Burke

[Anonymous]

Recently toured Burke for MS and DC absolutely loved it (so did we). DC is currently at a great public and academically top of class in all subjects (99%). Confident, motivated independent learner. Very social. Enjoys sports but mostly for fun. We really like the school's philosophy of inclusion and focus on social and emotional well-being. Can anyone speak to the overall intellectual breadth at Burke (especially as far as teachers go) and opportunities/potential for individual academic growth? TIA!

[Anonymous]

We have a 9th grader at Burke. One of the things I think the school excels at is meeting students where they are and helping them reach their full potential. They can definitely challenge each child and provide a pretty rigorous and personalized academic experience. Our child was placed in Spanish 1 at the begging of the year, but it became clear she wasn’t sufficiently challenged at that level (she took the language in middle school) so they moved her to Spanish 2. The kids I’ve met seem pretty intellectual and accomplished. Very impressed so far after our first year.

[Anonymous]

There’s the whole breadth of kids at Burke. Our son, almost finished with 10th, is bright but doesn’t like to work very hard. 9th grade was challenging but this year he coasted a bit and wasn’t encouraged by the work hone his study skills like I felt he should. I suspect Junior year will be a wake-up call. They differentiate for math, a bit for science and have AP classes for upper HS grades. The teachers are caring and responsive, too. It is a small school, though, so there are as many people to pick from as friends…I think that’s important to keep in mind.

[Anonymous]

My 10th grader works hard/diligently and generally does well -- struggles a bit in some classes and shines in others. I feel like they are engaged and learning without experiencing unnecessary stress, and are challenged by being with some very strong peers and teachers with high expectations. The school definitely amps up expectations every year, so the beginning of the year is a bit of a shock but after a few weeks DC has figured out the new normal and can manage the new workload.

[Anonymous]

Are the kids nice?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are the kids nice?

Do any schools have all nice kids or all mean kids?

[Anonymous]

I am a Burke and Big 3 parent. On average, I'd say Burke teachers are more intellectual and better at communicating with kids. Big 3 are also good but there were some duds. Big 3 assigns more homework and a higher percentage of students are very gifted. Competition is more intense in Big 3. We prefer Burke. All options were available for the kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a Burke and Big 3 parent. On average, I'd say Burke teachers are more intellectual and better at communicating with kids. Big 3 are also good but there were some duds. Big 3 assigns more homework and a higher percentage of students are very gifted. Competition is more intense in Big 3. We prefer Burke. All options were available for the kids.

We also have Burke and Big 3 kids. We really prefer Burke. The teachers are great and the atmosphere is much more sane. There are fewer crazy parents as well.

[Anonymous]

OP here, thank you for all the input! PPs, what made you decide for Burke for some of your kids and not others? Was it their preference?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here, thank you for all the input! PPs, what made you decide for Burke for some of your kids and not others? Was it their preference?

In our family the kids themselves chose. Some parents will say the more academically capable kids should choose Big 3, but Burke can be really good for a very strong student too.

[Anonymous]

My DC chose Burke for 9th grade and is very happy. Spouse and I like with the community too. Classes are rigorous but workload is not insane -- DC will be ready for college in three years. Spouse and I were both very highly stressed teenagers -- wanted something different for our kids.

[Anonymous]

Community is really nice- more down to earth than our in bounds ES!

[Anonymous]

How do unhooked Burke kids do in college admissions?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do unhooked Burke kids do in college admissions?

I don’t even know who at Burke is “hooked.” Families just don’t tend to talk about their kids or education in that way. It may seem naive, but I find it refreshing.

Burke really focuses on helping kids find the right fit for each kid so graduates attend a variety of colleges and universities. They also usually have a handful going into arts/music programs too.

[Anonymous]

Burke parent. Agree with all the responses. Burke is special! Did not know where kids were going until very end of the year. No one talked about it. DC is doing fantastic in college. Burke prepared them well to be critical thinkers and advocate for themselves. DC chose Burke over other schools because they wanted a close community, excellent academics, and less pressure cooker. Thoughtful and understated parents and students.