Bowie Elementary

Home of the Bobcats

At HCISD, you're more

than a student. You're

part of a family.

We offer clubs, leadership,

and activities that help

us grow and find

where we belong. Our

schools are safe, welcoming,

and focus on every

student's future. Parents,

give your child a

place to learn, grow

and thrive. Register today

with HCISD.

Student-led ConferencesGarden ProgramStudent CouncilUIL AcademicsHope SquadChessBilingual/ESLACE Program1:1 DevicesBattle of the BooksBlended LearningChoirRobotics

Why Choose Bowie Elementary?

Bowie Elementary stands as the oldest Harlingen school building still in use, a living testament to nearly a century of educational excellence. The remarkable architectural features, including the Mayan-inspired designs and Quetzalcoatl imagery representing wisdom and knowledge, make it a unique cultural landmark. Throughout the decades, additions have included a cafeteria, air conditioning, music room, stage, and extensions of the original mural, while preserving the historic character that makes this campus truly one of a kind. Bowie Elementary continues its tradition of excellence with an impressive TEA A rating for 2024-2025, achieving straight A's in all three domains: Student Achievement, School Progress, and Closing the Gaps. The campus was also recognized as a U.S. News & World Report Best Elementary School in November 2024, ranking in the top 40% of Texas public schools.

Meet Our Principal

Campus Principal

Sabrina Garza

sabrina.garza@hcisd.org

Campus History

Bowie Elementary honors James Bowie, the legendary Texas hero known for his role in the Texas Revolution and his sacrifice at the Alamo. Originally built in 1928 as South Ward School, the campus was designed by Harlingen artist Luis Lopez Sanchez, who created an extraordinary cast concrete facade featuring Mayan, Toltec, and Aztec cultural elements. These distinctive serpent motifs earned it the nickname 'La Escuela de Las Viboras' (School of the Serpents), representing wisdom and knowledge. In 1935, the school was renamed James Bowie Elementary in anticipation of the Texas Centennial celebration.