Headwaters School

801 Rio Grande Street

Austin, TX 78701

14 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on July 29, 2024

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!
Submitted by parent on October 13, 2022

Headwaters School has been a nightmare for my children and family. This is not a 'Montessori' school. It is a self-described 'experiment' that has failed. Do not let your children be lab rats. I do not want to see this happen to any other family. Stay away.
Submitted by parent on May 29, 2021

Outstanding in every way. Our son has been a part of this school from pre-school all the way up to now (4th grade). Constantly impressed, and feel so lucky we discovered them when we did. Guides are great, admin great, physical environment great. The kids are thoughtful and good-natured, and the parent community is strong. Always amazed when we have parent-teacher conferences at how much they know about our child's individual progress. The guides put so much heart into their work. And whenever we discussed areas we hoped our child would grow in, they were always acted upon, and we saw results. This school is just as professional as it is human and that is a hard balance to strike.
Submitted by other on February 16, 2019

It's a really supportive and friendly school and very kind to all community members. It has it's growing pains as it's gone through some changes in leadership. This is most evident in the middle school. The lower campuses which are in South Austin and the High School are pretty strong and stable. The high school is IB (international baccalaureate) which is a rigorous program. The is a do what you can, and what you want kind of attitude that permeates the educational philosophy. This works well for kids who react badly to feeling pushed or who do not like competition and don't go in much for a rah-rah team spirited kind of vibe. If you kid reacts well to team spirit and a a more sporty vibe you might miss out. The administration is indecisive, quite large for the size of the school and surprisingly stuck and bureaucratic for how small the school is. This is something that could be improved upon. The teachers are what make it great. They each have their quirks but are great across the board. It's always a super loss if one leaves.
Submitted by other on April 09, 2017

Headwaters is the new name for the school which operates three campuses in Austin, together spanning pre-k through 12. This review is for the "Springs" campus on Manchaca and Berkeley, which serves the preschool population. Our son started in another local, well-regarded school, but we pulled him out because it was such a "strict" Montessori program that forced our bright, happy, highly verbal little one to work in solitude for hours at a time. I am so glad we got a spot here. The guides are caring and knowledgeable, and strike a balance between kids working alone and working together. The Montessori approach we wanted is here, but in a "follow the child" sense, as opposed to a "dogmatically do exactly what you think Maria Montessori did a hundred years ago" sense. Since MM's fundamental idea was in fact "follow the child," for my money, this is more authentically Montessori than the other program which boasted more certifications. There's even more to love here. The program includes mental, physical, and social & emotional development, but without pushing kids past what's age appropriate. They're encouraged to challenge themselves but also to play and be kids. After 7 months, the positive effects on our kiddo are apparent. He's learning, he's being guided and cared for, and he loves it. During spring break, he asked daily when he gets to go back. As an added bonus, we've also enjoyed the parent community and the many opportunities to join the class for some holiday songs and a party here and there. We have one more year on this campus before moving on to the early elementary level. But all indications from parents and my own investigation is that it's as good over there as it is where we are. I think we're in it for the long haul.
Submitted by principal on February 06, 2017

Headwaters School is an independent school in Austin, Texas serving students over 542 students from early childhood through grade 12. Beginning with a Montessori foundation and progressing to the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme, our purpose is to cultivate identity formation in our students, foster empathy, and embrace diversity to bring more peace to the world. Each day we guide our students to live authentically, think expansively, and create bravely.One of the qualities that defines our school and can be seen each day on our campuses is the fact that our students and our guides are in daily pursuit of peacemaking. Peacemakers learn to know themselves and their limits; they learn how to be in relationship with others and to resolve conflicts in those relationships; they learn how to behave within a community (a classroom, a campus) and how to make change within that community, and, ultimately, they learn and yearn to bring those skills and that drive to the world beyond the school-to solve problems that are complex and have an effect on many people. There has never been a more important time for our school to voice its values and to show the greater Austin community what peacemaking looks like.
Submitted by parent on January 21, 2016

This is our fourth year sending our children to Khabele. I have such a deep love and respect for this school and its educators. I have seen it transform both of my children, they truly thrive here. They have been educated from a young age in not only math, reading, geography, art and music - but in peace education and conflict resolution. This school gives children the tools to express themselves and their needs in a way many adults have never learned. I have loved watching the children grow here. The guides at Khabele have a profound respect for children, and it shines in all they do. My children love going to school every day. Our entire family benefits from this learning community - it's a beautiful place.
Submitted by other on November 29, 2015

The academics so far in 9th grade have been disappointing. My son is often bored in class. They don't do labs in Biology and he has learned very little. The teachers seems to want them to love science but doesn't teach real science with labs, etc and assumed that none of them need to learn anatomy for some reason. The English class moves at a very slow pace as well. We aren't looking for tons of homework and a cutthroat competitive environment but it's kind of silly to spend all this time and money on this. I really don't get why more rigor would ruin kids love of learning that Khabele wants to foster so much. Having an honors option means missing out on lunch time, and that's tough on a teenager. My son thinks the low standards just make kids lazy, which kind of makes sense. The Spanish, math and Core programs are good. Small class sizes and nice students and teachers.
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2015

The primary program appears to be in disarray, with 1/2 the staff and the Director leaving their posts at the end of the 2014-2015 school year. We found the school weak in standards, extremely weak in conflict resolution, and quite poor in communication between parents and teachers/admin. We've chosen to remove our children from this school.
Submitted by parent on April 01, 2015

My daughter is in her second year at the Middle School at Khabele, and it's been a fantastic experience for our whole family. She's always been a good student, but she was bored and unhappy with the institutional, one-size-fits-all education in her large, public elementary. She is flourishing at Khabele and loves school for the first time ever. She calls it her second home. Teachers and students have warm, sincere relationships, and teachers are allowed room to be creative and to change things up based on their students' needs. Also, the feeling of community among students, teachers, staff, and parents is phenomenal. Students are appreciated for their uniqueness and are nurtured, both academically and emotionally. Khabele really does deliver the total package of academic strength combined with focus on the social and emotional needs of middle and high school students. I am thankful that we discovered The Khabele School.
Submitted by principal on November 11, 2014

The Khabele School, founded in 2001, is an independent day school serving more than 500 students and their families from 18 months old through 12th grade across three campuses in Austin, Texas. Khabele is Austin s only Montessori and International Baccalaureate school. Across the entire school, we purposely nurture a culture and learning environment founded in authenticity, character development, conflict resolution, and mindfulness. Our vision is to cultivate learning communities in which each and every student, parent, and staff member falls in love with learning, realizes their profound beauty, and lives with courage and authenticity. Our mission is to provide an effective, transformational, and community-oriented educational experience for children ages 18 months through high school.
Submitted by other on September 02, 2014

Khabele's staffs are great and friendly. They always listen to their students' opinion in class and attempt to improve the classes every year.
Submitted by parent on April 09, 2014

real learning academy.it has its ups and downs not bad but not extremely good. I dont feel as though my child the best here but it is better than his district school.
Submitted by parent on March 02, 2014

The Kkabele School is what education should be; the amazing and talented teachers ignite the fires of curiosity. Students are given the opportunity to explore and dig deep in an environment that is safe, rich, open and fully supported. Resulting in an education that creates a desire to learn for learnings sake. We took a giant leap of faith and moved to Austin so that our daughter could attend Khabele and it has proved to be one of the best decisions that we have ever made.
Submitted by parent on December 14, 2013

We have been at Khabele for two years and love it. Our son is a musician and I cannot imagine another school where is passion would be better cultivated.
Submitted by parent on March 22, 2013

My kids have been going to Khabele for 2 years and the teachers and community are awesome. Khabele is a non-profit secular, Montessori based preschool and elementary. I think some of the most valuable things taught to my kids are emotional intelligence and principles of peaceful living.