Looking for a nature-based
learning adventure?

Montessori-inspired K-8 education in Kane County, Illinois.

Grow your child’s creativity and adaptability

Headwaters Academy is a nature-based microschool where each learner’s unique gifts are celebrated and supported by a flexible, child-led learning environment. We prepare students for a lifetime of discovery by fostering curiosity, kindness, and love of the land.

Help your learner reach their full potential

Microschools are deliberately small learning environments designed to maximize academic, social, and emotional support. At Headwaters Academy, curious students develop critical thinking skills, build deep relationships across all grade levels, and experience cutting-edge learning opportunities indoors and out.

Our mission is to prepare learners for a lifetime of discovery.

At Headwaters Academy, we envision a vibrant learning community where children develop curiosity, empathy, and emotional resilience through hands-on, nature-based, and place-based learning experiences. Guided by Montessori principles, we aim to cultivate critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and environmental stewardship. By fostering inclusivity, wholehearted acceptance, and meaningful community relationships, we empower families to have a voice in shared governance and create lifelong learners inspired to serve their communities and the world.

Nature-based, child-centered learning in Northern Illinois

Our students thrive outdoors in all weather! Extending education beyond the classroom strengthens cognitive development, emotional regulation, imagination, and physical health, in addition to fostering a deep sense of environmental awareness and stewardship.

Individualized Learning

We value academic learning, emotional regulation, and practical life experiences to optimize success in a shifting future.

Belonging

We practice radical acceptance and celebrate diversity, creating a sense of belonging for each child.

Parent Engagement

We acknowledge the essential role families play within our learning community.

Who We Are

Headwaters Academy is a community of parents and educators forging an alternative, independent learning path for children in Northern Illinois on a 5-acre farm. We prioritize time in nature in all seasons. We value practical skills alongside academic pursuits. We are building an educational home where students can develop individual curiosities and gifts alongside students of all ages.

Headwaters Academy is piloting a Montessori-inspired, project-based, nature-based curriculum based dedicating to teaching kids to love the land. We opened in 2025 with Kindergarten through Grade 8 learners, and will extend the academic offering incrementally through Grade 12 as our learners age. If you are looking for a longterm educational home with a crew of big-hearted, nature-loving kids and families, please reach out to see if we are a fit for you.