Burke Mountain Academy

“From an academic point of view, we certainly have a high opinion of ski academies . . . academy graduates often arrive with extraordinary time-management skills. [Ski academy students] end up being some of the strongest students we have”. Bob Clagett - Dean of Admissions, Middlebury College, New York Times, November 30, 2006

Comprehensive School Recommendation
Burke Mountain Academy's Director of College Placement writes a comprehensive recommendation for each student. The recommendation is based on consultations with each student, a thorough reading of all course evaluations (see below), and up-to-date commentary from staff on a student's overall development at Burke. The Director of College Placement also spends time with every student to determine which college or university would be challenging and best fit their needs.

Burke Mountain Academy provides neither grades nor rank in class. Thus the comprehensive school recommendation takes on special significance. We have made a strong effort to provide thorough and objective evaluations for our students. We appreciate our responsibility to maintain the absolute trust of collegiate admissions staff.

Our interest is to properly match students with suitable colleges. We will not recommend students if they are not strong candidates. When we do recommend a student it is with deep conviction that he or she will be a strong asset to the college or university. When success should be obvious for a Burke candidate, we say so. When there are risks, we identify them as objectively as possible. The academic records of our students in a variety of colleges and universities have consistently met or exceeded the projections we have made for them. The need for our students to balance the academic rigors expected of them with the high level of athletic training allows students to become adept at time management, and it demands the development of a strong work ethic.

In regards to the Academic, Extracurricular, and Personality ratings that we complete for most colleges, it is difficult to apply the given percentages (top 10% etc. ) to a class of only 20 students. In academic motivation, self-discipline, energy, emotional maturity, and concern for others, the majority of our students qualify as excellent or truly outstanding young people. It is expected at Burke, where students are preparing for the highest levels of competition, including national and Olympic teams (over 100 graduates on National Teams, including 5 currently on the U. S. Olympic Team and 3 in the 2006 Olympics,), that students learn to deal positively with hard work, high goals, tight daily schedules, and the stress of competition. More often than not, the lessons learned at Burke translate into success at college. Thus, when checking boxes on School Report Forms, we have been guided more by the descriptive words than by the percentages.

Course Evaluations
Instead of grades teachers write course evaluations for each student at the end of each semester. The evaluation summarizes the oral and written comments shared with the student throughout the semester. Specific attention is given to analytical ability, written and oral expression, punctuality, participation, test results, and the less tangible qualities of attitude, creativity, and curiosity.

We feel these evaluations are far more thorough than grades and consequently more informative for our students and college admissions.

Student Activities
Applications from Burke Mountain Academy will not list an array of activities, class offices held, clubs, etc. Burke is a small community of 60 students as well as 18 teachers and coaches who work together as a large family. We believe that when one student is made a leader, all others become followers. At Burke, each person has an equal responsibility for strengthening the community.

We have no class elections, no dorm proctors, no student council, and very few additional sports. Each student is encouraged to set high goals and to take risks in developing his or her own unique potential. Common goals, activities, and interests service and unite the school. Many schools consider the following list to be extracurricular activities. Burke considers these activities integral to the program. Every Burke student participates in:

general maintenance of the school property
helping to set up for and stage major races
taking responsibility for her/his own room and common living spaces
taking equal turn at kitchen duties
being involved in community service projects
collaborating to create and implement a Senior Service Project
establishing and participating in community meetings, dances, talent shows, and a general sense of fun
Dryland training in a variety of activities: road and mountain biking, running , swimming and hiking

Student Awards
For many it is a special honor to be named to an all-state or all-American team. At Burke, such athletic distinction is not unusual. An athlete can rank fourth in his/her class in skiing at Burke, yet be ranked tenth nationally. Academic humility is the norm at Burke, as well. As a policy, we do not issue athletic, academic, or character awards.

Academic Program
Please click here for our curriculum map. Classes meet the entire year, with the exception of art, which meets during the fall and spring for a total of 3 credits. Each class meets for fifty minutes a session, with additional lab meetings in biology, chemistry, and physics. Burke Mountain Academy's transcript will show no grades, but rather credits earned.
Honors or Advanced Placement Courses are not offered at Burke Mountain Academy.