Academics at The Burlington School
Educating the Whole Child
The Burlington School is committed to educating the whole child. Through meaningful relationships, engaging instruction, and high expectations, students are prepared not only for college, but for leadership, purpose, and lifelong learning.
Purposeful Learning
At The Burlington School, learning is intentional, personal, and deeply engaging. Students are known, supported, and challenged to discover their strengths and grow into confident, capable learners.
Engaged and Student Centered Classrooms
Classrooms at TBS are active, discussion driven, and student centered. Learning is both student led and teacher facilitated, with project based experiences beginning in the early grades and expanding over time. In Middle and Upper School, Harkness style discussions empower students to share ideas, listen thoughtfully, and lead with confidence.
A Focus on Essential Skills
Our academic program is grounded in the skills that matter most for long term success. Students learn to think critically, communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, act with character, and approach challenges creatively. These essential skills are woven into learning from Lower through Upper School.
A Rigorous and Balanced Curriculum
TBS offers a challenging, well rounded curriculum designed to meet students where they are and move them forward. Instruction is thoughtfully differentiated, allowing each child to be supported and stretched. Students build strong academic foundations while developing creativity through the arts, studying Spanish, and using technology to enhance learning.
Experiential Learning
Experiential learning at The Burlington School deepens academic understanding and builds confidence through purposeful, hands on experiences. These opportunities connect classroom learning to the world beyond campus and help students grow as thoughtful, engaged learners.
Lower School
Experiential learning begins early at TBS. Lower School students participate in developmentally appropriate experiences that reinforce classroom learning, build curiosity, and encourage exploration through guided, hands on activities.
Middle School
Middle School students build community and independence through class trips and local experiential learning. Fall trips emphasize outdoor education and team building at locations such as Camp Chestnut Ridge, Haw River State Park, the Jeff and Betsy Penn 4H Center, and Mountain Trail Outdoor School. During May Term, students remain in the local area while engaging in creative and practical projects such as designing escape rooms or exploring fashion and photography.
Upper School
Upper School students engage in immersive experiential learning that emphasizes independence, leadership, and real world application. Fall trips and May Term offerings have included service learning and cultural exploration in New Orleans, historical study and college visits in Philadelphia, travel to destinations such as Key West, hiking in the American Southwest, exploring Austin, visiting museums and cultural landmarks in Chicago, and interdisciplinary courses in STEM, film making, carpentry, baking, and outdoor pursuits.
