Student Life

Elementary Specials

We round out our Elementary program with enrichment classes conducted by wonderful specialists. These classes, called "specials," include Art, Spanish, Health & Fitness, Music, and Gardening.

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  • Eight elementary students working side by side at a table. They are using watercolor to paint.

    Art

    The Elementary arts program at Headwaters provides children with opportunities to apply their imagination and explore their creative instincts while learning a wide variety of techniques.
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  • Student with hands around a bright pink zinnia.

    Gardening

    Every elementary student attends gardening class once per week, which are led by our Gardening Guide, Lucille Berrones.
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  • Music

    Music at Headwaters Elementary is a lively and immersive experience.
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  • Spanish

    In the Headwaters Elementary Spanish program, language is our tool to excitement!
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  • Health & Fitness

    The goal of our elementary physical education program, Health & Fitness, is to show each child how to possess the healthiest body, spirit, and mind possible, taking into account that what's right for one child might not be right for another.
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  • Library

    The Creek Library is a special place at Headwaters School. Each visit opens a world of learning and opportunity.
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Outdoor Classroom: The Bird's Nest

Donated in the fall of 2013, the Bird’s Nest is 10.7 acres of beautiful trees, wildflower gardens, native mixed-grass prairie habitat, and an expansive outdoor classroom including a low-element ropes course located at 9524 Brodie Lane. The area remains true to its natural habitat, with Texas Persimmon, Ashe Juniper, Texas Mesquite, Cedar Elm, Texas Live Oak, and Deciduous Yaupon trees. Natural pathways lead to each section of the Bird’s Nest. This land is not able to be developed and will remain a natural space close to the greenbelt. 

The Bird's Nest is located directly west of the main Creek Campus. It is accessible via a crosswalk close to campus. 

This land is a place where all of our students will learn independence, outdoor skills, teamwork, a love of nature, and much more.

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  • What happens in The Bird's Nest?

    • Group hikes
    • Community Events
    • Ropes course teamwork and leadership-building activities
    • Lifetime memories made
  • What is the Bird's Nest

    The Bird’s Nest—Headwaters School’s Nature Habitat on Brodie Lane—is 10.7 acres of beautiful trees, wildflower gardens, native mixed-grass prairie habitat, and an expansive outdoor classroom including a challenge course. The area will remain true to its natural habitat, with Texas Persimmon, Ashe Juniper, Texas Mesquite, Cedar Elm, Texas Live Oak, and Deciduous Yaupon trees. Natural pathways will be created that lead to each section of the Bird’s Nest. Over time, we hope the land will offer space for campouts, community events, and outdoor learning.
  • History of the Bird's Nest

    The Bird’s Nest was donated to the school in December of 2013. The school met the land owner/developer when we were searching for property for the Creek Campus. The owner loved the school’s mission and thought we could use the land for nature walks and outdoor learning. This land is very special and very protected. It is part of the Edwards Aquifer and the cave system that is south of the property. It is considered an environmentally sensitive area, but one filled with natural habitats that are great for learning.
  • How was the land developed?

    In working with the city of Austin environmentalist, State Biologist, Arborist, Landscape contractor - Palamino, and expert outdoor learning staff members, a plan for the land was created. The goal was to create nature paths, walking trails, campground space and a challenge/ropes course. The property is beautiful, but limited in what we can do with it. We do not have water access and can not disturb the land by adding anything into the ground. The idea is to keep the area natural to support the natural habits, bird species, and plant growth. 

    The landscaper was approved to cut a path through the property and place mulch as a walkway. The ropes course was designed and built by Rope Works Inc. in partnership with our expert staff members, David Heroy and Dave Wofford (past staff member). David Heroy has built courses in his past and his knowledge was invaluable.
  • More about the low ropes course

    We are very fortunate to have one of the few low ropes courses inside the City of Austin! It is also known as a “challenge course,” because it challenges its participants to learn and experience more about themselves and each other. It includes a series of individual and group activities that are physical, mental and emotional, and which require a combination of teamwork skills and individual commitment.
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Spring Campus

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Creek Campus

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River Campus

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As a 501(c)3 non-profit school, Headwaters School does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local law in its admissions, financial aid, hiring, or board membership processes.