Why no one minds Mondays at Edmund Burke School (Sponsored)

A Burke middle schooler in English class in fall 2019

This fall at Edmund Burke School, everyone looks forward to Mondays.

Since the beginning of the school year, the entire Burke community has started each week with “Virtual Mondays” – which enable the students and staff to begin the week together and to engage in crucial discussions. The day starts with an assembly, followed by grade meetings, affinity groups, and “Monday clubs” (ranging from Cooking Club to Debate Team). Each class then has dedicated office hours ensuring touchpoints between students and teachers as the week begins.

The rest of the week may have a more standard class schedule, but each day starts with “Bengal Breakfast,” where small groups of students and teachers check in with one another and start the day.

“The teachers at Burke know how to connect with their students and give them a voice. They bring real-world issues into the classroom, create authentic learning experiences, and teach with purpose and intention,” says a parent with two children at Burke.

For September and October, Burke has held classes remotely (with the option for in-person, outdoor sports programming), and is currently assessing the transition to a “hybrid” plan later in the fall.

Learning chemistry at Burke in fall 2018

Burke prides itself on responding swiftly and creatively to change, while maintaining its core values. Throughout the last five decades, and especially over the last eight months, that responsiveness has been essential.

“The leadership at Burke is flexible, innovative and compassionate – they seek to educate the whole child,” says the parent of a 12th grade student.

Founded in 1968 in Washington, Burke is known for its experienced and creative faculty, small class sizes, and progressive philosophy.

Burke’s four-story middle school building, constructed in 2006, sits at the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and Upton Street. Further down Upton, visitors see historic Mooskin-Roth Hall, named for Burke’s founders and home to the high school. Connecting the two buildings are the library, gym, computer lab, and two-story Atrium, where the school community often gathers for assemblies, study halls, and celebrations.

The Atrium at Burke

With 75 students in grades 6-8 and 225 students in grades 9-12, Burke is a place where each student is well known – by their peers, advisor, teachers, the staff, and the Head of School.

Edmund Burke School is currently accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year. Learn more at BurkeSchool.org.