Re-Enrollment

What’s Staying the Same 

At its core, Headwaters remains an intentionally small, relationship-centered learning community. Our commitment to experiential learning, time outdoors, mixed-age collaboration, and strong family partnership continues to guide our work.

On the instructional side, Mr. Kazmo will continue leading K–4, and Mrs. Laura will continue leading grades 5–8, allowing us to deepen our curriculum pilot with another full year of implementation with these grade bands. Both teachers will have increased support, enabling more responsiveness and depth in teaching and learning.

What’s Evolving for 2026–2027

We continue to move forward with Strom Farm and anticipate entering a lease this winter. The Strom family is working closely with Kane County to ensure shared clarity around the intended educational use of the land, even though a zoning permit is not required.

As we adapt our program to learning on and around the farm, we anticipate serving approximately 20–25 students in the 2026–2027 school year. The land at Strom Farm will offer expansive opportunities for outdoor, place-based learning, which will naturally enhance learning experiences, and we are actively assessing how the beloved features of off-site days will function for the school in a way that is sustainable for students, parents, and staff. Overall, we expect a more consolidated and consistent location schedule next year. Thank you again for your flexibility and patience this year.

To support our growth, we anticipate adding a full-time teaching assistant who can work across all age groups, bringing our on-site staffing to four adults. 

For next school year, we are considering high school enrollment on a case-by-case basis determined by staffing and space capacity. We anticipate offering a more defined high school program beginning in 2027.

School Leadership

Next year Headwaters will be led by either Kendra or by a newly hired Head of School, depending on timing and fit. Our long-term vision includes bringing on a Montessori-informed and/or nature-based school leader who can steward Headwaters into its next phase of growth when the structure, resources, and alignment are right. We are thoughtful and unhurried about this process, prioritizing cultural integrity, relational leadership, and deep alignment with our values.

Regardless of the outcome, Kendra will continue in a leadership role at Headwaters for the foreseeable future, ensuring continuity and ongoing stewardship of the school’s vision, culture, and operational systems.

Dana is transitioning to Board President, shepherding the nonprofit organization into its next phase of growth. She will also continue her hands-on academy work in programming and engagement, where she supports teachers, partnerships, student experience, and the relational life of the community.

Families can expect steady leadership, clear communication, and a values-aligned transition that keeps students, staff, and families at the center of every decision.