Nestled on the historic peninsula of Charleston, South Carolina, Burke High School stands as a proud and enduring symbol of educational excellence and community strength. As a comprehensive high school with a rich legacy, Burke is deeply rooted in tradition while continuously evolving to meet the dynamic needs of today’s learners. The school offers robust academic programs, cutting-edge career and technology education, thriving arts initiatives, and competitive athletics —all designed to cultivate student success.
Each academic year at Burke begins with purposeful intention, high expectations, and a shared commitment to student growth. Aligned with Charleston County School District’s mission and the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate, Burke High School strives to empower every student with the academic foundation, social-emotional tools, and real-world skills needed for college, career, and responsible citizenship.
We are steadfast in our commitment to ensuring every student is equipped not only to succeed in the classroom but to thrive in life. The 2024–2025 school year began with a powerful call to action: for students to ReThink, ReFocus, and ReImagine what success can look like. That mindset continues to guide our work as we expand opportunities and deepen student achievement across every facet of the Burke experience.
This year marked significant growth in our Advanced Placement (AP) Academy and dual enrollment programs. Over 83 dual enrollment courses were taken by Burke students, offered in partnership with Trident Technical College and the National Education Equity Lab (NEEL). These collaborations enabled our students to earn college credits from prestigious institutions such as Arizona State University, Harvard Extension School, Howard University, Spelman College, and Stanford University. Notably, Burke students performed in the top 20% nationally in NEEL courses and were inducted into the NEEL National Honor Society. Our scholars also demonstrated academic momentum with increased growth trends and a passage rate of C or better on End-of-Course (EOC) exams.
Now in its third year, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) has become a foundational pillar of our college and career readiness efforts. All ninth-grade students participate in AVID, and its WICOR strategies—writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading—are embedded in instruction schoolwide, cultivating habits of mind that support long-term success.
Our Career and Technology Education (CTE) programs in Building Construction continue to flourish, offering complete credentialed pathways to Business Information Management, Culinary Arts, Digital Art and Design, Engineering, and Health Science. This year alone, Burke graduates earned 89 national certifications, with several students completing programs of study.
We are proud to continue our leadership role in the Principals’ Collaborative Program (PCP). In partnership with our feeder schools, we are advancing a shared vision for student growth on the Charleston Peninsula. This year’s initiatives included sustained family coaching support, the introduction of Magma Math —a dynamic digital platform for students and educators —and the role of an Academic Engagement Specialist to coordinate activities, initiatives, and special projects.
Our educators are driven by purpose and guided by data. We embrace rigorous, equitable instruction and uphold a standard of excellence in teaching and learning. We are deeply committed to closing the achievement gap and cultivating scholars prepared to become innovative, compassionate, and competitive global citizens.
At Burke, we don’t just believe in student potential–we nurture it. We don’t just envision success, we equip our students to live it, lead it, and sustain it for lifelong success.
Cheryl F. Swinton, Principal
Eric Jackson, SIC Chair
