Bowman School

Mary Beth Ricks

Head of School

Mary Beth Ricks leads Bowman School, a community focused on fostering a love of learning and educating the whole child through Montessori principles. She believes in self-directed and individualized learning, where students take responsibility for their education and work with teachers to plan goals.

Bowman School offers an authentic Montessori education from 12 weeks through 12th grade, emphasizing experiential learning, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary studies. The curriculum features multi-age classrooms based on developmental stages, allowing students to progress at their own pace and revisit concepts with increasing complexity.

Bowman School offers a limited tuition assistance fund for families demonstrating financial need, assessed through School and Student Services (SSS). On average, families receive around $19,000 in financial aid, with 19% of students receiving assistance.

Bowman School's admissions process involves a careful review by a committee of teachers and administrators, considering each child's academic, social, and emotional readiness. The school partners with Ravenna for the application process, which guides families through scheduling tours, submitting applications, and requesting teacher recommendations and school records. A shadow visit allows teachers and the admissions team to observe the child's learning and interactions.

What they ask for: Application, teacher recommendations, school records, shadow visit. For preschool, children must be 2 years 9 months and toilet trained. For Kindergarten, age 5 by September 1st.