Bowen Elementary School

1601 Roosevelt Avenue

School District

Jefferson County
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 15, 2021

Literally the best school on Earth!! The staff are amazing and really care about their students. We are a 3rd generation family at Bowen and I wouldn’t want my kids going anywhere else!!
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2018

I have two children at this school and could not be happier with their academic progress. They have also made fantastic friends.
Submitted by parent on July 03, 2018

Extremely disappointed in the principal after my son was a student there for 4 years.
Submitted by parent on July 15, 2017

My son has only attended last year for Kindergarten. We look forward to many more years here with him and our younger son. Thank you Bowen!
Submitted by other on May 23, 2016

Bowen has a Very friendly, family-like atmosphere while learning process is challenging and fun! My kids love the school!
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2014

Caring staff and teachers. I loved that parents/visitors were always welcome. It is a great school.
Submitted by other on July 03, 2013

I went to Bowen from kindergarten to 5th grade. I loved it. It had a very family atmosphere. Everyone was supportive of me and my learning. I played basketball at Bowen for 2 years. This helped me to develop as a person and taught me the reality of life. Bowen was a good school, and when I went there we were pushed academically, the teachers and support staff only wanted to see a child succeed. I recommend Bowen for all family's.
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2012

This school feels like a free babysitter. One of the teachers comments states that the funding is low. A good education can still be received on a low budget, so funding is just an excuse. My son is in 5th grade this year and is FAR behind academically compared to other states. The end of 4th grade they were just learning division, no spelling tests, no book reports, nor were they writing in cursive. The parent review stating there is plenty of academic help, I wonder how it was received, as I have spoken with the principal, counselor and teacher several times to no avail. No tutoring, no encouragement, nothing for my son. We are done with KY schools and will be moving to more positive atmosphere, where my son will succeed! The principal is easy to speak with, but I feel no results will ever occur from our discussions as I haven't seen any in a year. If you want your child to play an instrument, plan on them missing out on what little education they will receive, as lessons are during math time. This school offers very little extra curricular activities.
Submitted by other on January 08, 2012

correction: Not a day goes by that i DON'T miss my elementary school teachers, principal, and experiences.
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2011

Dear 'Nuff said, Greathouse is a "traditional" school that students have to apply to attend and are selected by lottery. It's interesting how they always seem to take our AP students, not our regular students. When students have behavior issues at Greathouse, they are sent to other schools. Regular public schools like Bowen are not able to do that. Compare the free and reduced lunch % of students at Greathouse to Bowen. If Bowen had less than 10% free and reduced lunch, if students didn't come from all over the community, our scores would be better.
Submitted by parent on November 24, 2010

2010 KCCT scores: Reading : State 76.8% - Bowen 76.8% - Greathouse 93.8% Math : State 73.0%, Bowen - 71.1%, Greathouse 84.7% Science : State 70.4% - Bowen 65.3% - Greathouse 84.7% Social studies : State 55.6% - Bowen 63.0% - Greathouse 87.0% Writing : State 59.1% - Bowen 68.2% - Greathouse 92.2% Average : State 67.0% - Bowen 68.8% - Greathouse 90.2% Ranking out of 738 KY elementary schools : Bowen 338th - Greathouse 12th 'Nuff said!
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2010

If you want a school where your child feels comfortable and cared about, it's Bowen. My children have loved every aspect of the school, from the fun activities to the staff. Also, my children are challenged academically, and if your child struggles they will get the help they need. It feels like family. We love Bowen
Submitted by parent on September 15, 2010

Our family loves Bowen ... and the "Bowen family." The principal, teachers, office staff, and counselors are always available and more than willing to help the kids succeed and help the parents be involved. The PTA Board members are present daily in the school and provide numerous Family Fun Nights and other programs. Great school!
Submitted by teacher on September 14, 2010

Face it, teachers don't go into teaching unless they care for kids. There are always a few bad apples, but overall teachers work their butts off to do what is best for kids. Unfortunately, most of the public does not realize the pressure and unrealistic goals set before teachers by "higher ups". Many of the limitations that school systems have now is due to lack of funding and poor decision making on the part of politicians. Teachers are lowest on the totem pole these days. So, please don't be so quick to throw the teachers under the bus. I would argue that 95% of the staff at Bowen are hard working and truly want the best for their students. Remember, the more supportive you are of teachers and public schools, the more you are supporting the children in them!
Submitted by parent on September 14, 2010

I had to respond once I saw the previous response. The classrooms at Bowen are typical of those around the state of Kentucky. Primary classrooms have 24 students and intermediate have 28-29 students. Mr. Tyra, nor the teachers, nor the district can do anything about that fact. I'm sure it is hard for teachers to 'reach out to individual students', but it is not their fault. I hope that you at least let the 3 teachers know that they meant something to your child. It's always a shame when parents don't let teachers know they have made a difference. By the way, the only way you are going to find a smaller class size is to home school your child. Even the Catholic and private schools have 20+ students in their classrooms.
Submitted by parent on September 09, 2010

wow i really think half of the reviews have been written by the staff at Bowen. My son has been going to this school for 6 years and has only had three teachers that have seemed like they really care. There is too many students for each teacher. They do not have enough time to teach and reach out to individual students. It is not the greatest school on earth as their so called slogan states. I am currently trying to find my child another school.
Submitted by parent on June 21, 2010

Bowen is an amazing school! From the top down each and every person on the staff truely cares for the children. Bowen has children from many different backrounds as well as children from several different countries attending that school, even still they manage to have above state level testing scores! The PTA at Bowen is second to none! The dedication and endless hours of time spent making it the "Greatest School On Earth" are much appreciated!! GO BEES!!
Submitted by other on June 11, 2010

Bowen Elementary School is the best school ever! Nobody can beat Bowen! Bowen has incredable principle and teachers! Also an awesome staff and PTA! I went here for 3 years and I wish it could of been 6!
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2010

Three of our children attended Bowen elementary. It is a school that truly cares about each and every student and strives to give them the best start in life. The principal, Mr. Tyra knows each student and their parents by name and remembers them years after they've graduated from elementary school. It is a warm, family orientated school and I feel blessed to have been a part of the Bowen family.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2010

Excellent staff and administration. Mr. Tyre can, and does, remember every student's name, while attending and many years later when seeing each other at secondary school functions. Bowen maintains an active education program, involving educators and parents, that refuses to leave students behind and does not accept failure.