Montessori to IB
Two programs. One shared vision.We chose to build Headwaters on Montessori foundations for Early Childhood and Elementary, then carry students into the International Baccalaureate for Middle and High School, because the two philosophies are not a pivot but a continuation of the same core beliefs about how children grow into capable, thoughtful people. Montessori teaches independence from the earliest years: a child choosing her own work, pacing her own learning, trusting her own hands to trace a map or pour her own water. IB takes that same independence and gives it structure and stakes, asking a teenager to design an extended research project, defend an idea in a Theory of Knowledge seminar, or take on a CAS (Community, Art, and Service) initiative that serves a real community need. Montessori's hands-on materials, from bead chains to puzzle maps, build a hunger for real-world application that IB later channels into authentic assessments and global contexts. The self-directed learning a toddler practices when she selects her own work cycle becomes the self-management an eleventh grader relies on to balance six subjects and a personal project. And the intellectual challenge Montessori introduces through open-ended exploration matures into the rigor and inquiry that define the IB Diploma. This is not two separate systems stitched together. It is one coherent belief, held from 18 months through graduation, that children rise to meet real independence, real challenge, and real purpose when we give them the chance, and it is why our own Purpose, Promise, and PACT flow so naturally through both. | Montessori Middle Years Programme International Baccalaureate |
The early years at Headwaters are all about what Maria Montessori calls the “unconscious Absorbent Mind.” Through toddlerhood and preschool, your child is like a sponge who takes in everything they see, hear, and experience in their environment.
Early Childhood and Primary18 months to Pre-K | ElementaryGrades K-5 |
Features of Our Montessori Program
- Handwriting Without Tears: A modern handwriting program designed by occupational therapists to support and engage students from print to cursive.
- Design Thinking Integration: Incorporates science, technology, engineering, and math with creative problem-solving strategies.
- Outdoor Education: We foster physical health and well-being, enhance connection to the natural environment, and promote hands-on learning experiences that boost engagement and retention.
- Parent and Community Involvement: A robust parent education series and parent volunteer group.
- Technology Integration: Our technology program equips students with essential tech skills to prepare them for success in a digital world.
- Inclusion and Belonging: Each campus has a dedicated coordinator, and DEI principles are integrated throughout the system to build a deep sense of belonging for all.
In Elementary, we expand on the Montessori program with complementary educational and assessment programs.
- Singapore Math: Teaches students mathematical concepts in a three-step learning process that moves from concrete to pictorial to abstract.
- Specialist Classes: Led by expert educators, students can pursue interests in Spanish, art, gardening, music, and mindful health and fitness.
- NWEA MAP Growth Assessment: Benchmarking and tracking student growth allows for better personalized learning and support.
International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP)Headwaters has always been a place where students feel known, valued, and free to take intellectual risks. The MYP is our answer for those seeking a clear, research-backed framework that isn't just about covering content—it’s about making sure your child knows how to learn. | More about the MYP curriculum MYP at Headwaters Presentation |
A Framework for Excellence
MYP is IB’s approach for students ages 11-16 (grades 6-10), and its learning framework is used by almost 2,000 schools in over 125 countries. Like our Montessori programs, MYP believes students learn best when they're engaged, curious, and see connections between what they're learning and the world around them.
MYP is also built around a simple question: What if students learned by investigating real problems, rather than memorizing facts? The curriculum contextualizes concepts and helps students make connections to their lives while fostering an understanding of our common humanity and shared responsibilities. The result is an education built on durable skills, not disposable facts.
Building on a strong foundation
We are intentionally rolling out MYP at Headwaters with each new 6th grade class, starting with the 2026-27 academic year. However, the curriculum principles will be infused throughout all grade levels—in large part because MYP simply enhances what we already do best.
| What stays the same |
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| What is enhanced with MYP |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)Headwaters School is an IB World School offering the IBDP for 11th and 12th grades. We are also part of the Texas IB Schools Association. These schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Headwaters School believes is important for our students. IB graduates show an improved writing ability across all disciplines, strong organization and prioritization skills, and more effective communication. They are able to engage in high-level theoretical thinking while making connections to real-world situations. The IBDP curriculum is holistic and aligned with the Purpose, Promise, and PACT of Headwaters School. Both aim to transcend basic education and prepare students to enter the world of emotional intelligence, character education, and personal development. | About IB IB at Headwaters IB Programme Overview Presentation |
IB Coursework
Most courses take place over a two-year period in junior and senior year, and include the following subject areas:
- Studies in Language and Literature
- Language Acquisition
- Individuals and Societies
- Natural Sciences
- Mathematics
- The Arts
In addition, all students—regardless of their chosen pathway—complete a series of core requirements:
- Theory of Knowledge course: An inquiry into different ways of knowing and different kinds of knowledge to help students develop an awareness of assumptions and an appreciation for the diversity and richness of cultural perspectives
- Extended Essay/Senior Thesis: A 4,000-word research paper on a topic of your choice, completed during a guided process with their assigned advisor
- Creativity, Activity and Services (CAS): 150 total hours (divided equally among the three strands) of experience throughout the 18-month IB program
- Collaborative Science Project: An interdisciplinary opportunity for IB science students from different subject areas to work as a team on a real-world scientific problem and present their findings
The Headwaters IB Programme has definitely helped me with my writing. When I think about the assignments I'll have in college, it's not as daunting anymore — I feel like I can handle it.VICTORIA, ALUMNA
Life beyond
Headwaters
Whether your student plans to attend a four-year university or community college, take a gap year, or start their career, we support them and your family as you navigate the process with clarity and care.
We honor every student's unique path, and offer comprehensive support as you prepare for your next step, including:
- Faculty counseling sessions and group workshops
- College fit and search strategy sessions
- Resume building and essay coaching
- Standardized testing resources
