Educate, Encourage & Empower

2026 Distinguished Alumna Whitney Gaynor '96

"Thanks to my parents, Burke’s, and participating in a female-dominant sport, I was raised to believe I belonged in any room I walked into."  - Distinguished Alumna Whitney Gaynor '96, Entrepreneur, Technologist, and Olympic Judge In this special episode, recorded at the Alumnae Reunion Luncheon, Whitney Gaynor '96 reflects on how her time at Burke’s served as the foundation for an extraordinary journey. From early lessons in creativity, confidence, and community to formative classroom and extracurricular experiences, she shares how Burke’s helped to instill in her the belief that she belonged in any room she entered—a mindset that shaped every step that followed. Grounded in gratitude, this episode is a tribute to the enduring impact of a Burke’s education and community.

A Tradition of Trailblazers: Celebrating International Women's Day

In this episode of Educate, Encourage, and Empower, Diana Schneider, Director of Communications at Burke’s, sits down with Head of School Michele Williams to explore the extraordinary legacy of the school’s founding women and the lasting impact of their bold vision. From Lizzie Burke’s seat on San Francisco’s Committee of 100 to Kate Kennedy’s groundbreaking work for equal pay and union rights, and Katherine Delmar Burke’s unwavering belief in the power of girls’ education, Burke’s history is rooted in leadership and progress. Michele Williams reflects on how this legacy shapes Burke’s celebration of International Women’s Day, highlighting past speakers and spotlighting the 2025 guest, Cynt Marshall, former CEO of the Dallas Mavericks.

A Commitment to Student-Centered Learning

In this episode of Educate, Encourage, and Empower, Associate Head of School Alice Moore is joined by Lizzie Charnas, fourth-grade social studies teacher and newly appointed Civic Engagement and Learning Coordinator at Burke’s. Together, they discuss the school’s evolving approach to civic engagement—moving beyond traditional service learning to help students develop as thoughtful, informed, and active community members. Tune in to hear how Burke’s is deepening its commitment to civic learning—on campus, across San Francisco, and in the hearts and minds of its students.

Upper School Makery

This episode dives into how the Upper School Makery Facilitator and Technology Integration Specialist collaborates with faculty on integrating making, project-based learning, and design thinking into the curriculum.

K-8 Math Program

Learn about Burke’s robust K-8 math program, designed to foster students' curiosity, confidence, and creativity. The program emphasizes a growth mindset, offering multiple entry points for learners of different abilities and making mathematics accessible to all students. Our graduates develop into confident, engaged mathematicians unafraid to tackle challenging problems.