Growing Together: A Recap of Parent Education Night 10/23
Dear Headwaters Families,
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Parent Education Night. To those who couldn’t attend, we missed you and want to share a few highlights from the evening. The night was a celebration of how far we’ve come in our first months as a school, and a glimpse into the strong roots we’re putting down together.
Headwaters Academy exists to prepare learners for a lifetime of discovery through hands-on, nature-based, and place-based experiences. Guided by Montessori principles, our children are developing curiosity, empathy, and resilience while learning in relationship with the land and one another. This mission is coming to life beautifully: in classrooms, gardens, and daily routines that build confidence and connection.
We spoke about how this first year is a bridge between the school we envisioned and the school we are actively building in real time. Every day, our teachers and students are shaping what this model looks and feels like, and your trust allows that process to unfold with depth and creativity.
We shared exciting news about the potential partnership with the Strom family in Maple Park — a breathtaking 1,100-acre farm that could become the long-term home for Headwaters. This property embodies everything we stand for: conservation, education, and community connection. Conversations are ongoing, and we’ll continue to keep families updated as this vision develops.
Teachers shared how Montessori, nature-based, and project-based learning come together at Headwaters. Students are learning through inquiry and experience — using the natural world as both classroom and teacher. Parents toured classrooms to see how learning flows through the day — from morning arrival and work cycles to outdoor exploration and classroom responsibilities. Our rhythms are designed to balance focus and freedom, movement and rest, structure and wonder.
We also shared that Headwaters is expanding its nonprofit wing: Headwaters Community Farm and Academy. This step allows us to pursue grants, partnerships, and community collaborations that strengthen our financial stability, keep tuition costs sustainable, and expand opportunities for students and families.
As these updates appear on our website and communications this fall, you’ll see language that reflects the broader mission behind the school.
Looking ahead, we’ll begin rolling out our enrollment campaign for next school year. This campaign will capture the spirit of what you saw at Parent Ed Night — the joy, the connection, the curiosity. It will help us grow intentionally while honoring the vision that began this journey. Changes in tone and terminology are intentional as we align our story with the clarity emerging from launch year.
As always, if you notice changes in our materials or language, please reach out — your questions and reflections are welcome.
The heart of the evening took place in the classrooms, where teachers guided parents through their learning environments — sharing the why and how behind daily practice. Families saw how Headwaters’ curriculum grows from authentic child-led inquiry, outdoor experiences, and a strong culture of belonging. Teachers discussed classroom flow, project work, and the routines that help students develop independence and community-mindedness.
If you weren’t able to attend, don’t worry — you’ll see more about our curriculum and culture during upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences (Nov. 6–7) and again during the enrollment rollout later this season, when we’ll share updated program descriptions and curriculum overviews.
This first year is a living experiment in trust, creativity, and collaboration — and your partnership is what makes it possible. Every smile, every story, every moment of discovery is proof that something good is taking root.
With gratitude,
Headwaters Founding Team