I agree with the poster that its focus is on special needs while GDS is far more competitive/challenging... it is closer to the lab school

Is it really a school for kids with special needs? I thought it was a bit smaller version of GDS? Thoughts?

my two children are in high school there. it is a very relaxed environment mostly designed for kids with special needs

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are there students that go there from Virginia?

we live in Arlington and went to an open house for my son last year. Last year they had a bus from metro 29 diner on Lee Highway in Arlington.

They usually have an Alexandria and Arlington bus route

Anonymous wrote:Are there students that go there from Virginia?

we live in Arlington and went to an open house for my son last year. Last year they had a bus from metro 29 diner on Lee Highway in Arlington.

Agree with 8:47's really thoughtful response and 9:07's experience. I have a child at Burke in the HS and experience with other area schools. I think Burke has a unique offering and offers a joyful, supportive school for kids that like to learn but do not want to be in a high pressure environment. The arts program is terrific (even if your kid isn't mainly into arts) and the HOS is thoughtful and intentional about curriculum and the school community. It will be too small for some kids but it's a wonderful place for those who want a slightly less traditional school.

Giving you another perspective - as someone who rents space from schools - Burke is an absolute pleasure to deal with. Affordable, professional. Kids at the school seem happy , quirky and generally well behaved.

Current Parent- We love Burke for our son, its the right fit for him. Like others have shared, Burke offers a very welcoming school environment and all the benefits of a small and cozy school. The teachers are high energy, supportive and build great relationships with the students. The students are well prepared for college which range from Ivy league to smaller colleges. Students definitely become apart of the city. Burke is located right near van ness metro stop so the teachers are able utilize the city and all it has to offer as part of their curriculum. We also have a child at another independent school (more "sought after" school) and I can say that we have been impressed with Burke and have no complaints.

The Burke culture is wonderful and unusual. From what I can see, Burke students generally are happy and mutually supporting. Most teachers are warm, inspiring, and patient. The school also places a strong emphasis on community service.

The academics are strong but, for most students, they are far from the most rigorous in the DMV. The homework load is intended to be moderate compared to the load at the "Big 3," so students develop skills but still have free time. The school offers harder classes for more capable kids but easier classes for kids who struggle, and a kid can take some of each.

Sports teams and extracurricular activities (bands, plays, etc.) are generally open to everyone, with no cuts. This is great for most Burke students, but some really good athletes considering Burke legitimately might prefer schools with stronger sports teams. (Burke students rarely end up playing their sports in college.). Burke has good arts offerings and also a variety of band opportunities for students with different levels of experience.

Burke students are very diverse not just racially but also socioeconomically and in academic ability. Burke is also very welcoming to "quirky" kids. However, there are not many Republicans.

Most Burke students seem pretty "normal" and probably would not describe themselves as "quirky" (an adjective that's hard to define), so if you aren't a quirky kid yourself, no problem. If quirky kids make you uncomfortable or annoy you, you'd probably be better off elsewhere.

One of the best things about Burke is that students develop close relationships with faculty and staff. Counselling (college, personal, academic) is strong and focused on the individual student.

Facilities are tight. Most Burke students seem to like the cozy feel of the school but sometimes students wish for more space. At times the school feels cramped. There's no cafeteria and sports fields are not nearby for many teams.

Burke is right on Connecticut Avenue and a short walk from the Van Ness Metro station. You feel like you're part of the city at Burke.

Hope this helps.

Some Virginia kids. Pre-Covid the fact that it was on a metro stop made it very accessible. It is a very kind, inclusive place with experienced but creative teachers.

Are there students that go there from Virginia?

It does seem like a very inclusive school.

My DS graduated from Burke recently. What PP said is not entirely wrong because I think one of the schools strengths is that kids feel free to be themselves and the culture is very nonjudgmental. Student body is truly diverse not only racially but also other ways. Kids include some academic superstars but also not as much. But my b student was well prepared for college. Great small school and most kids love it when they are there.

Applied, DC got in (for this Fall, 2020, HS), no tests needed, just application and interview. Accepted, but DC declined.

Our impression was it is a place for quirky kids.

Hi, does anyone have recent experience with the Edmund Burke school in D.C.? Interested in your feedback on the culture, rigor of academics at the high school level, and college placement? We are considering the school for our 9th grader,
Interested in positives and negatives of the school.