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Average

#440 of 884 private schools in TX

Top 50% of private schools

Headwaters School

School

807 RIO GRANDE ST, Austin, TX 78701

Private Estimated Score

Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on TX statewide data. Learn more

Enrollment

411

Student-Teacher

8.8:1

Score

6.4

Grades

Pre-K – 12th

Updated 2021-22

How this school compares

In Austin

#32 of 57

public schools

Texas schools

#165 of 348

About Headwaters School

Headwaters School serves 411 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade as a regular public school in Austin, Texas. Located at 807 Rio Grande Street, this institution stands out with an impressive 8.5 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranks #273 out of 884 schools statewide, placing it in the 69th percentile among Texas schools. The school maintains an exceptionally low student-teacher ratio of 8.8 to 1 with 47 full-time equivalent teachers, creating an environment where students can receive more individualized attention and support.

This intimate learning setting allows for stronger relationships between educators and students across all grade levels, from early childhood through high school. As a comprehensive PK-12 institution, Headwaters School offers families the continuity of keeping their children in one educational community throughout their entire academic journey. The school's strong performance ranking suggests effective educational practices and student achievement, making it a notable choice among Austin's public school options.

Headwaters School is situated in the heart of Austin, providing students with access to the rich cultural and educational opportunities that come with being part of Texas's vibrant capital city.

What Parents Should Know

With a student-teacher ratio of 8.8:1, Headwaters School offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.

As a private school, Headwaters School operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.

Financial Overview

Source: IRS Form 990 (2023 filing)

Per-Pupil Spending
Total expenses ÷ enrollment
$30,805
Per-Pupil Revenue
Total revenue ÷ enrollment
$31,388
Financial Health
Revenue-to-expense ratio (>1.0 = surplus)
1.02x — Stable
Tuition Dependency
Share of revenue from program services (tuition, fees)
81%
Total Assets
End-of-year total assets from IRS filing
$20.6M

Financial data from IRS Form 990 filings via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Per-pupil figures based on current enrollment of 411 students. Not all private schools file Form 990.

Compare to Public Schools

Beta

How Headwaters School compares to 255 public schools serving similar grades in Austin, TX

Student-Teacher Ratio
8.8:1
This School
vs
14.2:1
Public Avg
Avg School Size
411
This School
vs
605
Public Avg
Avg School Scout Rating
6.4
This School
vs
5.7
Public Avg

Student Demographics

White 72.5% vs 0%
Hispanic 11.7% vs 0%
Asian 4.4% vs 0%
Black 2.2% vs 0%
Headwaters School Austin Public Avg

Nearby Other Schools

School Rating
Headwaters School (this school) 6.4
AUSTIN ST HOSPITAL
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN H S 5.5
MATHEWS EL 7.6
AUSTIN H S 8.0
TEXAS SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF 3.6
SANCHEZ EL 3.2
KEALING MIDDLE 7.2
BLACKSHEAR EL 5.9
GARZA INDEPENDENCE H S 5.9
BECKER EL 5.9
DAEP- EL
MARTIN MIDDLE 5.0
AUSTIN ISD PREK PARTNERSHIP (PKP) 5.0
O HENRY MIDDLE 5.6
LEE EL 7.2
ZAVALA EL 3.9
LIVELY MIDDLE 4.8
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS EL CHARTER SCHOOL 6.9
ZILKER EL 7.0
TRAVIS HTS EL 6.5

Showing 20 of 255 schools. View all schools in Austin

Demographics sourced from NCES Private School Survey (PSS) and Common Core of Data (CCD). Comparisons are based on enrollment-weighted averages.

Score Breakdown

What This Rating Measures

This rating reflects classroom size, instructional time, student diversity, community resources, and school characteristics. Private schools are ranked against other private schools in TX.

Classroom Attention
? Student-teacher ratio calibrated against other private schools. Lower ratios mean more individual attention. (30% of overall score)
B 6.4 / 10
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio 8.8:1
Instructional Commitment
? Total annual instructional hours based on school day length and days per year. (15% of overall score)
C+ 4.1 / 10
View breakdown
School Day Length 7 hours
Annual Instructional Hours 1,204
Diversity & Inclusion
? Racial and ethnic diversity of the student body using Simpson's diversity index. (20% of overall score)
B+ 6.5 / 10
View breakdown
Diversity Index 45%
Community Context

Data Unavailable

School Profile
? Enrollment size and grade span breadth — indicators of program depth and peer community. (15% of overall score)
A- 8.4 / 10
View breakdown
Enrollment 411
View data sources

Score basis: Private school model

Data coverage: 80% of scoring components had data

Components scored: 4 of 5

Ranking pool: Private schools in TX

Test Scores

Test score data not yet available for this school.

Student Demographics NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)

White 72.5%
Hispanic 11.7%
Two or More 9.2%
Asian 4.4%
Black 2.2%

Source: NCES Private School Survey (PSS)

Location

807 RIO GRANDE ST, Austin, TX 78701

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Headwaters School may also want to explore other schools in the area. KIRBY HALL SCHOOL (rated 7.4/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is HEADWATERS SCHOOL (rated 6.4/10), with a very similar rating. Additionally, TEXAS SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF (rated 3.6/10, 1.2 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Austin, see our Austin schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.7 mi
School Distance Rating
HEADWATERS SCHOOL Austin 0.0 mi 6.4
THE AUSTIN SCHOOL FOR PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS Austin 0.3 mi
AUSTIN ST HOSPITAL Austin 0.5 mi
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN H S Austin 0.6 mi 5.5
CATHEDRAL SCHOOL OF ST MARY Austin 0.5 mi 5.7
MATHEWS EL Austin 0.9 mi 7.6
LONG-VIEW MICRO SCHOOL Austin 1.1 mi 6.5
TEXAS SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF Austin 1.2 mi 3.6
AUSTIN H S Austin 1.1 mi 8.0
SANCHEZ EL Austin 1.3 mi 3.2
ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL AUSTIN Austin 1.4 mi
KIRBY HALL SCHOOL Austin 1.6 mi 7.4
CASA MONTESSORI CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Austin 1.4 mi
WATERLOO SCHOOL Austin 1.7 mi 5.4
BECKER EL Austin 1.7 mi 5.9
DAEP- EL Austin 1.7 mi
BLACKSHEAR EL Austin 1.6 mi 5.9
KEALING MIDDLE Austin 1.6 mi 7.2
MARTIN MIDDLE Austin 1.8 mi 5.0
GARZA INDEPENDENCE H S Austin 1.7 mi 5.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 78701 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$154,867

Median Home Value

$653,600

Median Rent

$2,732/mo

Population

11,114

College Educated

81.4%

Homeownership

49%

Avg Commute

22.7 min

Poverty Rate

13.3%

Median Age

41.5

Community Profile

The community surrounding Headwaters School has a median household income of $154,867. It is a well-educated community where 81% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $653,600, with a median rent of $2,732/month. The area has a poverty rate of 13.3%. The average commute for residents is 23 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
AMARILLO COLLEGIATE ACADEMY Lewisville, TX 6.4
COLLIN COUNTY CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Mckinney, TX 6.4
GOLDEN RULE DESOTO Dallas, TX 6.4
HEADWATERS SCHOOL Austin, TX 6.4
LAKE COUNTRY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Fort Worth, TX 6.4
ROBERT LEE SCHOOL Robert Lee, TX 6.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Headwaters School

What grades does Headwaters School serve?

Headwaters School serves students in grades Pre-K through 12th.

How many students attend Headwaters School?

Headwaters School has an enrollment of approximately 411 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Headwaters School?

The student-teacher ratio at Headwaters School is 8.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 11:1 for private schools.

How does Headwaters School rank in TX?

Headwaters School is ranked #440 out of 884 private schools in TX.

What is Headwaters School's MySchoolScout rating?

Headwaters School has a composite rating of 6.4 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

Is Headwaters School a private school?

Yes, Headwaters School is a private coeducational school with a Nonsectarian affiliation. Private schools are not required to participate in state standardized testing, so academic performance data may be limited compared to public schools.

Is Headwaters School a religious school?

No, Headwaters School is a nonsectarian (non-religious) private school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (3,724/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Austin). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)

Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Enrollment
411
Gender Split
64% M / 36% F
Student-Teacher Ratio
8.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
47
Type
private
Coed Status
coed
Affiliation
Nonsectarian
School Day
7 hours
Days Per Year
172 days
Setting
Large City
County
TRAVIS
Data Year
2022–2023

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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