The Bowman Open Optional Program (BOOP) serves 175 students in 7 classrooms and is often referred to as "a school within a school" because we share the building with the neighborhood K-6th students and special education PK-6th programs. We believe academics, social skills, and respect are important.  Real life should be integrated into the classroom to make learning meaningful.  We value communication, creativity, flexibility, cooperation, small & large group participation, community service, goal-setting, leadership and family involvement.  Rather than receive letter grades and report cards, students showcase their development through written self-evaluations and work portfolios.  Due to large interest, entrance into the Optional Program is based on a twice-a-year lottery.  See Bowman Open Optional Program for more information.