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.
Big, bright, beautiful applause to the middle school cast & crew of Shrek Jr., who closed out the 2025-26 theater season this past weekend.
To win back control of his beloved swamp from the evil and insecure Lord Farquaad (Gabe S. '30), antisocial ogre Shrek (Elijah C. '30) must team up with a loquacious donkey (Riley S. '30) and rescue the long-suffering Princess Fiona (Meadow J. '30) – with some help from a displaced fairy tale cadre and numerous catchy musical numbers.
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.