based on 19 reviews
Bowditch Middle School
1450 Tarpon St.
Foster City, CA
94404
(650) 312-7680
By: student
Date: February, 2007
I am a current 8th grader at Bowditch Middle School, I did not attend Bowditch for 7th and 6th grade; at first I was scared that I would not have any friends. Turns out I was wrong. I made many friends this year. Academically, Bowditch is a great school, all my teachers are amiable (although some do have a tough grading scale). I recommend Bowditch to all parents and students. -A.P.B
By: student
Date: November, 2006
The parents obviously don't know what goes on inside school. I am a student at Bowditch and I cannot imagine going anywhere else. Sure there is a share of troublemakers, but Bowditch has a great attitude towards new students and younger students, and new students often find friends on the first day. Some of the teachers could care more, but I have learned so much there. Our test scores are very good and it is very easy to get good grades. The counselor and principals do a great job. Our sports teams are amazing and our gym is overflowing with championship banners. Students have large expectations to live up to, even athletes need to have a C average or better [and most have better]. I love Bowditch!
By: student
Date: November, 2006
I think that bowditch is a good school, but too much homework. I'm being overworked, and don't have time to do anything else, like playing and practicing extra curricular.
By: parent
Date: October, 2006
Blowtorch is an excellent school. The teachers are among the lowest paid in the county and the District does not seem to care as the teachers have been forced to strike twice, however, my students have had a wonderful education and succeeded well in high school thanks to Bowditch. (In spite of a rather non-caring district.)
By: parent
Date: September, 2006
Our child began Bowditch with a so-so C-B grade average. With other students striving for high grades, it gave her the incentive to do the same. Proud to say, she stayed on honors throughout the 6th grade. Her friend pool has grown dramatically, as well as her participation in sports. A soccer player and now track team. We give our highest compliments to the staff, teachers and parents...what a great group. Now our second C-B child has entered Bowditch this year and has been bringing home A's. Perhaps it's the water? His whole attitude toward getting good grades, participating in class, etc. has improved dramatically. Our gratitude to everyone at Bowditch.
By: parent
Date: July, 2006
My child attended two years at this school. By far, it has been his worst schooling experience. School has overcrowding. Don't let the affluent neighborhood fool you. Many problems exist in this uninviting school.
By: parent
Date: May, 2006
Bowditch ranks head and shoulders above the similar schools in the Foster City-San Mateo district. The options for extra curricular activities at Bowditch seem to be much larger than the other middle schools in the district. The school has the highest API rankings in the district. If anyone residing in the San Mateo/Foster City area and is looking to have a great base for their children during their middle school years, Bowditch should be the first choice. They also have a wide-ranging list of electives like Music, Drama and sports giving the kids an array of choices.
By: parent
Date: April, 2006
Strong academic program that has prepared my first child very well for high school. The drama program is very strong, run by a wonderful veteran teacher. Parent involvement is encouraged through the programs of ther PTA.
By: student
Date: February, 2006
Bowditch is one of the greatest middle schools in the district. The school has a balance beetwen music, PE, intercurricular activities and test scores. The teachers are very good.
By: parent
Date: January, 2006
We are in our first year at Bowditch, and it's been just fantastic. The programs are already well-tested and my daughter has just fallen right into the rhythm already in place. She has a great deal of homework, but it's interesting and never 'busywork.' She is very happy. Music, art, wood shop, etc. She is exposed to a great deal of good things.
By: parent
Date: October, 2005
Bowditch consistently earns a '10' for its API scores and is consistently the top middle school in the San Mateo/Foster City district. It is the only middle school in Foster City with approx. 900 students. Foster City is a pretty uniformly upper middle class suburb of San Francisco and, therefore, would be expected to score high on the API. However, it is an underfunded school district and, therefore, has little money for extras. Students may take art and music as electives. After school sports cost parents extra. The teachers are good although there seems to be high turnover of new teachers who come for a few years and then move on to higher paying districts in the region. Discipline is good but there is only one counselor for all 900 kids. Parent involvement is tops, but parents are mainly counted on to raise money. All-in-all, a good, safe school.
By: parent
Date: October, 2005
School outperforms others primarily because of demographics. New principal is very qualified, amiable & highly regarded. Discipline is sometimes over the top because of overcrowding but should be more balanced with the new principal. School lacks adequate land- fields lacking and in poor condition. Ciriculum good, expectations of teachers and parents high, students are generally very successful compared to nearby districts but not out-of-state schools. The school has difficulty retaining good teachers due to the obscene cost of housing within 50 miles.
By: parent
Date: August, 2005
Bowditch is a great school! Our son excelled academically and it was as much due to the dedicated teachers and fine student body, as to his own committment to learning. I can't recommend Bowditch enough!
By: parent
Date: August, 2005
Bowditch ms is one of the best middle schools on the peninsula. Despite the 990 students that attend, the administration, teachers, pta, custodian staff, and parent involvement is beyond awesome. Parent involvement is never discouraged. Any parent who feels they are, have not taken the necessary steps to become involved. At the beginning of each school year, an envelope is given to all parents/students. It is filled to capacity with all the information and contact information a parent would need to become informed. My daughter is entering 8th grade, and I am looking forward, as is she, to another wonderful year. As for the teachers, as a parent, my advice is to just keep yourself in constant communication with them. Whether it be email or voice mail, there is no excuse for a parent claiming lack of communication. They are people too and deserve our respect and understanding.
By: parent
Date: August, 2005
Although the 6th grade class size is approx 27, the teachers do an excellent job across the board and the students have a very good attitude towards their education. Team sports are very strong, including a strong girls basketball team. Music is also available, with many talented dedicated students.
By: student
Date: February, 2005
I think that this school has way too many people in it. Also the teachers are getting worse and more distracted from her job.
By: parent
Date: February, 2005
Great school. Nice and knowlegable teachers. Safe and friendly environment. Strong academics. Great soccer and basketball for boys. Nice music band.
By: former student
Date: February, 2005
Not a very friendly environment. But great teachers and a very very good school.
