What are the opening hours?

Monday 7:30am - 6pm Tuesday 7:30am - 6pm Wednesday 7:30am - 6pm Thursday 7:30am - 6pm Friday 7:30am - 6pm

Bowman School

Authentic Montessori education from 12 weeks - 12th grade in Palo Alto, CA They supplement their core academics with materials and topics of their own interest.

The Bowman program is an impressive example of the principles of Montessori elementary education at work for your child. At Bowman, self-directed and individualized learning forms the core of the educational experience. Based on years of educational research, we believe that children can and must learn to accept responsibility, develop independence and make decisions that help manage their own lea

rning. Working individually with their teachers, all Bowman students help plan their daily and weekly goals. They also participate in evaluating and communicating their own educational progress. Because each child brings a unique mix of strengths and weaknesses, children often progress at different rates in different academic areas. To support and respect each individual’s development, the children at Bowman who can move faster in a subject area move ahead freely and are not held to the pace of slower students or the limitations of a grade-structured curriculum. Children who need more time and attention on a subject, are provided the resources they need to succeed. Through their years at Bowman, our students acquire strong, traditional academic skills, yet also:

- Maintain their love for learning, creativity and discovery.
- Develop a sense of responsibility and self-confidence about themselves and the world
- Build a strong foundation for life-long decision-making, problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Become well-rounded and socially adept individuals.
- Bowman School is so fortunate to share this journey with your family. All the best,

Mary Beth Ricks
Head of School
Bowman School

09/05/2026

We’re off to a wonderful start ❤️

Our students spent the first week finding their rhythm, getting to know one another, and building the connections that make Bowman such a special community!

09/02/2026

Happy first day of school! We love to hear our classrooms buzzing again 🐝

08/20/2026

There is something special about seeing students share work they are genuinely proud of.

At our first STEAM Fair, Lower and Upper Elementary students welcomed their families into a museum-style showcase of projects spanning science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. From the Body Fair to Cosmic Quest, students had the opportunity to share their learning, answer questions, and show their work to the people who matter most to them.

Beyond the projects themselves, the evening was a chance for our community to connect and celebrate the curiosity, creativity, and learning happening at Bowman.

08/12/2026

Learning comes to life through hands-on experiences. 🚒

Bowman Children’s House recently welcomed the Palo Alto Fire Department for a look (and touch!) at the equipment, tools, and vehicles that firefighters use to serve our community.

Opportunities like this help students better understand community safety and build confidence interacting with the people who help keep us safe. Thank you to our local firefighters for sharing your time and expertise!

07/31/2026

Our Elementary camping trip was filled with fun: redwood hikes, campfire songs, shared meals, arts & crafts, and countless moments of laughter. Yet some of the most meaningful moments were the quieter ones when a student realized they could do something that once felt difficult.

Outdoor education is an important part of the Bowman experience because it invites students to step beyond their comfort zones. In doing so, they build resilience, independence, and confidence that extends far beyond the campsite.

06/25/2026

We are honored to share that Bowman School has been named Montessori School of the Year - 2026 by Education Insider Magazine! In addition to this global recognition, Bowman is featured on the cover and in a special story highlighting our approach to authentic Montessori education followed by a 2 page spread about the research-backed benefits of Montessori learning. We are grateful to our students, families, faculty, and staff who make Bowman such a special community. Visit our website to read the full article! https://www.bowmanschool.org/news-details/~board/all-news/post/montessori-school-of-the-year-2026

06/18/2026

What a tiny tea party! 🫖

Students in our Children’s House program welcomed a special guest from home and proudly served them tea, demonstrating grace, courtesy, and independence. While the event is a joyful celebration, it also reflects the many skills students develop through Bowman’s Montessori education, from fine motor coordination to confidence and social awareness.

06/13/2026

At Bowman, we believe that every stage of a child's journey deserves to be celebrated. During our Advancement Ceremony, we swore in our ASB leaders, celebrated our 10th grade students and their completion of the IB Middle Years Programme, honored our 8th grade students, and welcomed our 5th, 3rd, and Kindergarten students into the next chapter of their Montessori experience. It was a wonderful reminder that growth happens one step at a time, and every milestone is worth celebrating.

06/11/2026

Our Secondary Level students recently presented the projects they have been working on as part of their journey through the IB Middle Years Programme. From supporting local animal shelters and educating younger students about climate change to exploring marine biology and even constructing a full-size greenhouse, these projects reflect months of dedication, creativity, and hard work. We are incredibly proud of the passion and purpose our students bring to their learning.

06/09/2026

Our Athletic Banquet was a fitting celebration of a year filled with teamwork, determination, and growth. Athletes were recognized for their contributions, coaches shared reflections from the season, and everyone enjoyed looking back on memorable moments from games and competitions throughout the year. We are so proud of all our student athletes.

Address

4000 Terman Drive
Palo Alto, CA
94306

Opening Hours

Monday	7:30am - 6pm
Tuesday	7:30am - 6pm
Wednesday	7:30am - 6pm
Thursday	7:30am - 6pm
Friday	7:30am - 6pm

Telephone

+16508139131

Website

http://www.bowmanschool.org/, https://linktr.ee/bowmanschool

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