Bowman International School

My Child has been at Bowman for two years and has accomplished so many things! One of the most important things to our family is that our child has continued to be and has been supported to be a kind, caring person who cares for others and his environment. The Bowman approach has been very successful for our family!
--Submitted by a parent

Bowman is an excellent school with incredibly dedicated teachers and staff. The environment fosters a love of learning and independent study. It does require your child to be self motivated as kids are encouraged to pursue their own interests. Some parents are surprised that there is no homework, but you have to factor in that the school is open from 730a to 6p. If kids plan their day right they should be able to get it all done at school.
--Submitted by a parent

Fantastic School for our gifted child!! We were in the much touted Palo Alto schools which were a nightmare for gifted kids. Bowman has been incredible. Great teachers, responsive administration and nice welcoming families. Finally!! This is what schools should be.
--Submitted by a parent

We have two children at this school and are pleased with their progress. Subjects are taught in an integrated and concrete manner that sparks the child's own interest in delving further into the topics at hand. Children "learn how to learn" here, which forms a valuable foundation. The mostly "no homework" structure allows for time for outside interests and family responsibilities. In response to feedback, the school is also doing a better job of educating students in things like test taking skills, which are important in high school. Administration is open to parent feedback, as long as that feedback is based on fact -- share with them the issues and then let the administration and teachers recommend the right course of remediative action. Teachers by and large deeply care for students and often invest their own time for extra-curriculars. Students have the opportunity to explore their own strengths and teachers often use these as ways to springboard weaker areas of interest. Highly recommended.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at Bowman for 5 years and have 2 kids there. We are thrilled to have found such a safe, diverse school with fantastic values and innovative approaches to academics. Our kids love to go to school and their stories of their projects and what they are learning each week keep us appreciative and entertained. They love learning and not simply taught to the test. They are also taught to be global citizens and to respect people and their differences.
--Submitted by a parent

We love Bowman, and it has been great for our family and our children. It is academically amazing and creative while teaching the kids so much more about the world, different cultures, music, art, languages and people. Its focus on the whole child makes a meaningful difference. Bowman kids are mature, responsible as well as academically prepared. They also important to us aren't forced to grow up too quickly. The community is balanced and grounded, we really enjoy the other families but in a low pressure way.
--Submitted by a parent

If your child is average, this is probably an OK environment. It is safe, and there are small classes, and fun after-school programs (for additional fees.) If your child has any atypical needs (for example, your child is gifted), this will not be a good fit. It is a cookie-cutter program. Despite the small class sizes, there is zero room for individual instruction and literally no academic expectations at all. Our son was bored in the classroom, where there were few opportunities for him to do grade-level work. For example, we inquired as to why he wasn't doing any science, a subject he loves. We were told he would be afforded class time to do science, but he would have to come up with the science program himself. He was 8. For months, we waited to see some written work, but there never was any, and there were always explanations for the lack of written work. Sometimes, they just said that he wasn't doing it. So even though we had to forfeit several thousand dollars worth of advance-paid tuition, we withdrew him.
--Submitted by a parent

The reviews that have few stars thus far don't seem to match my experience with Bowman. The test scores are off the charts high, the turnover isn't as great as many other schools, and the enrollment is increasing even in this tough economy. My children have been at Bowman for nearly 5 years, and are blossoming academically and socially. Most importantly, they're having a great time and some days it's hard to get them to come home with me. I advise anyone to visit the school and observe what's going on first hand!
--Submitted by a parent

"Montessori" itself is great but the Bowman is questionable. Individual based learning seems make sense but kids are missing lots of knowledge that kids learn in other school. Yes, knowledge from books are not everything but they do need to know in order to survive with state-wide test in future.There're many reasons why so many students(and teachers) leave every year even though they are so popular and hard to get in Kinder.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a former parent of three children, all of whom are now in public high school. Bowman was the best thing that ever happened to my children and my family. My children are true "Montessori kids" : compassionate, caring, creative young adults who still question everything - and I attribute that to the simply amazing work and leadership of Mary Beth Ricks who is an educator of the absolute highest caliber. If there has been teacher turnover at Bowman, I can tell you that this is because the standards are so high for teachers that those who don't cut it are asked to leave. Plus the enrichment at this school in terms of music, art, outdoor ed is outstanding. You cannot go wrong at Bowman.