Our Program

Academics at The Burkard School

Elementary School (K-5)

Rigorous, Supportive, and Designed for Neurodivergent Learners

At The Burkard School, we believe academic challenge and behavioral support don’t have to be separate goals — they go hand in hand. Our elementary program is designed for bright, curious students who may have struggled to access their full academic potential in traditional settings.

57% of the Elementary School students scored in the 90th percentile or above in at least one subject.

Math is their strength, with over half of our students scoring in the 90th percentile or above.

Average achievement across all topics is 72nd percentile in the Elementary School.

We build confident, independent learners by blending:

• A highly structured, predictable classroom environment
• Hands-on, multisensory lessons that spark curiosity
• Daily, embedded support for executive functioning, task initiation, and self-regulation

With class sizes capped at 10 and both a teacher and Behavior Specialist in every classroom, we’re able to respond to each student’s unique learning profile. Our lessons are active and adaptive, combining research-backed curriculum with flexible teaching strategies based on ongoing assessment.

We address common challenges among our students — like reluctant writing, attention differences, or anxiety about transitions — without lowering expectations. Instead, we provide the right scaffolds and strategies so students can fully engage in their learning and build momentum over time.

A Whole-Child Approach

We believe academic success grows out of emotional and social wellness. That’s why our elementary students also participate in daily social-emotional learning (SEL) lesson (see the next section for more information). This whole-child focus ensures that every student feels safe, connected, and ready to learn—so that their strengths can truly shine.

Middle School (6-8)

Cultivating Independence. Fostering Identity. Building a Foundation for Life.

55% of the Middle School students scored in the 90th percentile or above in at least one subject.

Math is their strength, with almost half of our students scoring in the 90th percentile or above.

Average achievement across all topics is 84th percentile in the Middle School.

Middle school is a pivotal time — academically, socially, and emotionally. At The Burkard School, we embrace this developmental phase as a unique opportunity to help students grow into confident, capable, and self-aware young people.

Our program is designed specifically for neurodivergent students who are ready for more independence but still benefit from meaningful structure, scaffolding, and adult support.

A Thoughtfully Structured Day

Many middle schoolers aren’t quite ready for the rapid class transitions, shifting expectations, and complex social dynamics of a traditional middle school model. At TBS, we provide a developmentally appropriate structure that supports growing independence without overwhelming students.

• Students change classrooms once per day — between Humanities and STEM
• Class sizes are capped at 12 students
• Each class is led by experienced teachers and a dedicated Behavior Specialist who remains with students throughout the day

This simplified structure allows students to stretch themselves academically while practicing executive functioning and social-emotional skills in a manageable environment.

Executive Functioning & SEL: Core to the Curriculum

In middle school, executive functioning becomes a key focus of our social-emotional learning (SEL) program. Students receive daily, explicit instruction in skills such as:

• Organization and time management
• Goal-setting and reflection
• Cognitive flexibility and resilience
• Understanding and regulating thoughts and emotions
• Building healthy peer relationships

Our Behavior Specialists provide direct instruction, guided practice, and coaching — all with the goal of helping students develop independence and personal accountability, both in and out of the classroom.

Academic Rigor with Real-Life Relevance

The academic program at The Burkard School remains rigorous, inquiry-based, and engaging. Students explore literature, history, math, and science through hands-on, collaborative learning. Teachers adapt instruction to meet individual learning needs while maintaining high expectations for growth and achievement.

Our students are not just preparing for high school — they’re developing a love of learning and the skills to succeed in any future environment.

Place-Based Learning: Science in the Wild

We take learning beyond the classroom through immersive field experiences that bring our science curriculum to life:

6th Grade: Students study Populations and Ecosystems, then head to Yosemite and Mono Lake for a two-night exploration of these unique environments.

7th Grade: In their Earth History unit, students explore the geologic forces that shaped Lake Tahoe on a three-night field trip that includes a graduate student-led instruction at UC Davis’s Tahoe Science Center.

8th Grade: In 8th grade, students spend two night in the Monterey Bay visiting the UC Santa Cruz Marine Science Center and the Monterey Bay Aquarium as they study Diversity of Life.

These trips deepen scientific understanding, foster independence, and build powerful social bonds among classmates. They’re often described by students as highlights of their TBS experience.

Preparing for What’s Next

Our middle schoolers leave TBS ready for high school — with a strong sense of self, a toolkit of executive functioning skills, and a track record of academic achievement. More importantly, they leave knowing how to advocate for themselves and navigate the world with growing confidence and independence.

A 5th Grade Student presents to the whole school on Composting

Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

Where Emotional Growth Is Part of the Curriculum—and the Culture

At The Burkard School, social-emotional learning isn’t an add-on. It’s central to everything we do.

We believe that emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills are just as important as academic achievement. That’s why SEL is woven into both our daily instruction and the fabric of our school culture — from morning meetings to math class to the playground.

Our goal is simple: to help every student grow into a capable, confident, and connected person who knows how to navigate the world with empathy, intention, and purpose.

SEL in the Culture

Every classroom at TBS has a dedicated Behavior Specialist who helps guide students in real-time — during lessons, social interactions, and unstructured moments. These specialists:

• Seize in-the-moment opportunities to teach SEL skills
• Coach students through emotional and social challenges
• Scaffold positive peer interactions across the day
• Set and monitor individual and group SEL goals with the teaching team

This wraparound model allows students to practice and refine SEL skills as they need them, building habits that last a lifetime.

SEL in the Curriculum

Our students participate in daily SEL lessons led by their Behavior Specialist. Lessons are designed to:

• Reinforce core SEL concepts through spiraling instruction
• Use age-appropriate tools like role-play, games, art, video, and discussion
• Provide multimodal experiences that make SEL concepts stick

As students progress through grades, the curriculum shifts from foundational skills like emotion regulation and awareness to more complex ideas like values, identity, and moral reasoning.

The Four Core Domains of SEL at TBS

Our SEL approach is organized into four key domains. Together, these build the foundation for a strong internal compass:

1. Awareness → “I am knowledgeable.”
   Students develop self- and social-awareness. They learn to identify their emotions, physical states, and the cues of others—and to use empathy and perspective taking to guide their interactions.
2. Regulation → “I am capable.”
   Students learn how to manage thoughts, emotions, and impulses. They build tools for handling frustration, solving conflicts, and making thoughtful choices.
3. Mindsets → “I have intention.”
   Students cultivate growth-oriented thinking. They practice goal-setting, reflection, self-efficacy, and habits that support resilience, persistence, and collaboration.
4. Values → “I have purpose.”
   Students explore questions of identity, integrity, and community. They reflect on who they are, who they want to be, and how their actions impact others.

Practicing SEL Every Day

We believe SEL is a skill set — not a fixed standard. Just like physical strength, social-emotional strength grows with regular, targeted practice. Across all grade levels, students are supported in building these skills through consistent, real-world application.

As students experience success — navigating friendships, solving problems, managing tough emotions — they begin to understand just how capable they are. That’s when the spark happens. That’s when confidence grows.

And at The Burkard School, we live for that spark.

Behavioral Support

Specialists Who See the Whole Child

Some students show disruptive or dysregulated behavior in the classroom — not because they don’t want to do well, but because they’re overwhelmed by anxiety, frustration, attention challenges, or unmet support needs.

Most schools aren’t built to truly support these students.

The Burkard School is.

Our educator–behavior specialist model ensures that every child has consistent, compassionate, and skilled support throughout the school day. Each classroom is co-led by a teacher and a trained Behavior Specialist who:

• Understand the “why” behind behavior
• Provide real-time coaching and intervention
• Reinforce positive behavior with kindness and clarity
• Set consistent expectations that help students feel safe, seen, and successful

Expertise with Heart

Our Behavior Specialists are experienced, highly trained, and deeply invested in their students. They see each child’s potential and support them with respect, patience, and curiosity.

We believe that behavior is communication. When we listen — really listen — we can help students develop the tools they need to regulate, connect, and thrive.

Our Director of Behavior, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), oversees our behavioral approach and collaborates with families, educators, and outside providers to ensure targeted and individualized support. This allows us to align school-based interventions with external therapy or clinical recommendations whenever possible.

Empowered, Not Punished

We don’t rely on punitive measures. Instead, we use proactive strategies and evidence-based supports rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), including:

• Positive reinforcement systems (like token economies)
• Visual prompts and front-loading
• Self-monitoring tools
• Clear, calm behavior expectations taught and reinforced consistently

With the right support, students who once felt anxious, out of control, or misunderstood can become calm, confident, and capable learners.

Because when a child feels safe, respected, and supported — they can finally show the world who they really are.

Executive Functioning

Lifelong Skills, Taught Every Day

Executive functioning is the brain’s system for getting things done. It’s what helps us plan ahead, stay organized, manage time, control impulses, and focus through distractions.

For many neurodivergent students, these skills don’t come naturally — and yet they’re often expected in school environments without ever being explicitly taught.

At The Burkard School, we believe executive functioning is a skill set like any other: it can be taught, practiced, and strengthened with the right support.

Built Into the School Day

Our classrooms are intentionally structured to help students build executive functioning skills in real time. That means:

• Visual schedules and checklists that break down complex tasks
• Predictable classroom routines that support memory and attention
• Front-loading and prompting to reduce cognitive overload
• Opportunities to reflect on goals and progress

Every classroom is co-led by a Behavior Specialist, who provides ongoing support and coaching to help students develop tools that work for them — whether it’s using timers to manage transitions, color-coding materials, chunking assignments, or creating customized organization systems.

Growing Independence, One Strategy at a Time

As students build their executive functioning skills, they begin to experience real success — turning in homework independently, starting tasks without prompting, managing multi-step projects, and handling daily transitions with greater ease.

This growing sense of capability isn’t just helpful for school — it’s transformative for life.

At The Burkard School, we meet students where they are and help them build the habits and mindsets they’ll carry long after they leave our classrooms.

After-School Social Groups

Structured Practice for Real-World Social Success

For students in grades K–6, The Burkard School offers two after-school Social Groups — one for K–3 and one for 4–6. These highly structured, engaging sessions provide targeted support for students developing age-appropriate social and communication skills.

With small group sizes and individualized goals, students receive personalized coaching in a supportive, fun environment that allows them to practice and internalize key social-emotional skills.

What Students Practice

Each session is designed to give students real opportunities to build:

• Multi-turn conversation skills
• Perspective taking
• Flexibility
• Peer negotiation and problem-solving
• Awareness of social norms and expectations

Each student works toward one individualized behavior goal per session. Goals are set in collaboration with the student’s classroom team to address needs that present across school settings. Progress is tracked and shared during Team Meetings as part of the Student Success Plan process.

Sample Session Agenda

Each session revolves around a specific social skill and follows a predictable structure:

1. Peaks & Pits – Students share one highlight and one challenge from their day
2. Explicit Skill Teaching – Using discussion, worksheets, role play, or games
3. Collaborative Group Activity – Team-building games like obstacle course design, cooperative board games, or creative challenges
4. Centers (Reward Time) – Students choose a screen-free activity to enjoy together after earning three Friendship Tokens

Friendship Tokens are awarded for prosocial behaviors such as following directions, showing kindness, giving compliments, participating fully, and using positive self-talk. It’s not just about earning a reward—it’s about recognizing and reinforcing social growth.

A Place to Practice, Learn, and Grow

These groups help students manage frustration, develop empathy, and strengthen their positive inner voice. Each session is full of teachable moments — because at TBS, we believe mistakes are just opportunities to grow.

We encourage a growth mindset, celebrate progress, and make social learning joyful and meaningful.

A Camp-Like Experience With a Bigger Purpose

At The Burkard School, the end of the school year brings something special: Camp B — a week-long, camp-style experience designed to help students apply the social-emotional skills they’ve been building all year.

Camp B is filled with laughter, fresh air, team games, and creative projects — but it’s also a time of real growth. With less structure and new challenges, students are pushed to stretch their flexibility, navigate unfamiliar group dynamics, and practice their self-regulation and problem-solving skills in real time.

It’s fun. It’s hard. It’s important.

Stretching Social-Emotional Muscles

Camp B gives students the chance to:

• Collaborate with different peers
• Work through frustration and disappointment
• Practice fairness, flexibility, and teamwork
• Build resilience in new and unpredictable settings

Our staff — teachers and behavior specialists your child already knows — are right there to coach, support, and celebrate each step of the process.

Camp B isn’t about everything going perfectly. It’s about learning how to handle things when they don’t.

Learning Outside the Classroom

Camp B also brings learning to life with immersive, hands-on activities that tie into applied science topics like:

• Outdoor survival and geocaching
• Physics-based challenges and obstacle courses
• Nature hikes and environmental exploration

These experiences spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and allow students to connect with the natural world in meaningful ways.

Confidence Through Experience

For many of our students, Camp B is their first experience with a camp-like setting — and we work hard to make it a positive one. Whether they’re putting on a skit, working as a team on a challenge, or navigating a field trip without their closest friends, they’re gaining independence, confidence, and pride in how far they’ve come.

At The Burkard School, we believe growth and joy can go hand in hand.

Camp B is where it all comes together.

Home Behavioral Support

Extending Success Beyond the Classroom

At The Burkard School, we know that kids thrive when their environments work together. That’s why we offer home-based behavioral support to help bridge the gap between school and home — so your child can experience success across settings.

Included in tuition are two in-home sessions with your child’s classroom Behavior Specialist. Because this specialist already knows your child well, they’re uniquely equipped to bring the same tools, systems, and language used at school into your home environment.

Why It Matters

For many families, home life can feel harder to manage — especially when dysregulation or power struggles arise outside of the structured school day. These sessions can help:

• Set up consistent routines
• Reinforce positive behavior systems
• Support smoother transitions (morning, bedtime, screen time, etc.)
• Reduce stress and increase predictability at home
• Empower caregivers with strategies that work

Support You Can Trust

These visits are collaborative and judgment-free. Our goal isn’t to tell you how to parent — it’s to share what’s working at school and help you adapt those strategies to fit your family’s needs.

Because when home and school are aligned, students feel more secure, supported, and confident—and that leads to lasting growth.