Overview

Burke's is an independent K–8 school for girls in San Francisco that operates as a non‑profit funded by tuition, endowment, and fundraising. It serves about 400 students on a 3.5‑acre Sea Cliff campus with a 6:1 student‑to‑teacher ratio and features facilities like science labs, Makery spaces, art and music studios, a gym, and a field. The curriculum uses Understanding by Design to prioritize deep understanding over memorization and includes specialist-led programs in drama, music, art, technology, world languages, and social‑emotional learning, all aimed at developing the whole girl—academic, artistic, physical, and social‑emotional growth. Burke's aims to educate, encourage, and empower girls to enter universities and later take on leadership roles, differentiating itself by its long history (founded in 1908), dedicated focus on girls’ education, and extensive on‑campus programs that support leadership and community involvement.