High School Program Overview

One of the unique features of the Compass Academic Program is the freedom with which students may approach traditional grade level work. Our program has a set of required courses that are recommended per the course of study in the California state curriculum—for primary, middle, and high school—pursuant to a High School diploma and for college preparation. But at Compass, we see schooling a little differently. Though it is the case that all students need to have explored the traditional core subject courses, we believe it is important for them to also begin exploring all sorts of interests. Thus, our middle and high school programs include “passion pathways” that allow students latitude to think about areas of study that might be associated with possible career pathways.

High School Course Requirements

English: 4 Credits

Mathematics: 4 Credits

Social Studies: 3 Credits

Science: 3 Credits

Physical Education: 1 Credit

Health & Wellness: 1 Credit

World Language: 1 Credit

Fine Arts: 1 Credit

Electives: 6 Credits

Core Curriculum Overview

Below is a brief overview of the core subjects for high school. To view a full course catalogue, please navigate to the High School Course Catalogue in the Academics menu.

English

Building upon the foundations established in middle school, the English Language Arts program strengthens students’ reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, vocabulary, and analytical skills. By engaging with content-rich and socially relevant curriculum, students practice close reading, citing textual evidence, and synthesizing ideas across texts. Data-driven instruction integrates vocabulary and grammar within writing lessons, and students grow through peer review and self-reflection. The program promotes digital literacy and engages students through authentic, real-world experiences.

Social Studies

The Compass School’s High School Social Studies program uses an inquiry-based approach to help students develop the critical-thinking skills necessary for navigating our ever-changing world. With courses in World History, US History, US Government, and Economics, this program utilizes an arc of inquiry, application, reflection, and communication. Document-based investigations require students to analyze historical documents and cite textual evidence in writing performance tasks. Through collaborative discussions, students will graduate the program well-equipped to engage with the global community as socially-conscious and responsible individuals.

Math

Students are challenged with adaptive learning and rigorous instruction through the High School mathematics program. With courses in Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2, the program supports students in becoming problem-solvers equipped to apply mathematical principles and concepts to real-world situations. The program encourages students to engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate as they move through each new math procedure, providing them with the skills necessary to succeed in college, their careers, and beyond.

Science

The Compass School’s High School Science program integrates engineering throughout four year-long courses on Biology, Earth and Space Science, Chemistry, and Physics. Student learning of scientific inquiry and application is scaffolded through an emphasis on claims, evidence, and reasoning, as well as phenomena and discrepant events. Students are not only prepared for success on state assessments, but are taught to be analytical, critical thinkers ever curious about the world around them.

High School Sample Schedule

Our Compass Academic Program blends face-to-face instruction with structured independent work. Students have 50 minutes of live instruction in each of their core subjects three times per week and each of their elective subjects twice a week. Each class meets in a 1-on-1 teacher/student format so every course is customized around each student's learning needs. High school students are expected to complete assignments and homework independently in addition to their live instruction, and have constant access to their teachers via the school’s messaging system and during weekly office hours.

High School: Grades 9-12

Format: 1-on-1