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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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Learn more here.
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. Download more information.
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
American Visionary Art Museum - Baltimore
9th & 10th Grade - Mixed Media
Billy Goat Trail
8th Grade - Bonding Trip
Breton Woods
6th-9th Grade - Bonding Trips
Broadcasters' Child Development Center (BCDC)
12th Grade - Children's Literature elective
Capital One Arena
7th-12th Grade - Vocal Music Classes
Contemporary Art Museum - Arlington
11th-12th Grade - Adv. Art History
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
MS - Drama; HS - Musical cast & crew
Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center
6th Grade - Core
National Geographic Museum
9th Grade - Ancient History
National Museum of African American History & Culture
11th & 12th Grade - Women in US History
National Museum of African Art
10th Grade - Modern World History; 9th Grade - Ancient World
National Museum of American History
11th Grade - US History
National Museum of Asian Art
11th-12th Grade - Adv. Art History; 10th Grade - Modern World History; 9th Grade - The Ancient World
National Museum of Natural History
10th grade - Advanced Earth Systems Science
New York City
11th Grade - Bonding Trip
Rock Creek Park
6th & 9th Grade - Earth Science
Student Diversity Leadership Conference
10th-12th Grade - student leaders
Un Je Ne Sais Quoi
7th-8th Grade - French
University of the District of Columbia
9th & 10th Grade - All-Day Leadership Retreats
1/19
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:
Each summer, the Professional Development Committee awards Combustion Engine Grants, which enable our faculty to enrich teaching and curricula in innovative ways.
On January 9, 2023, Morgan G. (Science) and Matison H. D. '14 (English) presented on their funded projects from Summer 2022.
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.
Earlier 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.
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.
At 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.
In Advanced Research in Molecular Biology, students are assessing whether their collected arthropods (insects, spiders, millipedes) are infected with Wolbachia, a bacterium that is being investigated as a potential strategy to curb diseases spread by mosquitoes.
On Wednesday, June 1, students and faculty from the World Languages Department mounted a Fair to celebrate French and Spanish-speaking countries through games, presentations, and food – and to raise funds to support anti-gun violence measures.
Students gave lessons in merengue, painted patterns from zapotec rugs, served cuisine marocaine, wove bahía bands, and presented on Aztec numbers and Mayan glyphs – as well as spoke passionately about reducing gun violence here in the District and sold 1,375 carnations to support their cause.
Whether in the science lab or around the city, teachers take a hands-on approach – which can both "stimulate growth on both sides of the brain" and increase self-motivation.
In the High School, eligible students may undertake an Independent Project in Computer Science, overseen by a faculty member and extending from one to three trimesters.
Earlier this month, the 10th grade participated in their first Leadership & Civic Engagement Retreat, centered on "Project Soapbox," a public speaking program that invites young people to speak on issues that affect them and their communities.
In a typical year, seniors projects are two-week internships or independent studies, often completed at local organizations and nonprofits. While most on-site projects were not in the cards this year (and the timeline was a bit shorter), the Class of 2021 showed an amazing array of creative, hands-on work: