Tuition and Access
Fostering belonging and creating a space
to exchange diverse perspectives requires
a meaningful commitment to expanding
access to Headwaters School.
We believe that socioeconomic diversity enriches the educational experience of all students and we are committed
to offering a robust need-based financial aid assistance program. We encourage all families to apply to Headwaters,
regardless of financial circumstances.
Expanding Access At Headwaters, we understand that tuition costs are an investment for every family — and can be a barrier for some members of our community. Our community supports curious and motivated students as they explore and achieve, and we offer a variety of tools to help bridge the gap between the cost of tuition and a family's ability to pay. Limited assistance is also available for extracurricular activities and supplies. |  |
 | Financial AidWe offer the opportunity to apply for need-based financial aid to families in grades kindergarten and up. Admissions decisions are need-blind, and we include any applicable financial aid information with your admissions acceptance. This allows you to understand the full financial picture before committing to enroll. Please know that while we attempt to meet the needs of every family that applies, in reality, our resources are finite, and we are not able to make awards for all candidates. |
Frequently Asked
Questions
| Am I eligible? |
| We have created a chart to show income levels and average tuition paid by families to help you determine if you are a likely candidate for financial aid. Financial aid is available for K-12. |
| How to Apply for Financial Aid |
Families are expected to apply annually for financial aid through an independent third-party system, Clarity, to ensure integrity in the process. Headwaters uses Clarity to verify each family’s financial information. Each family is responsible for the annual application fee. To get started, go to the Clarity Application and create an account. The application is mobile-friendly and typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete. You can save your progress and return at any time. At the end of the application, there is a $60 fee, and you can share your application with additional schools that accept the Clarity Application for no additional charge. Simply use the dropdown menu in the application to select those schools. Please remember to return to your dashboard after you complete and submit your Clarity Application, as Headwaters requires you to upload additional tax documentation. Access step-by-step instructions for applying and FAQs about Clarity. If you need support during the process of completing your application, there is in-app support available through the “Help” button in the bottom left of the screen, as well as email and phone support at support@clarityapp.com or 206-210-3752, in both English and Spanish. The application is also fully translated into Spanish. |
| Deadline to apply |
|
| Who should complete this aid application? |
| Whomever the child resides with should complete this application whether it is a parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, or legal guardian. There is a section within the application where you can enter contributions from non-custodial parents and relatives. Non-custodial parents may also apply for aid if they are responsible for educational expenses. |
| Why do I need to input my spouse’s information if I am remarried and they are not legally responsible for my children? |
| Clarity’s calculation works off the total household income, therefore families should include all income, whether the party is legally responsible for your children or not. Our system, however, does take into effect your spouse’s expenses as well as their income. It is important to list all expenses that are asked for within the application. |
| I do not have the required tax documents. Help! |
| Include the most recent tax documentation you have available. If you are asked for a specific line from a tax document that you have not yet completed, please estimate the projected amount. |
| How will I know if I qualify for aid or not? |
| Clarity does not disclose information about the results of your application. All final tuition aid decisions, including notification of an award amount (if any); will be made by Headwaters School. For returning families, this is typically in mid-January for the following academic year. For new families, awards are released on a rolling basis after the returning family re-enrollment period, usually starting in mid-February. |
Statement on TEFA Voucher Funds
Headwaters School is not accepting state voucher funds (TEFA) for the 2026–2027 school year. Our Board of Trustees made this decision to protect the educational autonomy and integrity of our program.
Merit Scholarships
Headwaters is excited to offer the Promise Scholarship for entering High School students. The $5,000 award is designed for high-achieving students who live our values and strengthen our culture. Students are eligible for the scholarship each year of high school as long as they remain in good standing. While there is no set number of scholarships, Headwaters anticipates offering five new scholarships each school year.
| How to apply |
Prospective students who are applying to high school as well as current Headwaters 8th graders are invited to apply for the Headwaters Promise Scholarship, awarded annually to applicants who exhibit promise in one or more of the qualities listed in the Headwaters Promise Statement: We guide our students to live authentically, think expansively, and create bravely. Whether that is traditional academic prowess, excellence in performing or visual arts, entrepreneurial spirit, or strong citizenship, Headwaters values students who embody these aspirational characteristics. Students seeking candidacy for the Promise Scholarship should first submit a fully completed Headwaters admissions application through the admissions office and complete a visit day on campus. Following the visit day, students should submit a one-page essay focused on the following prompt to scholarship@headwaters.org: Share an instance where you stepped outside of your comfort zone to live authentically, think expansively, or create bravely. How did this experience shape your perspective and contribute to your personal development? Discuss the role of courage and authenticity in overcoming obstacles, and explain how these qualities will continue to drive your future endeavors. |
| Requirements |
| Applications for the Promise Scholarship will only be considered for students who have completed all other admission requirements. Students seeking consideration for the Promise Scholarship should submit their essay alongside their other admission materials. Each applicant will be reviewed anonymously by the scholarship committee, consisting of guides and administrators in the high school program. Admission application materials will be reviewed alongside the essay submission. Scholarship notifications will be made on a rolling basis as applicants are approved by the scholarship committee, with a goal of responding to all applicants alongside their admission decision. |
Education Savings AccountsMany families use 529 plans and flexible spending accounts to realize tax savings and use investments to support education costs. Our early childhood campus and after-care programs for children under 13 are both eligible for Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA) services. | Payment PlansFamilies may choose to pay their annual tuition over time through bi-annual and monthly payment options. Discounts apply for those who pay in full. |
Program | Base Tuition | Fees | ||||
| Young Children’s Community Age: 18 months-age 3 |
| New student fee: $700 | ||||
| Primary Age: 3-5 | $18,950 | New student fee: $700 | ||||
| Elementary Grades: K-5 | $20,500 | New student fee: $950 | ||||
| Middle School Grades: 6-8 | $25,750 | New student fee: $1,750 | ||||
| High School Grades: 9-12 | $27,850 | New student fee: $1,750 | ||||
| International Students Grades: 9-12 | $34,150 | New student fee: $1,750 |
Fees
| Extended Care: Mornings Starts at 7:30 a.m. | YCC, Primary, Elementary | $800 | $1,040 | ||
| Extended Care: Afternoons Until 5:45 p.m. | YCC, Primary, Elementary | $3,700 |
| $4,810 | |
| Extended Care: Afternoons Until 5:45 p.m. | Middle and High School | $825 | $1,910 | ||
| Shuttle Grades 2-12 | $1,210 | |||
Plan 1Annual Payment | Plan 2Bi-Annual Payments | Plan 311 Monthly Payments | ||
Payment due June 5. | Payments due in June and November. | Payments due monthly July through May. | ||
Early Childhood and Elementary Discount: $300 | Early Childhood and Elementary Discount: $125 | No discount |
Contact the Admissions OfficePlease don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions during the admissions process. Phone: 512-623-5406 Address: |
Financial Aid Committee ChairAlexandra Penry Phone: 512-537-2026 |
