Academics

Technology

Used appropriately, academic technology in the classroom advances learning objectives and helps students to learn crucial skills and content while limiting distractions. Faculty employ classroom technology when it adds value to the learning experience.

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

  • Does Burke ban phones on campus?

    Yes, phones are banned in the buildings during the school day. As part of the morning check-in and arrival process, 6th-8th grade students check their devices and 9th-12th grade students lock their phones in Yondr pouches.

  • Do students use screens during class time?

    The default for the start of class is that all devices are away, including headphones and Burke iPads, and only are brought out for a clear and stated purposes. Some classes, such as English and world languages, may make little to no use of them.

  • Can students bring laptops or tablets to school?

    Beginning with the class of 2029, students are not allowed to bring personal devices to school. We do provide desktops and laptops for specific purposes, including computer science, digital photography and filmmaking classes, media arts and graphic design classes, and scientific analysis.

  • What is Burke's policy on AI?

    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. Our Academic Policies Handbook details our guiding principles, AI competencies (including ethical and responsible use), and expectations for students, faculty, and parents.

List of 2 items.

  • Burke’s 1:1 iPad Program

    • Middle school students receive iPads to use at Burke, which are stored in a secured cart at the end of each school day. Students are always under adult supervision when using their iPads.
    • High school students receive iPads to use at Burke, which they can also take home and are expected to bring charged to school each day.
    • All Burke iPads have internet filtering and Lightspeed Parent Portal.

  • Digital Health & Literacy Curriculum

    In the 2026-27 school year, Burke will launch our new program to cover these four key topics:
    • Healthy Habits & Relationships • Privacy & Safety
    • Digital Footprint & Identity • AI & Media Literacy
In order for teens to develop healthy and effective technology habits, alignment and partnership between families and the school is crucial.

To that end, Burke offers these recommendations to our families, which are the product of the latest research on teens and technology and our experiences as educators. 

List of 4 items.

  • Healthy Tech Recommendations: Devices

    • Phones: wait until the end of 8th grade for a smartphone (then, maintain full parental access to the device).
    • Have kids use devices in common areas of your home (no devices in the bedroom).
    • Remove access to all devices at night.

  • Healthy Tech Recommendations: Monitoring

    • Slowly transition to more independence and responsibility as kids get older.
    • Group chats: Best practice is not to allow them. But if you do, monitor them regularly (especially in middle school).
    • Social media: Delay access as long as possible, and when students have access, monitor their use.
    • Use parental controls, including those provided by Burke.

  • Homework Recommendations: General Tips

    • Use paper whenever possible (e.g.: write down information about assignments, then close the device).
    • Do homework in a shared family space.
    • Try to create a workspace conducive to productivity and focus.
    • Music: the research is mixed; work with your child on what works or doesn’t.

  • Reducing Digital Distractions

    • No other digital devices in the same room while doing homework.
    • Close apps/tabs/windows that are not relevant to the assignment.
    • Work in full screen mode.
    • Turn on Do Not Disturb (silence all notifications).

  • Computer Science 2026-27


    2D Game Development
    Data Science
    Independent Project
    Intro to Computer Science*
    Robotics
    Web Apps

    * graduation requirement

  • Visual Arts 2026-27


    Visual arts courses that teach and employ technology include:

    3-D Digital Design
    Animation
    Digital Art (MS)
    Digital Photography (MS, HS)
    Filmmaking (MS, HS)
    Graphic Design (MS, HS)
    Media Arts

  • Computer Science 2025-26


    3D Game Development
    Build Your Own Computer
    Independent Project
    Intro to Computer Science*
    Python Projects
    Robotics
    Web Development

    * graduation requirement
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