Why Montessori
In an increasingly technological and globalized world, children need more than just job skills – they need to learn how to think, problem solve, innovate, and communicate. With the support of Montessori principles in all aspects of our community, your child will discover their passions, create innovative solutions, and become a compassionate leader. At Bowman, we embrace the challenge of equipping the next generation through an individualized, integrated, hands-on approach based on proven Montessori methods of learning and development. Bowman students practice resilience and confident problem solving in all of their endeavors.
Whoever touches the life of the child touches the most sensitive point of a whole which has roots in the most distant past and climbs toward the infinite future.Maria Montessori
Montessori At Bowman
Bowman teachers develop a personal understanding of each student’s unique learning needs. Our teachers act as a resource by guiding students in small, multi-age classrooms for two to three sequential years. Sensitive to individual needs, our teachers carefully prepare the environment to meet those needs, giving students a sense of agency. Bowman teachers are advocates for empowerment and excel at helping children become actively engaged in ways that lead them to discoveries, drawing their own conclusions, and following their own developmental paths.
Over 75% of our teachers have advanced degrees, and over 75% of all teaching staff (including 85% of classroom staff and 100% of lead teachers) have Montessori credentials.
All teachers participate in annual professional development opportunities from international, national, and local Montessori organizations.
Recognitions
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Bowman is the sole Montessori school in California accredited for preschool through high school education.
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Bowman is one of only two WASC-accredited Montessori schools in California.
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Bowman is considered one of the top seven Montessori elementary schools in the world by Tim Seldin, founder of the International Montessori Council (IMC).
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Head of School Mary Beth Ricks was honored with YWCA Silicon Valley’s Tribute to Women (TWIN) Award in 2012.
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Bowman was honored to receive Gold Medals for Best Montessori School, Best Private Middle School, and Best Private Elementary School, and a Silver Medal for Best Preschool from Bay Area Parent magazine in 2024.
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Bowman received an A+ grading from Niche for the '24-25 school year.
Accreditations