid to late May of their senior spring.
> https://www.burkeschool.org/academics/curriculum/senior-projects -
Teaching Assistants
High School students who are capable of independent work in a subject can also serve as Teaching Assistants at Burke: assisting the teacher, working with students during in-class exercises, or teaching short lessons. Other responsibilities might include peer tutoring or helping to organize field trips.
Field Trips in 2022-23
Field Trips in 2023-24 - in progress
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Class & Club Spotlights
A Question of TasteRead More
Over the summer, Advanced Art History read Why a Painting Is Like a Pizza: A Guide to Understanding and Enjoying Modern Art by Nancy G. Heller, Professor of Art History at The University of the Arts (PA). Heller asserts, "though both can be judged by a set of established standards, pizzas and paintings must ultimately be evaluated in terms of individual taste." Drawing on the book's themes, students completed a contemporary art scavenger hunt at the Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden last week. -
Faculty Spotlight: Bob K.
We are thrilled to announce that Williams College has awarded the George Olmsted Jr. Class of 1924 Prize for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching to our own Bob K.Read More -
Senior Projects 2023
Traditionally, Burke seniors wrap up classes three weeks prior to Graduation, dedicating two weeks to a full-time, independent (or collaborative!) senior project, before returning to school to present their work to the full community. On June 1, students and faculty from all grades gathered around campus to watch small groups of seniors present and take questions about their projects.Read More -
Senior Academic Distinction - Class of 2023
On Tuesday, May 30, the graduating class and members of the faculty gathered in the theatre to recognize students who achieved academic distinction in one or more departments. Awards are based on consistently high performance and advanced coursework in the subject.Read More
(*) Department-selected student speaker for the ceremony -
Final Field Trips (Just For Now)
Read MoreThe week of May 22, Mustafa N.'s Ancient World class headed to the National Museum of Asian Art to view art from across the Islamic World, followed by the art of China from the Bronze Age to the modern period. -
Around the Bay & Above the Ground
On Friday, April 21, each Middle School grade engaged in trips and excursions tied into a component of the curriculum – ranging from ecology to 3-D art to the Civil Right Movement.Read More -
Environmental Albatross
Amy successfully applied to a US Fish and Wildlife Service program and received a Laysan Albatross bolus (indigestible material from the bird's gut) for the 7th grade to examine in Life Science class.Read More -
Out and About in DC: Part 4
Follow along as our classes and clubs draw upon the region's myriad resources, often accessible thanks to the Van Ness Metro and numerous bus lines.Read More -
Learning Through Games
Read MoreThe Ceramics Podium
With much pomp and circumstance, Deborah Z.'s Ceramics 9/10 class hosted the 2023 Winter Clay Olympics, resulting in the following champions:- Max G. '25 and Campbell S. '25 - Best Pinch Pot (tie)
- Elena V. '26 - Best Slab
- Lailah B. '25 - Longest Coil
- Campbell S. '25 - Ceramics Kahoot! Champ
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Out and About in DC: Part 3
Follow along as our classes and clubs draw upon the region's myriad resources, often accessible thanks to the Van Ness Metro and numerous bus lines.Read More -
Combustion Engine Grants: Part 2
Each summer, the Professional Development Committee awards Combustion Engine Grants, which enable our faculty to enrich teaching and curricula in innovative ways.Read More
On February 27, 2023, Mustafa N. (History) presented on his funded projects from Summer 2022. -
Museum of Bacterial Disease
At the conclusion of the 2nd trimester, students in the Medical Microbiology elective held a project showing outside the Chemistry Lab.Read More -
Slices of the Geosphere
In Addie H.'s Earth Systems Science, students are exploring the geosphere, including the rock cycle, geological timeline, and plate tectonics. As they wrapped up their unit, each student created an artifact to illustrate the elements of the geosphere.Read More -
Out and About in DC: Part 2
Last school year, our students could once again travel and explore our region's resources – and those excursions have continued to proliferate in 2022-23:Read More -
Combustion Engine Grants: Part 1
Each summer, the Professional Development Committee awards Combustion Engine Grants, which enable our faculty to enrich teaching and curricula in innovative ways.Read More
On January 9, 2023, Morgan G. (Science) and Matison H. D. '14 (English) presented on their funded projects from Summer 2022. -
Build Your Own Computer
In the Winter trimester, 9th-11th graders in the Build Your Own Computer elective are discovering the ins-and-outs of computers from a physical perspective.Read More -
6th Grade Rock Stars
Read MoreEarlier this month, 6th grade scientists began their geology unit with a rock-seeking excursion in the shallow waters of Rock Creek, west of Connecticut Avenue. After discussing the formation of the landscape, students found a comfy spot for a read-aloud of Byrd Baylor’s Everybody Needs a Rock. -
In The Aisles of IKEA
Read MoreFor the first time since 2019, the 7th graders took to the aisles of IKEA (with a stop at the restaurant for meatballs) for their Tiny House projects. -
Math News Squared
Jenn C. reports that seventeen students (pictured) in Grades 9-12 competed in the national American Mathematics Competition (AMC). A 75-minute, 25-question exam, the AMC is designed to challenge students, strengthen creative problem-solving skills, and foster a love of mathematics. Congratulations to Burke's top AMC12 participant Dante L '24 and top AMC10 participant Hana Y. '25.Read More -
Biology and Psychology Present
Read MoreAt the conclusion of the Fall Trimester, the Advanced Research in Molecular Biology, Social Psychology, and Advanced Psychology electives presented their work to family and peers – with biology students discussing their research posters in the Commons and psychology students offering a listening party for their newly-recorded podcasts.
Co-ed, progressive, college prep school in Washington, DC featuring a challenging curriculum in an inclusive environment for grades 6-12.
4101 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008 | Phone: 202-362-8882 | Fax: 202-362-1914