ACADEMIC OVERVIEW

Academic Philosophy

Middle school students are in the most sensitive years of their lives for academic and physiological growth. A major Headwaters Academy objective is to help students develop a positive self image based on actual achievement and recognition. The combination of a challenging curriculum, highly competent teachers and a supportive environment is unbeatable.

Small Classes

With small academic classes, everyone is in the "front row." Small classes permit focused, participatory, and individualized learning. Every student participates in classroom discussions and projects. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking skills and on student involvement in small-group discussions and presentations.

Block Scheduling

Academic classes meet for three hours and thirty-eight minutes each week: two eighty-five-minute "block" periods on Mon/Wed or Tues/Thur, and one forty-eight minute period on Friday. Block scheduling permits students to participate in class field trips, tours, projects and lab work, in addition to in-depth classroom discussions. Montana State University, the Museum of the Rockies, and Sourdough Creek are among several popular field trip destinations.

See Classes for current weekly academic schedules.

Student Achievements

HWA students score an average of 87% on standardized tests. More importantly, HWA graduates are self-confident leaders and learners who have a proven record of success in high school and college: successful academically, successful in extracurricular activities, and successful as student leaders. As a result of their realistically-based self-esteem, HWA graduates tend to be little influenced by negative peer pressure in later years. HWA graduates compose about 2% of the incoming class at Bozeman High School, but they have consistently comprised 15-20% of BHS's National Merit Semi-Finalists and Finalists in their junior and senior years. HWA students at nationally-recognized boarding schools (including Andover, St. Paul's, Deerfield and Thacher) have a great track record. HWA students thave continued their education at variety of top colleges and universities, including Stanford, Princeton, Brown, Middlebury, Vanderbilt, Vassar, UC-Pomona, Reed, and Occidental.

 

Headwaters Academy is the best investment you can make in your child!