Nature and place-based learning in Northern Illinois
A peaceful 5-acre farm with pastures and outbuildings provides endless opportunities for Montessori-inspired learning.
Curriculum Pillars of Intent
Montessori Principles
Mixed-age classrooms essential for peer teaching, role modeling, and leadership experience
Prepared environment: the Montessori classroom is a carefully prepared learning space with a distinct sense of order
Freedom of movement and choice
Intrinsic motivation: learning is its own reward
Respect for the child, honoring each child's gifts and readiness to learn, individualized learning
Self-directed learning to foster independence
Educating the whole child
Educators support the child’s intrinsic motivation and curiosity, and foster their love of learning
Project-based learning: working together to solve real world problems and create solutions as a team
Nature and Place
Education rooted in a 5-acre farm with limitless opportunities to learn
Extended daily time in nature, which is important to children’s intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, and physical development
Nature-based education, specifically sustainability, can help children understand the interdependence between humans and their environment
Environment stewardship instills a sense of responsibility and helps children understand their role in preserving the planet
Place-based immersion weeks allow students to dive deeply into different fields; the potential list of topics is endless (a few examples: farming, animal care, handicrafts, health occupations, financial literacy, and languages)
Academic Rigor
Adherence to Illinois Learning Standards
Teachers challenge students to work at the uppermost levels of Bloom's taxonomy including creating, evaluating, analyzing and application
Focus on critical thinking and creative problem solving
Students are provided timely feedback and positive reinforcement, creating a safe learning environment for taking risks
Differentiation: teachers find ways to challenge each child based on their learning styles and strengths
Self-assessment: students identify areas of strength, discover how to reach learning goals, and take ownership of their own learning
Questions in class lead to deeper curiosity, encouraging students to connect their learning to the world around them
Curriculum Development Timeline and Context
Headwaters Academy will feature a nature and place-based Montessori-inspired curriculum appropriate for K-8 learners.
This page details what we know as we begin our launch. Curriculum is a living organism! This information will be updated frequently as the development process continues. Here’s the development timeline:
Pillars of intent identified by founding community
Teaching staff contributes expertise to further specify development (current phase, in progress)
Purchase of teaching materials
Implementation begins with September 2025 launch
Impact is measured during foundational academic year
Curriculum evolves in response to measured impact
Curriculum extends into high school as our learners age
