As we close school each year, one of my favorite rituals has become the moment when toddlers, fifth graders, eighth graders, or graduating seniors walk through the Gates of Life. For years, we used the tiny knee-high ones, but thanks to the efforts of many and the willingness of John Mulvany’s studio art class, we now have beautifully painted gates that all departing students (and faculty or staff) are invited to walk, strut, dance, or sashay on through.

When I tell the story of the Gates of Life at our graduation and various transition ceremonies, I remind those of us gathered that Headwaters exists because of the imagination & chutzpah of our founders and that their spirit is still alive, resulting in a school that values curiosity & expression; adventure & meaning; belonging & care; advocacy & peacemaking. I go on to say that not only are we Headwaters Red Tail Hawks but we’re also Khabele Lions, along with Primavera Montessori 

Chickadees, Hummingbirds, Wrens, Robins, Roadrunners, and Bluebirds, We also have the Creek coterie of birds: Swifts, Doves, Cardinals, Meadowlarks, Owls, Kingfishers, Phoenixes, Skybirds and Thunderbirds. 

Two of our ten founders still work for the school (Lisa Dubuque Wood and Jen Phillips). They and so many others deserve immense thanks for having the courage to build a school where we believe in the power of young people to solve challenges, great and small. When you’re back in Austin, please stop by and let us know how you’re doing. We’re eager to reconnect with alumni regardless of which iteration of the school you attended. Contact any of us so you can see classes in action, attend a Pitso, or hang out with our amazing guides!

We're proud to welcome the Class of '25 to the Alumni Collective! Explore the impressive list of colleges they were accepted to here.

Alumni Google Drive accounts that haven’t been logged into since June 30, 2023, will be archived on September 1, 2025. If you’d like to keep access to your Headwaters alumni account, just be sure to log in before September 1!

Need a hand? Reach out to IT by email, they are happy to help!

Many know Amy as the person who helped guide their families into life at Headwaters School. After nearly seventeen years with the school, Amy is excited to step into semi-retirement. While she’s transitioning out of her role, Amy will continue to be part of our community, occasionally substitute teaching, so you’ll still see her around campus from time to time. Recent alum Eila (Class of 2025) sat down with Amy to reflect on her time at Headwaters.

Earlier this year Chelsea Scott, Primary Robins guide, reached out with a wonderful idea to bring a rain barrel system to the Robins' garden. Thanks to the Bright Green Futures Grant from the City of Austin, we were able to not only install a traditional rain barrel on the Springs Campus but also a 1,100-gallon rain cistern on the Creek Campus. These systems will nourish our plants with rainwater and give our children a hands-on way to learn about the importance of water conservation and sustainability.

Every year, middle school and high school students participate in Project Week, an opportunity to dive deep into a passion project. Three years ago, Headwaters launched the Project Week Grant, which provides up to $250 for students to make their Project Week goals a reality. This year, we had nine students receive grants! Projects included building a motorbike, learning to produce music, designing and sewing dresses, and learning to use professional architecture design software.

We are so proud of these students and grateful to the donors who make Project Week Grants possible! If you would like to support a Project Week Grant, you can do so here. 

Earlier this year, Headwaters School purchased 709 Rio Grande Street, immediately adjacent to our River Campus. The building has a great history and fascinating architectural features. It fits seamlessly with many of the other buildings on the downtown campus, and it will expand our footprint and deepen our commitment to the downtown core. When completed, the building will add 4,200 square feet to our

beloved downtown campus and provide us with much-needed room and flexibility to enhance programs for both middle and high school students. The building will undergo approximately two years of renovations, with a projected opening in the 2027-2028 school year. Students and guides are already contributing ideas and collaborating on the design and planning of the space, and we look forward to keeping the community updated as the project moves forward. The acquisition of this building is yet another formative moment in the evolution of Headwaters. 

Have you started a new job, moved to a new city, traveled somewhere exciting, or reached a personal milestone? Share your updates with us! We love celebrating the journeys of our alumni and may feature your story in future newsletters or on our website.

We love when Alumni come to visit campus! Just a few reminders:

All gifts, no matter the amount, help support your student and the future of Headwaters School.

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801 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78701