Elementary Curriculum
Elementary At Headwaters Elementary, we help students grow into academically curious, emotionally intelligent, and collaborative members of a learning community. In a typical day, Headwaters Elementary students move between individual, small, and whole-group lessons, while advancing through concepts at their own pace. Your child will come to appreciate that all people have a unique set of strengths and challenges. As students move from one level of mastery to another, they develop a positive and healthy view of themselves as learners. To ensure their academic goals are met, we track your child’s progression through a combination of student record-keeping, portfolio maintenance, and teacher observation, evaluation, and record-keeping. | Kindergarten to 5th grade Creek Campus9607 Brodie Lane Our Elementary Montessori program serves children from Kindergarten through 5th grade on our spacious 4-acre campus with ample learning opportunities, both indoors and out. |
Our Elementary curriculum exposes children to the workings of the universe, from the Big Bang to the Earth’s intricate web of life. We ignite your child’s imagination with factual, dramatic stories and scientific demonstrations, giving the children a thorough basic framework for understanding the sciences, including botany, zoology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. It’s a holistic approach taken directly from Maria Montessori’s idea for a “cosmic curriculum.”
- We explore the history and culture of people throughout the ages, including Prehistoric People, the Mesopotamians, Ancient Egypt, the Golden Age of Greece, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance.
- Your child will be encouraged to connect these early civilizations with science concepts, such as the Earth’s biome, physics, and more. This integrated study is further supported by independent research driven by your child’s personal interests. They may, for instance, choose to memorize all the countries of Europe or research the evolution of mammals.
- Mathematics is taught through brilliantly designed, hands-on materials that encourage thinking in logical ways. We use the Singapore Math Curriculum and Math in Focus textbook to build on Montessori’s concrete learning and strengthen abstract concepts. We cover all standard mathematical concepts and then go beyond to explore geometry and advanced mathematical operations.
- Our language program includes literature study, reading comprehension, writing (all genres), spelling, and word study. Grammar is presented through the study of words, parts of speech, and sentence analysis. Your child will learn spelling through an individualized program that spans all Elementary years. Much of our language work directly complements and enhances our science and cultural investigations.
We round out our Elementary program with enrichment “specials” classes conducted by specialists in a variety of subject areas.
ArtOur Elementary arts program encourages children to apply their imagination and explore their creative instincts while learning drawing, painting, printmaking, clay, collage, sculpture, and crafts. Your child will explore their personal expression, develop their technique, identify the role of art in society, and learn to critically assess works of art from critical and cultural perspectives. | GardeningIn weekly gardening classes, your child learns to care for an edible garden, building basic skills in watering, weeding, building healthy soils, and seasonal planting. Learning extends to other subjects, such as nutrition, sensory tastings, botany, native habitats, sustainable practices, and more. Students also have time to observe, reflect, and build a deeper awareness of the environment around them. | MusicMusic at Headwaters Elementary is a lively and immersive experience as students are exposed to a variety of instruments and percussion techniques. Recorders and ukuleles introduce music reading, composing, and improvisation. Structured play, dynamic movement and rhythmical speech and song also create a high level of engagement and fun. | ||
SpanishAt Headwaters, learning Spanish isn’t the end goal. Speaking, reading, and writing Spanish is a tool to understand and connect with the world around us. We use Spanish as a tool to explode a volcano, make ice cream, and play games with friends, leading to natural fluidity and confidence in using and learning the language. | Health and FitnessOur mindful Health and Fitness program empowers elementary students to build a healthy mind, body, and heart through breath-led movement, functional anatomy, and positive attitudes. Meeting twice a week, students engage in yoga, mindful fitness, team games, and movement stations that develop gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and emotional regulation. | LibraryThe Creek Library is a special place, and each visit opens a world of learning and opportunity. With ample opportunities for research, students visit the library each week to see what's new, learn how to find books, and borrow their favorites. Author visits round out the program to bring the literary world to life. |
The ClassroomAt Headwaters, classes are grouped in two-year cycles: Kindergarten/1st grade classes, 2nd/3rd grade classes (Early Elementary), and 4th/5th grade classes (Upper Elementary). Each class has two guides, as well as specialists who teach regular classes in music, gardening, art, health and fitness, library, and Spanish. We have recess on our playground every day, giving your child an opportunity to interact and cultivate relationships with peers in other classes. This also allows time for them to recharge in their own unique ways, whether engaging in soothing activities or playing hard. |  |
The Bird’s NestLocated across the street from the Creek Campus, the Bird’s Nest is 10.7 acres of beautiful trees, native mixed-grass prairie habitat, and an expansive outdoor classroom with a low-element ropes course. On this land, our Elementary students learn independence, outdoor skills, teamwork, a love of nature, and more through group hikes, community events, and leadership-building activities. | Get to know Headwaters School |
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Elementary School
Frequently Asked Questions
| What are arrival and dismissal times? |
We use the circle drive with guides and admin helping students out of vehicles at arrival and dismissal time. Families will also be given a paper placard with their child’s name for their car window to make the process easier. Early Arrival starts at 7:30 a.m., and Extended Care ends at 5:45 p.m. There are fees associated with these two programs. Our arrival and departure times for the 2026-2027 school year are: 
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| What should my child wear to school? Is there a dress code? |
Our goal is to support students in moving, learning, and playing confidently and safely throughout the day. And be sure to label everything! Children’s clothing should be comfortable, allow for free movement, and be appropriate for both indoor and outdoor activities. Because students spend time outside nearly every day, please dress your child in weather-appropriate layers that provide protection from the elements and the outdoor environment.
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| Do you offer before- and after-care? What about activities after-school? |
Yes, we do have an early arrival program that begins at 7:30 a.m. as well as an after-care program until 5:45 p.m. These programs are available to families for an additional fee. |
| Is there a Montessori-trained teacher in every classroom? |
Yes, there is a Montessori-trained teacher in every classroom. |
| Can you tell me more about the campus? |
Located on our Creek Campus at 9607 Brodie Lane, our Elementary Montessori program serves children from kindergarten through 5th grade. This spacious 4-acre campus provides ample outdoor learning opportunities indoors and out. Elementary classrooms are grouped in two-year cycles - Kindergarten and First Grade, 2nd and 3rd grade (early elementary) and 4th and 5th grade (upper elementary). Each class has two guides as well as specialists who teach regular classes in music, gardening, art, health and fitness, and Spanish. We have recess on our playground every day to give the children an opportunity to interact and cultivate relationships. |
