Admissions
Applying
FALL 2027 ADMISSION
Our application for Fall 2027 admission to Burke is now open. We're excited to get to know your family, and see how Burke can support your student's interests and advance their growth.
To start your application, go to our listing in Ravenna (a common admissions platform for area independent schools) and click Apply to School:
➡️ https://www.ravenna-hub.com/schools/44289
Our application for Fall 2027 admission to Burke is now open. We're excited to get to know your family, and see how Burke can support your student's interests and advance their growth.
To start your application, go to our listing in Ravenna (a common admissions platform for area independent schools) and click Apply to School:
➡️ https://www.ravenna-hub.com/schools/44289
Edmund Burke School welcomes applications for 6th-11th grade. The following grades are considered entry years (expansion years), when we expect the size of the grade to increase:
* Read a parent perspective on transferring in 10th grade.
| 6th grade - all students are new 7th grade - 7-8 new students (average) 8th grade - 3-5 new students (average) 9th grade - grade size doubles |
NEW Burke students in 2026-27:
- come from 49 different public, charter, independent, and international schools
- represent 32 different zip codes in DC (64%), Maryland (28%), and Virginia (8%)
- will be joining every grade, including 36 new students in the rising 9th grade (Class of 2030)
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Our Approach to Extracurriculars
At Burke, our goal is for students to continually explore – be that in 6th, 9th, or 12th grade. Whether you are brand-new or well-versed in a discipline, Burke will be your space to grow.Read Full Story
How do we make that possible?
1. "No Cut" Policy: this doesn't mean we eschew auditions and tryouts, and it doesn't mean we guarantee equal playing time. But it means that any student who wants to try soccer, acting, swim, or costume design (and more) will have a place in those programs.
2. The Burke Schedule: we build arts, clubs, and leadership into the school day, which both affirms their significant value and lessens the constraints on after school hours. -
On Experiential Learning
Read Full StoryOur identity as an urban school in DC provides inspiration and opportunity to engage students in experiential education. While field trips are a crucial ingredient, the recipe for experiential learning goes beyond that. This approach calls students to learn by doing and then by reflecting on what they've done. -
Magic & Mystery of the Burke Schedule
From the rotating “color days” to the varied community period, the Burke schedule enables rigorous, experiential learning, while also building in time to explore new interests, meet up with teachers outside class, and and enjoy the community.Read Full Story
Learn more in this feature in 1968 Magazine (Summer 2025):
1/3
List of 3 members.
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Elizabeth Paladino
Director of Enrollment Management & Financial AidHaverford College - B.A.
Suffolk University - M.Ed.Began at Burke: 2012 -
Shala Goolsby
Associate Director of Enrollment Management & OperationsUniv. of the District of Columbia - B.A.Began at Burke: 2010 -
Domotá Byrd
Associate Director of Enrollment Management & Outreach / Volleyball CoachHood College - B.ABegan at Burke: 2023
Common Questions About 6th–12th Grade Admissions
List of 5 items.
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Which private schools in DC offer academic rigor without a high-stress culture?
For students seeking a strong college prep school, Burke offers academic challenge without excessive stress or competition among peers. The Burke schedule deliberately builds in time to explore new interests, meet up with teachers outside class, and and enjoy the community. A "no cut" policy ensures that all interested students can participate in athletics and the arts. -
Which private schools in Washington, DC, start in middle school?
Everyone at Burke has a fresh start for Middle School. All 6th graders are new, and they come to Burke from a broad range of public schools (66%) and private and parochial schools (33%) in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. 6th grade has its own homeroom and "core" curriculum, and serves as a transition between the self-contained classrooms of elementary school and the discipline-based approach of upper grades. -
Are there DC private schools that accept applications after January or offer mid-year transfers?
While Burke's Round I application deadline is January 5, 2027, we do consider candidates in Round II based on space and needs in particular grades. Interested families should create an account in Ravenna and complete a preliminary application to get started. Financial aid is often limited in Round II.In some cases, we are able to consider applications after the school year has begun. Students need to be strong candidates during the standard admissions cycle, show adaptability and enthusiasm for Burke, and complete the process before Thanksgiving Break. -
How do students commute to private schools in DC from Maryland?
Burke is conveniently located one block from the Van Ness - UDC Metro (Red Line) and from numerous bus lines, including the D70 (Chevy Chase Circle) and C87 (Silver Spring). Morning "Burke Bus" services includes stops in Hyattsville, Takoma, Capitol Hill, and Arlington, VA. -
Can private schools in DC support students with IEPs or 504 Plans?
At Burke, our Learning Support department assists students in meeting the demands of our academic program, focused on organization, note-taking, test strategies, and self-advocacy. Learning Profiles are created from outside testing for teachers to plan for the student, implement accommodations, and review recommendations. Students also can be referred to the Support Team for academic concerns by advisors and/or teachers. Learn more here.
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