About
About Headwaters

History & Heritage

Headwaters School was founded by visionary educators who were inspired by young people and had exciting ideas for how school could be a better place for them. 
Over the years, we’ve built our culture around student-led exploration, inquiry, and discovery. Because when students are propelled by curiosity and grounded in empathy, they are ready for every opportunity that life will bring.

Our Heritage

The Headwaters School of today arose from the 2011 merger of the Khabele School and Primavera Montessori School, two institutions founded in 2001.  Even as our school has evolved to meet the challenges of the future, we are proud that several of the original founders and guides are still at Headwaters.
The merger created a fully-integrated school to serve children 18 months old through 12th grade, and in 2016 all three campuses were unified under the name Headwaters School, symbolizing the journey of discovery and growth that takes place at our school. 

Striving for a Peaceful World

Our Middle and High School program has its roots in The Khabele School founded in 2001 by Lisa Dubuque, Khotso Khabele, Moya Khabele, and Hector Perez.  The new school offered a learning community that celebrated student voice and helped students pursue their intellectual and artistic ideals.
Our Early Childhood and Elementary program began in 2002 as Primavera Montessori School by Maria Claus, John Martin, Jennifer Phillips, and Jennifer Tyson. Those educators set out to create a different kind of school that supported the learning styles, spirits, and emotional intelligences of all children. 

The founders of both predecessor schools were profoundly influenced by the events and aftermath of 9/11. In fact, John Martin was in New York at the United Nations as part of a Montessori delegation on the day of the attack.  These thoughtful educators shared a common bond in wanting to create learning communities that would contribute to a more peaceful world. Khabele and Primavera became award-winning schools that attracted independent-minded families who sought a more meaningful education for their children.

Peacemakers, Advocates, Creators, and Thinkers

Our PACT: We invite our students, guides, staff, parents, and trustees to be Peacemakers, Advocates, Creators, and Thinkers.

Soon after the 2016 merger and adoption of the new Headwaters name, the PACT was developed by administrators, guides, and students in grades 5-12. Its purpose was, and continues to be, to identify the outcomes of a Headwaters education for ALL community members. In many ways, the PACT serves as a bridge from our past to our present.

Evolving to Meet the Challenges of Today and Tomorrow

In 2014, we launched the renowned International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for our high school juniors and seniors–the challenging capstone of a Headwaters education. Headwaters was one of the earliest adopters of the IB framework in Austin because it aligns so well with our values and prepares students to succeed in college and life. In fact, Montessori education and International Baccalaureate share a commitment to growing compassionate global citizens who are self-directed lifelong learners.
Reflecting our heritage as a school founded by teachers, our inspiring guides remain central to our success and the heart of our culture of intellectual mentorship. As our community envisions Headwaters' next 25 years, we are deeply committed to attracting and retaining inspiring educators, enhancing our programs, and reimagining our education facilities so our students can solve problems big and small.
At Headwaters, students and guides continue to ask thoughtful questions about what will be needed for tomorrow–in the classroom and in the world. And curiosity and compassion are cultivated for the future questions no one can even imagine today.

Keep Exploring

James Dillet Freeman

Rivers hardly ever run in a straight line.
Rivers are willing to take ten thousand meanders
and enjoy every one
and grow from every one.

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.