Our “true North” at Compass is to cultivate future-ready changemakers by offering a learning environment that centers deeper learning, whole-child supports, biliteracy, and inclusivity.
Deeper Learning
At Compass Academy, we cultivate the critical thinking and real-world skills students need to unlock their greatest potential and thrive in a changing world. This means that…
We provide challenging and hands-on learning experiences that engage students as critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and agents of their own learning.
Students are provided the opportunity to collaborate and develop vital communication skills.
Our learning environments are culturally relevant and grounded in real-world contexts that are reflective of our students and the local community.
Students can articulate not only what they’re learning, but also how it connects to their lives and future.
Students, teachers, and families take time to reflect on students’ academic growth, and students understand both where they are and where they want to be.
Our staff are lifelong learners who grow together, using data to design rigorous, standards-aligned instruction for all students.
Whole-Child
Our commitment at Compass extends beyond academics—we strive to support the full emotional and personal growth of each student. This means that…
Our school’s restorative approach places emphasis on getting to know our students deeply and building a strong school community.
Our students start their day in their Pack class. Through Pack, students develop core skills or “Compass Competencies” that contribute to students’ personal growth and future-readiness.
When a student makes a mistake, discipline practices center on reflection, learning, and accountability.
Compass staff are trauma-informed and design learning spaces that are safe, welcoming, and supportive.
Our skilled well-being team attends to the mental health needs of our student population, which includes facilitating coping skills that support students in handling the stressors of adolescence.
We cherish our students’ families as key partners in their students’ success.
Inclusivity
We celebrate the rich diversity of our school community and recognize the unique strengths that each student contributes to our school environment. This means that…
We place strong emphasis on student belonging and ensuring that students know they are seen, heard, and valued.
Our educational curriculum offers opportunities for exploration of diverse cultures and perspectives.
We seek out opportunities to honor the cultural backgrounds of our students and families such as events and celebrations.
In class, teachers provide structured differentiation to ensure that all students have the support they need to experience academic success.
Equity and access for all students is at the heart of everything we do.
Biliteracy
Our biliteracy program empowers Compass students to become confident readers, writers, and communicators in English and Spanish who are prepared to thrive in a multilingual world. This means that…
We develop students’ reading and writing skills in both languages by offering integrated linguistic opportunities across content areas
We embrace students at all levels of English and Spanish proficiency. Students who enter Compass with minimal or no Spanish proficiency find growth and success in our Spanish program. Likewise, students who enter Compass with minimal or no English proficiency benefit from our strong ELD program, ELA-S classes, and a rich, bilingual environment
We honor the science that proves biliteracy closes opportunity gaps. Studies show that biliteracy programs often lead to stronger outcomes for Multilingual Learners.
Our biliteracy model centers student strengths. Rather than viewing bilingualism as a barrier, biliteracy education is leveraged as an asset. Our biliterate students will have more doors and opportunities open to them in the future.
We award the “Pathway to Biliteracy” recognition to students who, upon graduating from Compass, demonstrate tremendous growth in their English & Spanish acquisition
