Bowen Elementary School

280 Cypress Street

School District

Newton
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
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 October 09, 2019

Some of this is very teacher-dependent. There are good teachers at Bowen. There are also teachers just coasting by.The facility is very tired and not maintained well.
Submitted by parent on April 01, 2018

It is a good school up until the 5th grade. For children and parents it feels like a downgrade from very busy and strong 4th grade. The main focus in 5th grade is on discipline and social emotional aspects. ELA, Math and especially Science were delivered very poorly, which explains very low school results on MCAS. The Principal was partially absent for the last 2 years working on her Phd. She listens to the parents concerns, but never does anything about it.
Submitted by parent on November 02, 2015

Great teachers and parents. A Principal who advocates for kids and values their opinions.Strong services. I was able to get extra services for both my kids even through they met benchmarks, which really helped them to succeed. They didn't get lost between IEP and gifted! Very strong Art, Music, PE and Library professionals. International families for multicultural enrichment. Great all-around school. Highly recommend.
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2015

We love this school. There are fantastic teachers and families. I have no problems with the principle either, I am not sure what other parents are referring to but all my experiences have been extremely positive. I do not however try to tell the principle how to do her job. As for not enough male teachers, I do not see why this is a problem. I want the best teachers available for my children. I don't want someone hired just because of their gender. Our children are here to learn and I want them to do so from the best!
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2015

A wonderful school is being ruined by the principal. She is egotistical, doesn't know how to listen, and is all about herself. The staff deeply distrusts her. It's extremely sad to see how much the school has deteriorated under her so-called "leadership".
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2014

The teachers our children had over the years were really great. The principal however should be looking for a different job. There is no leadership whatsoever. She is very dismissive and arrogant and is looking out only for herself, not for the children. Kids are actually happy to be sent to the principal for punishment since they get crackers and free time there.
Submitted by parent on March 26, 2014

Was a great, still with great potential, needs better leadership. I was so sad to watch its deterioration over the past several years. They have a mix of outstanding teachers and sub-par teachers. Principal focus is misplaced and it's unfortunate that her overconfidence made her dismissive of parents' counsel and input. Diversity is great and probably the best in Newton, and on all levels, racial, ethnic, financial..etc. Needs better leadership with strong vision to set the right tone and much higher expectations from teacher so it's not left to their personal motivation to invest in their students' education and growth.
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2013

The teachers are exceptional. As others noted, there aren't enough male teachers though. Only one class teacher is male. The leadership on the other hand is lacking. They failed to implement security measures in a timely manner. Although sign in is mandatory for visitors, nobody is actually checking up on that and people can just walk into the school unnoticed. Not cool! Also, the secretary is grumpy most of the time. A smile for a parent might go a long way! The PTO did a great job this year raising funds for all activities and computers (which should be paid by the district not by the parents btw) and organizing fun events. The after school care program is great and my kids love it there. The staff is amazing and they have about 50% male teachers.
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2013

The teaching staff is fantastic. The administration...less so. The administration's top accomplishment was a drop-off plan/traffic flow and the administration's greatest failing, in my opinion, is the failure to recruit and retain excellent male elementary teachers. The community of teachers, children and parents is smart, engaged, and active. A great choice of schools in a stellar school district.
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2012

Lots of young, smart teachers and a great after care program. Very few male teachers, however.
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2011

Our daughter is an ELL student at K4 and we are extremely happy with the school both from the academical and social point of view. The teachers' care, support and warm attitude allowed our daughter to feel comfortable and confident from the very first day in the school. We heard a lot of good things about Bowen school before, but the reality exceeds all the expectations. 11 out of 10!