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Headwaters School Photo #9 - We work hard in our middle school to create an environment that allows students to be curious, take risks, stretch their limits, and make mistakes. We believe that the job of our guides is not to simply impart knowledge, but to help students to make meaning from knowledge.

Headwaters School

807 Rio Grande
Austin, TX 78701
Headwaters School is an independent school in Austin, Texas serving students from 18 months old through Grade 12.
Beginning with a Montessori foundation and progressing to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, we cultivate identity formation, foster empathy, and embrace diversity to bring more peace to the world.
We guide our students to live authentically, think expansively, and create bravely.
We invite our students to become Peacemakers, Advocates, Creators, and Thinkers.
Founded in 2001, we design vibrant learning environments across our three campuses: our Springs Campus (Early Childhood), our Creek Campus (Elementary), and our River Campus (Middle & High School).

Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Top Ranked TX School
  • School Type: Montessori School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 525 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $17,900
  • Average class size: 20 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Headwaters School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Texas for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
2001
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students
525 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
22%
State avg.: 41%
Students by Grade
Headwaters School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
74 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
35%
Average Class Size
20 students
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
IB Design Technology SL IIB Environmental Systems and Societies SL I
IB Environmental Systems and Societies SL IIIB Film HL/SL I
IB Film HL/SL IIIB History HL/SL I
IB History HL/SL IIIB Language & Literature HL I
IB Language & Literature HL IIIB Mandarin SL I
IB Mandarin SL IIIB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL I
IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL IIIB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation SL I
IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation SL IIIB Physics HL II
IB Physics SL IIB Physics SL II
IB Spanish and Latin American Literature HL/SL IIB Spanish and Latin American Literature HL/SL II
IB Spanish SL IIB Spanish SL II
IB Visual Art (Studio Art HL/SL I & II)IB Visual Art HL/SL I: Photography
IB Visual Art HL/SL II: PhotographyTheory of Knowledge I
Theory of Knowledge II
Average SAT score
1190
(Out of 1600)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
See full tuition details at
Summer Program Cost
$350
Summer Program Cost Notes
More details at
% on Financial Aid
12%
Admissions Director
Rosa Chapa
Admissions Associate
Angela Aaron
Application URL

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
10 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Admissions AmbassadorsCommunity Leaders
GSAMiddle School Newspaper
Model United NationsOutdoor Leadership
TheatreUpper Elementary Book Club
Yearbook


Arts and Music Programs:
Jazz Band

School Notes

  • Beginning with a Montessori foundation and progressing to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, our independent school serves students from early childhood through grade 12. We are inspired, organized, and guided by our Purpose, Promise, and PACT. These ideas serve as the foundation for our daily work.
  • Our Purpose: We cultivate identity formation, foster empathy, and embrace diversity to bring more peace to the world.
  • Our Promise: We guide our students to live authentically, think expansively, and create bravely.PACT
  • Our PACT: We invite our students to become Peacemakers, Advocates, Creators, and Thinkers.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Headwaters School cost?
Headwaters School's tuition is approximately $17,900 for private students and $350 for summer students.
Does Headwaters School offer a summer program?
Yes, Headwaters School offers a summer program. Visit their for more information.
What sports does Headwaters School offer?
Headwaters School offers 5 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Flag Football, Soccer and Volleyball.
What is Headwaters School's ranking?
Headwaters School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Texas for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Headwaters School?
The application deadline for Headwaters School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Headwaters School located?
Headwaters School is located in the Downtown Austin neighborhood of Austin, TX. There are 1 other private schools located in Downtown Austin.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (3 reviews)
5  
Headwaters has been a life-changing experience for our daughter and our family. From the moment she came home after her first day, beaming and saying, "I found my people," we knew this was the right place. Over three years, she blossomed-not just academically, but emotionally, socially, and creatively. The school's culture of trust, open dialogue, and authentic learning helped her grow into herself with confidence and joy. She especially loved the vibrant classroom discussions, the freedom to explore downtown, and unforgettable experiences like the Bioneers trip and jazz band competition in Philadelphia. We're deeply grateful to the dedicated teachers and staff, and especially to the head of the high school, who went above and beyond to support her Spanish studies while leading the school-and welcoming a new baby! Headwaters was worth every mile of our daily commute from Cedar Park. It's a place where students are truly seen, supported, and inspired.
- Posted by
5  
My son enrolled in Headwaters as a 6th grader and recently graduated in the Class of '24. Over the years we were able to see him try his hand at various arts (jazz, screenwriting, photography, studio art), engage in hands-on learning (robotics, engineering, design technology), explore his passions/career interests in dedicated independent projects (architecture, aviation, marketing, project management), try on leadership & service (Admissions Council & National Honor Society) and through the IB Diploma Programme come into his own as a critical thinker, researcher and collaborator. I know for a fact he was seen, cared for and challenged within the Headwaters community - by his teachers, friends, admin & support staff. We also appreciate that the IB curriculum has him confidently ready to transition to college this fall. If you are looking for a personal touch to your child's education, this is the right place!
- Posted by
5  
I attended Headwaters School at the Rio Grande location from my sophomore year of high school up until my graduation in 2017.As my 26th birthday approaches, I find myself reflecting more upon the most significant events of my life that helped shape and define the person I am today. A vast majority of said events occurred at Headwaters, and I look back on them so fondly. The staff at Headwaters not only encourages individuality and creative growth, but hones in on your personal learning style and quirks, and strives to curate an academic roadmap to success unique to you. They work tirelessly to cultivate a sense of community within the student body, and a safe environment dedicated to teaching you how to excel. Excel in all aspects of your life, encompassing far beyond the scope of academics. Headwaters impacted me in so many substantial ways, and continues to do so to this very day.In college, I found myself struggling considerably less in comparison to my peers- largely in part due to the advanced, expansive education I received at Headwaters.But far more prevalent is the effect it's had on my professional and personal life. Headwaters taught me the importance of time management and self-accountability, and instilled within me a powerful drive to not only be good- but to be great. To excel, and always strive to achieve my dreams no matter what obstacles may stand in my way. Headwaters taught me to be proud of myself. I didn't always appreciate the experience the staff tirelessly and patiently allowed me. As they say, hindsight is 20/20. But even though I recognize errors in my own conduct, and foster a few regrets, I look back on these things and chuckle. Because regardless of whether I recognized it at the time, the lessons and experiences I gained through Headwaters resonate so soundly within me and my day-to-day life.I couldn't recommend this school enough, and I sincerely wish the instructors and staff to have far more agreeable students who are *slightly less determined to spur chaos.Best of luck, and thank you all.
- Posted by

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Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Top Ranked TX School
  • School Type: Montessori School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 525 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $17,900
  • Average class size: 20 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Austin, TX is $18,218 for elementary schools and $18,460 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Austin, TX is 78% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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