Why Burke

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Bold Possibilities + Balanced Approach

academic rigor • civic engagement • community well-being

Attend an Open House | December 14, 2024

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You can be multifaceted.

At Burke, we hope that experienced musicians will play basketball, or longtime softball players will delve into ceramics or musical theater. Opportunities are vast and varied here – and everyone can access the full range of Burke’s offerings. You won't have to compete for a spot just to do what you enjoy. Students also have the space and support to pursue longtime interests, both within and outside the classroom.
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How do we support students' interests and passions?
- Our independent study program allows high schoolers to pair up with a faculty member and design a course of study; this is an especially popular option in Computer Science and World Language.
- We expand the curriculum as needed by, for example, offering a small group Multivariable Calculus course to students who completed BC Calculus in 11th grade and opening an advanced track of the Constitutional Law elective for those looking to delve deeper into American history.
- Experienced athletes can get significant playing time on Burke teams and benefit from playing multiple sports. Burke also offers an “independent study in PE” option for students pursuing sports at a high level outside school, including gymnastics and ballet.
- Advanced Band students can pick up multiple instruments and earn academic credit as teaching assistants (TAs) for instrumental music classes.
- Visual artists can start choosing electives in 8th grade and explore different disciplines, from filmmaking to studio art, through 40+ trimester courses in the high school.
You can be yourself.

Our students are diverse, creative, kind, and witty, with a penchant for exploration. They like to try new things and meet new people. They bring incredible energy (and often strong opinions) to class, sports, and arts. We like to say, "You don't have to leave any part of yourself outside when you enter Burke."
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Can I learn more about daily life here?

Of course, and be sure to check out the zingers in "Overheard at Burke:" https://www.burkeschool.org/burke-life/life-at-burke
We're a small school.

With 300 students and 50 faculty members, we truly get to know one another. Our campus may be (comparatively) small, but the connections are big and lasting. At Burke, students also form inter-grade friendships, through classes, extracurriculars, or just casual interactions. We don't have isolated homerooms, and common areas are open to all students in that division.
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How do we build connections among grades?
- 8th graders can participate in some high school activities, including the winter musical and select sports teams.
- Math and World Language in the high school are grouped by level, not grade, and often include students from two to three different grades.
- Visual arts courses in the high school combine 9th-10th and 11th-12th, while Drama and Chorus span 9th-12th.
- Events like Founders Day and programs like affinity groups deliberately span all grades.
We support student agency.

Central to our mission is supporting students' growth as skilled and independent thinkers. As a progressive school, we believe that students should be active participants in their learning and have a real voice in their school community. Our urban campus also enables substantial independence – students can get themselves to school via Metro and enjoy "open campus" starting in 9th grade. This way, they also get used to managing free time prior to starting college!
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How do students contribute their voice?
- At Burke, students participate in hiring committees and lead all clubs and affinity spaces.
- Our Leadership Program gives student the opportunity to plan important events, including 8th Grade "Moving Up" Ceremony and all-school Founders' Day.
Can I learn more about progressive education?

Definitely! It dates back to the late 1800s:
> www.burkeschool.org/about-us/mission-and-philosophy/progressive-education

Why a 6th-12th grade school?
8/1/2024
In 1973, Edmund Burke School moved from Wyoming Avenue to our current home on Upton Street; the following year, Burke added a Middle School. Since then, Burke has offered a Middle and High School program on a single campus in Washington, DC.
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