At Burke, you'll learn through challenging college prep academics – our progressive pedagogy values your individuality and places you at the center of your education.
Seeking to integrate technology into classrooms and improve teaching and learning equitably, Burke launched the mission-driven 1:1 iPad program in 2012.
The goal is to equip every student with appropriate technology for learning and ensure that access to technology is equitable. Providing all students with the same device allows the faculty and the Academic Tech Team to manage the devices, including the apps installed on them. Burke also trains and supports teachers in taking advantage of the iPads' strengths: creativity, mobility, and interactivity.
Note: high school students may bring their iPads home, while middle school iPads remain on campus.
Located one block from the Metro and within walking distance to Rock Creek Park, the Smithsonian National Zoo, and numerous embassies, Burke is an optimal starting place for exploration. All students have a double period from 11:10 AM to 12:40 PM (followed by lunch), enabling faculty to include travel into their curriculum.
Just a few examples include:
12th grade Art History visits a different museum or gallery each month, from the National Gallery to Dumbarton Oaks to the Phillips Collection.
11th grade US History connects curriculum to exhibits at the Capital Jewish Museum, Japanese American Memorial, National Museum of African American History & Culture, National Museum of the American Indian, and the Portrait Gallery.
9th grade Earth Systems Science spends nearly every double period in Rock Creek Park, including conducting a biodiversity index.
In the High School, the Independent Study option enables students to pursue interests and explore personal passions, with support from a faculty member. Students frequently pursue independent studies in computer science, as well as specific areas of interest in the humanities, sciences, and arts.
The Independent Study in PE (ISPE) option allows students to earn credit for sports pursued outside of school. Learn more.
Our Learning Support Department assists students in meeting the demands of Burke's challenging academic program. Full-time learning specialists provide support with organization, note and test-taking strategy, and self-advocacy. Learn more.
The Senior Project gives 12th grade students an opportunity to pursue interests and passions beyond the classroom and allows them to contribute to local communities and workplaces.
High School students who are capable of independent work in a subject can also serve as Teaching Assistants at Burke: assisting the teacher, working with students during in-class exercises, or teaching short lessons. Other responsibilities might include peer tutoring or helping to organize field trips.
Field Trips in 2023-24 - in progress
Avalon Theatre
8th grade - Topics in US History
Billy Goat Trail
8th Grade - full-grade hike
Hershey Park - Music in the Parks
7/8 Grade Chorus
Bretton Woods
6th-8th grade community trip
Camp Letts
9th Grade - full-grade overnight
Capital Jewish Museum
11th Grade - US History
District of Columbia Court of Appeals
11th & 12th Grade - Constitutional Law
Dumbarton Oaks
12th Grade - Advanced Art History
Ellis Island
6th Grade - three-day civic engagement trip to New York
Georgetown University Library
11th grade - US History (weekend research trip)
Harpers Ferry
10th Grade - full-grade overnight
Hillwood Estate & Museum
6th Grade Core, 10th grade - Modern World History
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
12th Grade - Advanced Art History
Japanese American Memorial
11th Grade - US History
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
6th grade - Science
Mexican Cultural Institute of Washington DC
7th Grade - Spanish
National Gallery of Art
12th Grade - Advanced Art History
National Museum of African American History & Culture
8th Grade - Topics in US History; 10th Grade - Modern World History; 11th Grade - US History and AP US History; 11th & 12th Grade - Women in US History
National Museum of African Art
12th Grade - Advanced Art History
National Museum of Asian Art
9th Grade - The Ancient World; 10th Grade - Modern World History; 12th Grade - Advanced Art History