Academics
Curriculum
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(scroll to the bottom down for course descriptions)
6th Grade is a thematically integrated program designed to help students grow as self-directed learners and to serve as a transition between the self-contained classrooms of elementary school and the discipline-based approach of middle and high schools.
6th Grade is a thematically integrated program designed to help students grow as self-directed learners and to serve as a transition between the self-contained classrooms of elementary school and the discipline-based approach of middle and high schools.
The curriculum involves hands-on investigation, field trips, and real-world problems stemming from the question “Where am I?” – in my new school, in Washington, DC, in the Chesapeake Bay region, in the United States and in the universe.
Community building, appreciation for the natural world, and stewardship of that world are at the heart of the 6th grade program.
Middle School Departments:
Middle School Departments:
ENGLISH lays the foundation for a lifelong love of reading and writing, as well as success in high school English. We foster depth, self-awareness, exploration, and experimentation in the writing process, and variety, relevance, and excitement in reading. Courses emphasize analysis, discussions, collaborative projects, creative writing, and skill building through challenging and joyful practice.
* 6th Graders all engage in a “Core” curriculum that encompasses the humanities, literature, history, and storytelling.
HISTORY: program encompasses American history, DC history, and world geography and cultures, with a focus on research-based projects, often rooted in real-world challenges and problems. Students build skills in reading text and graphic sources, research, writing (analytical and creative), presentation, debate, and discussion. Burke’s DC location enables regular field trips to our city’s cultural, religious, political, and diplomatic institutions, as well as local businesses.
MATH: every student can succeed in mathematics. Our teachers make each course accessible and appropriately challenging. Our approach fosters student motivation and responsibility by emphasizing mathematical reasoning and real-world problems. We focus on classroom involvement, orderly thinking, and presentation of work.
* Starting in 7th Grade, we offer 2-3 pathways in math. Students are able to move from one pathway to another as their interest in and comfort with math develops.
SCIENCE: students develop scientific habits of mind and the skills to wonder, observe, predict, collect and analyze data, solve problems, and communicate results and ideas cogently. Students work together to solve problems and answer questions using design-thinking and scientific processes – and they rarely remain seated. Science classes make frequent use of Rock Creek Park and our nearby trails, as well as the dedicated Middle School lab and outdoor spaces around the school. We embrace the “maker movement,” providing students with a variety of materials for designing, building, and manipulating.
WORLD LANGUAGE: courses enable students to develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in their chosen language. Our faculty develop a collaborative, risk-taking classroom culture that focuses on creative and flexible thinking. Our methods include skits, discussions, storytelling, reading, and games, along with videos, songs, art, news stories, podcasts, telenovelas, and authentic literary sources. We use the language outside the classroom through field trips to the Mexican Cultural Institute, French Embassy, Maison Française, and National Gallery of Art, as well as through cooking classes, student clubs, and service learning.
* Students can choose between French and Spanish in Middle School.
MS - ARTS
Visual Arts: hands-on explorations with an array of media and techniques are the core of our program, paired with field trips to DC’s many museums and galleries. Students begin by learning the principles of 2-D and 3-D composition in 6th grade, and the creation of 2-dimensional space in 7th, before choosing among myriad electives in 8th grade – from ceramics to filmmaking.
Vocal & Instrumental Music offer options for emerging and experienced musicians to perform a variety of works while learning the fundamentals of music. Choruses and bands practice during class and perform throughout the year, including in assemblies and concerts.
Theater offers drama classes for all students during 6th and 7th grades, and students may choose to continue taking a Drama class during 8th grade. A Middle School play or musical takes place in the spring after school. Burke’s "no cut" policy ensures that everyone who wishes to act or work backstage has the opportunity to do so.
MS - HEALTH, VALUES & ETHICS
MS - HEALTH, VALUES & ETHICS
Our "HVE" program is comprehensive and progressive, helping students to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and maintain healthy minds, bodies, and relationships. Health educators support and nurture physical health and mental wellness. Our sexuality education programs model and teach compassion, respect, and justice.
* 6th Grade main topics: (1) Being a Good Member of a Community, (2) Building and Maintaining Friendships, (3) Puberty and Adolescence
* 6th Grade main topics: (1) Being a Good Member of a Community, (2) Building and Maintaining Friendships, (3) Puberty and Adolescence
MS - PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The primary goal is for every student to learn, contribute, and have fun, while feeling physically and emotionally safe. Our PE classes: refine motor skill; develop game strategies; foster student cooperation and teamwork. In our current schedule, MS students have PE every other day for 75 minutes.
List of 3 members.
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