Headwaters School

The school's culture is built around student-led exploration, inquiry, and discovery, with an approach to excellence defined by challenge and growth rather than competition. It operates on the PACT values, challenging community members to be Peacemakers, Advocates, Creators, and Thinkers. The school believes in creating education with students, fostering intrinsic motivation, and cultivating empathy and identity formation.

The academic programme spans from early childhood through high school, beginning with a Montessori-based approach for students aged 18 months to 5th grade. Middle school students (grades 6-8) focus on critical thinking and independence, while high school students (grades 9-12) complete the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Beginning in fall 2026, the school will also implement the IB Middle Years Programme for grade 6.

Headwaters graduates are prepared for success in college and career, demonstrating critical thinking, clear communication, and intellectual curiosity. The class of 2025 was collectively awarded $8.137 million in merit-based scholarships, reflecting the school's academic excellence. The school's curriculum, which evolves from Montessori foundations to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, is designed to cultivate confident scholars.

The school provides a supportive environment where educators, referred to as guides, act as observers, mentors, and facilitators. The community emphasizes belonging and purpose, with a focus on peace education to help students resolve conflicts and care for one another. Additionally, the school offers extended-day programs for students in early childhood through middle school to support families needing care beyond traditional school hours.

The school encourages families to apply regardless of financial circumstances and offers need-based financial aid for students in Kindergarten and above. The admissions process involves campus tours and open houses, and the school provides merit-based scholarships, such as the Headwaters Promise for entering high school students. Prospective families can inquire, schedule visits, and review application steps through the school's website.

The school operates on a calendar that includes various school-wide events, athletic schedules, and breaks. Specific calendars are available for the Young Children's Community (YCC) and the broader school community, with options for families to export schedules via webcal feeds. The school year typically includes summer administrative holidays and breaks, with dates subject to change.

Headwaters School operates across three distinct Austin campuses: the Springs Campus (18 months to Pre-K), the Creek Campus (Elementary), and the River Campus (Middle and High School). The facilities include indoor and outdoor spaces such as classrooms, libraries, a basketball half-court, and a deck, which are available for rental by nonprofits, businesses, and individuals. The school provides transportation between its three campuses for students.

Students participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities designed to foster collaboration and exploration, including Peace Education, City as Classroom, and international travel. The school offers fine arts programs, athletic teams for middle and high school students, and various enrichment classes. Students also engage in community-building events such as Civil Rights Day, musical performances, and Model UN.