The liberal arts college experience at a close-knit city school. Round I - Supplemental Materials & Financial Aid Application Due: Friday, January 23, 2026
Edmund Burke School welcomes applications for 6th-11th grade. The following grades are considered expansion / entry years, when we expect the size of the grade to increase:
come from 45 different public, charter, independent, and international schools
represent 31 different zip codes in DC (62%), Maryland (29%), and Virginia (9%)
will be joining every grade, including 31 new students in the rising 9th grade (Class of 2029)
Our Approach to Extracurriculars
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.
From the rotating “color days” to the varied community period, the Burke schedule enables rigorous, experiential learning, while also building in time to explore new interests, meet up with teachers outside class, and and enjoy the community.