Academics
Curriculum
High School
We strive for balance among academic rigor, civic engagement, and community well-being.
At Burke, students can pursue subjects at a high-level – ranging from multivariable calculus to Spanish literature to microbiology research – while also having space to explore new interests and enjoy their high school years. We hold students to high expectations, and we find the challenges that motivate them as individual learners.
Our focus on access (and "no cut" policy) means that students can pick up a new instrument, try out a new sport, and delve into robotics or creative writing for the first time during high school. We also build civic engagement into the school day, rather than require outside service hours, keeping students attuned to the broader world – and how they might make positive change within it.
At Burke, students can pursue subjects at a high-level – ranging from multivariable calculus to Spanish literature to microbiology research – while also having space to explore new interests and enjoy their high school years. We hold students to high expectations, and we find the challenges that motivate them as individual learners.
Our focus on access (and "no cut" policy) means that students can pick up a new instrument, try out a new sport, and delve into robotics or creative writing for the first time during high school. We also build civic engagement into the school day, rather than require outside service hours, keeping students attuned to the broader world – and how they might make positive change within it.
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Class & Club Spotlight - December 2024
From DNA to PCRRead More
To wrap up the fall trimester, Advanced Research in Molecular Biology students hosted a poster presentation for peers and parents. While investigating the distribution of Wolbachia (common bacterium) in insect populations, students learned molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and DNA sequencing. Pictured, center: research by Sam H. '25, Paul G. '25, and Sydney W. '25. -
Student Spotlight
Congratulations to Aaron H. '25, who was recently selected as one of just two Student Members of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee for 2024-25, reflecting his longtime investment in civic action and local government.Read More -
Class & Club Spotlight - October 2024
Class on ConservationRead MoreClaire Helmke, a wildlife biologist with nonprofit conservation group Quail Forever, visited the 9th and 10th grade Environmental Science classes last week to share her experience in wildlife research and habitat restoration. Students then crafted research questions based on their study spots in Rock Creek Park, which the classes will work towards answering in the coming months. -
Burke On The Road - October 2024
Read MoreExperiential learning abounds this fall. On a given day, you might spot numerous classes leaving campus during the double period for exploration and research. For example: -
Class Spotlight - Part 9 - Middle & High School
Global DimensionsRead More
In Earth Systems Science and Advanced ESS, students built two and three-dimensional models that defined the main spheres of the earth (atmosphere, hydrospheres, biosphere, and geosphere) and how these major subsystems connect. Their creative approaches now adorn every surface in the ESS lab, including an "Edible Earth" model, a spinning globe, a multi-player board game, and a graphic book (pictured). -
Exploring Our Environment
Read MoreFrom May 21-24, the 11th grade engaged in a four-day, multi-site workshop on environmental justice and youth advocacy.On the first day, hosted at UDC, students heard from opening keynote speaker Kori Ellien (Environmental & Special Projects Division of Native Americans in Philanthropy) and then participated in three breakout sessions with guest facilitators, focused on Land & Water on Native reservations, People & Culture, and Animals & Wildlife. Matt Scott from Project Drawdown delivered the closing keynote. -
Senior Projects Commencee
Read MoreOn Friday, May 10, the Class of 2024 marked their final day of high school classes with an enthusiastic (and touching) countdown in the Atrium. For the following two weeks, students can pursue an independent project, work with a professional in the field, or connect with an organization. -
Class Spotlight - Part 8 - Middle & High School
Amid the spring weather, 7th grade enjoyed an outdoor school day at Rock Creek Park on April 16. For Life Science class, they collected data about microplastics in our local waterways; Amy C. adds, "I am sad to report that we did find some, but it was a small amount." After lunch, Kay walked down from campus for a watercolors lesson, followed by frisbee instruction from Alan.Read More -
Election Engagement
This winter, ten 10th graders (selected by their peers) represented Burke at the DC Project Soapbox speech competition.Read More -
Nourishing Partnerships
On April 3 and 5, the 9th grade (in two groups) volunteered at Capital Area Food Bank as part of their social justice framework, which focuses on food insecurity in DC. First, students worked in the warehouse and packed boxes of food for senior citizens, a demographic who particularly suffers from food insecurity. Together, both groups packed an impressive 1,641 boxes.Read More -
New Avenues to Explore
Read MoreEarlier this week, the 2024-25 course requests process launched. As students explore with their advisors, they will have some brand-new options to consider: -
Class & Club Spotlight - Part 7 - High School
Burning Strings ReturnsRead More
Following a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Burning Strings returned to assembly in March. A tradition begun in 2003, Burning Strings united 15 faculty, staff, an alumnus, and students for a set of Irish music on or near St. Patrick's Day – including violins, violas, guitars , clarinet, recorder, melodica, and percussion. -
Joining the Party
Read MoreDo you have a sneaking suspicion that someone is watching? Has adulation of the 10th grade English teachers reached disconcerting levels? And why are sophomores suddenly referring to everyone as "comrade?" -
Scrutinizing Bacteria
Morgan's Medical Microbiology elective delves into the immune system, structure of viruses, viral replication and transmission, and epidemiology. To close out the winter trimester, small groups studied a group of pathogenic bacteria with similar transmission patterns, with each group member specializing in a specific bacterium.Read More -
Newsroom Legend Bob Woodward at Burke
On February 20, Burke welcomed renowned investigative journalist Bob Woodward for a conversation on media and journalism. With Carl Bernstein, Woodward conducted the initial reporting on the Watergate scandal, which ultimately led to President Nixon's resignation in 1974. He has worked for the Washington Post for more than 50 years, where he currently holds an associate editor title and has contributed to two Pulitzer Prizes.Read More -
Report from the Court: DC Court of Appeals
On February 6, 11th and 12th graders in Ginger's Constitutional Law class observed oral arguments in a 6th amendment case before the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. Judge Catharine F. Easterly P'24 and her law clerks met with the class before proceedings to share their journeys to the DCCA and explain the nature of the case.Read More
According to Judge Easterly, "the legal questions on appeal are constitutional (6th Amendment right to confrontation) and evidentiary (hearsay): they revolve around whether the complainant's call to 911 reporting the crime could be admitted into evidence at trial when she didn't appear as a witness." Students found the oral argument fascinating: is a 911 call by a now-deceased individual "admissible" as evidence? What is an "excited utterance?" Was this an "ongoing emergency?" A judgment in Austin v. U.S. is expected sometime in summer 2024. -
Digital Design Abounds
Mixed Media 9/10 recently designed and printed their own reusable grocery bags, all using nature-inspired repeat patterns – now on display in the Atrium. This past fall, Digital Media 11/12 designed 3-D models of a living space and then used Google Earth to place their designs around the globe.Read More -
Excursions Through History
Read MoreEarlier in January, Advanced Art History (with a guest / chaperone appearance by our Head of School) delved into the Renaissance collection at the National Gallery of Art, home to works by Giotto, Leonardo, Raphael, and Titian. -
Bienvenue à Burke!
Civil engineer Bassirou Gaye (brother to Fatou, World Language Department Chair) visited DC for a professional conference this past December – and joined Fatou's classes!Read More
Co-ed, progressive, college prep school in Washington, DC featuring a challenging curriculum in an inclusive environment for grades 6-12.
4101 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008 | Phone: 202-362-8882 | Fax: 202-362-1914