Burke School

Burke School is a public day school for middle school students receiving special education services primarily due to emotional and/or behavioral needs. Many of the students also have special education needs specific to academic difficulties. Burke School students may be identified as having disabilities in one or more of the following areas: emotional disabilities, learning disabilities, multiple disabilities, autism, and other health impairments. In addition to the special education needs, variables such as attachment issues, language barriers, challenging family and economic situations, and community issues, may also have a significant impact on any given student’s general disposition, availability to learn, and belief in a successful future for themselves.

Burke School Students

The profile of a typical Burke School student is not easily defined, except for the common variables that all students are complex and unique in regard to their instructional, emotional, and/or behavioral strengths and needs; they respond positively to established organizational/procedural structures; high levels of adult support and supervision; and consistency in approach and follow-through. In addition, all Burke School students possess skills and abilities which, when applied appropriately, can lead toward life-long success

Content, Pedagogy, and Relationships

The organizational structure of Burke School is aligned with the FCPS School Board’s goals for all students, relating to student achievement, essential life skills, and responsibility to the community. Likewise, the core curriculum taught is directly aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning and the FCPS Program of Studies, with accommodations and modifications provided as indicated in students’ Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). In all regards, instructionally, social/emotionally, and behaviorally, the continuum of supports available to students at Burke School is extremely broad and are grounded by a strong understanding and emphasis in content (curriculum), pedagogy (the methodology of teaching and learning) and relationships.

Please click on the links below for additional information:

Content & Pedagogy

Supportive Relationships

School Board Goals

Virginia Standards of Learning

FCPS Program of Studies

Individualized Education Plan