Burke

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are considering Burke, Field, SAES and SSFS for our rising 7th grader. Is there any marked difference between these schools?

Field and Burke are very similar and seem equal in my mind. Many Field families we met seems to have that feel of “exclusive wealth” to them, if that make sense. Burke seems more low key in ways that resonate better with our family. My kid loved both schools, but we went with Burke on overall feel and actual proximity more than anything.

I don’t know anything about the others.

We are looking into both Burke and Field, but I don't see how the two schools are similar. Why are there so many posts grouping the two schools together?

If you are looking for a progressive, independent 6-12, college-prep HS school in DC, outside of the "big 3," Field and Burke will both be high on the list.

and co-ed

[Anonymous]

Just celebrated my youngest's graduation from Burke. My middle went there as well. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the school - the teachers are totally tuned into the kids and treat them with respect, kindness, and hold them to high standards. Both my kids worked incredibly hard and learned to self advocate and take responsibility for their actions. Helicopter parents are not encouraged. My oldest went to SAES and it was great for her, but the school has changed since she graduated. Very top down, traditional, teacher centered teaching, but with very young and inexperienced faculty.

The parent communities are vastly different as well. Lots of money at both schools - but at Burke it's not a flex. Kids take the metro, have jobs, and are more clued in to the world around them. And yeah, the shooting. Would not wish that on any school or family. Burke and the community at large came together and provided the kids and families and everyone involved all the grace, space, and support they could. Burke is amazing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are considering Burke, Field, SAES and SSFS for our rising 7th grader. Is there any marked difference between these schools?

Field and Burke are very similar and seem equal in my mind. Many Field families we met seems to have that feel of “exclusive wealth” to them, if that make sense. Burke seems more low key in ways that resonate better with our family. My kid loved both schools, but we went with Burke on overall feel and actual proximity more than anything.

I don’t know anything about the others.

We are looking into both Burke and Field, but I don't see how the two schools are similar. Why are there so many posts grouping the two schools together?

Both are in DC, smaller, secular, less sports-focused, block scheduling, lots of wealthy families.

No doubt there are likely wealthy families at Burke but it does *not* feel like a wealthy school at all. Parents dress casually, pick up line is not all luxury cars, no idea what anyone’s parents do for a living etc.

[Anonymous]

For the Burke HS parents who were also there for MS, can you compare the HS and MS experiences in terms of academic challenge and expectations? While we love the school community and values, I haven’t been terribly impressed by the academics. But I understand that HS really gets harder and for the most part, I am pleased that my child is having a positive MS experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are considering Burke, Field, SAES and SSFS for our rising 7th grader. Is there any marked difference between these schools?

Field and Burke are very similar and seem equal in my mind. Many Field families we met seems to have that feel of “exclusive wealth” to them, if that make sense. Burke seems more low key in ways that resonate better with our family. My kid loved both schools, but we went with Burke on overall feel and actual proximity more than anything.

I don’t know anything about the others.

We are looking into both Burke and Field, but I don't see how the two schools are similar. Why are there so many posts grouping the two schools together?

Field was founded by a Burke teacher.

[Anonymous]

How does Burke compare with Sandy Spring Friends School? Obviously distance, but beyond that. We are equidistant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How does Burke compare with Sandy Spring Friends School? Obviously distance, but beyond that. We are equidistant.

Both are very kind. SSFS is more tranquil. The campus is rural and spread out. It's calming. Burke is urban and compact. There's an unusual energy to the place. Sports are a bigger deal at SSFS. Arts are a bigger deal at Burke. Lots of individual attention from faculty at both.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are considering Burke, Field, SAES and SSFS for our rising 7th grader. Is there any marked difference between these schools?

Field and Burke are very similar and seem equal in my mind. Many Field families we met seems to have that feel of “exclusive wealth” to them, if that make sense. Burke seems more low key in ways that resonate better with our family. My kid loved both schools, but we went with Burke on overall feel and actual proximity more than anything.

I don’t know anything about the others.

We are looking into both Burke and Field, but I don't see how the two schools are similar. Why are there so many posts grouping the two schools together?

If you are looking for a progressive, independent 6-12, college-prep HS school in DC, outside of the "big 3," Field and Burke will both be high on the list.

In plain speak… It’s not hard to get into just like Field and it’s in Northwest DC. I put in Maret in this category also. Though it’s a little harder to get into socially but not because you need a brain. After that all the other schools except the Catholics are going to be for your straight day really smart smart outgoing kids if you want DC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How does Burke compare with Sandy Spring Friends School? Obviously distance, but beyond that. We are equidistant.

Both are very kind. SSFS is more tranquil. The campus is rural and spread out. It's calming. Burke is urban and compact. There's an unusual energy to the place. Sports are a bigger deal at SSFS. Arts are a bigger deal at Burke. Lots of individual attention from faculty at both.

I don't know much about SSFS, but I would say that one other differentiator for Burke is the encouragement and actual use of DC as a classroom. Even through high school the teachers hop on the metro for field trips which my kid loved. A ton more out and about activities than my kid at a Big5

[Anonymous]

Was Burke test optional last year? I can’t find specific information on the website, and application requirements are not in Ravenna for the 2023-24 admission cycle. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Was Burke test optional last year? I can’t find specific information on the website, and application requirements are not in Ravenna for the 2023-24 admission cycle. Thanks.

They did not take test scores last year. But my kid did take Burke's online, proctored writing test. I think all incoming MS students took it. I don't know about HS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How does Burke compare with Sandy Spring Friends School? Obviously distance, but beyond that. We are equidistant.

All of the admin transition at SSFS is a big red flag. I’ve also heard of lots of behavior problems post pandemic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Was Burke test optional last year? I can’t find specific information on the website, and application requirements are not in Ravenna for the 2023-24 admission cycle. Thanks.

If I remember correctly from last year, Burke used their own evaluation for reading/writing for admissions, and then did math and language testing for class placement purposes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How does Burke compare with Sandy Spring Friends School? Obviously distance, but beyond that. We are equidistant.

Both are very kind. SSFS is more tranquil. The campus is rural and spread out. It's calming. Burke is urban and compact. There's an unusual energy to the place. Sports are a bigger deal at SSFS. Arts are a bigger deal at Burke. Lots of individual attention from faculty at both.

I don't know much about SSFS, but I would say that one other differentiator for Burke is the encouragement and actual use of DC as a classroom. Even through high school the teachers hop on the metro for field trips which my kid loved. A ton more out and about activities than my kid at a Big5

I agree. Burke kids end up in DC for academic and social activities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are considering Burke, Field, SAES and SSFS for our rising 7th grader. Is there any marked difference between these schools?

Field and Burke are very similar and seem equal in my mind. Many Field families we met seems to have that feel of “exclusive wealth” to them, if that make sense. Burke seems more low key in ways that resonate better with our family. My kid loved both schools, but we went with Burke on overall feel and actual proximity more than anything.

I don’t know anything about the others.

We are looking into both Burke and Field, but I don't see how the two schools are similar. Why are there so many posts grouping the two schools together?

If you are looking for a progressive, independent 6-12, college-prep HS school in DC, outside of the "big 3," Field and Burke will both be high on the list.

In plain speak… It’s not hard to get into just like Field and it’s in Northwest DC. I put in Maret in this category also. Though it’s a little harder to get into socially but not because you need a brain. After that all the other schools except the Catholics are going to be for your straight day really smart smart outgoing kids if you want DC.

I know lots of smart, bright, and happy kids at these schools. Nice try though.