Headwaters Academy
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Headwaters is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to providing community-centered, interdisciplinary, and experiential learning opportunities for elementary and middle school students. The organization operates a microschool program that integrates project-based learning, environmental education, and standards-aligned instruction. Through hands-on activities such as garden-based learning and community food production, students develop academic, social, and civic skills. Headwaters serves students and families seeking meaningful, real-world education while contributing to the broader community through service and partnerships focused on sustainability and food access.
- Income
- $134,080
- Spending
- $100,528
- Reserves
- 4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 75%
- Highest pay
- $30,000, head of school
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending January 31, 2026, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending January 31, 2026, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending January 31, 2026, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $80,000 spent. Microschool Education Program: Headwaters operates a multi-age microschool serving approximately 15 elementary and middle school students. The program provides interdisciplinary, project-based instruction aligned with academic standards, integrating literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students engage in hands-on, experiential learning designed to build critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
- $10,000 spent. Environmental and Garden-Based Learning: Students participate in hands-on environmental education through the cultivation of nine garden beds. Activities include planting, harvesting, and studying plant biology and ecosystems. This program integrates science education with real-world application and supports sustainability learning.
- $11,000 spent. Community Food Systems and Service Projects: Headwaters engages students in service-learning through food production and donation. Students have grown and donated produce to local food pantries, contributing to community food access efforts. This program builds civic responsibility and connects students to local community needs.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending January 31, 2026, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending January 2026.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.