Primary
At Headwaters, Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4
students are combined into a program
that we call Primary, which spans
students ages 3-5.
The Montessori Guide is first an observer, then a facilitator, guiding your child
toward ever-expanding concepts of interest and ability.
The Pre-Kindergarten program is designed with the knowledge that your child is increasingly capable and eager for new and broader learning opportunities and social explorations. Their Absorbent Mind has now reached a conscious state of being. At no other time in life is learning so effortless, as within this special time of development, quite naturally allowing your child to incarnate life experiences into the very fabric of their being. For example, a child might trace and label the continents using the Montessori puzzle maps, then return to the work independently to match flags, animals, or cultural artifacts to each region. In mathematics, students build concrete understanding through hands-on materials like the Number Rods—physically experiencing numbers in front of their eyes. Through repetition and self-directed practice, concepts become deeply understood rather than memorized. | 2.5 to approx. 5 years Springs Campus6305 Menchaca Road Located just south of Stassney Road, our Springs Campus is a combination of three buildings with plenty of space to run around—the perfect environment for our Early Childhood Montessori program. |
The Montessori Guide is first an observer, then a facilitator, guiding your child toward ever-expanding concepts of interest and ability.
Curriculum lessons are given both individually and in small group settings, and focus on developing skills in order, concentration, coordination, and independence. Your child will also have freedom to explore and repeat work on their own terms as they refine their budding skills.
We believe that every child deserves to have an exceptionally planned and well-prepared learning environment, precisely intended to aid in their self-construction and individual growth.
The Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum
In Pre-Kindergarten, we have the unique honor of introducing the world to your child. Our Montessori-based curriculum is built on five key pillars that honor natural stages of development:
| Prepared Environment |
| Classrooms are beautiful, orderly, and intentionally designed for independence and discovery. Materials are placed within reach to invite choice and concentration. |
| Guided Independence |
| Children move freely and choose meaningful work. Adults gently guide, not dictate, allowing each child to develop confidence and self-direction. |
| Mixed-age Community |
| Classrooms include a range of ages, encouraging mentorship, empathy, and leadership. Younger children look up to older peers, and older ones reinforce skills by guiding others. It’s how we foster connection and belonging. |
| Hands-on Materials |
| Tactile, purposeful, and self-correcting materials support deep engagement and concrete understanding. Children learn by doing. |
| Freedom Within Limits |
| Within a peaceful and structured environment, children make choices that help them grow as responsible, thoughtful and contributing members of their community. |
In addition, our Early Childhood program offers a rich foundation across academic, social, and developmental domains, including:
| Language |
| A continuous encouragement of self-expression and communication lays the groundwork for language development. Montessori materials, from sandpaper letters to moveable alphabet, allow for concentration on meaning instead of the mechanics of complex reading skills. Necessary reading and writing skills are built through natural experiences. |
| Mathematics |
| Materials make abstract concepts visible, from counting and number sense to place value and basic operations. This concrete, experiential approach builds a deep and lasting foundation for mathematical thinking. |
| Cultural Studies |
| Children explore geography, science, botany, zoology, and cultural traditions, sparking curiosity about the natural and human world while developing global awareness. |
| Sensorial |
| Children refine their five senses and develop cognitive skills using specially designed materials that help them classify and compare the world around them. |
| Practical Life |
| Real-life activities like pouring, sweeping, and buttoning foster independence, coordination, focus, and social skills. Executive functioning skills are also strengthened, building a strong foundation for future learning. |
| Grace and Courtesy |
| Children practice kindness, empathy, and peaceful conflict resolution. We support social-emotional growth by modeling and inviting respectful behavior. |
While our Montessori curriculum nurtures your child’s mind and body, our Social and Emotional curriculum attends to their heart. Special attention is given to navigating positive social interactions, bringing consciousness toward personal rights and responsibilities. Children learn respect for others and care of one's emotional self and get support in navigating effective problem solving-strategies and practices. This development is essential to the overall well-being and emotional security of every child, and the Primary years lay a solid foundation for a lifelong love of learning, optimism and positive personal growth.
The ClassroomOur Pre-Kindergarten guides prepare the learning environment and lead every student to recognize readiness, to follow personal interests, and to illuminate the way on your child’s journey through active discovery. Each classroom has its own shaded courtyard for outdoor work and play, as well as a shared Pre-Kindergarten playground where students from each class play together. We also have our Peace Garden and Movement Yard for additional activities. | Get to know Headwaters School |
Help me to help myself! Primary Child's Universal Motto
The Montessori Guide is first an observer, then a facilitator, guiding the child toward ever-expanding concepts of interest and ability.
Frequently Asked
Questions
| How do you intentionally welcome my child at the start of the school year? |
We believe that beginnings matter—especially for young children. That’s why we use a thoughtful Phase-In process designed to create a calm, secure transition into the classroom community. Phase-In is a gradual start to the school year in which children begin with short visits and slowly build toward a full-day schedule. This gentle approach allows children to get to know their guides, classmates, and classroom environment in small, supportive steps. Parents are part of the process at the beginning, helping children feel safe and confident as they build independence. Our goal is simple: fewer tears, less anxiety, and a strong foundation of trust. By honoring each child’s emotional journey, we create the conditions for confidence, resilience, and joyful learning from day one. Phase-In schedules vary by program level (Young Children’s Community and Primary), and families receive detailed information prior to the start of school. |
| Does my child have the option of attending school for only three days a week? |
| No, all of our Montessori programs are five days per week. It is an important component of the Montessori philosophy that children experience the consistency of returning to the same environment day after day. |
| Do you offer any after-school enrichment activities? |
| Yes, each summer we work with guides and local vendors to create a schedule of semester-long after-school enrichment activities. These are generally available for Pre-K (Primary) students. These include a mix of old favorites and new offerings. Learn more here. |
| What should my child wear to school? Is there a dress code? |
Children’s clothing should be comfortable, allowing complete freedom of movement, as well as washable and suitable for daily indoor and outdoor activities. Because children spend time outdoors almost every day, parents should consider weather conditions when planning daily dress. Children are encouraged to wear shoes that are practical and comfortable. We don't have a dress code for this age group, but we believe that as long as items are not distracting to the child wearing it, it should be fine. We are also using the outdoors more often and when the weather changes, we will send out reminders about layers in cold weather, too. Labeling personal items is by far one of the most important things so that when layers come off, they make it home later. |
| What are arrival and pick-up times and procedures? |
YCC
Pre-Kindergarten
|
| Do you offer before- and after-care? |
| Yes, we do have an early arrival program that begins at 7:30 a.m. as well as an after care program until 5:45 p.m. These programs are available to families for an additional fee. |
| Is there a Montessori-trained teacher in every classroom? |
| Yes, there is a Montessori-trained teacher in every classroom. |
| Does my child have to be toilet-trained before beginning school? |
| In the Young Children’s Community program, toilet-learning is a part of the curriculum, and we support children and families on their journey. In the Primary program, children should generally be self-sufficient before starting school. We are happy to talk about this further if your child is still in the learning process. |
| Can you tell me more about the campus? |
Our Early Childhood program is located on our Springs Campus in South Austin at 6305 Menchaca Road, Austin, TX 78745. This campus is located just south of Stassney Road and is a combination of three buildings and lots of playground space to run around. Each classroom has its own courtyard for outdoor play shaded by beautiful mature oak trees. Primary students enjoy their Primary playground where students get to play together. We also have our Peace Garden and Movement Yard for additional activities. |
