High schoolers sit outside at a table smiling at the camera

High School
at Headwaters School

A high school experience that
challenges students to think
deeply and lead with intention.

Our downtown Austin campus, inquiry-driven academics, and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme create a rigorous, student-centered experience designed for intellectually curious young adults.

IB Diploma Programme The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme serves as the capstone to a Headwaters education—preparing students for college-level thinking, research, and global citizenship.

Curriculum

Student Leadership Students help shape campus culture through councils, clubs, peer leadership, and authentic decision-making opportunities.

Student Life

City As Classroom Our downtown Austin location transforms the city into an extension of campus, connecting learning to civic, cultural, and professional life.

Signature Programs

Curriculum

Student Leadership Students help shape campus culture through councils, clubs, peer leadership, and authentic decision-making opportunities.

Student Life

City As Classroom Our downtown Austin location transforms the city into an extension of campus, connecting learning to civic, cultural, and professional life.

Signature Programs

Signature Learning Experiences

high school students walking down a street near a school sign during a City as Classroom activity.

City As Classroom Students regularly engage with Austin’s civic, cultural, and professional communities through fieldwork, research, internships, and place-based learning experiences.

students riding a gondola along a canal during an international travel program.

Global Perspective International travel and cross-cultural experiences deepen empathy, broaden perspective, and connect classroom learning to the wider world.

high school student smiling while working on a painting in the art studio.

Creative Voice Through fine arts, film, photography, music, and studio art, students develop discipline, creative confidence, and original artistic voice.

Learning Beyond
the Traditional Classroom

On the River Campus, students learn in the heart of downtown Austin—blocks from the Capitol, Central Library, museums, nonprofits, and businesses that expand learning beyond classroom walls.

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Student Life
that Develops
the whole person

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Leadership
Beyond Academics

High school students practice leadership daily—through clubs, athletics, advisory, service, artistry, and shaping the culture of campus itself.

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A high school student works alongside a guide during a classroom activity at Headwaters School’s River Campus.

Headwaters has helped me figure out what type of person I want to be.
Rebecca A. ’24

A Culture of
Contribution

Leadership at Headwaters is not performative—it is embedded into daily life. Students lead clubs, evaluate applicants, plan events, facilitate dialogue, and influence school culture in meaningful ways.

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Daily Advisory Support

Our advisory program builds executive function, self-advocacy, reflection, and belonging throughout the high school journey.

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Two Headwaters high school students stand together in a classroom, reviewing notes and discussing an assignment during class at the River Campus.

Student Voice Matters

Weekly gatherings, student councils, and leadership roles create regular opportunities for students to shape their community.

Leadership
With Purpose

Students are trusted to lead - serving on student councils and engaging directly with school leadership on issues that matter, from campus decisions to the challenges shaping our world. We trust them with real voice and real responsibility, because that's how confident, capable leaders are made.

High school seniors present a lesson on Russia to tie in with the Russian literature that 8th graders were learning.

I was drawn to the academic challenge that IB presents.
Stella M. ’25

Headwaters high school students sit together in a classroom, laughing and collaborating during a group discussion at the River Campus.

Discussion-Driven Learning

Students build confidence and critical thinking through regular seminar discussions, collaborative inquiry, and defense of ideas.

Challenge
With Purpose

Academic challenge at Headwaters is meaningful,
discussion-based, and rooted in authentic inquiry.

Clubs & Activities

Curiosity Beyond the Classroom

Beyond the classroom, our high schoolers lead, debate, and explore through student leadership roles, Model UN, outdoor experiential education, and international trips that turn curiosity into real-world confidence.

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Headwaters high school students work independently and collaboratively on laptops during class at the River Campus.

I genuinely love school when I’m pursuing my interests.
Jenna E. ’25

Research with Real Ownership

From Extended Essays to interdisciplinary projects, students learn to manage complex, sustained intellectual work.

Self-Directed
Scholarship

Students pursue long-term independent research through
Project Week, IB assessments, and Senior Colloquium.

IB Students listen carefully to an IB Math Lesson.

Headwaters students learn to follow their curiosity and think independently, which prepares them well for the IB program’s deep, passion-driven research and inquiry. Stewart H. ‘24

The Class of 2025 toss their caps to close out commencement and celebrate graduating.

Prepared For
What Comes Next

Graduates leave Headwaters ready for college and beyond—with the confidence, resilience, and intellectual maturity to thrive.

Life Beyond Headwaters

What Families
Notice First

Families often remark on the uncommon combination of academic challenge, student ownership of learning, and remarkable guides.

Inquire Today

Academic Challenge

Students are pushed to think critically, write persuasively, and engage deeply with ideas.

Teachers Know Students

Small classes allow guides to mentor students as scholars and as people.

Students Lead Here

Leadership is expected, practiced, and trusted across every area of campus life.

High School | Headwaters School Austin

High School