The Headwaters Model
Thoughtful Structure. Real Responsibility. Deep Growth.
Headwaters Academy is built around children: their development, their capacity, and their future.
What follows is how we think, how we teach, and what we are building.
A Note from the Head of School
I believe schools are living systems. They thrive when relationships are strong, learning is embodied and meaningful, and adults are responsive to the real needs of children in the moment.
As Head of School, my role is to steward a learning environment that is both grounded and adaptive. In a young and growing organization, this means building clear structures while remaining flexible, listening deeply while making timely decisions, and holding both long-term vision and day-to-day care at once. I lead with the understanding that trust, safety, and belonging are not supplemental to learning; they are the conditions that make learning possible.
My educational philosophy is rooted in experiential, relational pedagogy. Children learn best when they are actively engaged with the world around them, when their bodies, curiosity, and emotions are honored, and when learning feels connected to real life. At Headwaters, this shows up through hands-on work, place-based study, interdisciplinary learning, and a strong emphasis on executive function skills that support independence, agency, and lifelong learning.
I view leadership as a practice of presence. Much of the most important work in a school happens in small, unscripted moments: guiding a child through dysregulation, supporting a teacher through complexity, or helping our community navigate change with care. My background in embodied education and systems thinking supports my ability to read group dynamics, respond thoughtfully in real time, and make adjustments that strengthen both individuals and the whole.
I am committed to building a school culture that is values-aligned, transparent, and resilient. This includes thoughtful governance, healthy boundaries around labor and care, and systems that support sustainability for both people and the organization. Especially in the early years of a school’s life, I believe it is essential to move at a pace that honors capacity, invites collaboration, and remains open to learning and revision.
At its heart, Headwaters Academy exists to prepare young people not just for academic success, but for meaningful participation in a changing world. My work as Head of School is guided by the belief that when we educate with care and curiosity, we help children remember who they are and how to live well with others on the planet we share.
We expect meaningful work. We teach responsibility explicitly. We honor planes of development and innate, individual timing. And we build community around real contribution.
This is a school designed deliberately.
— Kendra Holton Clemens, Acting Head of School
What This Looks Like in Practice
Montessori Alignment
Headwaters draws deeply from Montessori philosophy.
We believe in:
Mixed-age classrooms
Independence and self-directed work
Real tools and real responsibility
Respect for developmental stages
Long work cycles
We are aligned with the spirit and principles of Montessori education, while integrating land-based systems, contemporary developmental science, and practical life applications unique to our context.
This is Montessori-informed education grounded in real life.
The Student We Are Forming
A Headwaters student is not defined by test scores or grades.
They are:
Steady in frustration
Capable of independent work
Curious and self-directed
Able to collaborate across ages
Respectful of land and materials
Willing to try again
They understand that growth requires effort.
The Graduate We Are Preparing
By middle school graduation, students are prepared to:
Manage their time independently
Advocate for themselves clearly
Engage in rigorous academic environments
Contribute meaningfully to group work
Care for shared spaces and community
They leave not just knowledgeable, but capable.
We’re preparing young adults, not just successful students.
The Headwaters Model is not accidental. It’s intentional, structured, and human. If this approach resonates with your family, we invite you to continue exploring our curriculum or begin the admissions process.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We are Montessori-informed and aligned with Montessori principles while integrating project-based and contemporary developmental practices. Accreditation is not a fit for our current model. We do have a certified teacher on staff, and our teaching team attends annual AIMS and AMS conferences.
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We provide detailed evaluations and feedback rather than reducing students to letter grades alone.
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Yes. Headwaters is highly structured. Students work within clear expectations and consistent rhythms.
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We coach focus as a skill. Structure, environment, and responsibility all support attention development.
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No. Our model is very specific and mutual fit is assessed carefully across the enrollment process. It’s just as important for us to be a fit for your family as it is for the student to be a fit for the Headwaters environment.