Bowman School

Bowman School is founded on Montessori principles, emphasizing self-directed and individualized learning. The school focuses on educating the "whole child" by fostering independence, responsibility, and a love of learning. The community is built on two core rules—respect for others and respect for things—which guide social-emotional development, conflict resolution, and peaceful classroom environments.

The curriculum is divided into three developmental stages: Children's House (ages 3–6, with infant/toddler options starting at 12 weeks), Elementary (grades 1–6), and Secondary (grades 7–12). The academic program covers math, language arts, science (including life and physical sciences), social sciences (utilizing a three-year cycle of continent study), and practical life skills. World language instruction includes Mandarin, Spanish, and Latin, while secondary students also engage in design thinking, seminars, and project-based work.

Graduates are expected to be lifelong learners who possess strong academic skills, critical thinking abilities, and a sense of responsibility. The program aims to develop well-rounded, socially adept individuals who are confident in their decision-making and problem-solving capabilities. Students are prepared for success beyond the school, with secondary students specifically focusing on preparation for life after graduation.

The school provides individualized learning plans where students work with teachers to set daily and weekly goals. Students who require additional time and attention on a subject are provided with the necessary resources to succeed, while those who are ready to advance move ahead at their own pace. The curriculum is designed to support diverse developmental needs through a 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio.

The admissions process is managed through the Ravenna platform, which facilitates scheduling tours, submitting applications, and requesting teacher recommendations and transcripts. Prospective families are encouraged to attend open houses held between October and January. Depending on the entry level, the process may include a playdate for younger children or a two-day shadow visit and student essays for older applicants. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are due by January 17, 2026.

Bowman School operates a 12-month, year-round program. The school day runs from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm.

The school operates across four campuses in Palo Alto: Bowman East (Elementary and Lower Secondary), Bowman West (Children's House and Enrichment), Page Mill (Upper Secondary), and Bayshore (Children's House). Facilities include multi-age classrooms, science labs, a woodshop, a technology room, a library, a music room, a theater, a gymnasium, and an outdoor amphitheater. The campuses also feature gardens, playgrounds, fields, and outdoor classrooms, with a trail connecting the East and West locations.

The school offers an enrichment program that includes activities such as music, art, and woodshop. Students participate in service learning, which scales in complexity from classroom-based service in the Children's House to deeper, off-campus projects for secondary students. Additionally, the school provides leadership opportunities ranging from peer teaching and classroom responsibilities to roles as peer mediators and meeting chairs.