Bowdish Middle School

My daughter has gone to Bowdish for two years (6th and 7th grade), and I'm shocked that the previous reviews. She has had consistently excellent teachers who have bent over backwards to help her succeed. Even though she is not a popular kid, she has never mention bullying of any type, although I am sure it happens at every school in the country. Having volunteered and worked with the teachers at this school, I know without a doubt that this forum contains some significant misinformation (see posts #1 and #2). I look forward to my daughter s 8th grade year, and I look forward to my son attending Bowdish also.
--Submitted by a parent

Definitely not happy with this school, while bullying is not tolerated it continues to flourish in this environment. Children who are outside the norm are teased and bullied for the fun of it. If the teachers do notice and address it it just goes underground and continues. If a child complains it may or may not be addressed due to the teachers attitude on the topci. I've found the principal to be supportive in this regard, but the teachers are not always in sync with him and your child will be left to struggle on their own. You have to take an active role in their defense, even at the risk of being labeled a pain becuase you are defending your child from others who cannot seem to figure out how to live and left live. If your child struggles with bullies, this may not be the best place for them.
--Submitted by a parent

I am completely disgusted with this school. My daughter came from Opportunity to Bowdish for 6th grade. The Opportunity Elementary staff was so helpful and enthusiastic, they made me want to participate in volunteering and helping out in fundraisers. But from day one Bowdish Middle has made life difficult for both of us. And the staff is brash, unwilling to help, and sometimes rude. I really don't even want her to go back there. Last year the homework load was overwhelming. They won't bus my daughter, even though we are about a mile from the school, which means she has to walk up a hill with no sidewalks with a backpack and a violin every day. Parents don't even show up for the events unless it's sports or music. Something needs to be done, or improved.
--Submitted by a parent

I went to Bowdish my 6th grade year and mybrother and siter went there all three years. My 6th grade year was ok. I loved the teachers but was no too interested in the students. There are no clubs at Bowdish. There are no advanced programs (except for in math) for students that want to challenge themselves. There is deffinitely no diversity. On the bright side, Bowdish is pretty small wich means closer relationships between students and teachers.
--Submitted by a former student

My daughter has had a wonderful school experience at Bowdish. She is a girl who wants to participate in as much as possible. I have been very pleased at all the opportunities for school involvement she has been given. I feel confident that she is able to now go to high school confident and prepared because of the school community at Bowdish.