International Applicants

Middle school students in a science classroom, with a teacher gesturing toward a wall display while students work at lab tables.

Choosing to study in another country is a courageous and life-changing decision. At Headwaters School, we are honored to partner with families from around the world who entrust us with that journey.

Our international students are not visitors–they are fully woven into the life of our school. They bring global perspectives, languages, traditions, and stories that enrich our classrooms and strengthen our community. In turn, they leave Headwaters prepared for university study and confident in their ability to navigate a global world as Peacemakers, Advocates, Creators, and Thinkers.

Over the years, we have welcomed students from China, Germany, South Korea, France, Mexico, Turkey, Vietnam, Greece, Ecuador, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Russia, England, and many other countries. Each student expands our collective understanding of culture, identity, and shared humanity.

A teacher reads aloud to students seated at desks while a slide on "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" is projected behind him.

Students work on laptops at desks in a classroom decorated with art posters and bookshelves.

Academics Rooted in
Inquiry and Global Perspective

Headwaters is an International Baccalaureate school grounded in inquiry, reflection, and purposeful learning. Our classrooms are lively, discussion-based spaces where students are expected to think critically, write thoughtfully, and engage respectfully across differences.

Students collaborate across cultures, explore complex global issues, and develop the confidence to express their ideas clearly. Because our courses are writing-intensive and built on dialogue, international students should arrive with strong English proficiency to participate fully in English, Math, Science, History, and Art.

At the same time, we understand that learning in a new language and culture requires courage. Our teachers are committed to knowing students well and supporting both their academic and personal growth. We believe young people thrive when they are challenged and cared for in equal measure.

Living in Austin–
Host Families and Community

International students live with carefully selected host families in Austin. These families provide a welcoming home environment, daily structure, and meaningful cultural immersion beyond the classroom.

Host families help students adjust to life in the United States, practice English in everyday settings, and experience local traditions and community life. Through these relationships, students build independence, confidence, and lasting connections. Many form lifelong bonds – with their host families and with classmates alike.

High school students playfully wrapping a red bandana around a classmate's face outdoors

Students outdoors, one dancing with a red fan during a language class activity.'

A math teacher writing on a whiteboard while a student looks on in class.'

Two middle school students smiling and sitting together indoors.'

International Student
Tuition and Requirements

Base tuition

$34,150
Tuition includes an international student fee of $6,300. This fee is not prorated for students who come for less than a year.

Fees

New student fee: $1,750
IB fee (11th and 12th grades only): $1,100
Tuition insurance: $300

Additional fees and expenses

International students must have medical coverage during their stay in Austin. If proof of coverage is not provided to Headwaters by the stated deadline, you will be enrolled in our preferred health insurance plan and charged associated fees and program costs.
All Headwaters students must have a laptop computer or netbook, including an appropriate charger, to bring with them to school each day.

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Applying to Headwaters

Our admissions process is holistic. We look beyond test scores to understand each student’s academic readiness, character, curiosity, and potential contributions to our community.

Applicants submit transcripts (translated into English), English proficiency scores (SLEP, TOEFL, or IELTS), teacher recommendations, and participate in a virtual interview and writing assessment. Minimum English proficiency requirements vary by grade level to ensure students are prepared for the rigor of IB coursework.

If accepted, families complete an enrollment contract and provide certification of finances demonstrating sufficient resources to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses. Headwaters then issues the I-20 Form required to apply for an F-1 Student Visa.

Before you begin: Working with agencies and consultants

At Headwaters, we work with independent international student applicants as well as those represented by an educational placing agency or educational consultant. Headwaters does not pay commissions to any educational agencies or consultants. In accordance with the guidelines of the IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association), we expect that all compensation to such consultants is that which has been agreed upon by the agency and the family engaging its services.

Step 1: Submit your application

Complete the application for admission online and pay the application fee.

Step 2: Submit supporting documents

Upload the following to the online application website:

Transcripts, translated into English
Score report from a standardized English proficiency exam (SLEP, TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo)

Minimum testing requirements:

Grade 9: SLEP 48, IELTS 4.0, TOEFL PB 450
Grade 10: SLEP 50, IELTS 4.5, TOEFL PB 475
Grade 11: SLEP 55, IELTS 6.0, TOEFL PB 550 (no additional ESL support)
Grade 12: SLEP 60, IELTS 6.5, TOEFL PB 575 (no additional ESL support)

An IELTS level below 5.0 indicates additional English study would be necessary to successfully complete a linguistically demanding course.

Step 3: Submit recommendations

Your current math teacher and English teacher will complete online evaluations. You may also choose to submit a Personal Recommendation Form. These will be linked through the application website.

Step 4: Admissions interview

Admissions will conduct a virtual interview.

Step 5: Writing prompt

At the end of your interview, you will be emailed a writing prompt and given 60 minutes to write a response without coaching or outside editing.

Step 6: Decision time!

Once all application materials are submitted and your interview is complete, our team will review your application materials and make an admissions decision. Your family will receive an email regarding your admissions status.

Step 7: Enrollment

If accepted, you and your family will be asked to complete the enrollment contract within two weeks to let Headwaters know if you intend to enroll. An Enrollment Fee is due at this time to hold your space at Headwaters.

Your family must also provide certification of finances demonstrating sufficient resources to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for the duration of enrollment (minimum $30,000.00 per year)

Step 8: Student visa

A few months before school begins, Headwaters will issue an I-20 Form, allowing you to make an appointment with the American Embassy in your country to receive an F-1 Student Visa.

Headwaters School is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students.

At Headwaters, international students are not simply preparing for university–they are preparing for meaningful lives of purpose, leadership, and global engagement.

The teacher is of course an artist, but being an artist does not mean that he or she can make the profile, can shape the students. What the educator does in teaching is to make it possible for the students to become themselves. Paulo Freire

Contact the Admissions Office

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about our online inquiry or application forms!

Phone: 512-623-5406
Email: admissions@headwaters.org
Mailing Address:
Att: Admissions Office
801 Rio Grande St.
Austin, Texas 78701

Two students talk in front of a whiteboard with student responses to "What are you excited about in this class?"

International Applicants | Headwaters School

International Applicants