About Us
Headwaters Academy is a community of parents and educators forging an alternative, independent learning path for children in Northern Illinois on a 5-acre farm. We prioritize time in nature in all seasons. We value practical skills alongside academic pursuits. We are building an educational home where students can develop individual curiosities and gifts alongside students of all ages.
Headwaters Academy will feature a Montessori-inspired curriculum based in nature and place. We open our doors August 2025 with Kindergarten through Grade 8 learners, and will extend the academic offering incrementally through Grade 12 as our learners age. If you are looking for a longterm educational home with a crew of big-hearted, nature-loving kids and families, please reach out to see if we are a fit for you.
Our mission is to prepare learners for a lifetime of discovery.
“To stimulate life, leaving it free, however, to unfold itself, that is the first duty of the educator.”
— Maria Montessori
