Our Academic Approach

Smiling student reads book in class

Compass offers a college-preparatory curriculum that encourages students to think critically, communicate effectively, solve authentic problems, and engage deeply with their learning.

Students are encouraged to ask questions, pursue curiosity, collaborate with peers, and develop the confidence to tackle increasingly complex challenges.

Our instructional approach is intentionally flexible because we know there is more than one path to deep learning. Students develop:

  • Critical thinking

  • Analytical writing

  • Scientific inquiry

  • Mathematical reasoning

  • Collaboration

  • Communication

  • Creativity

  • Independent learning

Compass teacher writes lessons on dry erase board

  • Elective courses at Compass offer engaging, structured, and challenging opportunities for students to become skilled while pursuing various interests.

    Clustered in three areas (the arts, physical education/health, and technology), our elective courses do not require any background knowledge or previous experience. Students’ preferences are regularly surveyed to determine elective offerings.

    Past offerings include Spanish, Film Studies, Photography, Psychology, Art, Drama, and Music.

  • At Compass, we recognize that students who learn differently often experience intense struggles with homework for a variety of reasons. Challenges in executive functioning (planning, initiating, organizing of time and materials, etc.) and academic skills have often contributed to difficulties with homework.

    By the time they reach high school, many students lack the motivation and confidence to complete homework consistently.

    Our philosophy is to provide a supportive, structured, and manageable homework load. We assign roughly half the homework that is typical in high schools, about one-and-a-half hours per night.

    Teachers also offer after-school office hours four days a week.

  • We are always seeking the sweet spot of learning. The place where students are challenged and stimulated but not frustrated and overwhelmed.

    Accommodations are variations in the way content is taught without changing the academic standards. We promote self-advocacy and a growing awareness of what strategies and accommodations work best for each student.

    For students in need of additional support, accommodations may include: extra time, space to work alone, readers, scribes, supports for time and assignments management, assistive technology, and checks for understanding.

  • Compass High School is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Academics overview

“Teachers will work with us instead of giving up on us.”
— Compass Student

Experiential Learning

We believe that students need to learn by doing, moving, interacting, and creating.

Exterior view of Mitchell Park Center building with greenery, sign, and a sidewalk during sunset.
Group of people standing on the steps in front of the San Mateo County History Museum, a large neoclassical building with tall columns and arched windows.

Twice-yearly Intersession

We dedicate two weeks per year to engage in more intensive, hands-on, community-based experiences. The overarching goals of Intersession are to encourage students to try new things, get out of their comfort zones, have team building experiences, and learn in the outdoors and local community.

Group of people standing on the steps of the San Mateo County History Museum with large columns and historical architecture in the background.

  • A historically focused trip on local war memorials and artifacts

  • A team building ropes course looking out on the beautiful Pacific Ocean

  • A whale watching trip in Monterey focused on local marine biology

  • Tours of Boston and Washington, D.C. to study U.S. History in the places it was made

  • Local day trips on various themes such as music, food, aviation, social justice, and more.