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Academics
Curriculum

High School

Combining academic rigor, civic engagement, and experiential learning.

Students pursue subjects at a high level, from microbiology to French literature to robotics, while having space to explore new interests and engage in their school community. We hold students to high expectations, and we find the challenges that motivate them as individual learners.

Our focus on access (and "no cut" policy) means that students can pick up a new instrument, try out a new sport, and delve into robotics or creative writing for the first time during high school. We also build civic engagement into the school day, keeping students attuned to the broader world – and how they might make positive change within it.

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

  • What courses do 9th graders take?

    English - English 9: Genres
    History - History 9: The Ancient World
    Math - Algebra 1, Algebra 2 (or Advanced Algebra 2), Geometry (or Advanced Geometry), or above, as determined by a placement test
    Science - Chemistry or Environmental Science, often linked to the student's math placement
    World Language - French 1, 2, 3, or 4 or Spanish 1, 2, 3, or 4, as determined by a placement test

    Several trimesters of Performing and Visual Arts electives, such as Ceramics, Drama, Instrumental Music, and Photography
    One trimester of Computer Science
    One trimester of Health, Values & Ethics ("HVE")
    One trimester of 9th Grade Seminar

  • What courses do 12th graders take?


    By senior year, students' schedules can look vastly different based on their own interests and pursuits. All seniors take one trimester-long Senior Seminar course, culminating in a position paper on an area of global challenge, based on extensive research.

    Here is how the Fall Trimester could look for three different students:

    Student 1Student 2Student 3
    Advanced Art HistoryAP BiologyAP English Literature
    Advanced Instrumental Music 11/12AP Calculus BCAdvanced Statistics
    AP English LiteratureAP Physics C: MechanicsCalculus AB
    History of the DMVAdvanced Topics in SpanishDrawing and Painting 11/12
    Senior SeminarDigital Photography 11/12Eng. 12: Mystery, Murder, & Madness
    Statistics and Financial ManagementEng.12: Literary AdaptationsPhysics

  • Does Burke offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses?


    Burke began offering a selection of AP courses in the high school division in the 1970s. As of 2026-27, each academic department offers a combination of formal AP classes and Burke's Advanced-designated courses. The former are courses that adhere to the College Board's AP curriculum; the latter are classes that provide comparable challenge and rigor, but do not follow the official AP scope and sequence.

    Follow-up: can students sit for an AP Exam without taking the official AP course?

    Yes, students in advanced-designated classes can (and do) elect to sit for the AP exam in that subject. Burke supports students who express this interest, as well as students who elect to take exams in subjects that they've studied elsewhere (such as Japanese and Chinese language).

  • What are our technology policies, including phones and devices?

    • Phones cannot be used in the building during the school day (Yondr pouches for HS, secured storage locations for MS).
    • Beginning with the class of 2029, students will not be allowed to bring personal devices (laptops or tablets) to Burke.
    • The default for the start of class is that devices are away, including headphones.
    • When we use artificial intelligence, we are committed to using it effectively, critically, and ethically. The primary use of AI at Burke is to advance learning objectives. AI should never be used as a substitute for learning crucial skills and content.

  • What long-term vision informs our educational program?


    A Burke student is ...

    An ethical, active citizen;
    Their best, authentic self;
    Prepared for any future

    Further explore Burke's Portrait of a Graduate:
    https://www.burkeschool.org/portrait-of-a-graduate
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