The Headwaters Approach
At Headwaters School, we believe
in the power of young people to
solve challenges great and small.
That’s why we’ve built our culture around student-led exploration and creativity. Our approach to excellence
is defined by challenge and growth. Because we know when students are propelled by
curiosity and grounded in empathy, they are ready for any opportunity life brings their way.
Our Purpose and PromiseHeadwaters School is an independent school in Austin, Texas, serving students from early childhood through grade 12. We cultivate identity formation, foster empathy, and embrace diversity to bring more peace to the world. We guide our students to live authentically, think expansively, and create bravely. |
Our Values
Drive Our Culture
Shared values define our culture and help our students and teachers do their best work every day.
Encourage CuriosityWe embrace learning as a mindset. We uplift curiosity in all forms—across topics, about each other, and especially about how our world can and should work. | Let Students LeadWe believe education is done with students, not to them. Here, guides and students are equal participants, and students have voice and choice in their experience. |
Pursue MeaningOur approach to academic excellence is defined by challenge and growth, more than competition. Our collaborative environments are designed to drive deeper exploration and learning. Here, understanding matters more than a score, and thoughtful questions are valued more than memorized answers. | Foster BelongingWe are a welcoming community that cultivates belonging and purpose and we create space to build bridges among diverse people and perspectives. We encourage a culture where all members can exercise their agency as we co-create powerful, positive change. |
When you learn, teach. When you get, give. Maya Angelou
Live the PACT
We challenge our students, guides, staff, parents, and trustees to be Peacemakers, Advocates, Creators, and Thinkers. The PACT reflects both the learning outcomes we aspire to and the world we hope to create:
Peacemakers: As we learn to resolve conflicts, we demonstrate compassion, grace, skill, and courage. We take responsibility for our actions.
Advocates: We strive to understand and value diverse perspectives, cultures, and faiths. We recognize our agency and act with integrity in pursuit of a more just and equitable society.
Creators: Curiosity, wonder, and the creative process are essential to a fulfilling life. We discover ourselves and our voices by taking intellectual and artistic risks.
Thinkers: As self-directed learners, we approach education with intention. We use observation, research, and reason to explore problems that matter to us, our community, and the world.
