How to apply to Headwaters School in Austin, Texas

We are excited that you are
considering becoming part of
the Headwaters community.

We understand that applying for your child’s school is one of the most important decisions you can make for your family.
We strive to make the admissions process as straightforward, open, and warm as possible.
The following process is for domestic students. See the application process for international students.

Young Children’s Community Admissions Process Steps

Before You begin: Submit an Inquiry

If you’re interested in Headwaters, your first step is to submit an inquiry. This will allow you to schedule a campus tour, and you’ll receive instructions on how to set up an account in The Nest, our internal school portal.

The Nest is your one-stop hub throughout the admissions process and contains your child’s application checklist. After enrollment, you’ll also use the Nest to access information on assignments, grades, attendance, school communications, tuition and billing, and contracts after enrollment.

Step 1: Campus Tour

Parent(s) must attend a campus visit, either through our weekly tours or an Open House. For Middle and High School, students should also participate in the campus visit before applying.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Submit your application in The Nest, our internal school portal and hub for all things Headwaters.

Step 3: Parent Interview

Parent(s) are interviewed by the Admissions Director after the prospective student visit is complete.

Step 4: Decision Time!

The admissions committee will offer decisions on the following timelines:

Young Children's Community (18 months to 3 years old)

Early decision: Oct. 15–Dec. 15
Standard decision: Dec. 16–Feb. 28
Extended review: Beginning March 1

Young child using tweezers to sort beans and small objects into a wooden tray during a hands-on classroom activity.

Young child using a hand-crank coffee grinder as part of a hands-on learning activity in an Early Childhood classroom.

Primary Admissions
Process Steps

Before You begin: Submit an Inquiry

If you’re interested in Headwaters, your first step is to submit an inquiry. This will allow you to schedule a campus tour, and you’ll receive instructions on how to set up an account in The Nest, our internal school portal.

The Nest is your one-stop hub throughout the admissions process and contains your child’s application checklist. After enrollment, you’ll also use the Nest to access information on assignments, grades, attendance, school communications, tuition and billing, and contracts after enrollment.

Step 1: Campus Tour

Parent(s) must attend a campus visit, either through our weekly tours or an Open House. For Middle and High School, students should also participate in the campus visit before applying.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Submit your application in The Nest, our internal school portal and hub for all things Headwaters.

Step 4: Prospective Student Visit

Primary and kindergarten: You will participate in a small group guest visit, which can be scheduled after you submit your application.

Step 5: Parent Interview

Parent(s) are interviewed by the Admissions Director after the prospective student visit is complete.

Step 7: Decision Time!

The admissions committee will offer decisions on the following timelines:

Primary (3 years to 5 years old)

Beginning mid-February

Elementary, Middle, and High School Admissions Process Steps

Before You begin: Submit an Inquiry

If you’re interested in Headwaters, your first step is to submit an inquiry. This will allow you to schedule a campus tour, and you’ll receive instructions on how to set up an account in The Nest, our internal school portal.

The Nest is your one-stop hub throughout the admissions process and contains your child’s application checklist. After enrollment, you’ll also use the Nest to access information on assignments, grades, attendance, school communications, tuition and billing, and contracts after enrollment.

Step 1: Campus Tour

Parent(s) must attend a campus visit, either through our weekly tours or an Open House. For Middle and High School, students should also participate in the campus visit before applying.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Submit your application in The Nest, our internal school portal and hub for all things Headwaters.

Step 3: Submit Supporting Documents

Elementary (if applicable for kindergarten, required for grades 1-5):

1 current teacher evaluation
Current progress report or report card

Middle and High School:

2 teacher evaluations, one each in math and English
Current progress report
Prior academic year transcript

Step 4: Prospective Student Visit

Primary and kindergarten: You will participate in a small group guest visit, which can be scheduled after you submit your application.
Elementary (grades 1-5): You will participate in an individual classroom guest visit, which can be scheduled after you submit your application and supporting documents.
Middle and High School: You will participate in a small group guest visit, which can be scheduled after you submit your application and supporting documents.

Step 5: Parent Interview

Parent(s) are interviewed by the Admissions Director after the prospective student visit is complete.

Step 6: Student Essay

Middle and High School students will submit a reflective essay that offers insights into how you might thrive at Headwaters. A specific prompt will be provided during the admissions process.

Step 7: Decision Time!

The admissions committee will offer decisions on the following timelines:

Elementary, Middle, and High School (6 years old to 18 years old)