Curriculum

List of 8 items.

• 1:1 iPad Program

  Seeking to integrate technology into classrooms and improve teaching and learning equitably, Burke launched the mission-driven 1:1 iPad program in 2012. 

   

  The goal is to equip every student with appropriate technology for learning and ensure that access to technology is equitable. Providing all students with the same device allows the faculty and the Academic Tech Team to manage the devices, including the apps installed on them. Burke also trains and supports teachers in taking advantage of the iPads' strengths: creativity, mobility, and interactivity.

  
  Note: high school students may bring their iPads home, while middle school iPads remain on campus.

  Read More

• Civic Engagement

  Every year, Burke students experience an integrated civics, equity, and leadership curriculum, grounded in social justice pedagogy. Learn more.

• Computer Science Program

  
  Explore Burke CS - Mastery Learning Program
  
  

  Students in the program progress through three levels of proficiency in five domains adapted from the Computer Science Teachers Association. The domains are:  

  
  1. Ethics of Computing: how Computing affects individuals, communities, and the world; the social implications and issues of equality, justice, and access.
  
  2. Algorithms and Programming: creating instructions, sequences, procedures, loops, modules, variables, and controls to power computing devices.
  
  3. Data and Analysis: effectively collecting, organizing, storing, analyzing, and utilizing data.
  
  4. Networks and the Internet: communications, connectivity, and security between devices.
  
  5. Computing Systems: physical components (hardware) and instructions (software) that power them.

  
  > Browse elective courses and sample student projects.

• Field Trips

  Located one block from the Metro and within walking distance to Rock Creek Park, the Smithsonian National Zoo, and numerous embassies, Burke is an optimal starting place for exploration. All students have a double period from 11:10 AM to 12:40 PM (followed by lunch), enabling faculty to include travel into their curriculum.
  
  Just a few examples include:
  
  

  • 12th grade Art History visits a different museum or gallery each month, from the National Gallery to Dumbarton Oaks to the Phillips Collection.
  • 11th grade US History connects curriculum to exhibits at the Capital Jewish Museum, Japanese American Memorial, National Museum of African American History & Culture, National Museum of the American Indian, and the Portrait Gallery.
  • 9th grade Earth Systems Science spends nearly every double period in Rock Creek Park, including conducting a biodiversity index.

• 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. Students frequently pursue independent studies in computer science, as well as specific areas of interest in the humanities, sciences, and arts.
  
  The Independent Study in PE (ISPE) option allows students to earn credit for sports pursued outside of school. Learn more.

• 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 12th grade students an opportunity to pursue interests and passions beyond the classroom and allows them to contribute to local communities and workplaces.
  
  Learn more:
  > 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.