Independent. Progressive. College Prep. Grades 6-12.Founded in 1968.
our mission: Burke consciously brings together students who are different from one another in many ways, actively engages them in their own education, holds them to high expectations, gives them power and responsibility, and supports and advances their growth as skilled and independent thinkers who step forward to make positive contributions to the world in which they live.
From heading up The Cageliner in her senior year at Burke to joining the Chicago Tribune soon after graduating from the University of Chicago, Caroline K. '17 has long been dedicated to journalism and public interest storytelling. And as of this spring, she is also a 2026 Pulitzer Prize honoree.
A large and energetic audience gathered on May 27 to cheer onBand 7, Band 8, Ensemble 11/12, Intermediate Band 9/10, and Advanced Band 11/12, with dozens of student demonstrating their musical range on multiple instruments.
Advanced Band featured a stand-out cohort of 12th grade musicians, some of whom had been playing together since 6th grade, in their final on-campus performance.
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.
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.
Our 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.