// Bowman International School -- Palo Alto, California //

Bowman International School was founded in 1995 as Children’s International School by a group of parents and educators, many of whom have lived in other areas of the world.

The founders sought to create a unique educational model and non-profit school that would:

• Provide a strong, individualized, self-directed academic program for their children.
• Expand the concept of community and citizenship to the global area, the “neighborhood” and “work place” of their children’s future.
• Integrate the use of state-of-the-art technology into the curriculum.
• Contribute to educational choice and innovation in schooling.
• Recognize and support the demanding work-life needs of today’s families.

CIS opened its doors at the Cubberley Community Center in Palo Alto in September, 1995, with 15 students ranging from Kindergarten through fourth grade.

By the beginning of its second year, the school had more than doubled its original size and organized into a Lower School (grades K-2) and Middle School (grades 3-5). Latin was added as a third language for Middle School students.

By 1997 the total student count was up to 60 and what was then called Upper School was added for grades 6-8. In 1998 the teaching staff expanded to include special music and art teachers.

CIS enrollment reached 115 students. The Upper School class trip program began with trips to Japan in 2000, Boston in 2001 and Spain in 2002

CIS purchased award-winning 24,000 square foot facility, one mile from current location in Palo Alto.

CIS change its name to Bowman International School, an honorary tribute to Margaret Bowman Ricks, the founding director and a recognized leader in Montessori education.

When the school was started, the founders set a goal for the size of the school to grow to a student population of 185. In 2006, Bowman reached that goal, establishing the maximum size for the school.