Bowen Elementary School

This school feels like a free babysitter. One of the teachers comments states that the funding is low. A good education can still be received on a low budget, so funding is just an excuse. My son is in 5th grade this year and is FAR behind academically compared to other states. The end of 4th grade they were just learning division, no spelling tests, no book reports, nor were they writing in cursive. The parent review stating there is plenty of academic help, I wonder how it was received, as I have spoken with the principal, counselor and teacher several times to no avail. No tutoring, no encouragement, nothing for my son. We are done with KY schools and will be moving to more positive atmosphere, where my son will succeed! The principal is easy to speak with, but I feel no results will ever occur from our discussions as I haven't seen any in a year. If you want your child to play an instrument, plan on them missing out on what little education they will receive, as lessons are during math time. This school offers very little extra curricular activities.
—Submitted by a parent

correction: Not a day goes by that i DON'T miss my elementary school teachers, principal, and experiences.

Dear 'Nuff said, Greathouse is a "traditional" school that students have to apply to attend and are selected by lottery. It's interesting how they always seem to take our AP students, not our regular students. When students have behavior issues at Greathouse, they are sent to other schools. Regular public schools like Bowen are not able to do that. Compare the free and reduced lunch % of students at Greathouse to Bowen. If Bowen had less than 10% free and reduced lunch, if students didn't come from all over the community, our scores would be better.
—Submitted by a parent

2010 KCCT scores: Reading : State 76.8% - Bowen 76.8% - Greathouse 93.8% Math : State 73.0%, Bowen - 71.1%, Greathouse 84.7% Science : State 70.4% - Bowen 65.3% - Greathouse 84.7% Social studies : State 55.6% - Bowen 63.0% - Greathouse 87.0% Writing : State 59.1% - Bowen 68.2% - Greathouse 92.2% Average : State 67.0% - Bowen 68.8% - Greathouse 90.2% Ranking out of 738 KY elementary schools : Bowen 338th - Greathouse 12th 'Nuff said!
—Submitted by a parent

If you want a school where your child feels comfortable and cared about, it's Bowen. My children have loved every aspect of the school, from the fun activities to the staff. Also, my children are challenged academically, and if your child struggles they will get the help they need. It feels like family. We love Bowen
—Submitted by a parent

Our family loves Bowen ... and the "Bowen family." The principal, teachers, office staff, and counselors are always available and more than willing to help the kids succeed and help the parents be involved. The PTA Board members are present daily in the school and provide numerous Family Fun Nights and other programs. Great school!
—Submitted by a parent

I had to respond once I saw the previous response. The classrooms at Bowen are typical of those around the state of Kentucky. Primary classrooms have 24 students and intermediate have 28-29 students. Mr. Tyra, nor the teachers, nor the district can do anything about that fact. I'm sure it is hard for teachers to 'reach out to individual students', but it is not their fault. I hope that you at least let the 3 teachers know that they meant something to your child. It's always a shame when parents don't let teachers know they have made a difference. By the way, the only way you are going to find a smaller class size is to home school your child. Even the Catholic and private schools have 20+ students in their classrooms.
—Submitted by a parent

Face it, teachers don't go into teaching unless they care for kids. There are always a few bad apples, but overall teachers work their butts off to do what is best for kids. Unfortunately, most of the public does not realize the pressure and unrealistic goals set before teachers by "higher ups". Many of the limitations that school systems have now is due to lack of funding and poor decision making on the part of politicians. Teachers are lowest on the totem pole these days. So, please don't be so quick to throw the teachers under the bus. I would argue that 95% of the staff at Bowen are hard working and truly want the best for their students. Remember, the more supportive you are of teachers and public schools, the more you are supporting the children in them!
—Submitted by a teacher

wow i really think half of the reviews have been written by the staff at Bowen. My son has been going to this school for 6 years and has only had three teachers that have seemed like they really care. There is too many students for each teacher. They do not have enough time to teach and reach out to individual students. It is not the greatest school on earth as their so called slogan states. I am currently trying to find my child another school.
—Submitted by a parent

Bowen is an amazing school! From the top down each and every person on the staff truely cares for the children. Bowen has children from many different backrounds as well as children from several different countries attending that school, even still they manage to have above state level testing scores! The PTA at Bowen is second to none! The dedication and endless hours of time spent making it the "Greatest School On Earth" are much appreciated!! GO BEES!!
—Submitted by a parent

Bowen Elementary School is the best school ever! Nobody can beat Bowen! Bowen has incredable principle and teachers! Also an awesome staff and PTA! I went here for 3 years and I wish it could of been 6!

Three of our children attended Bowen elementary. It is a school that truly cares about each and every student and strives to give them the best start in life. The principal, Mr. Tyra knows each student and their parents by name and remembers them years after they've graduated from elementary school. It is a warm, family orientated school and I feel blessed to have been a part of the Bowen family.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent staff and administration. Mr. Tyre can, and does, remember every student's name, while attending and many years later when seeing each other at secondary school functions. Bowen maintains an active education program, involving educators and parents, that refuses to leave students behind and does not accept failure.
—Submitted by a parent

I used to go to Bowen and while I was there I loved it. Mr. Tyra always joked around with the kids. And the teachers were fun. I didnt want to leave and go to middle school but I did. I still go up to Bowen to visit the teachers and staff. And they are still as fun as they were when I went there. So for all you parents who are trying to find a school for your kids to go to Bowen should be at the top of your list. -Jasmine Lockard, a Bowen graduate.

I have 5 children and 2 of my children went to Bowen - it is really the best school that any of my children have ever gone to. Mr. Tyre is wonderful and really loves the kids. I would highly recommend this school over many of the private schools in the area.
—Submitted by a parent

Administration, teachers, and support staff are all top quality! Children come first at Bowen. Clear and high academic expectations are set for each child and the staff provides an encouraging, diverse, and fun learning environment for all. Bowen PTA is unbeatable. Mr. Tyra and the PTA work hard on promoting an inviting and family friendly school. The tone is set by the open door policy, volunteer workfest, and our wonderful Family Fun Nights each month! I am glad that my children are attending 'The Greatest School on Earth'! Thanks Bowen!!
—Submitted by a parent

From the first time we met Mr. Tyra and he took our son on a tour, we knew it was all about the kids for him. The school reflects that in its staff and its parent involvement. My eldest son read at a high level as a kindergartener and was vertically teamed into a first grade class for reading and science. He finished the year as a first grader. He is now entering fifth grade, his second year in the advanced program and my second son will start as a kindergartener this fall. I have no doubt that this totally different child will recieve the care and education that is suited to him by Mr. Tyra and his staff. I would not have my children go anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

Due to over enrollment, our son, who was deemed one of the 'best and brightest', was forced to move from a 3rd grade class to a 4th grade class. When we told Mr. Tyra this would not be a good placement for our son he said it didn't matter what we, the parents, wanted 'this is the way it is going to be'. We knew our son made good grades/test scores but children are more than that. Emotionally and socially he struggled and his grades plummeted and consequently, his self-esteem and attitude. His grades went from A's to C's, D's, and U's. Since the school has SBDM no one has the authority, and we went as high as the Commissioner of Education for Kentucky, to force Mr. Tyra to treat our son fairly. The SBDM policy gives Mr. Tyra full decision over classroom placement and as parents we have no voice.
—Submitted by a parent

Kids come first at Bowen. From the principal, to the teachers, to the office staff, to the cafeteria staff, to the PTA, to the parents... it's all about the kids. Definitely 'The Greatest School on Earth!'
—Submitted by a parent

This is 'The Greatest School on Earth', involved parents, good teachers and staff. Retired teachers continue to stay involved, wonderful principal and an outstanding PTA.
—Submitted by a parent