Applications are Open

Enrollment is open for Kindergarten through Grade 8 for the 2026-2027 school year.

Admissions at Headwaters

Choosing a school is a meaningful decision. Our admissions process is designed to ensure alignment for your child, your family, our teaching team, and our community. We move personally and thoughtfully through each step.

Headwaters is grounded in relationships, clarity, and shared responsibility. Our admissions process reflects this commitment: we seek families who value relational care alongside principled structure, both of which are essential to a thriving small school community.

Let’s Begin with a Conversation

We don’t believe enrollment should feel transactional.

Most families begin with a simple inquiry. From there, we schedule a conversation to learn more about your child, your hopes, and what you’re looking for in a school community.

We’re happy to answer questions, big or small.

Submit Inquiry

Admissions

Inquire

Explore the possibility of enrollment at Headwaters by submitting an inquiry.

Let's begin
Apply to Enroll

Following an inquiry and tour, continue the process by applying to enroll.

Apply now
Re-enrollment

Re-enrollment is now open for families enrolled for the 2025-2026 school year.

Re-enroll now

The Admissions Journey

Submit a short form and we’ll reach out to connect.
Stop by Wesley for a tour of Headwaters Academy. While Wesley is our temporary location only, it’s helpful to get a sense of our team, teachers, students, and the learning environment we provide.
Tours of our new space will be available in the spring. We sincerely encourage families to tour our current space in order along the enrollment process, rather than waiting, as enrollment demand might outpace our timeline for touring the new location.
Following an inquiry, please submit an application to Headwaters Academy. The application communicates an intent to move forward. There is currently a $150 nonrefundable fee per application. The application can be found here, and the fee can be paid here.
Once the application fee is received, additional details may be requested including but not limited to home environment, previous education, and details about the child in order for the teaching staff to assess a mutual fit.
The teaching staff and community meets the prospective student for two days onsite. This time allows for assessing of mutual fit in the learning environment.
If a mutual fit is determined, an acceptance offer letter will be extended.
If it’s a mutual fit, we’ll extend an offer and guide you through enrollment and deposit. Upon receipt of the acceptance offer letter, families have 30 days to register. A $500 non-refundable deposit will be due at registration (the deposit is applied to annual tuition). Tuition information is available here.

What We’re Looking For

Headwaters works best for families who:

Value both structure and warmth
Believe children grow through responsibility
Appreciate land-based and experiential learning
Want to partner closely with their school
Value alternative education models

We are small by design. That allows us to know each student well, and to move thoughtfully through admissions.

Get Started

Our 2026–2027 Location

Headwaters Academy is preparing to return to a farm-based campus for the 2026–2027 school year. We are working closely with the Strom family in Kane County and anticipate beginning the year at Strom Farm once final county coordination is complete.

Strom Farm is located at:
7N411 IL-47
Maple Park, IL 60151

While no zoning permit is required for our intended use, we are ensuring full alignment with county leadership as part of our commitment to responsible growth.

Exact site logistics and arrival details will be shared once final coordination is complete.

Timeline and Transparency

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

After a classroom visit, families typically receive a decision within one month, unless waitlisted for capacity restraints.

Enrollment is confirmed once paperwork and deposit are complete.

We’re always happy to talk through timing if you’re navigating transitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead inquire or apply.

Inquire

When space allows, yes. Limited space is currently available in both elementary and middle school.
The fee supports the admissions process and is non-refundable.
We are building an endowment for financial assistance and will update this page when an application is available.
We’re happy to schedule a conversation before you apply.
Headwaters Academy is preparing to return to a farm-based campus for the 2026–2027 school year. We are working closely with the Strom family in Kane County and anticipate beginning the year at Strom Farm once final county coordination is complete.
Strom Farm is located at:
7N411 IL-47
Maple Park, IL (on Route 47, just north of Lily Lake)
While no zoning permit is required for our intended educational use of the land, we are ensuring full alignment with county leadership as part of our commitment to responsible growth and transparency.
The farm will provide expanded access to outdoor learning, land-based studies, and a more consolidated daily rhythm. Exact site logistics and arrival details will be shared once final coordination is complete.