Today in Becoming Society, middle school students took on the roles of Silk Road merchants in an interactive simulation inspired by the OER Project. As they traded goods, technologies, and belief systems, they explored how ideas and innovations traveled across regions and cultures. MS Social Studies Guide Jennifer Skiffington led this experiential lesson with purpose and care, creating space for students to engage deeply with history through collaboration, negotiation, and critical thinking. The energy in the room was focused and curious—a great reminder of the power of learning through doing.
Headwaters School
Primary and Secondary Education
Ausitn, TX 305 followers
Each journey begins at the source.
About us
Headwaters School is an independent school in Austin, Texas serving students from early childhood 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. 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). Headwaters School is an International Baccalaureate® (IB) World School offering the Diploma Programme. IB schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Headwaters School believes is important for our students. Read more about Headwaters and IB at this link. Incorporated into our philosophy is a commitment to the further development of Peace Education. We desire to create a school community supportive of the family that models health, mutual respect, creativity, cooperation and diversity: a multi-dimensional approach toward the science of peace. We are clear that our children are our most precious resource in creating a peaceful and productive future. Our goal is to empower every child’s creative and joyous spirit and guide them toward a lasting love of learning and a true experience as an active member of a supportive community.
- Website
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http://www.headwaters.org
External link for Headwaters School
- Industry
- Primary and Secondary Education
- Company size
- 51-200 employees
- Headquarters
- Ausitn, TX
- Type
- Educational
- Founded
- 2001
- Specialties
- Montessori, International Baccalaureate, Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School, and City As Classroom
Locations
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Primary
Get directions
807 Rio Grande St
Ausitn, TX 78701, US
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Get directions
9607 Brodie Lane
Austin, TX 78748, US
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Get directions
6305 Menchaca Road
Austin, TX 78745, US
Employees at Headwaters School
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Jen Masterson, LCSW-S
Masterson Coaching & Therapy | Teens & Adults
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Keith Martin
President, Continu - Leading commercial growth at the Top-rated Learning Platform for Customer, Partner & Employee Training
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Chris Larson
Montessori Educator | K-1 Team Lead | Passionate About Inclusive, Child-Centered Learning and Leadership in Education
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Mark Bridge
Vice Chairman at Park Rapids Lakes Area Arts Council
Updates
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We love the Bird's Nest! This nature preserve is such a gift to our school community and makes an excellent outdoor classroom! Thank you for sharing, Tim!
Our 10-acre nature preserve is one of the greatest gifts of our elementary campus, allowing students to move outside of our classroom walls. It is beyond rewarding to witness our faculty inspire curiosity, joyful discovery, and a love of lifelong learning. Some of our 3rd grade students are diving into an inquiry-based unit exploring technology through history. They are currently using nature to investigate how early humans created and adapted tools, just as technology continues to evolve today. #Inquiry #ProjectBasedLearning #DesignThinking #Nature
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Our Early Elementary students recently explored the history of calendars, discovering how different cultures mark the passage of time. While it’s the year 2025 on the Gregorian calendar, they learned it’s a completely different year in other calendars around the world! They also uncovered the fascinating journey behind the history of numbers, including the long process it took to create a symbol for zero. To bring these lessons to life, students began designing their own calendars, with the option to use various numeral systems. It’s hands-on learning that connects history, math, and creativity!
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Sixth graders from Lindsey's class enjoys the sunshine while diving into "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly on the steps of Building 8. In this class, students enhance their grammar, strengthen their writing skills, and find their unique voice as writers. They also compare texts across genres, develop deeper reading comprehension, and work on exciting projects—individually, in small groups, and as a class.
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Montessori Math in Action the Early Elementary Classroom In the Kingfishers Classroom, second graders explored similarity, congruence, and equivalence in geometry. Meanwhile, third graders dove into classifying triangles and discovered why a right or obtuse-angled equilateral triangle is impossible. #MontessoriMath #GeometryFun #Montessori #STEM #STEAM
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This week, our IB Mandarin seniors visited Middle School Pitso to perform a beautiful fan dance in honor of the Lunar New Year. Mandarin Guide Mei also shared more on the traditions of Lunar New Year with middle schoolers. Thank you to both Mei and our Seniors! Happy Lunar New Year! Wishing all who celebrate happiness and prosperity!
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Last week, students in the Engineer Your World elective presented their latest project to a "Board of Directors," which included IB Design Technology seniors Sebastian and Evan. The challenge? Redesigning the Piggy Flashlight to improve its functionality, aesthetics, and appeal. Taught by guide Paul Lambert, this innovative 10th-grade course introduces students to the principles of engineering and design through hands-on, real-world projects. In this unit, students analyzed user needs, explored design possibilities, and showcased their creative solutions to the board. It was inspiring to see their thoughtfulness and ingenuity as they tackled the project, considering everything from market needs to ergonomics. The incredible talent and problem-solving skills being cultivated here at Headwaters are truly remarkable! #EngineerYourWorld #FutureEngineers #HandsOnLearning #InnovativeEducation #DesignThinking
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Two of our talented high school students, Jenna and Vicky, are part of the Take Care of Texas Video Contest! Each of them has created a unique 30-second PSA, showcasing their creativity and dedication to making a difference. Vote for Jenna’s or Vicky’s video by visiting the link in bio. And tell a friend to vote, too! Voting is open until this Friday, January 24—don’t miss the chance to support their hard work!
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Before the break, our YCC Wrens were busy spreading holiday cheer and building skills in true Montessori fashion! Guide Paula Sanchez shared a festive activity: pomander making with oranges and cloves. This tradition not only filled the classroom with a delightful scent but also helped the children refine their fine motor skills, focus, and precision. Some embraced the task enthusiastically, while others explored their preferences—Montessori encourages both! #MontessoriMonday
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