Burke High School, located on the peninsula of Charleston, South Carolina is a comprehensive community high school with a strong tradition of excellence in academics, career and technology education, the arts, and athletics. Each school year is approached with great anticipation for success and student growth.
Aligned with Charleston County School District’s mission and the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate, our goal is to empower students for success with the academic and social-emotional skills needed for college readiness, career preparation, and responsible citizenship. Burke High School is dedicated to advancing all students academically to ensure future success.
The 2023-2024 school year began with a strong focus on student success and social-emotional support. Our students were encouraged to “think big and to dream bigger.” Opportunities at Burke continue to expand, particularly in our AP Academy program and dual enrollment offerings. During the 2023-2024 school year, over 96 dual enrollment courses were taken, including those offered in partnership with Trident Technical College and the National Education Equity Lab (NEEL). This collaboration allowed our students to earn college credits from Arizona State University, Harvard Extension School, Howard University, Spelman College, and Stanford University. Burke students who performed in the top 20% nationwide in dual credit Ed Equity Lab courses were inducted into the NEEL National Honor Society. Additionally, our students showed growth trends with a passage rate of C or better on EOC exams.
AVID, (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a framework supporting college and career readiness, is in its second year of implementation at Burke. The WICOR strategies (writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading) are embedded school-wide.
Our Career and Technology Education (CTE) programs in Building Construction, Business Information Management, Culinary Arts, Digital Art and Design, Engineering, and Health Science are designed to ensure complete pathways for our students. This year’s graduates earned 71 national certifications, with several students graduating as double completers.
Burke’s participation in the District 20 Principals’ Collaborative Program (D20PCP), funded through ESSER, has provided additional academic support and resources. These resources enhance our ability to ensure college and career readiness while exposing students to diverse cultural experiences such as:
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the acquisition of family coaches
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intensive in-school and after-school tutoring, including Victory XR and Mathnasium
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cultural enrichment experiences such as art shows, drama productions, and non-traditional sports events
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community education programs for students and families, and
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expanded community partnerships, i.e., South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the Charleston Preservation Society.
The administration, teachers, and staff at Burke High School are committed to supporting student growth and closing the achievement gap. We ensure data-driven instruction, maintaining a standard of excellence in teaching and learning through rigorous and equitable experiences. Our faculty and staff work diligently to prepare scholars to become competitive global citizens. At Burke High School, we believe success is inevitable.
Cheryl F. Swinton, Principal
Eric Jackson, SIC Chair
