Policies & Practices

In keeping with its long-standing traditions and policies, John Burroughs School considers students for admission on the basis of individual merit and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, disability or any protected class under the law in its admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and educational policies.

John Burroughs School makes all hiring decisions on the basis of the individual's qualifications to contribute to Burroughs' educational objectives and institutional needs. The school does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, genetic information, veteran status, national or ethnic origin, or disability.

No one should fail to apply to Burroughs on the basis of financial need. Every year more than an entire grade level of our students receive some form of loans, grants or a package of loans and grants.

Our admission decisions are need-blind, meaning admission decisions are made prior to, and separate from, decisions concerning tuition aid. Once a student has been accepted, we make every effort to meet his/her tuition needs.

For the 2024-2025 school year, more than 24 percent of our students have been awarded $4.1million.

Burroughs was founded by a group of parents, Christians and Jews, who wanted an independent, non-sectarian school. However, we value the fact that we are a community of many different faiths and appreciate and encourage different religious beliefs and practices.

Students who miss school for a religious holiday are always excused, and teachers will be sensitive to the needs of children on those holidays and immediately after. When students return, teachers will allow ample time for them to make up any work missed.

Note: In 2003 the administration and Board of Trustees decided, for pedagogical reasons, that school will be closed whenever Rosh Hashanah and/or Yom Kippur fall on a school day.

All employees are expected to treat others with respect and courtesy at all times. Sexual harassment violates this fundamental principle and is prohibited at the school. It is our intent that such policy comply with all applicable local, state and national laws. Anyone found to have acted in violation of this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, which may include termination from the school.

A lengthy policy, defining sexual harassment and outlining procedures for reporting and investigating complaints, is available upon request. In brief,

• Sexual harassment can be defined as any act or course of conduct of a sexual nature that a reasonable person would find inappropriate and hostile, intimidating, demeaning or offensive. The overriding factor is that it be uninvited and unwanted.
• Sexual advances by faculty or staff toward students, whether welcome or unwelcome, are prohibited in any form and subject to major employment action, usually requiring separation from the school.
• Retaliation or intimidation directed toward anyone who makes a complaint will not be tolerated.