Headwaters Academy

1005 Durston Road

Bozeman, MT 59715

11 Reviews

School District
Grade

6-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by student on April 28, 2023

bad administration and bad rulemaking to harsh and to many sencitive people
Submitted by other on January 29, 2018

I attended Headwaters years ago, and ive now graduated from university. I believe much has changed since I attended Headwaters. However, what I found most difficult about both highschool and college was the social atmosphere. I was so used to the small class sizes, that the jump to large classes in highschool, and the enormous class sizes in college made for a terrible transition... I found myself lacking the social skills to interact with many people creating a negative impact on my life. If you do have your student attend this school make sure to have them partake in many social programs in larger social enviroments! ( I have classmates who might not agree with me, but I find many of the students I went to school with share this common problem.
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2017

The rules were strict and unreasonable, and the punishments where harsh. My son revived a ten minute timeout for leaving a paper out, on his first offence. I don't know about you but that seems a unreasonable The education its self was that of an public school. All though the teachers are nice and well educated.
Submitted by parent on June 17, 2014

After being bullied and unchallenged academically in elementary education our son chose to go to Headwaters Academy for the small class size and the rigorous academics. He has blossomed into a confident, responsible, and empathetic contributor to his household, school, and community. As parents we have found the Headwaters experience to be priceless!
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2014

The middle school years can be a difficult, transitional time for a student. In my experience as a parent, Headwaters Academy provides an incredibly supportive and nurturing environment that is extremely unique. I feel very fortunate for our sons to have the opportunity to attend Headwaters, and appreciate the opportunities that we as parents have to be actively involved volunteers.
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2014

Bozeman has many strong school options, so at first we were hesitant if Headwaters would be worth the investment. I have no regrets! We could not be more thrilled with Headwaters Academy. The caliber of teachers is amazing. The students dive deep into each subject vs. rote learning. The small class size helps to ensure no child "slips through the cracks". The outdoor education component and experiential learning style truly set Headwaters apart. We could not be happier with the school, and plan to send our second child when he enters 6th grade.
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2014

As the parent of a child that had long been bullied in public school, I was worried about what the middle school years would look like. I attended an open house at Headwaters Academy with my son and when we left, he told me "I want to go to this school." We began the application process and with the financial aid we received, sending my son to private school was possible. At Headwaters Academy, my child has blossomed into a self-confident, self-directed learner. He loves this school and I love his eagerness for learning. The teachers challenge him, his peers support him, and the experience he has gained is priceless. I am so grateful for the teachers who care so much, the very involved head of school, and the families that provide a wonderful and inclusive community to which we belong. Headwaters Academy continues to exceed my expectations.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2014

When it came time for middle school, we were looking for a place for our kids what offered both academic challenge and good emotional, social and academic support. The public schools in Bozeman are great and our kids were coming from a public elementary and are now going into the public high school. So Headwaters was the one non-parochial option for these critical middle school years that allowed us to choose something different for a few years. We have found what we were looking for. Our kids have had a rigorous academic experience but one that is developmentally appropriate and respectful. The teaching has been top-notch with teachers truly getting to know our children's strengths and weaknesses and working with them from there. Our kids have learned to write, to be critical thinkers, to get organized, to speak publicly, to advocate for themselves, to persevere through frustration and to learn deeply. What more could you ask for? The community is welcoming and warm, the faculty is fantastic and the families and kids are fun and smart and interesting. We love Headwaters!
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2014

My son started at Headwaters last year and we could not be happier. The teachers are inspiring, the students and community kind & welcoming and the curriculum and field studies are just amazing (the 8th grade went to Ecuador last year!). We love this school and cannot imagine a better social or academic experience for our child.
Submitted by other on August 06, 2013

This is by far the best middle school inside bozeman. It is academically challenging and there is no comparison in education standards at the other middle schools compared to Headwaters.
Submitted by teacher on December 10, 2010

This school is small and that is not for everyone, we are exclusive and highly selective in the type of student accepted. Small class sizes are a tremendous advantage and allow us to get to know our students, to learn their academic strengths and weakness so that we may appropriately challenge and support them. Students can't hide in the back here nor do they slip through the cracks. Middle school years are often ones where students feel uncertain of themselves and vulnerable. HWA students develop mentor-like relationships with a dedicated and intelligent staff. We provide stability, support, and consistently high expectations to foster a positive sense of self to carry into the next (often tumultuous) stage of education, high school. Furthermore, because we are small, the students develop close relationships with one another that last. True, your student may not learn to be a social butterfly here; however, they will learn how to develop real relationships, to resolve conflicts, and work closely with others with mutual respect.