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OUTSTANDING MONTESSORI EDUCATION FOR PRESCHOOL — GRADE 12, IN PALO ALTO, CA
Developing the Whole Child
Bowman's Core Values
Integrated Curriculum
The Montessori method features the spiral method of learning to stimulate critical thinking, foster curiosity, and broaden the mind. At Bowman, children learn in an experiential manner. Students explore using the senses to touch, feel, and see the work and then draw conclusions alongside a teacher. This promotes a deep and interdisciplinary focus on subject areas.
Global Perspective
Our study of the world is multidisciplinary. Histories, cultures, languages, geography, and cooking projects are focused on the continents of study for the year. As students age, they dive deeper into their global studies and focus on developmentally appropriate ideas to build in a rich understanding and appreciation for other countries and cultures, and fosters true global citizenship.
Responsible Citizenship
Bowman students are defined by their kindness and respect for others. These skills are worked on in all areas of our development. Our classroom and community jobs build a sense of purpose and respect.
Learning at Bowman
Developmental Focus
Learning at Bowman
Developmental Focus
The Montessori curriculum is characterized by developmental stages. Students are in multi-age classrooms based on these groupings, and each level targets the specific developmental needs of that stage. As the child grows, their capacity for abstraction increases – concepts are revisited at each stage with greater complexity. Everything is interconnected, and each lesson builds on and leads to others. Activities throughout the curriculum aim to inspire wonder, curiosity, appreciation, and finally, understanding.
Children’s House (3–6)
At age 3, children begin developing important skills that are fundamental to all learning: order, concentration, coordination, and independence. Children’s House students want to be free to work independently within a structured environment, doing real activities with an intelligent purpose. Focus is on hands-on exploration with small groups and one-on-one lessons in core subjects, and children plan out their day to begin practicing time management.
Elementary (6–12)
The child ages 6-12 reaches a new level of development. They are interested mainly in the what, the why, and the how. Lessons begin to be more abstract and aim to make sense of facts and ideas that students are encountering in the world. Social interactions are very important, and we honor this by allowing more collaborative group projects. Our program continues to feature small group and one-on-one lessons, and children plan their own schedules for multiple days at a time.
Secondary (12–18)
Adolescents aged 12-18 are beginning to form a profound ideology of the self. Self-expression and self-knowledge, coupled with social interaction, are the cornerstones of this age. Adolescents crave meaningful and noble work to contribute to their sense of purpose and worth. Students are expected to manage projects in six-week increments. Emphasis is placed on preparing for life beyond Bowman so students can continue to thrive wherever they go.
Unique facts about us
Bowman at a Glance
10:1 Ratio
We maintain a 10:1 student to teacher ratio
30+ Nations
Our diverse families represent over 30 nations
Multi-Age Classroom
Our co-ed, multi-age classrooms are based on child developmental stages
Year Round
Our 12-month program is designed for busy, working families
PK–12th Grade
Our accredited PK-12th grade Montessori program is one-of-a-kind in the Bay Area