Head of School Welcome
Amanda Morin
Interim Head of School
Welcome to Compass High School!
Compass was founded on the simple but powerful belief that students thrive when they are seen, understood, and supported. As a school built for neurodivergent individuals, Compass has always recognized that learner variability is not something to be fixed; instead it is something to be respected and embraced.
It is an honor to be part of a community dedicated to helping young people build confidence in their strengths, develop essential life skills, and prepare for an increasingly complex world.
At Compass, we know that every student brings unique talents, perspectives, interests, and ways of learning. We also know that growth happens when students feel safe enough to take risks, supported enough to persevere through challenges, and empowered to advocate for themselves. Our responsibility is not to ask students to fit a predetermined mold, but to create an environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive as their authentic selves.
That philosophy shapes everything we do—from our academic program and advisory system to our approach to executive functioning, social-emotional development, and family partnership. We are committed to providing an individualized education that responds to each learner's strengths, needs, and goals while preparing them for success beyond high school.
We celebrate strengths while explicitly teaching strategies to manage learning challenges. We cultivate independence while providing support. And we encourage students to grow while honoring who they are today.
As both an educator and an advocate, I believe that belonging is not something students should have to earn. Every young adult deserves to learn in a community where they feel valued and understood. At Compass, we strive to create that experience every day.
High school is a time of tremendous growth and possibility. Whether students are exploring their passions, preparing for college, developing self-advocacy skills, or discovering new strengths, Compass is a place where they can do so surrounded by people who believe in their potential.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our school. I invite you to explore our website, connect with our community, and discover what makes Compass such a special place for students who learn differently.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Warmly,
Amanda Morin
Interim Head of School
About Amanda
Amanda Morin is a renowned neurodiversity advocate, PBS Difference Maker Honoree, award-winning author, and nationally recognized speaker whose work has profoundly impacted inclusive education. With more than 25 years of experience in education, Amanda is a California multi-subject credentialed teacher and certified behavioral specialist with deep expertise in learning and child development, special education, mental health, and school culture.
As an educational leader, she is committed to creating learning environments where all students feel valued, supported, and capable of success.
Amanda first joined Compass High School as the Director of Academic Services, overseeing academic programming, instructional and student support, professional learning, and schoolwide initiatives designed to foster belonging and learner success. Her leadership combines a systems-level perspective with hands-on classroom experience, allowing her to bridge strategic vision with practical implementation.
Prior to joining Compass High School, Amanda played an integral role in launching Understood.org in 2014 and later served as its Director of Thought Leadership and Expertise. Throughout her career, she has partnered with schools, nonprofits, and educational organizations to develop innovative approaches that support diverse learners and strengthen inclusive educational communities. She has also served as a subject matter expert for the Developing & Using Critical Comprehension (DUCC) Project through the Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (PERIL) at American University.
Amanda currently serves on several national advisory boards and expert panels, including Digital Promise’s Learner Variability Project, Matan’s Professional Advisory Board, and the American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media & Youth Mental Health Technical Expert Panel. She is trained in special education advocacy through the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) and holds a Universal Design for Learning credential from the UDL Implementation and Research Network.
Amanda is the author of six books, including Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted and Supported (2025), Adulting Made Easy, What Is Empathy? A Bullying Storybook for Kids, On-the-Go Fun for Kids, The Everything Kids’ Learning Activities Book, and The Everything Parent’s Guide to Special Education.