At Burton, we believe that in addition to providing engaging and relevant curriculum in the classroom, that the real learning takes place by doing. Opportunities that allow our students to experience the professional world through the lens of industry partners are key in propelling our students forward. We believe that your work with our students is the most relevant form of both personal and professional development they can experience, and will support the development of future engaged, aware, and effective citizens who ultimately build their communities up.

Burton is a “wall-to-wall” academy school. This means that we offer specialized career and technical education to our students in the form of project-based learning classes taken during the school day. The Academies at Burton are small, diverse learning communities designed to personalize the educational experience for all students. Burton’s Wall-to-Wall Academies facilitates relationship building by enabling students and teachers to work collaboratively through curriculum that is engaging, contextual, and theme-based. Our Academies establish relationships with industry partners in the Bay Area, who help lead our students in having a better understanding of the perspectives and expectations of working in their field. Being in an Academy is a huge part of the Burton student experience, as students enter into their Academies in 10th grade, and continue with the same group of peers all the way until graduation. Our Wall-to-Wall Academies include:

The Academy of Engineering (AoE) seeks to develop students in a manner that is highly engaging and uses hands-on, project-based, contextualized curriculum as a vehicle to promote our students’ success. Most importantly students use evolving technologies to reinforce and apply math and science concepts and research skills to solve real world challenges. In doing so, students acquire the key elements and skills of creativity and teamwork essential for engineering and technology-based careers.

The Academy of Health Science (AoHS) provides an interdisciplinary academic program to invigorate students in their pursuit to successfully complete the coursework required for college/university matriculation. By providing students with real world experiences, our inspired student leaders perform a vital role to the healthcare industry. Additionally, our students engage in curricula reflective of their upbringing and cultures, cultivating knowledge that allows for holistic healing, mental health awareness, and self-care.

The Academy of Arts, Media, and Entertainment  (AME) students are inquisitive and collaborative learners who apply their skills to serve local and global communities and use technology to solve real-world problems. They are prepared for professional success and are critical consumers and producers of technology and media.

The Academy of Performing Arts (AoPA) mission is to enrich students’ lives through the study and performance of music. Through ensemble- based learning, APA students refine real-world skills, such as critical listening, creativity, discipline, leadership, respect, and collaboration with others. The unique experience of ensemble-based learning fosters a close-knit community of artistically and musically literate citizens. Ultimately, our aim is to provide each student with a solid foundation in music, therefore providing tools and competencies for success across virtually all fields and career paths.

As a “wall-to-wall” academy school, Burton offers specialized career and technical education to all students in the form of project-based learning classes taken during the school day. Our four academies provide engaging and relevant curricula, where students are able to apply their new knowledge and skills to real-world situations. In order to amplify youth interest and connection to their respective academies, all students are provided immersive career exposure and work-based learning experiences. These opportunities are made possible through our impactful and meaningful industry partnerships with industry professionals all around the Bay Area. Our philosophy to transformative learning consists of three main components:

Engaging & Relevant Curricula:
Burton’s emphasis on a project–based curriculum in each academy allows students to see the “real world” applications to their learning, and to apply their knowledge to serve their community. Academy courses are paired with core courses to give rigor and relevance to those courses as well.

Impactful Industry Partnerships:
Through robust partnerships with Bay Area community-based organizations and industry partnerships, Burton is able to immerse our students into real world industry settings, as well as develop the necessary career readiness skills.