Athletics
Athletics
Edmund Burke School competes in the Potomac Valley Athletic Conference (PVAC), which includes fifteen independent schools in Washington, DC, and Maryland
The Burke Bengals compete in the Potomac Valley Athletic Conference (PVAC). In 2023-24, they recorded two team PVAC championships (soccer, swimming), seven individual championships (swimming, track & field), and 25 all-conference honors, as well as one DCSAA all-state team selection.
Core to our athletics program is our "no cut" policy. That policy does not guarantee placement on a high school varsity roster, or a certain amount of playing time. But it does ensure that all students who want to play a sport will have a place on a team.
At Burke, experienced, passionate athletes get to play their sport, rather than spend practice and games on the sidelines. They aren't limited to one position or even one sport. Students who are hesitant about athletics are welcomed and sometimes discover a new ability.
Core to our athletics program is our "no cut" policy. That policy does not guarantee placement on a high school varsity roster, or a certain amount of playing time. But it does ensure that all students who want to play a sport will have a place on a team.
At Burke, experienced, passionate athletes get to play their sport, rather than spend practice and games on the sidelines. They aren't limited to one position or even one sport. Students who are hesitant about athletics are welcomed and sometimes discover a new ability.
"Don't force kids – even star players – to specialize. Variety is also important for athletically gifted students to help them branch out." - NPR: All Things Considered (June 2023)
Individual Awards
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Athletics Requirement
High School students fulfill the athletics requirement as follows:- Play a team sport for 6 trimesters after school OR
- Complete 7 trimesters of a combination of PE classes during the school day, team sports after school, and/or Independent Studies in PE (ISPE)
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Club Sports
In addition to our interscholastic sports, Burke offers club-style teams in indoor track & field (winter) and tennis (spring). Students do not earn athletic credit for these programs, which tend to require less time and practice, but they are welcome to participate in both a club and a for-credit sport in the same season. -
Independent Study Option
In lieu of a PE class or team sport in a given trimester, students can request an Independent Study in PE (ISPE).
This option enables students to pursue sports at a high level outside of school and/or pursue an interest that Burke does not offer in the Physical Education or Athletics Departments.
Current and recent ISPE's include:- ballet
- fencing
- gymnastics
- hockey
- rowing
- tennis
- trapeze
Students can also complete an ISPE in a sport that Burke offers as long as they also participate in the Burke team in the appropriate season. Students cannot complete the entire athletic requirement through ISPEs. They must still participate in at least one Burke team sport. -
Requirement Scenarios
Here are just four ways different HS students might fulfill the athletics requirement:- Student plays volleyball and track & field every year and surpasses the athletic requirement
- Student competes on the swim team for 4 years + then completes 3 trimesters of PE
- Students completes 6 trimesters of PE + 1 trimester on the ultimate frisbee team
- Student completes 6 trimesters of Independent Study in PE due to being a high-level gymnast + one trimester on Burke's golf team
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Our Mission
we create an atmosphere where students feel safe and learn to challenge themselves and their teammates in a way that builds skills, confidence, and character. -
Our Philosophy
we eschew the "win-at-all-cost" model of coaching in favor of both wanting to win and using sports to teach broader lessons; draw from the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), a nonprofit founded by Stanford University. -
Core Values
Teamwork: working together in a positive and inclusive manner toward a common goal; sharing responsibility toward continued improvement
Hard Work: giving it your all, even when challenged and pushed to your limits; being consistent and balanced through exhaustion and staying focused on the tasks at hand
Commitment: consistently showing up on time, prepared and ready to focus on giving your best effort for yourself and for the team
Respect: combining dignity and empathy, best expressed through both verbal and non verbal communication
Team Banners
Athletics Department
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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