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Winter classes (Semester2/Quarter 3) are now posted! Registration opens November 19, 2024. An early registration discount is offered through December 13.Pre-K/K 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 9-12 Virtual Summer Private Lessons |
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Term | Start Date | Start Time | End Time | Day | Class Title | Grade Range | Open Spots | Price | Availability | Description | |||
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Year long | Sep 09 | 9:00 am | 9:55 am | Mon | Biology: Lecture (On-Level or Honors) **Online** | 10th-12th | Tia Murchie-Beyma | 2 |
$0.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
This is a place-holder for the Principles of Biology lecture. Students should register for the Principles of Biology Lab, which will automatically enroll them in both class sections. A physical meeting room will be designated for on-campus students who have classes immediately before or after this virtual session. Prerequisites: See class description |
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Year long | Sep 06 | 9:30 am | 10:55 am | Fri | Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences: Lab (On-Level or Honors) | 9th-12th | Sandy Preaux | 3 |
$1160.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
A tsunami threatens Sumatra. A cyclone strikes the Solomon Islands. High tides hit Hilton Head. Sub-zero temps settle over Sugar Land, Texas. Atmospheric and oceanic phenomena are in the news every single day! Are there any forces on earth more powerful or influential than atmospheric and oceanic sciences? These fields affect almost every aspect of human existence, and understanding them can answer questions from, 'Should I bring an umbrella today?' to 'How deadly will this year's drought be in Dakar?' and 'How will changes in the Gulf Stream affect the migration and mating of Minke Whales?' Atmospheric science is an interdisciplinary field that applies geology, astronomy, physics and chemistry to meteorology, climatology and environmental science. In this year-long laboratory science course, students will explore the fields of Atmospheric Science first semester and Oceanic Science second semester. Atmospheric Science is the study of the physical and chemical aspects of the atmosphere which can encompass a wide variety of topics such as weather forecasting, climate change, air quality, etc. Key themes in the study of Atmospheric Science include the gas laws (temperature, pressure, volume) and air movement (buoyancy, angular momentum). Students will learn about the spectra of sunlight, reflection and refraction, and evaluate how surfaces respond to sunlight. The class will also learn about the tools of atmospheric science, such as weather instruments, rain gage, anemometer, thermometer, and barometer, and how to read weather maps and forecast hurricane paths. Oceanography is the study of the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the ocean. Key themes in oceanography include ocean-land interaction, atmosphere-ocean interactions (such as El Nino and La Nina cycles), wave motion, tidal cycles, currents, and thermohaline circulation. The class will consider water chemistry and the oceanic carbon cycle. Finally, students will learn how we measure and map the ocean and use earth system computer models. Weekly discussions will be paired with labs. Some lab assignments will take multiple weeks, and some will use computers and a spreadsheet to analyze publicly available data. Note: This class has a Tuesday, in-person lecture section from 10:00 am - 10:55 am in addition to the Friday lab section from 9:30 am - 10:55 am. Workload: Students should expect to spend 3-4 hours per week outside of class. ,p>Assignments: All assignments will be posted on password-protected Canvas classroom management site. There, students access assignments, upload homework, take automated quizzes and tests, track grades, and message instructor and classmates. Assessments: Completed assignments will be assessed points. Parents can calculate a letter grade using the student's points earned divided by points available, in weighted categories that include assignments, labs, quizzes, tests, projects, and presentations. Parents may view all scoring and comments at any time through the Canvas site. Textbook/Materials: Students should download or purchase Practical Meteorology: An Algebra-based Survey of Atmospheric Science (2018) by Roland Stull (ISBN 978-0888652836). The textbook can be downloaded for free online or purchased for $54.00 online. The textbook for oceanic sciences section will be identified before the start of Semester 2. https://www.eoas.ubc.ca/books/Practical_Meteorology/ https://www.eoas.ubc.ca/books/Practical_Meteorology/world/print.html Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $100.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. What to Bring: Students will need to bring laptop computers to some class sessions for modeling and data analysis labs. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in laboratory science for purposes of a high school transcript Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 06 | 9:30 am | 10:55 am | Fri | Biology: Lab (On-Level or Honors) | 10th-12th | Tia Murchie-Beyma | 2 |
$1190.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
This class will be taught in a Hybrid format with an online lecture on Mondays (10:00 am - 10:55 am) over a live, online platform and in-person lab and activities on Fridays (9:30 am - 10:55 am). Registration for the Lab section will automatically enroll the student in the Lecture section. This full-year lab science course introduces classic biology topics updated for the 21st century. Biology studies living things and their relationships from microscopic to massive, ancient to modern, arctic to tropic. Our survey includes: (1) cellular and molecular biology, (2) ecology, (3) genetics, (4) biology of organisms (with selected human health and anatomy topics), and (5) evolution and diversity. You will observe microscopic organisms and give monarch butterflies a health exam before tagging them for their 2,800 mile migration to Mexico. You will extract DNA, model its processes, and learn how scientists manipulate this magnificent molecule to make mice glow. You will observe animal behavior, test your heart rate, and practice identifying and debunking pseudo-science. By the end of the course, students will be able to explain the nature of science as a system of knowing; cite evidence for foundational theories of modern biology; explain basic biological processes and functions; describe structures and relationships in living systems; outline systems of information, energy, and resources; demonstrate valid experimental design; discern ethical standards; relate their values and scientific ideas to decision-making; and apply biology knowledge to their own health. Students are responsible for pre-reading and reviewing new material such as readings from the textbook and additional popular and scholarly sources, videos, and animations PRIOR to class meetings. In-person sessions focus on active discussion, clarification, exploration of content, review, modeling, and hands-on activities. Labs address not only technical skills and sequential operations, but also forming testable predictions, collecting data, applying math, drawing conclusions, and presenting findings. Hands-on dissection, always optional, is taught with preserved crayfish and fetal pigs. Sensitive issues: human reproduction is not taught separately, but mentioned as students learn about other, related topics such as sperm, eggs, stem cells, genetic disease, hormones, fetal development, breast-feeding, adolescence, and HIV. While there may be some debate-style discussion of topics such as GMO, abortion will not be debated. Birth control and sex education are not covered, but distinctions between gender and biological sex are discussed in detail in the genetics unit. Evolution is embedded in every topic, from molecular to ecological, inseparably from other content. It is addressed in a scientific context, not from a faith standpoint. Levels: The course provides a substantive, full-credit experience on either an Honors or On-Level track. All class members share core material and participate in the same labs. Honors has longer or additional readings, more analytical work, and more thorough and difficult assessments. Brief, required summer assignments are due in August for those who elect to take Honors. Students register online for the same course, but must indicate which level they wish to study via e-mail by August 15. Students may move down a level (from Honors to On-Level) at any time. Prerequisites: Students should be very strong, independent readers and able to understand graphs, tables, percentages, decimals, ratios, and averages. Workload: All students should expect to spend 4-6 hours outside of class reading and preparing homework. Homework includes term cards, brief written responses, weekly online quizzes, unit tests, occasional lab reports, and some creative assignments including sketching. Students will sometimes prepare short, in-class presentations, participate in group projects, run simulations, or conduct simple experiments at home. Assignments: All assignments will be posted on password-protected Canvas classroom management site. There, students access assignments; upload homework, take automated quizzes and tests; track grades; message instructor and classmates; and attend virtual conferences. Assessments: Completed homework, projects, quizzes, and tests receive points and narrative feedback. Parents can calculate a letter grade using the student's points earned divided by points available, in weighted categories that include assignments, reading quizzes, tests, and participation and presentations. Parents may view all scoring and comments at any time through the Canvas site. Textbook/Materials: Students must purchase or rent the textbook Biology Now: Third High School Edition (2022) published by WW Norton. A 360-day digital license directly from the publisher costs $53.00 HERE (ISBN: 978-0-393-54247-9) or $130 when bundled with a hardcover text (ISBN 978-0-393-54010-9). Used books may be available from 2022-23 students. Core textbook readings are supplemented by the instructor with updated information drawn from sources such as peer-reviewed science journals, popular science publications, and podcasts. Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $130 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Supplies/Equipment: Students will need access to a computer/internet, compound microscope with 400X magnification and cool lighting, splash goggles, water-resistant/acid-resistant lab apron, kitchen or postal scale, 3-ring binder, approximately 400- 3"x5" index cards; and plain, lined, and graph paper. Some of these supplies are used at home. Weekly "Read Me First" web pages and class announcements on Canvas tell students what items to bring to class. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Lab Science for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: See class description |
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Year long | Sep 06 | 9:30 am | 10:55 am | Fri | Chemistry: Lab (On-Level or Honors) | 10th-12th | Karen Shumway | 1 |
$1199.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
This class has an in-person lecture on Tuesdays (10:00 am - 10:55 am) and in-person lab and activities on Fridays (9:30 am - 10:55 am). Students must take lecture and lab together. Registration for the Lab section will automatically enroll the student in the Lecture section. Through the study of chemistry, high school students will learn the science behind things they observe every day! Chemistry explains properties of the food we eat, the beverages we drink, the medicines we take, the fibers we wear, and fuels in the cars we drive. Chemistry is a foundation to understanding the world around us and fundamental to other sciences such as biology, physics, geology, and environmental science. This full-year laboratory course makes chemistry come alive through at-home readings, practice problems, supplementary activities, and in-person hands-on labs to demonstrate key concepts. Course themes include matter, changes in state, scientific measurement, atomic structure, electrons in atoms, and characteristics of the periodic table. Students will then study ionic, metallic, and covalent bonding, chemical names and formulas, and chemical reactions. Further chemistry topics include the behavior of gases, water and aqueous solutions, acids, bases, and salts; oxidation-reduction reactions, solutions, and thermochemistry. Students will learn the skills necessary for successful study of chemical reactions and molecular phenomena, using common high school laboratory chemicals, glassware, and techniques. This is not a course done in microscale using pre-mixed solutions: students will learn to calculate molarity and use dimensional analysis to mix solutions, calculate yields, analyze errors, and construct graphs. Example labs include experiments in molar mass, hydrates, precipitates, filtration, density, distillation, reactants, single and double displacement, acid/base titration, polymers, heat of fusion, heat of vaporization, and stoichiometry. Class demonstrations will model other chemical concepts and processes, such as a radioactive cloud chamber. Prerequisites: High school Algebra I Levels: This course provides a substantive, full-credit experience on either an on-level or honors track. All class members complete the same core material and participate in the same labs. Students taking the course at the honors level are generally on a college prep or STEM track and have additional assignments and alternative scoring. Honors students' homework will be graded and recorded as part of the students' total earned points. On-level students' homework will be corrected and graded, but not factored into their total earned points. Students must identify their level prior to the start of class. At any point in the year, a student may transition from honors to on-level if the workload exceeds the students' expectations. In addition, at the parents' discretion, students may take this course as an "audit" in which they still read chapters, attend lectures, participate in labs, but do not do problem sets or laboratory reports. This approach provides an experiential and conceptual overview of chemistry, but should not be counted as a full year credit. Workload: All students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class on pre-reading and lab reports. Honors students can expect an additional 1-2 hours on weekly problem sets. Pre-reading and pre-lab work is required so in-person class time can be spent on highlights, class discussion, homework review, and labs. In addition, most weeks students should plan for additional meeting time and coordination with their lab partners in-person, by phone, shared documents, or via virtual meeting. Students will also be required to read one scientific, non-fiction book or current events article each quarter and prepare a 2-page summary and response book report. Assignments: All assignments will be posted on password-protected Canvas classroom management site. There, students access assignments, upload homework, take automated quizzes and tests, track grades, and message instructor and classmates. Parents can have an observer account in Canvas to review assignments and graded work. Students will have weekly readings and mandatory pre-lab assignments. The pre-lab assignment must be completed prior to lab and will serve as the student's "ticket" into the lab session each week. Assessments: Students will earn points for completed homework, unit tests, lab reports, book reports, and semester exams. Parents can calculate a letter grade using the student's points earned divided by points available. Parents may view all scoring and comments at any time through the Canvas site. Textbook/Materials: Students should purchase or rent Prentice Hall Chemistry by Wilbraham, Staley, et. al. 2008 edition (ISBN #978-0132512107). Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $125 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a composition notebook, graph paper, lab equipment and supplies, and safety supplies. What to Bring: Students should bring a paper or a notebook, pen or pencil, and a scientific calculator each week. What to Wear: Students should not wear any loose, drapey clothing to lab. They should also come to class with long hair tied back and should wear closed toe shoes. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Lab Science for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: Algebra I |
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Semester | Jan 13 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Mon | 3D Design & Printing Studio- High School (Spring) | 9th-12th | JR Bontrager | 5 |
$502.00 $451.80 by 12/13 |
Students will learn to think like inventors and designers when creating 3D! 3D design is used not only for modeling and fabricating objects but is also at the heart of many cutting-edge technologies such as AR and VR, video game design, interactive exhibits, and more. 3D printing is used in nearly all industries and design fields today from art to animation, manufacturing to medicine, and engineering to entertainment. In this class, students will first learn to use Tinkercard, a 3D modeling software that works in solid forms (like LEGO bricks). Then, students will transition to MeshMixer, a software that creates smooth, curved, organic shapes (like clay). They will learn to think about their design from all angles and how to subtract forms to create holes, voids, and concave features, and add forms to create projections, contours, appendages, and convex details. They will discover the limitations of 3D printing and how to handle overhanging elements or delicate details. Students will practice the artistic design process with simple sketches before diving into the software. They will be encouraged to use reference material, whether photos, a model, or even by modifying existing, public domain 3D files. Students will use an iterative printing process in which they print their project, check it for design intent, functionality, or fit, make modifications, and print again. The class will learn how to save and convert between 3D solid object files (.stl) and object files (.obj) and work with metadata fields to protect the intellectual property of their designs. To demonstrate the range and capability of 3D-printed designs, favorite student projects include D & D miniatures, cosplay props, Minecraft-designed creations, and beloved characters such as anime, baby Yoda, and Pokemon creatures. Second semester, continuing students will progress to more complex assemblies including multiple parts and parts with hinges. Second semester, some students may wish to work with alternative filaments such as TPU (rubber), metal, or magnetized filament. Because of the studio format, new students can enroll second semester. The class instructor is a design engineer with 3D Herndon and expert in 3D technologies and other areas of design and invention. A typical class will be structured with 5-10 minutes of lecture or demonstration of a new design skill, followed by 40 minutes of design "studio" time where students can receive trouble-shooting support and design tips from the instructor and have dedicated work time, and 5-10 minutes of sharing time at the end of class. As a studio class, students will work on individual projects at their own pace. Topics in this Series: As an open studio for individual projects, students may continue from one semester to the next or enroll mid-year. Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Prerequisites: None What to Bring:Students will need to bring a laptop to class for design work. Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1+ hours per week outside of class. Assignments: Project criteria will be explained in class to students. Assessments: Informal, qualitative feedback will be given in class throughout the semester as the student works. Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $25.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for 3D printing and filament. This provides the student with 800 g of printed product per semester. Students who are prolific designers and print often will be asked to pay an additional $5.00 per 100 g or fraction thereof. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Visual Arts, Technology, or Career Exploration for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 17 | 10:00 am | 11:55 am | Fri | 3D History: WWI- No Man's Land, 1914-1915 | 9th-12th | Taliesin Knol | 2 |
$457.00 $411.30 by 12/13 |
Why read about key military battles on maps or in books when you can learn about them hands-on, in three dimensions, using historical miniature gaming? In 3D History, pivotal engagements come alive for new and experienced students, as they navigate a table-top terrain, deploy hundreds of miniature soldiers, ships, and tanks... all while playing a military strategy game. Each student will have the opportunity to fight a battle from both sides, allowing them to test various strategies, try multiple scenarios, predict different outcomes, and rewrite history- an effective way to gain a deeper understanding of what actually happened and why! In 1914 the world was rocked by the Assassination of the Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand. His death, and a tangled web of secret and public alliances would be the spark that dragged the whole world into a Great War. The Entente, the triple Alliance of France, Russia, and Great Britain would face off against the Central Powers of Imperial Germany and Austria Hungary, across "No Man's Land" the nightmare zone between the famous trenches of WWI, with all the world's industrialized militaries focused on them. This semester, students will study the early years of WWI, and how it settled into the stalemate on the Western Front with its infamous trench warfare, as well as the vast Eastern Front. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Tue | Acting- Kids' Theater: Spy Spoof | 3rd-5th | Judith Harmon | 4 |
$179.00 $161.10 by 12/13 |
Kids take to the stage as they collaboratively write and perform their very own play with unique characters and an original storyline. What happens when sly sleuths and devious detectives team up to thwart threatening thieves? Students will begin with improvisational games to get to know each other and start to brainstorm about their original play. Through group activities and guided discussion, the student actors will decide on characters, conflict, and conclusion, and the story they want to tell. The script will be developed and customized for this class with input from the students. The class will learn the practical aspects of acting, as they work on script read-through, blocking, costume/prop design, and planning the show. Student actors will explore skills such as stage movement, character development, emotional expression, and observation/concentration while learning to portray their original character. Students will develop their own "actor's toolkit" of voice, body, and imagination in this creative process! Actors will grow in confidence and communication skills in preparation for a final sharing with parents on the last day of the Once the script is fully developed with everyone's parts, it will be emailed to parents. Parents will be expected to help their children memorize their script/lines/cues and assemble a simple make-at-home costume, ideally from clothing items and accessories you already own and a little creativity. Note: Students who are emerging readers (not able to read at a 3rd/4th grade level) would be better suited to the Young Actor's Playhouse class, rather than this level. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 17 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Fri | Action Dance: Swing & Step | 9th-12th | Jeff Virchow | 0 |
$310.00 $279.00 by 12/13 |
Social dancing does not have to be slow or stuffy! There is energy in the ballroom with Action Dance! Students will learn the beginning waltz, foxtrot, and swing dancing, which originated in Harlem and is known for its spirited stepping and spinning to jazz and big band music. The class will examine the evolution of East Coast swing and its offshoots along with some West Coast swing, Lindy Hop, the Charleston, and the DC native Hand Dance. They will also learn some 2-step and country swing. Emphasis in the class will be on having fun and learning techniques to help dancers be comfortable and relaxed. Social dances encourage confidence, social presence, posture, and poise in teens. Social dancing is partner-based dance; consider signing up with a friend! Please note that in order to demonstrate some steps and forms, students may occasionally be invited to partner with their instructor. This is a 15-week class that does not meet on March 21. Topics in this Series: Caribbean & Latin (Semester 1), Swing & Smooth (Semester 2), etc. Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Prerequisites: None Assessments: Informal feedback will be given in class. Formal assessments or grades will not be given. What to Wear: Students should wear loose, comfortable clothing. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in fine arts for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Tue | Aquatic Biology: Marshes and Estuaries | 5th-6th | Osk Huneycutt | 0 |
$193.00 $173.70 by 12/13 |
More than 70% of the Earth's surface is water! Understanding the planet's oceans and freshwater systems is critical to understanding life on our planet- from beginnings in the seas to the water cycle that supports ongoing life. The study of aquatic and marine biology provides a basis for understanding much of the chemistry, physics, biology, and meteorology on our planet. Budding marine biologists will travel inland to learn about freshwater systems like lakes and ponds, rivers and streams before returning to the coast to study marshes and estuaries followed by extreme marine environments. The focus will be on hands-on, dynamic learning, and students will engage in several demonstrations and experiments in each class. Third quarter, students will focus on the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of estuarine systems. The class will learn about salinity gradients, nutrient cycling, and biological communities in temperate estuaries and tropical mangrove swamps. Students will study the amazing adaptations that allow plants and animals in these habitats to tolerate rapid changes in temperature and salinity. The group will also discuss human impacts to estuarine habitats, including habitat loss, water diversion, and eutrophication. Topics in this Series: Lakes and Ponds (Quarter 1); Rivers and Streams (Quarter 2); Marshes and Estuaries (Quarter 3); and Extreme Marine (Quarter 4). Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $20.00 is due payable to the instructor on/before the first day of class. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Wed | Art in Action: Murals, Monuments, and Museums (WED) | 3rd-4th | Kerry Diederich | 1 |
$165.00 $148.50 by 12/13 |
Elementary artists can get in on the action as they learn about a different artist or artistic style each week and create a representative piece using a wide range of artistic supplies such as tempura and water color paints, pastels, pencils, cray pas, oil pastel crayons, specialty papers, sculpting media, and embellishments. Third quarter, students will look to Washington, DC at famous murals, monuments, and museums. Class projects will be multi-media creations influenced and inspired by the art and sculpture we view in the Capitol-area such as the Washington Monument, Natural Gallery of Art, National Cathedral, US Capitol and National Mall. Topics in this Series: Media of the Masters (Quarter 1); Animal Artists (Quarter 2); Murals, Monuments, and Museums (Quarter 3); Stellar Celestial Subjects (Quarter 4). Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $25.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Tue | Artist's Academy: French vs American Artists | 5th-6th | Kerry Diederich | 3 |
$165.00 $148.50 by 12/13 |
Tween artists can get in on the action as they learn about a different artist or artistic style each week and create a representative piece using a wide range of artistic supplies such as tempura and water color paints, pastels, pencils, cray pas, oil pastel crayons, specialty papers, sculpting media, and embellishments. Third quarter, tweens will study French and American Artists and consider what inspired them, how they selected their subjects, and ways the two cohorts painted similarly and differently. The class will look at some of the most famous paintings and create projects inspired by those works or artistic techniques. Students will use a variety of art materials, specialty papers, and canvases. Topics in this Series: Mysteries of Abstract Art (Quarter 1), Watercolor Explorations (Quarter 2), French vs American Artists (Quarter 3), Origin Art (Quarter 4). Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $25.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints. Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 03 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Tue | Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences: Lecture (On-Level or Honors) | 9th-12th | Sandy Preaux | 3 |
$0.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
This is a place-holder for the Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences lecture. Students should register for the Atmospheric & Oceanic Science Lab, which will automatically enroll them in both class sections. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 10:00 am | 10:50 am | Wed | Ballet Foundations: Swan Lake | 4th-8th | Alchemy Ballet | 7 |
$160.00 $144.00 by 12/13 |
Dancers will practice skills in musicality, balance, flexibility, and coordination as they learn to dance as a group. Each quarter, a different musical fairytale ballet will provide the inspiration and the music for the class. Dancers will become familiar with the story of the ballet and the orchestral music as they go through their own routine. Third quarter beginning dancers will learn the story of Swan Lake, a timeless ballet about the princess Odette based on German and Russian folk tales and composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1876. In class, they work to identify, apply, demonstrate, and integrate the following techniques from the Vaganova ballet method such as: 1st-6th positions, marching and skipping, demi plie, grand plie, saute, bourree, grand jete, and tendu, along with pas de chat, pas de bourree, arabesque, arabesque saute, and soutenu. Students will develop their physical conditioning by core leg and arm strength. A demonstration of skills learned will be showcased for parents on the last class each quarter. Ballet students are expected to wear appropriate attire. Young ladies must wear a leotard with skirt (attached or detached), pink tights, and soft pink ballet shoes in canvas or leather. Young men must wear a slim-fitting white t-shirt, black shorts, white socks, and soft black ballet shoes in canvas or leather. Topics in this series: The Little Humpbacked Horse (Quarter 1); The Nutcracker (Quarter 2); Swan Lake (Quarter 3); and Don Quixote (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Tue | Beginner Bots: Perfect Pets (TUE) | 2nd-4th | Becca Sticha | 2 |
$210.00 $189.00 by 12/13 |
Discover the world of robotics using kids' favorite, interlocking building bricks! Students will build and program 3-4 different whimsical, mechanized projects each quarter using the WeDo 2.0 robotics system by LEGO Education. Third quarter, students will build, program, and model perfect pets such as a Tom & Jerry (cat and mouse), a baby bird, a bunny, and a dog. Their robots will be built using special-shaped LEGO components from the WeDo Educational set, motors, motion sensors, tilt sensors and a programmable, Bluetooth control unit ("brain"). Student will use classroom tablets to program the control units using an intuitive drag-and-drop coding modules. Prior experience with LEGO or coding is not required. All equipment is furnished. Topics in this Series: Under the Sea (Quarter 1), Wings and Things (Quarter 2); Perfect Pets (Quarter 3), and Reptiles Robots (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Thu | Chemist Kids: Chemistry at Home | 5th-6th | Michele Forsythe | 5 |
$202.00 $181.80 by 12/13 |
Kids are naturally curious about chemistry! Chemistry explains the properties, behaviors, and interactions of materials around us: things we eat, drink, clean with, wear, drive, and even play with. Kids can use chemistry to understand how things taste, smell, mix, melt, combust, feel, and whether they are recyclable or rubbish, helpful or harmful, nutritious or not. Chemistry is key to understanding the world around us, including other areas of science. In this class, kids begin to use scientific words to describe their observations and will become familiar with some science apparatuses. Third quarter, kids will discover chemistry at home in products they use every day from glue sticks to glow sticks and soaps to shampoos. Find out what is in toothpaste and how it cleans your teeth. Test detergents to see what stains are removed and uncover the chemistry of how they work. Play with the properties of plastics, adhesives, and lubricants and try making your own. Students will examine the properties of paints, dyes and inks through chromatography. A lab fee of $20.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Chemistry in the Kitchen (Quarter 1), Chemistry in Action (Quarter 2), Chemistry at Home (Quarter 3), and Chemistry of Toys (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 03 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Tue | Chemistry: Lecture (On-Level or Honors) | 10th-12th | Karen Shumway | 0 |
$0.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
This is a place-holder for the Chemistry lecture. Students should register for the Chemistry Lab, which will automatically enroll them in both class sections. Prerequisites: Algebra I |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Wed | Chess: Beginners 3 (WED) | 2nd-5th | Karl Peterson | 6 |
$172.00 $154.80 by 12/13 |
Students will enjoy the logic and challenge of the timeless strategy board game as they learn and play chess with classmates. In Beginning Chess 3, students will learn fundamental skills such as: discovered checks and attacks, pins and double checks, counting, checkmate drills, keeping the king safe in the opening, tactics (forks, skewers, x-rays), opening principles. Learning and playing chess supports problem solving, decision making, critical and creative thinking, general cognitive ability, scholastic skills, and mathematical achievement (Univ. of Minnesota). Experts suggest that the game of chess teaches analytical and disciplined thinking skills, while raising self esteem, teaching motivation and determination, and sportsmanship (Kasparov Foundation). Each class will be spent half on technique and half in practice matches with classmates while the instructor coaches. A student can enroll in Beginning Chess 3 as his/her first class. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Thu | Compass Kids' Chorus: Classic Disney | 3rd-5th | Alina Kirshon-Goldman | 5 |
$242.00 $217.80 by 12/13 |
Everyone can learn to sing! If you want to learn to sing like Belle, Ariel, Elsa, Aladdin, or even the Beast, this class is for you! Selections from this semester come from Hal Leonard's "Disney Collected Kids' Solos" with select hits from Beauty & the Beast, Cinderella, Lion King, Alice in Wonderland, Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, and more. The quarter's repertoire will include at least one group choral number. Students will work on other music as solos, duets, or small group numbers. This introduction to vocal development and performance includes posture, breathing, intonation, and the principles of blending vocal harmonies. Basic musical notation will be introduced as well as melodic and harmonic intervals. No previous musical experience is required- just the joy of singing! Singers will be expected to memorize pieces and participate in a showcase for parents at the end of the quarter. There is a $25.00 fee for sheet music due payable to Compass on the first day of class.
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Semester | Jan 13 | 10:00 am | 12:55 pm | Mon | Compass Kindergarten: Language Arts (Sem 2) | K | Danielle Mercadal | 5 |
$714.00 $642.60 by 12/13 |
Can your child sit in a circle for story time? Line up for lunch? Take turns talking? This one-day, 3-hour (half-day) program is a "taste" of kindergarten for 5- year-olds. Start your child's week off right with "Mornings with Miss M" at Compass Kindergarten. Children will work in a small group with an experienced early elementary educator for this dynamic, play-based program that offers regular interaction and socialization. This fun, activity-based program will create rhythm and routine in a homeschooled kindergartner's week and give them a sense of community and a peer group. Children will practice routines and transitions as they move through the morning. Each session will include some simple structure such as a daily arrival song/greeting, circle time, story, snack time, activity, lunch, active game, and closing/goodbyes. Through games and activities, they will also practice key childhood social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and entering play with others. Academic basics such as the ABCs, days of the week, colors, shapes, and number sense will be integrated into activities involving fairy tales, nature and art. The teacher will provide ideas for parents to work on at home with their child during the week. Compass Kindergarten is offered in three weekly sessions: Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Registration is stand-alone for each day so parents can register for one, two, or all three. While each kindergarten class will give children the opportunities for learning and playing in a social environment along with classroom routines, each of the three days will focus on a particular area of study and discovery of how each is connected. On Mondays, the focus will be on Language Arts where students will be exposed to folktales, seasonal stories, and classic favorites while also practicing some foundational language arts skills. The stories read in class will be used as inspiration to connect aspects of literacy such as comprehension, comparing similar/different, recalling sequences, and predicting outcomes. The Alphabet Book will be used as as "spine" to spark discussions on capital and lower case letter forms, initial letter sounds, blends, vowel sounds, rhyming words, and other pre-phonics skills. The language arts-themed kindergarten session is intended to enhance and clarify literacy skills being introduced at home, but is not a comprehensive reading curriculum. Readiness Students must be age five (5) by the start of the program or have the teacher's approval for younger. To be successful in this program, entering kindergartners must be able to do the following preschool-level skills: (1) be able to separate from parents with little discomfort; (2) be able to sit and listen to a story or stay on a task for 10 minutes; (3) be able to follow simple, age-appropriate directions from the teacher or another adult; (4) be able to write and recognize his/her first name; (5) be able to hold and use crayons and scissors correctly; (6) be completely self sufficient in a public restroom (wiping, flushing, washing hands, etc.) Other Notes:
Prerequisites: See class decription for skills needed |
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Semester | Jan 15 | 10:00 am | 12:55 pm | Wed | Compass Kindergarten: Math Minds (Sem 2) | K | Danielle Mercadal | 3 |
$714.00 $642.60 by 12/13 |
Can your child sit in a circle for story time? Line up for lunch? Take turns talking? This one-day, 3-hour (half-day) program is a "taste" of kindergarten for 5- year-olds. Start your child's week off right with "Mornings with Miss M" at Compass Kindergarten. Children will work in a small group with an experienced early elementary educator for this dynamic, play-based program that offers regular interaction and socialization. This fun, activity-based program will create rhythm and routine in a homeschooled kindergartner's week and give them a sense of community and a peer group. Children will practice routines and transitions as they move through the morning. Each session will include some simple structure such as a daily arrival song/greeting, circle time, story, snack time, activity, lunch, active game, and closing/goodbyes. Through games and activities, they will also practice key childhood social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and entering play with others. Academic basics such as the ABCs, days of the week, colors, shapes, and number sense will be integrated into activities involving fairy tales, nature and art. The teacher will provide ideas for parents to work on at home with their child during the week. Compass Kindergarten is offered in three weekly sessions: Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Registration is stand-alone for each day so parents can register for one, two, or all three. While each kindergarten class will give children the opportunities for learning and playing in a social environment along with classroom routines, each of the three days will focus on a particular area of study and discovery of how each is connected. On Wednesdays, the focus will be on Math where students will be exposed to basic mathematical concepts such as adding, subtracting, skip counting, ordinal numbers, and time through stories and play. Readiness Students must be age five (5) by the start of the program or have the teacher's approval for younger. To be successful in this program, entering kindergartners must be able to do the following preschool-level skills: (1) be able to separate from parents with little discomfort; (2) be able to sit and listen to a story or stay on a task for 10 minutes; (3) be able to follow simple, age-appropriate directions from the teacher or another adult; (4) be able to write and recognize his/her first name; (5) be able to hold and use crayons and scissors correctly; (6) be completely self sufficient in a public restroom (wiping, flushing, washing hands, etc.) Other Notes:
Prerequisites: See class decription for skills needed |
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Semester | Jan 17 | 10:00 am | 12:55 pm | Fri | Compass Kindergarten: Science Sparks (Sem 2) | K | Danielle Mercadal | 4 |
$714.00 $642.60 by 12/13 |
Can your child sit in a circle for story time? Line up for lunch? Take turns talking? This one-day, 3-hour (half-day) program is a "taste" of kindergarten for 5- year-olds. Start your child's week off right with "Mornings with Miss M" at Compass Kindergarten. Children will work in a small group with an experienced early elementary educator for this dynamic, play-based program that offers regular interaction and socialization. This fun, activity-based program will create rhythm and routine in a homeschooled kindergartner's week and give them a sense of community and a peer group. Children will practice routines and transitions as they move through the morning. Each session will include some simple structure such as a daily arrival song/greeting, circle time, story, snack time, activity, lunch, active game, and closing/goodbyes. Through games and activities, they will also practice key childhood social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and entering play with others. Academic basics such as the ABCs, days of the week, colors, shapes, and number sense will be integrated into activities involving fairy tales, nature and art. The teacher will provide ideas for parents to work on at home with their child during the week. Compass Kindergarten is offered in three weekly sessions: Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Registration is stand-alone for each day so parents can register for one, two, or all three. While each kindergarten class will give children the opportunities for learning and playing in a social environment along with classroom routines, each of the three days will focus on a particular area of study and discovery of how each is connected. On Fridays, the focus will be on science and exploration of the natural world through stories, crafts, and observations both inside and outside the classroom. Themes include seasons, weather, local animals, and the five senses. Readiness Students must be age five (5) by the start of the program or have the teacher's approval for younger. To be successful in this program, entering kindergartners must be able to do the following preschool-level skills: (1) be able to separate from parents with little discomfort; (2) be able to sit and listen to a story or stay on a task for 10 minutes; (3) be able to follow simple, age-appropriate directions from the teacher or another adult; (4) be able to write and recognize his/her first name; (5) be able to hold and use crayons and scissors correctly; (6) be completely self sufficient in a public restroom (wiping, flushing, washing hands, etc.) Other Notes:
Prerequisites: See class decription for skills needed |
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Semester | Jan 13 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Mon | Concert Band: New Beginners | 5th-8th | Les Linn | 10 |
$438.00 $394.20 by 12/13 |
Enjoy the camaraderie and cooperation of making music with others in a school band! Join the first homeschool concert band in the region at Compass. This band is for new beginner musicians of brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Beginning woodwinds students will learn to play the flute or clarinet (5th-8th grade) or alto saxophone (7th-8th grade only). They will learn how to hold their instruments with proper posture and hand position and correct embouchure (mouth position and blowing technique) for the instrument. Students will receive instruction on the parts of their instruments and how to safely, correctly, and independently assemble and clean them. Students will learn the fundamentals of music reading, and the group will practice short songs in Concert B-flat and Concert E-flat major (and their relative minors). Students will practice audiation skills by singing, moving, and playing woodwind instruments and will play both cooperatively in small ensembles and independently. Beginning brass students will learn to play the trumpet, trombone, or euphonium (5th-8th grade) and French horn or tuba (7th-8th grade students only). They will learn how to hold their instruments with proper posture and hand position and correct embouchure (mouth position and blowing technique) for the instrument. Students will receive instruction on the parts of their instruments and how to safely, correctly, and independently assemble and clean them. Students will learn the fundamentals of music reading, and the group will practice short songs in Concert B-flat and Concert E-flat major (and their relative minors). Students will practice audiation skills by singing, moving, and playing woodwind instruments and will play both cooperatively in small ensembles and independently. Beginning percussion students will learn to play the snare drum and mallet instruments (such as glockenspiel and xylophone). They will learn proper stick and mallet grip, posture, and playing position for concert percussion instrumentals. Students will learn the fundamentals of music reading. The group will practice short songs in Concert B-flat and Concert E-flat major (and their relative minors) on mallet instruments and basic rudiments on snare drum. Students will practice audiation skills by singing, moving, and playing percussion instruments and will play both cooperatively in small ensembles and independently. Students will need to rent or purchase an instrument and accessories for the band. See the linked list by instrument. There is a $33.00 supply fee due payable to Compass on/before the start of class for the "Do It! Play (a Band Instrument)" book and workbook and the sheet music songs used for the group band performance.> Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Thu | Cooking for Little Kids: Winter Warm-Ups (THU, 10AM) | 1st-3rd | Mylene Nyman | 2 |
$219.00 $197.10 by 12/13 |
Students will enjoy making delicious recipes and family favorites that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Recipes are selected to be nutritious, fun, and simple to make. Each class will focus on a portion of a meal including appetizer, salad, soup, side dish, main dish, and dessert. The Compass chefs' culinary adventures will include:
Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Tue | Cooking for Little Kids: Winter Warm-Ups (TUE 10AM) | 1st-3rd | Mylene Nyman | 2 |
$219.00 $197.10 by 12/13 |
Students will enjoy making delicious recipes and family favorites that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Recipes are selected to be nutritious, fun, and simple to make. Each class will focus on a portion of a meal including appetizer, salad, soup, side dish, main dish, and dessert. The Compass chefs' culinary adventures will include:
Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Wed | Cover-to-Cover: Adventure (Middle School Book Group) | 7th-8th | Anne Taranto | 0 |
$178.00 $160.20 by 12/13 |
In Cover-to-Cover, middle school-aged students will read renowned classics and award-winning young adult literature. This book discussion group will examine a different theme each quarter to introduce students to literary analysis. Students will read, examine, and compare two full-length novels that share similar themes through facilitated discussions and extension activities which encourage students to make personal connections to what is read. The group will evaluate themes, characters, setting, and writing style. Second quarter, students will examine the genre of fantasy novel with The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy and The Call of the Wild by Jack London. Assigned chapters are expected to be read at home, either as read-aloud, individual silent reading, or listening to the unabridged audiobook. Students should come to class prepared to discuss the reading. Classroom discussions will emphasize the use of textual evidence when explaining thoughts and opinions. Students will be assigned creative, short assignments to enhance and demonstrate their understanding of each novel such as quote explications, thematic questions, or imagining a conversation between characters from different books. Topics in this Series: Fantasy (Quarter 1); Dystopian (Quarter 2); Adventure (Quarter 3); and Mystery & Detective (Quarter 4). Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and because they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased and bundled for students. (See Supply Fee below). Supply Fee: A class fee of $11.50 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class. What to Bring: Students should bring the current novel, paper, pen or pencil and highlighter to class each week. Some students may wish to bring paper clips, adhesive flags or post-it notes for marking pages. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 13 | 10:00 am | 11:55 am | Mon | Criminology: Cold Case Files | 9th-12th | Tayler Shreve | 1 |
$712.00 $640.80 by 12/13 |
Students will delve into the world of crime scene investigators (CSIs) as seen each week on Cold Justice, Unsolved Mysteries, and the Forensic Files television series! Students will be introduced to the mystery of unsolved cases. The class will identify the roadblocks and pitfalls that prevented cases from being solved and justice being served. They will critique where forensic science failed or could have been used more effectively to close a case. Second semester, students will walk through the timelines of cases in the criminal justice system, starting with the crimes, moving through the collections of evidence, forensic testing, taking the cases to trial, receiving the verdicts, and sentencing if found guilty. How does this process change when a case 'goes cold?' How long can evidence sit in storage? How long can a witness's memory last? How long can victims wait for justice? The class will evaluate pairs of similar cases: one that was solved and one that remains unsolved. The class will take cues from the solved case, brainstorm, and formulate recommendations or different approaches that could be applied to the unsolved case using information they have learned about forensic investigation. Students will complete in-class forensic labs related to the cases they are examining. This course is taught by a PhD candidate and professor of Criminology, Tayler Shreve. It is an introduction to criminology for teens who are interested in becoming practitioners or professionals in the vast criminal justice system or those who enjoy true crime books, blogs, or movies. Rating/Advisory: For sensitive students, please note that in the examination of actual crimes, violence such as assault and murder will be discussed. References may be made to illicit substances and weapons used in the commission of crimes. Course content will be filtered to be age-appropriate for high school students in the instructor's judgement. For example, real crime scene photos may be shown with evidentiary details, but not victims or body parts. Students may read autopsy reports, but they will not be shown autopsy photos, and cases of rape will be referred to as sexual assault with no intimate details. Topics in this Series: Fundamentals of Forensic Science (Semester 1) and Cold Case Files (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester will receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class. Assignments: There are assignments both in and out of the classroom. Students have the ability to submit assignments based on their learning style(s): written assignments, presentations, spoken recordings (podcast, TedTalk, etc.). Assessments: Students will receive feedback on all assignments. There are no exams in this course, however points will be assigned for completed assignments, participation, and attendance. Textbook/Materials: Articles and case studies will be posted by the instructor as downloadable pdfs. Lab/Supply Fee: A lab fee of $50.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in humanities or career exploration for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 13 | 10:00 am | 11:55 am | Mon | Culinary Foundations: Stuffed! (Filled Meats & Vegetables) | 9th-12th | Mylene Nyman | 4 |
$428.00 $385.20 by 12/13 |
Students with a curiosity for culinary careers will explore many aspects of cooking for the hospitality industry and for themselves. In this advanced cooking class, students will make delicious, advanced recipes and learn skills that are the foundation for a future career in culinary arts. This class will get students excited about new foods, flavors, and techniques as they gain a working knowledge of food planning and preparation. Each quarter, new technical, kitchen skills are introduced, and each week, a new recipe is made in class that demonstrates the featured food group or cooking style. First quarter covers chapter Chapter 8 in the Level 1 textbook and features recipes the following recipes:
Prerequisites: Prior Tween or Teen Cooking Class or Instructor Permission |
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Semester | Jan 13 | 10:00 am | 11:55 am | Mon | Design & Construction: Foundations to Finish | 9th-12th | Tom Shumaker | 6 |
$713.00 $641.70 by 12/13 |
From stunning stadiums and ostentatious offices to soaring skyscrapers and massive malls, public projects and humble homes, not a day goes by that you do not interact with the work of architects and builders! You may think of hardhats and shovels when you envision construction, but did you know that behind the scenes, there is a vast team of professionals who design, engineer, finance, manage, staff, schedule, estimate, insure, inspect, furnish, and build these structures in a thriving $1.1 trillion industry? Design and construction of buildings represents a dynamic, fast-paced field to consider a career in. Second semester, students will work in teams to plan and simulate the design and construction of a complete building. They will select the roles of owner, architect, and contractor to define a need, select a site, develop a project timeline, propose a budget, create a basic layout, and define all the materials and trades needed to construct the building. The class will meet guest speakers who will talk about their roles in design and construction, and the finished product will be a binder complete with the team's plan. This course is designed to inspire tomorrow's designers and builders and create an awareness and interest in the design and construction industry. Students will gain insights into the project management, collaboration, and problem-solving critical in these fields. This class will overview trends, innovations, and sustainability practices and will meet the team of stakeholders including owners, municipalities, architects, engineers, construction managers, trade contractors, and many others. Topics in this Series: Building Basics (Semester 1) and Foundations to Finish (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class on assignments. Assignments: All assignments will be posted on password-protected Canvas classroom management site. There, students access assignments, download articles, upload homework, track points earned, and message instructor and classmates. Assessments: Will not be given. Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $40.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. What to Bring: Notebook or paper, pen or pencil. Non-Meeting Days: This is a 10-week course that begins on September 30. There is no class meeting on 9/9/24, 9/16/24, or 9/23/24. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Career Exploration or an Elective for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Wed | Detective Drama: Pocketing the Prized Jewels | 4th-6th | Judith Harmon | 3 |
$179.00 $161.10 by 12/13 |
Calling crooked criminals who commit creepy crimes! Convening colorful characters who corroborate clues and constables who collaborate to crack the case! Connect with a kooky cast in Detective Drama. Using materials from a commercial mystery role playing game (RPG), students will be guided through the facts of a fictitious case. Student sleuths will be follow clue cards, eclectic evidence, and phony forensics to uncover a crime. Emphasis will be on critical thinking, problem solving skills, and improvisation through the portrayal of unique characters involved in the crime. Students will be encouraged to develop a strong, compelling character, an original costume, a backstory, and of course, an alibi. Third quarter, students shall delve into the century-old conundrum circling the theft of the crown jewels of Ireland. Crafty criminals clandestinely cribbed the treasure from beneath the watchful eyes of a gaggle of guards. Daring detectives must crack the codes, sidestep the snares, and solve the saga. In this workshop, students will experiment with acting and improvisation and working as a team. This class is best suited for students who are active listeners, are flexible and easily adapt, have a sense of humor, and enjoy working in a collaborative group. Students need to be able to stay in sync with the flow of the class. This is not an "anything goes" or free-for-all class. Because of the age of the students in this class, only capers such as burglaries or kidnappings will be portrayed instead of murders. Topics in this Series: Missing from the Museum (Quarter 1), The Computer Caper (Quarter 2), Pocketing the Prized Jewels (Quarter 3), and Brazen Bank Robbery (Quarter 4). There is a class supply fee of $20.00 due payable to the instructor on the first day for the class RPG materials, printing, props, and investigation folders. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 16 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Thu | Digital Studio: Coding Virtual Reality | 7th-8th | Ethan Hay | 4 |
$420.00 $378.00 by 12/13 |
Middle schoolers embrace technology and easily navigate digital sources like apps, webpages, and online video platforms. In Digital Studio, they will transform from users of these tools to the designer and coders of their own content. In this cutting edge class, students will learn the foundations of virtual reality (VR) design by creating their own virtual worlds, exploring simulated environments, and crafting memorable 3D experiences. VR projects can be viewed on a website or a mobile device. Students do not need a mobile device in class, but will need access to an Android or Apple mobile device to use the VR experience at home. Digital Studio is a computer lab environment in which students work through the Black Rocket curriculum under the direction of computer science coaches. The lab environment allows students to enroll at any quarter, fosters brand new coders, and encourages those with prior coding experience. In the "Intro" level of a course (i.e., Part 1), students will work through the fundamentals of a new digital skill. In the "Continuing" level (i.e., Part 2), students who continue from "Intro" will develop new skills and will design and code an individual project. New students who enroll in Part 2, "Intro/Advanced" will begin with the introductory lessons. In order to differentiate instruction between new and continuing students, coaches work with small pull-out groups, pairs, or individuals to provide additional support as needed. The class tuition includes a student technology fee that covers the use of instructor-provided classroom laptops loaded with the required software, applications, and licenses. At the end of the class, students will receive access to Black Rocket's interactive learning platform to continue their coding journey at home. Topics in this Series: Intro to Python Programming (Semester 1), and Coding Virtual Reality (Semester 2), Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 17 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Fri | English: Intro to Literary Genres with Writing- The Play | 9th-10th | Anne Taranto | 1 |
$242.00 $217.80 by 12/13 |
In this introductory high school English workshop, students will be introduced to the concepts of literary genres and analytical writing. Each quarter, the class will examine one select work or genre. Students will learn to recognize figurative language, tone, subtext and diction, identify symbolism and imagery, and develop an awareness of narrative perspective and of the social-historical contexts in which these works were created. Third quarter will feature The Play Romeo and Juliet Folger Edition by Shakespeare. Composition: Students will also learn the fundamental components of academic writing, including how to construct a thesis statement that makes an argument, how to support their ideas effectively with textual evidence, how to organize an argument logically, and how to cite sources in MLA format. Some class periods will be dedicated Writing Lab session in which students write in-class in order to get on-the-spot support and feedback from the teacher. Students should bring laptops to these class sessions. Topics in this Series: The Novel (Quarter 1), Poetry (Quarter 2), The Play (Quarter 3), and The Epic (Quarter 4). Students who continue from one quarter to the next will receive priority registration. Prerequisites: Students should be able to read at grade level, and it is recommended that students have had a middle school writing class. Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class. Assignments: All assignments will be posted in a Google Classroom management site. Students will need their own gmail accounts to access Google Classroom. Assessments: Students' written assignments will be graded using a rubric and assigned points that the homeschool parent can use when assigning an overall class grade. Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased and bundled for students. (See Supply Fee below). Supply Fee: A class fee of $8.50 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for the select novel. What to Bring: Students should bring the current novel, paper, pen or pencil and highlighter to class each week. Some students may wish to bring paper clips, adhesive flags or post-it notes for marking passages/pages. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a partial credit in English for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 15 | 10:00 am | 11:30 am | Wed | Experiments in Engineering: Powered Machines & Mechanisms | 6th-8th | Karen Shumway | 5 |
$468.00 $421.20 by 12/13 |
Tween builders will use a LEGO construction components in this hands-on engineering class. Each week, students will build a different project from the LEGO Education 9686 curriculum which will introduce concepts in simple machines, mechanical engineering, or structural engineering. Using the engineering design process, students will build a basic mechanism, test it, gather data, and then modify their design to improve performance. Students will gain experience in taking measurements such as distance traveled, using the stopwatch, and recording their findings on paper. This approach introduces applied physics concepts in a subtle way, encouraging observation of physical phenomena such as forces and relationships without being bogged down by equations. Students will work with ordinary LEGO bricks, beams, and plates along with specialized components such as gears, toothed elements, wheels and axles, pulleys, and motors. Second semester projects will build on simple machines, making increasingly complex mechanisms, adding motors for projects such as a clock, car with fly wheel, and fan. There is a $50.00 supply and equipment fee due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Simple Machines & Structures (Semester 1) and Powered Machines & Mechanisms (Semester 2). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Wed | French for Fun (Q3) | 1st-2nd | Edwige Pinover | 5 |
$191.00 $171.90 by 12/13 |
Bonjour! French for Fun is a play-based, language immersion class for young students. Much like learning their native language, children will be exposed to French sounds, vocabulary, and phrases through songs, games, stories, interactive and hands-on activities. Limited cues in English will be used to prompt students in the first few weeks. French language instruction will be presented in a natural learning sequence beginning with themes such as colors, numbers, clothing, foods, animals, family members, days/dates, parts of the house, common objects, body parts, etc. Greetings and simple phrases will be woven into each class. Students will learn numbers, the alphabet, and specific sounds of French pronunciation. Writing, spelling, and grammar will not be emphasized in this class. The goal of this introductory course is to lay foundations in sounds, vocabulary, and simple phrases while having fun and building confidence in a foreign language. Fluency should not be expected at this level. Students may join French for Fun during any quarter. Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 06 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Fri | French I | 9th-12th | Edwige Pinover | 6 |
$645.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
Bonjour and get ready for a full year of beginner level high school French! This is a conversation-focused program in which students will build their vocabulary quickly and learn essential grammar skills in French. Vocabulary will include numbers, time, dates, seasons, school, free time activities/hobbies, likes/dislikes, personal descriptions, family relationships, emotions, food/restaurants, and places/locations in town. There will be a strong emphasis on competency using regular and irregular present tense verbs and common grammar concepts such as articles, pronouns, adjectives, and comparative phrases. Class will be conducted primarily in French and will focus on listening and speaking skills, asking and answering questions, and correct use of grammar. At home, students will be responsible for memorizing vocabulary and grammar, completing homework assignments, and watching both grammar instruction and language immersion videos. Workload: Students should expect to spend 30-45 minutes per day, 4 days per week on homework outside of class. Assignments: Are sent by e-mail to parents and students. Students must have access to a computer and internet service for computer-based videos and practice tools that are assigned as homework and are essential to success in the class. Assessments: Quizzes, tests, and individual performance reviews will be given to all students at regular intervals to provide parents with sufficient feedback to assign a grade. Textbook: Students should purchase or rent the required textbook for this class: Bien Dit!: Student Edition Level 1 2013 (French Edition) (ISBN-13 978-0547871790) Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Foreign Language for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Wed | Global Gourmet for Little Kids: Tasty Thai | 1st-3rd | Mylene Nyman | 5 |
$219.00 $197.10 by 12/13 |
Compass cooks will enjoy a culinary tour of the world with Global Gourmet classes! Menus feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients seasoned and prepared to represent regional flavors and traditional dishes from the featured country. Recipes are selected to be nutritious, fun, and simple to make. The Compass chefs' gastronomy adventures will include:
Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Thu | Harry Potter Handicrafts: Flitwick's Favorites | 5th-8th | Judith Harmon | 4 |
$168.00 $151.20 by 12/13 |
You've dreamed about going to Hogwarts, and now is your chance to experience a year of magical classes! In this maker class, students will create projects inspired by their core classes at Hogwarts (Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Potions, and Transfiguration) and a Hogwarts guest professor. Students learn to work with a variety of materials and learn a broad range of crafting skills such as hand-sewing, painting, papercrafting (including precision cutting, folding, and stenciling) sculpting, and wireworking to create magical pieces inspired by the World of Harry Potter. Welcome to the third term at Hogwarts! In addition to your core wizarding classes, special projects will be inspired by guest Professor Flitwick such as Dragon Scale Face Paints and Floating Candles. This is a great class for Harry Potter fans who love the magical world, even for those who have not read all of the books or watched all of the movies. Projects and class discussions are geared to not reveal significant series spoilers. Note: A few classes may include a Harry Potter-inspired food creation or personal care product. The ingredients will be identified in advance, and students with food or ingredient allergies or dietary restrictions will need to check before handling/consuming. Substitute ingredients cannot be provided for those with food allergies or restrictions. Topics in this Series: Quirrell's Creations (Quarter 1); Pomfrey's Potions (Quarter 2); Flitwick's Favorites (Quarter 3); and Lockhart's Fabrications (Quarter 4) Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $35.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. What to Bring: Students should bring good scissors for cutting paper/fabric, a ruler, and a low temp, mini hot glue gun to class each week. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 10:00 am | 11:25 am | Wed | Junior Engineering with LEGO: Winter Wonders (WED) | K-2nd | Becca Sticha | 2 |
$225.00 $202.50 by 12/13 |
Students will use LEGO to design and build simple engineering projects out of everyone's favorite building toy! In this 90 minute class, students will explore concepts and vocabulary in physics, mechanical engineering, structural engineering, aerospace engineering, and architecture while playing with their creations. Third quarter, students will build for an icy winter environment and explore constructions like a bobsled course, snow plows, snow mobiles, a Polar Express train, and gondola ski lifts! Each class begins with 10-minutes of free build from tubs of LEGO components followed by a short discussion and demonstration of the day's project and concepts. Students build individually or in groups. Instructors will provide individual assistance, facilitate challenges, performance testing, competitions, and modifications to projects. Some projects may have been introduced in prior year's sessions, but each new build is unique, and student's building skills and understanding will have grown. Notes:(1)Students must be minimum age 5 and able to separate from their parents for this class. (2) Projects are built from shared, Compass-owned components, so students will not bring completed projects home. Parents, however, can step into class 15 minutes before the end of each session to photograph their child's construction. Topics in this Series: Fantastic Fliers & Space Racers (Quarter 1); Articulated Aniamls (Quarter 2); Winter Wonders (Quarter 3); Construct a Carnival (Quarter 4) Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 13 | 10:00 am | 11:55 am | Mon | LEGO Robotics Training Team (S2) | 4th-6th | Becca Sticha | 6 |
$571.00 $513.90 by 12/13 |
LEGO Robotics Training Team is a semester-long "boot camp" and training ground for future FIRST LEGO League (FLL) competitors. The Training Team allows Compass students to work through a complete FLL challenge to ensure that they understand the project and enjoy the process before joining a competition team. Training Team students are sub-divided into smaller teams that compete against each other in building and coding challenges at a more relaxed pace than FLL competition teams which may require 6-10+ hours per week. Compass Training Team members will complete a full FLL challenge from a previous year. They will learn 21st century skills in robotics and programming while enjoying the camaraderie of working as a team to solve challenges. Kids will gain confidence and build skills in leadership and communication. The Training Team members will compete in-house against each other, but will not participate in a regional competition in 2024-25. FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is an accessible, guided, beginners' robotics program that encourages teamwork, discovery, innovation, and problem-solving. The FLL competition is comprised of three components: the Robot Game, an Innovation Project, and Core Values. The Robot Game is an annual theme-based challenge that encourages kids to think of technology solutions to real-world problems. Teams design and program an autonomous robot that scores points on a themed table-top playing field. Past challenges have been inspired by environment, transportation, accessibility, and exploration. FLL team members engage in brainstorming, research, design, and coding while practicing the engineering design process of building, testing, re-building, re-testing, etc. Students will work with LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robotics components and use drag-and-drop coding blocks to program their robots on laptop computers. No robotics or programming experience is necessary to join the Training Team, but it is beneficial if students have experience building with LEGO Technics components (beams, gears, and axel pins rather than bricks with studs). FLL members have fun with friends, encourage and support each other, and learn the art of gracious competition. In addition to the robot challenge, FLL team members compete in short, on-the-spot challenge problems in the Innovation Project phase of the competitions. FLL is also known for its philosophies of "professionalism" and "cooperation" which are expressed in the organization's Core Values of discovery, innovation, impact, inclusion, teamwork, and fun. Teams are also judged on how well they promote and exhibit these core values. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 16 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Thu | Literature Roundtable: Time Travel Fiction | 9th-12th | Christina Somerville | 2 |
$356.00 $320.40 by 12/13 |
Roundtable is a seminar-style literature analysis and discussion class for high school students. Instead of a broad, general survey of literature, Roundtable students will examine a focused, "special topic" in literature through critical evaluation and rich discussion. Written works will be selected for their contribution to a specific genre and their influence on society. Second semester, the class will examine the genre of time travel fiction with a critical eye on what elements are found in time travel fiction. The class will examine the exploration of alternate timelines and the consequences of altering history through a study of works such as: Time Machine by H.G. Wells; (1895) Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain (1899); Thurst by Lidia Yuknavitch (2022); Kindred by Octavia Butler (1979); and Timeline by Michael Crichton (1999). For this course, students should be engaged readers who come to class prepared to participate in intellectual discussion. Students are also expected to take part in weekly class discussions by sharing their reflections and reactions to the readings and drawing conclusions and comparisons with other works. For each novel, the instructor will provide a guide with thoughtful questions and prompts on the reading that students must come to class prepared to discuss with textual evidence. The course instructor will serve as a facilitator-moderator to lead Socratic, "roundtable" discussions in addition to other in-class activities, such as partner and small group work, to further the class's understanding of the literature. This course will focus on comprehension and analysis through discussion rather than composition. Students will be assigned creative, short assignments to enhance and demonstrate their understanding of each novel such as rewriting a scene, imagining a conversation between characters from different books, developing a prequel or sequel scene, writing a review, etc. When discussing written works, students will be expected to give textual references such as specific quotes and examples- a higher-order high school and college-level skill that will be needed in later courses which require written analysis of literature. A key skill that will be taught in this class is how to annotate texts. Students will begin by examining samples of the instructor's own annotated novels then move to annotating the first short story in class as a group. For each novel, students will be given specific details to search for and annotate such as major plot points, character traits, interesting word choice, setting details, quotations, or questions. Later, students will be prepared to annotate automatically as they read with their own questions and reactions, a skill that can also be applied to the readings in other courses. Topics in this Series: Dystopian Discourse (Semester 1) and the Time Machine Travel (Semester 2). Continuing students from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Prerequisites: Students should be able to read and comprehend at a minimum 9th grade level for this course. Per Compass guidelines, accelerated 8th grade students may register for this course, however, in addition to the 9th+ grade reading level, they must possess the maturity to handle high school level topics and more mature discussion. Workload: Students should expect to read approximately 100 pages per week. For students who have challenges with reading, audio books may be used, but students should still be prepared to follow along and annotate in the physical novel. Assignments: Weekly assignments will be posted in the Canvas classroom management system. Students will need their own e-mail addresses to access the system, and parents may be set up as additional "observers" to their teen's Canvas account. Assessments: Points will be assigned for preparation, participation, and short assignments, and parents may use the total points earned to calculate a grade. Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and because they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, a "class bundle" of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased for students. (See Supply Fee below). Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $54.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for the class book bundle. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 16 | 10:00 am | 11:55 am | Thu | Medieval History Reimagined: Crusades and Conquests (1096-1192) | 9th-12th | Taliesin Knol | 3 |
$654.00 $588.60 by 12/13 |
This class will use an interactive role-playing game (RPG) to immerse students in Medieval History. Students will be assigned land and titles to create a mock feudal system in which students collaborate and compete with classmates to better understand medieval society. By chance or choice, will they amass armies, capture castles, take titles, and repel rivals, or fail and fade into the pages of history? This semester continues where the Norman Conquests of the late 11th century left off, focusing instead on the campaign of the Latin Europeans to retake and hold Jerusalem "for Christendom." The Byzantine Empire had long ago lost control of the holy city of Jerusalem, forcing European pilgrims to undertake a dangerous journey through hostile lands. Continued defeat against the Seljuk Turks in Anatolia left Emperor Alexios unable to recruit and raise new troops, thus mercenaries were increasingly the core of the Byzantine army. To remedy this, Alexios asked Pope Urban II to send military aid in the spirit of "Christian cooperation" and for the protection of pilgrims to the Holy Land. What Alexios got was not an elite, well organized, or loyal army, but a rabble ranging from self-interested knights to an actual mob led by a strange hermit named Peter, and a shockingly large number of juveniles in the "Children's Crusade." It turns out that Pope Urban II was not interested in cooperation as much as he sought to establish himself as the most powerful man in Europe with a unified "holy army." Instead, he got powerful nobles seeking fame and fortune abroad; knights hoping to have their sins absolved; some who wanted only to fight; and tens of thousands of untrained peasants just along for the trip. The class will follow these Crusaders, with a myriad of motivations, most of whom hoped to claim personal fiefdoms in a strange new land.. or else die trying. Students will examine case studies taken from primary source documents in art and literature to learn how warfare, architecture, politics, law, and religion interplay to create the history of the world. They will build on this base of knowledge to continue the study of English history in future semesters. In this semester's RPG, students will be assigned a medieval estate and awarded noble titles but some will be Saxon, French, Italian, German, or Silico-Normans (Normans from Sicily). Students will develop their own coat of arms. Each will begin with similar wealth, populations, knights, and land, and wait to see how their fates unfold each week in a custom game described as a complicated, semester-long game of Risk or Medieval Axis & Allies. Topics in this Series: Rise of Norman Power (Semester 1), Crusades and Conquests (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Prerequisites: None Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class on readings. Assignments: Reading assignments will be assigned in class and noted in the weekly e-mail. Assessments: Short, open note in-class quizzes will be given, and students will have a semester project. What to Bring: Paper or notebook; pen or pencil; assigned articles. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in world history for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Thu | Mental Math Fun: Brain Blast | 5th-6th | Becca Sticha | 5 |
$174.00 $156.60 by 12/13 |
Students will tackle a variety of puzzles, games, and riddles each week that will develop their critical thinking, logic, math reasoning, and problem-solving skills while having loads of fun in class! Hands-on activities may use cards, dice, coins, cubes, toothpicks, math board games, math card games, and of course, lots of numbers. Every activity is in essence a math problem, and students will learn tips and techniques for tackling the challenges. For each new puzzle, game, and riddle, students will learn concepts and strategies that they can apply to solving ANY math challenge, such as: the phases of solving a problem, what to do when you get stuck, how to make predictions, how to generalize from specific cases, and what questions to ask yourself. Example activities include the game of Thirty One, logic grids, cryptograms, and deduction games. Through these weekly activities, students will learn that math isn't just something done at a desk with pencil and paper, but is present everywhere you look, and that the ability to think mathematically can be not only useful, but also fun! Students can take this class each quarter as a different selection of puzzles, games, and activities will be introduced each session. Topics in this series include: Brain Games (Quarter 1), Brain Teasers (Quarter 2), Brain Blast (Quarter 3), and Brain Busters (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 17 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Fri | Mindful Mosaics Open Studio (Q3) | 7th-Adult | Mylene Nyman | 4 |
$197.00 $177.30 by 12/13 |
Mindful Mosaics is run as a studio art class where students create unique compositions and work at their own pace under the guidance of an experienced mosaic artist. Each quarter, students are taught new design, cutting, layout, and finishing techniques and are introduced to new mosaic materials which they can incorporate into inspired, original pieces. The instructor can suggest possible themes for projects based on the featured materials, but most students work on individual projects that reflect their own interests, hobbies, or decor. Students who are new to mosaics will complete a quick checkerboard project (complete with wooden checkers) to teach pattern, layout, and lines before starting an individual projects. For each project, students will choose from a variety of substrates- rectangular, square, shaped, or circular backboards (typically first-year students), or special forms or 3D objects (experienced students). Each project will expand a student's understanding of color, pattern, rhythm, texture, and spacing as they complete rich, dimensioned compositions. Students will be able to incorporate other glass, ceramic, and porcelain tiles into their projects and may select feature elements such as beautiful glass gems, millefiori, sliced stone, metallic ornaments, mirrored bits, or shells, to serve as focal points in their mosaic piece. The mosaic can be monochromatic, complimentary, or contrasting colors. A broad pallet of colors is always available, and new colors are added each quarter to reflect the season. Students will develop a skillset for mosaic artistry over multiple quarters or years. As each student demonstrates mastery of basic skills, safety, and artistic expression, that student will be taught advanced techniques, materials, tools, composition, and color theory. A typical progression in mosaics is: (1) Whole tiles in symmetric design on a flat, rectangular substrate with emphasis on proper spacing and adhesion; (2) Tile cut with nippers in themed design and individual color choices on a flat wood substrate; (3) Sheet glass cut with pistol grip, breaking, and/or running pliers with emphasis on composition, color, and design on a flat or curved substrate; (4) Progress to 3D substrate and advanced adhesives; (5) Learn porcelain and ceramic cutting, special adhesives, and advanced design. Note:There is no prerequisite for this class. The number of projects completed each quarter depends on the student's work speed and attendance in class. Compass parents are welcome to register for the class to work alongside their teens, or to work on their own, while their teen is in another Compass class. Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1 hours per week outside of class. Assessments: will not be given. Materials Fees: All material fees are due payable to the instructor on or before the first day of class by cash, check or electronic payment. Materials used vary depending on a student's experience with mosaic. Beginner Material Fee: $40.00 for a selection of Beginner Materials, including:
Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 17 | 10:00 am | 2:55 pm | Fri | Natural Leaders: Winter | 6th-8th | Natural Leaders | 4 |
$622.00 $559.80 by 12/13 |
Natural Leaders is an outdoor education and leadership program. Each week, the group will venture into the woods surrounding Lake Fairfax for an authentic, immersive adventure featuring hiking, outdoor skills, leadership, and camaraderie. At each meeting, students take turns in different roles that are key to the group's success, safety, and fun such as: coordinator (plan out the group's schedule for the day); navigator (following the map, practice orienteering); naturalist (investigate and present a lesson about local plants, animals or ecology); skills coaches (research, practice, and demonstrate a skill to others, such as knot tying or whittling); game master (plan and teach an group game or challenge); and safety officer (present on a safety or first aid topic) They will also learn survival skills such as fire-building, edible plants, building shelters, use of knives, and safety/first aid. The student-led portions of the program promote group cohesion, cooperation, and friendship, while students benefit from the positive peer pressure to come prepared for their weekly roles and responsibilities. Tweens and teens will also become more confident and comfortable as leaders and outdoor adventurers as their self-reliance skills grow. Natural Leaders is supervised by an experienced Natural Leaders mentor, trained and supported in providing a positive experience and managing safety. They typically have a passion for sharing nature with kids, and may have a background in a range of skills such as wilderness first aid, survival skills, tracking, primitive skills, and experience in hiking, camping, rock climbing, water sports, etc. Natural Leaders meets weekly rain, snow, or shine, in all temperatures. Students should always dress is layers for the forecasted weather conditions. Registered students will receive more detailed instructions about what to wear, what to bring, and where to meet prior to the start of the program. Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 05 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Mon, Thu | Precalculus with Trigonometry | 10th-12th | David Chelf | 2 |
$1260.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
This is a complete course in high school PreCalculus which will cover fundamental concepts and provide a solid foundation of mathematical literacy, problem solving, reasoning, and critical thinking skills that are necessary for the exploration of more advanced and rigorous topics in mathematics. Topics in Precalculus include functions: polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric (right angle and unit circle). In addition, the course will cover polar coordinates, parametric equations, analytic trigonometry, vectors, systems of equations/inequalities, conic sections, sequences, and series. Students will explore these topics through class discussions, practice problems, and open-ended problem solving. Prerequisite: Students should have a solid foundation Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry in order to take this class. Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-1.5 hours per day on reading, review, and homework on most non-class days. Homework assignments will run on a 7-day cycle, with assignments posted on Thursdays and due the following Thursday. Students are advised to start homework once it is assigned (i.e., not wait until the night before it is due). Weekly homework assignments will be of a length that a student should be able to complete them in two or three at-home work sessions. Solutions will be provided for some homework problems, but students are expected to show all steps of their work. Assignments: The Canvas online class management system will be used to post assignments and scores. Students should have their own e-mail address in order to be set up as users of the Canvas system. Parents can also be set up as Canvas guests/observers for purposes of tracking the student's progress and workload. Assessments: Student progress will be assessed by: (1) The instructor checking that weekly homework sets are attempted and complete and (2) detailed grading of periodic take-home tests. Parents will be able to view accumulated points awarded in the class for the purpose of determining a parent-awarded course grade. See the instructor's webpage for detailed homework and test policy, including late work and re-work. Textbook: Students should purchase or rent the required textbook for this class: Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus, 6th edition by Stewart, Redlin, and Watson (ISBN-10 0840068077, ISBN-13 978-0840068071). A scientific calculator similar to the Casio fx-115ES PLUS is required for this class. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a complete credit in Precalculus for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 03 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Tue, Thu | Preparation for Pre-Algebra | 6th-7th | Jen Hallworth | 4 |
$1179.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
Preparation for Pre-Algebra is a year-long curriculum that will teach the fundamentals a student must master before embarking pre-algebra, algebra, and beyond. The class will review arithmetic skills, operations, and number theory. Key topics include fractions, rates, ratios, decimals, and percentages. Students will learn the computational operations of adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions and decimals. They will learn what decimals stand for, how they relate to fractions, and how to convert between the two. They will discover how rates and ratios are also fractions. Students will learn how to work with negative numbers including strategies for completing all four common operations with negative numbers. The class will also cover exponents and orders of magnitude to make sense of really small and really big numbers and common operations. This class will also emphasize real world applications of the mathematical concepts through word problems so students become comfortable switching between prose (written descriptions) and mathematical representation (numbers, symbols) of real world examples such as money, mileage, weights, percentages, and scientific measures. Prerequisites: This course can be considered a pre-pre-algebra class that will teach the core concepts typically covered in later elementary school/early middle school after a general arithmetic curriculum and before pre-algebra. While different curriculums and student pacing will vary, this class would be appropriate for a student who has successfully covered long division, multiplication of multiple digit numbers, and an introduction to simple fractions and who has complete mastery of multiplication facts, skills often aligned with 5th grade mathematics. Workload: Students should expect to spend 3-4 hours per week outside of class to complete practice problems, homework, and assessments. Assignments: The Canvas online class management system will be used to post assignments and scores. Students should have their own e-mail address to be set up users of the Canvas system. Parents can also be set up as Canvas guests/observers for purposes of tracking the student's progress and workload. Assessments: In this class, the instructor will assess a student's progress by: checking that weekly homework sets are complete; spot-checking the full solution 1-2 select problems in class each week, and giving quarterly take-home tests. Points will also be awarded for class participation. Parents will be able to view accumulated points awarded in the class for purpose of determining a parent-awarded course grade. Textbook: Students should rent of purchase the class text: EP Math 5/6 Workbook (ISBN# 979-8643323693). Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 13 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Mon | Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Red Level 2 (Sem 2) | 1st-2nd | Catherine Vanlandingham | 3 |
$718.00 $646.20 by 12/13 |
Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar. Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization. READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook. Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost. ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning. Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $77.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books. Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Thu | Reading Rangers (Q3) | 1st | Danielle Mercadal | 0 |
$190.00 $171.00 by 12/13 |
Reading Rangers is a supplemental reading class for beginning readers. The class is whole language inspired with phonics and decoding games, partner reading, and vocabulary lists for home. The group will explore habits of curious readers through the examination of renowned children's picture story books from authors such as Leo Lionni, Robert McCloskey, Eric Carle, AA Milne, Michael Bond, Janell Cannon, Mem Fox, Hans Christian Andersen, Aesop, the Brothers Grimm, and others. Other books will also be selected based on the interests and level of the enrolled children. The class will discuss characters, setting, sequence of events, and predict outcomes. Children may repeat this class each quarter as new books will be introduced each session, and stories will not be repeated. Note:: This class is designed for students to enjoy a fun, new dimension of reading with peers and a teacher, but this will not take the place of a comprehensive language arts curriculum and daily reading practice. Reading/Skills Readiness; Students should be able to read Level 1 books such as Frog & Toad and Little Bear. (In other words, students in this group should have processed beyond Bob-type books.) Students should be able to read the following sight words: all, am, are, at, ate, be, black, brown, but, came, day, did, do, eat, four, get, go, good, have, he, in, into, is, like, must, new, no, now, on, our, out, please, pretty, ran, ride, saw, say, she, so, soon, that, the, there, they, this, to, too, under, want, was, well, went, what, white, who, will, with, yes. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Tue | Reading Ready (Q3) | K | Danielle Mercadal | 4 |
$190.00 $171.00 by 12/13 |
Reading Ready is a supplemental reading class for 5- and 6- year-old kindergartners. The class is whole language inspired with phonics games, partner reading, and self-created spelling lists for home. The group will explore habits of good readers through in-class read-alouds and extension activities inspired by the best examples of well-loved children's literature from authors such as Leo Lionni, Robert McCloskey, Eric Carle, AA Milne, Michael Bond, Janell Cannon, Mem Fox, Hans Christian Andersen, Aesop, the Brothers Grimm, and others. Other books may also be selected based on the interests and level of the enrolled children. Children may repeat this class each quarter as new books will be introduced each session, and stories will not be repeated. Note:: This class is designed for students to enjoy a fun, new dimension of reading with peers and a teacher, but this will not take the place of a comprehensive language arts curriculum and daily reading practice. Reading/Skills Readiness; Enrolling students must be able to (1) write and recognize his/her first name; (2) recognize each letter and corresponding sound of the alphabet; (3) familiar with simple blends; (4) know a few beginner sight words (such as I, am, and no); and (5) hold and use crayons and scissors correctly. Social Readiness; Students must be age five (5) by the start of the class. To be successful in this program, kindergartners must be able to do the following preschool-level skills: (1) be able to separate from parents with little discomfort; (2) be able to sit and listen to a story or stay on a task for 10 minutes; (3) be able to follow simple, age-appropriate directions from the teacher or another adult; (4) be completely self-sufficient in a public restroom (wiping, flushing, washing hands, etc.) Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 15 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Wed | Starting with Strings: Beginning Violin 2 | 2nd-6th | Monika Dorosheff | 6 |
$468.00 $421.20 by 12/13 |
Continue to learn to play the violin! Students will learn more advanced skills such as shifting on the violin and playing vibrato. Students will learn to play violin repertoires and practice additional scales. The class will be taught to play in unison from a songbook of arranged works. At the end of the semester, the class will be able to play several short pieces and will perform for the parents. Music education enhances teamwork and cooperative learning and provides children with a path for self-expression. Scientific research has shown that music lessons not only improve organizational skills and executive functioning but that they also develop self-confidence. Semester 1, Beginner Violin I students will have priority registration to enroll in Beginner Violin II to continue their musical education. Other students may enroll in the second semester if they have had prior instruction equal to the first semester, or if they are willing to schedule and pay for individual lessons with this instructor to cover 1st semester skills prior to or around the start of the class. Those wishing to enroll in 2nd semester course without the Compass 1st semester class will be asked to play for the instructor in order to demonstrate skill level and establish placement. Class Expectations: A student violin can be purchased or rented from most music stores (Foxes Music Company in Falls Church is recommended). The student should be professionally measured and fitted for the violin by the music store or a string luthier. Students should also have a shoulder rest fitted to their violin. Students will be asked to bring their violin, bow, shoulder rest, case, small notebook, Suzuki music book, and pencil to every class. In order to fully benefit from the in-class instruction, daily, at-home practice is expected. Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $24.00 payable to Compass on the first day for the Suzuki violin book 1. This is a 15-week semester class, and the week off will be announced by the instructor. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Thu | Successful Social Skills for Tweens (Q3- THU) | 6th-8th | Kathryn Beirne | 0 |
$222.00 $199.80 by 12/13 |
Successful social skills can help tweens/teens navigate almost every aspect of their lives. Building confidence in social settings can help improve self esteem and comfort in group settings, sports, new endeavors, with family, in public, or just hanging out with friends. Every tween and teeen can benefit from improved social skills, but some need a little more practice. In this class, students will work with a certified, licensed therapist to develop strategies for navigating different social challenges- from conversation skills and identifying feelings and emotions, to seeing perspective, handling stress, talking to parents, making friends, tolerating siblings, and more. The small group class will be highly interactive with games, role playing, videos, modelling behavior, and projects using a evidence-based, social-emotional curriculum Tweens and teens will benefit most from taking Social Skills for several quarters. Some activities will be new each quarter, and some will be repeated for reinforcement. As new students join the group, the dynamic will shift, better imitating real life scenarios. Their confidence and comfort level will grow when they have multiple quarters to practice their social skills. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 14 | 10:00 am | 11:30 am | Tue | Take Flight! Elements of Aeronautical Engineering | 6th-8th | Juan Urista | 3 |
$564.00 $507.60 by 12/13 |
Discover what gets a plane off the ground! Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of aeronautical engineering. They will learn about different types of aircraft and the major components and systems, such as fuselage (body) design, wing design, powerplant (engines), and avionics. The class will learn about aerodynamics and factors that affect aircraft performance; different types of engines used in aircraft and the principles of engine design and operation; and various avionics systems including navigation, communication, and flight control systems. Each week, students will engage in a variety of hands-on activities to test and explain different concepts in aeronautics such as building a model engine, designing and testing wing shapes, creating a mock-up of an instrument panel, learning to read technical drawings and blueprints, and more. Concepts covered in class will demonstrate practical applications in mathematics, physics, geometry, the scientific method, and data analysis.
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Semester | Jan 13 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Mon | War Room: Military Intelligence- Winning the War | 9th-12th | Taliesin Knol | 7 |
$381.00 $342.90 by 12/13 |
Perhaps you have heard that "knowing is half the battle." This class will realize that as we examine the roles of military intelligence and espionage in conflicts. A fundamental goal of military intelligence is to fight smarter, not harder, on the battlefield. For context and inspiration, the class will examine the history of the real spies of WWI, their methods, failures, and successes. This semester will continue at the height of the First World War in 1916. The war some people naively thought would be "over by Christmas" has dragged on unceasingly for years now. Millions of men have been thrown into the trenches with little to nothing to show for it. The war must end, or the empires fighting it will fall from sheer exhaustion. Something must be done, but what? Where? Intrepid agents have been sent to seek new fronts that the enemy surely cannot hold or new ways to strangle the flow of war material overseas. Industrial sabotage, submarine and economic warfare must all come together to ensure that the enemy cannot continue to support their efforts at the front. New allies must be established, perhaps through intrigue or the revelation of plots against formerly neutral powers. The continuing mission, should students choose to accept it, is to use secret codes and a modified tabletop RPG (role playing game) system to simulate missions, discover the enemy's secret plans, and give an edge to the forces on the battlefield. While Compass's 3D History classes will simulate the battles in the field, this class will assume the supporting role by attempting to infiltrate enemy lines with field agents. War Room students in the "headquarters" will direct both their field agents and the missions of the frontline troops in 3D History. The decisions of War Room students on Monday will affect the play of 3D History students on Friday, and outcomes of the 3D History role play on Friday will dictate the work of the War Room the following Monday. While co-registration in both classes is not required, some students may want to dual register in order to see both the tactical and strategic aspects of a major engagement and how military intelligence affects the outcomes. This course is recommended for teens who have a passion for military history or an interest in a future career in intelligence. Topics in this Series: World at War (Semester 1) and Winning the War (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1 hour per week outside of class. Assignments: Course documents including period maps, photographs and recreations will be made available through a class Google Drive link emailed to parents and students, as well as a class YouTube playlist for any videos watched in class or assigned as homework. Assessments: Will not be given. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in World History, US History, Military History, or Career Exploration for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 17 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Fri | Worldbuilding: Science Fiction Worlds | 9th-12th | Judith Harmon | 1 |
$321.00 $288.90 by 12/13 |
Students will become immersed in the imaginary worlds they construct in this unique course that encompasses elements of fiction writing, sociology, and anthropology. Worldbuilding is the foundation of speculative fiction, such as sci-fi and fantasy, role-playing games, videos, comics, and other visual media. Countless examples of Worldbuilding exist in the movies and books we consume every day such as Tolkien's Middle Earth, the many elaborate settlements of the Star Wars franchise, and the popular RPG, Dungeons and Dragons. In this course, students will develop a fictional locale. Will it be a small village in a known place, a new planet, or an original universe? Students will be guided through an interactive, iterative process of "top-down" design of their unique world, determining broad characteristics first then then elaborating with increasing detail. Builders will make coherent and integrated decisions on geography, climate, ecology, flora, fauna, inhabitants, races, history, social customs, language, religion, origin story, powers/magic, legal system, currency, and technology. The class will read excerpts and watch clips of well-known fictional works which will provide strong examples of each of the elements. Second semester, the class will create science fiction-inspired worlds. Students, along with their instructor, will develop an in-class world as an example. Students will use the lessons and exercises reviewed in class to further develop their individual world project. Students will be expected to keep a notebook of decisions and details as they progress through designing the elements of their world. Students will have the option to purchase a discounted student subscription to World Anvil, a web-based subscription service which allows students to create maps, timelines, and other tools to organize their made-up world. Each student will be expected to make a PowerPoint presentation at the end of the semester which addresses each of the built-world elements. Note: This is a 15-week class that will not meet on 3/21/2025. Topics in this Series: Fantasy (Semester 1), Science Fiction (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Prerequisites: Reading/writing at grade level. Workload: Students should expect to spend 2 hours per week outside of class. Assignments: Will be posted in a Google Classroom. Assessments: The instructor will assign points for a final semester presentation and completed "Creative Sparks" which are written responses to weekly prompts. Parents may use the student's earned points versus total possible points to calculate a grade for the class. Textbook/Materials: Students have the option of purchasing a discounted subscription to World Anvil (worldanvil.com) for approximately $35.00. Lab/Supply Fee: Included Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in language arts (creative writing) for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 14 | 10:00 am | 10:55 am | Tue | Write to the Point: Essays & Short Stories | 7th-9th | Christina Somerville | 4 |
$356.00 $320.40 by 12/13 |
Write to the Point is a comprehensive, middle school-level writing class that will prepare 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students for high school level composition. The class will practice the fundamentals of composition through weekly writing assignments that encompass a variety of writing formats. Second Semester, students will learn to "stick to the point" in their writing. They will be challenged to identify their audience, define their purpose, and back-up their topic, thesis, or moral across multiple paragraph compositions. Creative writing exercises and tools for quick and effective essay composition will be provided while the class will continue to review writing basics such as grammar, agreement, and tense. Students will also learn tips for effective revision, editing, and feedback. In this class, students will have the flexibility to choose topics relevant to their own interests as they work on essays and short stories. Part of each in-class session will be dedicated to sharing and review of writing completed at home. Sometimes, students will be paired with classmates for peer review of grammar; other times, the class will collaborate through shared GoogleDocs for review and feedback of others' writing. Students should bring a laptop and charging cord to class each week for accessing in-progress assignments. Topics in this series include: Paragraphs & Articles (Semester 1) and Essays & Short Stories (Semester 2). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 10:05 am | 10:45 am | Thu | Swimming: Beginners/ Adv. Beginners (Thu Q3) | 1st-3rd | YMCA Swimming Staff | 2 |
$120.00 $108.00 by 12/13 |
Homeschool Swim Lessons are taught at the Reston YMCA located 0.9 miles/ 3 minute drive from Compass's classroom facility. For more information on swimming lessons, see the program webpage. During the first lesson, students will be observed and determined to be Beginner or Advanced Beginner level, and the class will be divided accordingly among two instructors. Beginners level is for students with little to no swim experience and will cover YMCA Level 1 skills such as water acclimation, floatation, water movement, putting face in the water, swimming 5 feet without a floatation device, and becoming comfortable on back in water. Advanced Beginners level will review all skills in beginner-level class and add YMCA Level 2 skills such as stamina, swimming one length of the pool (25 yards), performing elementary backstroke, rotary breathing, becoming comfortable in deep water, and stroke introduction to include: front crawl, backstroke, and elementary breaststroke. Please note that these skills will be introduced and progress at different rates depending on the comfortable level and experience of enrolled students and may take more than one quarter to complete. At times, students might be moved to a different swimming group (same day, same time, different instructor) to better match the experience level of enrolled children. Lessons are 40 minutes long, running from 0:05 until 0:45 after the hour, leaving enough time to towel dry, change clothes, and return to Compass for your next class. Students should bring a swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes. Googles and swim caps are optional. A parent (or parent proxy) is required to remain on site. Parents may wait on poolside benches or lobby seating. YMCA waivers must be signed and returned for each swimmer. All registration is completed through Compass. All YMCA swimming classes are taught by certified, experienced, background-checked adult instructors with experience teaching children. Consider enrolling your child in both Tuesday and Thursday classes to improve their rate of learning. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 10:05 am | 10:45 am | Tue | Swimming: Beginners/ Adv. Beginners (Tue Q3) | 1st-3rd | YMCA Swimming Staff | 2 |
$120.00 $108.00 by 12/13 |
Homeschool Swim Lessons are taught at the Reston YMCA located 0.9 miles/ 3 minute drive from Compass's classroom facility. For more information on swimming lessons, see the program webpage. During the first lesson, students will be observed and determined to be Beginner or Advanced Beginner level, and the class will be divided accordingly among two instructors. Beginners level is for students with little to no swim experience and will cover YMCA Level 1 skills such as water acclimation, floatation, water movement, putting face in the water, swimming 5 feet without a floatation device, and becoming comfortable on back in water. Advanced Beginners level will review all skills in beginner-level class and add YMCA Level 2 skills such as stamina, swimming one length of the pool (25 yards), performing elementary backstroke, rotary breathing, becoming comfortable in deep water, and stroke introduction to include: front crawl, backstroke, and elementary breaststroke. Please note that these skills will be introduced and progress at different rates depending on the comfortable level and experience of enrolled students and may take more than one quarter to complete. At times, students might be moved to a different swimming group (same day, same time, different instructor) to better match the experience level of enrolled children. Lessons are 40 minutes long, running from 0:05 until 0:45 after the hour, leaving enough time to towel dry, change clothes, and return to Compass for your next class. Students should bring a swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes. Googles and swim caps are optional. A parent (or parent proxy) is required to remain on site. Parents may wait on poolside benches or lobby seating. YMCA waivers must be signed and returned for each swimmer. All registration is completed through Compass. All YMCA swimming classes are taught by certified, experienced, background-checked adult instructors with experience teaching children. Consider enrolling your child in both Tuesday and Thursday classes to improve their rate of learning. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 13 | 10:30 am | 11:55 am | Mon | Concert Band: All Instruments | 5th-8th | Jessica Eastridge | 12 |
$459.00 $413.10 by 12/13 |
Enjoy the camaraderie and cooperation of making music with others in a school band! Join the first homeschool concert band in the region at Compass. This section is for continuing beginner and advanced beginner musicians of brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments* Percussion students will continue their skills on the snare drum and mallet instruments (such as glockenspiel and xylophone). Continuing and advanced beginner woodwinds students will play the flute or clarinet or alto saxophone. Continuing and advanced beginner brass will play the trumpet, trombone, euphonium, French horn, or tuba. All band students will practice audiation skills and will play both cooperatively in the full band group and in break-out groups for differentiated instruction by part, by instrument, or by proficiency. Students in Concert Band will meet together to continue to develop their skills on their selected instruments. *Placement in 2nd semester Concert Band is with instructor approval. To be considered for this section, students must have the following competencies on their chosen percussion, woodwind, or brass instrument:
Prerequisites: See Description |
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Semester | Jan 13 | 10:30 am | 11:55 am | Mon | Spotlight on Sports Medicine & Health Science | 9th-12th | Ryan Hughes | 4 |
$572.00 $514.80 by 12/13 |
What are the effects of strength training versus endurance training on performance? What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic exercise? How do you prevent- or recover from- sports related injuries? Questions like these can be answered by a kinesiologist! Kinesiology is the study of human movement which includes aspects of anatomy, physiology, pathology, psychology, sociology, and biomechanics. Kinesiologists look at the effects of exercise to help prevent injury or speed recovery, improve movement and function throughout life, and enhance the quality of life for their patients, clients, or athletes. The study of kinesiology can prepare a student for a career in preventive and rehabilitative exercise and wellness programs, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, or sports medicine. Some use kinesiology as the foundation for careers as physicians, nurses, first responders, nutritionists, chiropractors, osteopaths, orthopedists, personal trainers, coaches, and athletic trainers. Second semester is continued investigation into the field of kinesiology including a survey of special health and fitness topics and overview of additional careers in the field. The class will learn about diagnosis and prevention of concussions, various injuries, and rehabilitation. They will examine the topics of flexibility, posture, muscle groups, and mind-body exercises for relaxation and stress management. Finally, students will consider the challenges of working with special populations such as patients/clients with asthma, osteoporosis, diabetes, and other chronic and neurological disorders. Students will perform in-class activities and labs such as using several evaluative tools for concussion, an FDA nutrition activity, functional movement screening, flexibility test, yoga and muscle relaxation lab, and core exercises. Students will make at least one visit to the nearby YCMA gym to practice machine exercises, including how to instruct others to perform the exercises. Note: This course is not a PE class, a health course, or a lab science, but contains elements of each as a career exploration course taught by an adjunct professor of kinesiology and certified athletic trainer. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 13 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Mon | 3D Design & Printing Studio- Middle School (Spring) | 6th-8th | JR Bontrager | 0 |
$502.00 $451.80 by 12/13 |
Students will learn to think like inventors and designers when creating 3D! 3D design is used not only for modeling and fabricating objects but is also at the heart of many cutting-edge technologies such as AR and VR, video game design, interactive exhibits, and more. 3D printing is used in nearly all industries and design fields today from art to animation, manufacturing to medicine, and engineering to entertainment. In this class, students will first learn to use Tinkercard, a 3D modeling software that works in solid forms (like LEGO bricks). Then, students will transition to MeshMixer, a software that creates smooth, curved, organic shapes (like clay). They will learn to think about their design from all angles and how to subtract forms to create holes, voids, and concave features, and add forms to create projections, contours, appendages, and convex details. They will discover the limitations of 3D printing and how to handle overhanging elements or delicate details. Students will practice the artistic design process with simple sketches before diving into the software. They will be encouraged to use reference material, whether photos, a model, or even by modifying existing, public domain 3D files. Students will use an iterative printing process in which they print their project, check it for design intent, functionality, or fit, make modifications, and print again. The class will learn how to save and convert between 3D solid object files (.stl) and object files (.obj) and work with metadata fields to protect the intellectual property of their designs. To demonstrate the range and capability of 3D-printed designs, favorite student projects include D & D miniatures, cosplay props, Minecraft-designed creations, and beloved characters such as anime, baby Yoda, and Pokemon creatures. Second semester, continuing students will progress to more complex assemblies including multiple parts and parts with hinges. Second semester, some students may wish to work with alternative filaments such as TPU (rubber), metal, or magnetized filament. Because of the studio format, new students can enroll second semester. The class instructor is a design engineer with 3D Herndon and expert in 3D technologies and other areas of design and invention. A typical class will be structured with 5-10 minutes of lecture or demonstration of a new design skill, followed by 40 minutes of design "studio" time where students can receive trouble-shooting support and design tips from the instructor and have dedicated work time, and 5-10 minutes of sharing time at the end of class. As a studio class, students will work on individual projects at their own pace. Topics in this Series: As an open studio for individual projects, students may continue from one semester to the next or enroll mid-year. Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Prerequisites: None What to Bring:Students will need to bring a laptop to class for design work. Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1+ hours per week outside of class. Assignments: Project criteria will be explained in class to students. Assessments: Informal, qualitative feedback will be given in class throughout the semester as the student works. Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $25.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for 3D printing and filament. This provides the student with 800 g of printed product per semester. Students who are prolific designers and print often will be asked to pay an additional $5.00 per 100 g or fraction thereof. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Visual Arts, Technology, or Career Exploration for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 17 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Fri | Acting- Teen Stage: Immersive Improv | 9th-12th | Jeff Virchow | 4 |
$310.00 $279.00 by 12/13 |
Snappy comebacks, one-liners, sarcasm, exaggeration, irony...and teenagers. These things just go together! Improv gives kids an outlet for fun, creative stories and spontaneous humor. Teens who find amusement in the unexpected and humor in the unpredictable will enjoy improvisational acting! Second semester, actors will continue to hone their "short game", or short form improv skills. Class activities will teach students how to do edits, perfect their scene work, create characters, escalate emotions, elevate relationships, and use object work to create a more involved stories. They learn about timing, transitions, and how to connect scenes and travel through the improv story with recurring characters, patterns, and common themes to portray a hilarious or witty situation. Class exercises will help students improve listening stills and build the collective, group imagination. Improvisation is the art of entertaining with connected, unpredictable twists and turns often seen from the great comedians and best live entertainers. Improv students will improve their ability to think on-their-feet, play off each other, and react with spontaneous wit, sarcasm, and irony. Actors' creative thinking and communication skills will be strengthened as they work "outside-of-the-box" and learn to read their audience. Improv can be for everyone! No previous experience is needed. Beginners are welcome, and experienced students will further develop their improv skills. If you have taken this class before, go ahead and take it again because no two classes are ever alike. This class is best suited for students who are active listeners, flexible, and easily adapt, have a sense of humor, and can work collaboratively in a group. Students need to be able to stay in sync with the flow of the class. This is not an "anything goes" or free-for-all class. This is a 15-week class that does not meet in March 21. Topics in this Series: Innovative Improv (Semester 1), Immersive Improv (Semester 2. Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1 hour per week outside of class. Assignments: If any, will be sent to parents and students by e-mail. Assessments: Informal, qualitative feedback will be given in class throughout the semester. A quantitative score/grade will not be provided. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 05 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Mon, Thu | Algebra I (Mon, Thu) | 7th-10th | David Chelf | 3 |
$1159.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
This is a complete course in high school Algebra I which will cover fundamental concepts in algebra and provide a solid foundation of mathematical literacy, problem solving, reasoning, and critical thinking skills that are necessary for the exploration of more advanced and rigorous topics in mathematics. This course is designed to emphasize the study of algebraic problem-solving with the incorporation of real-world applications. Topics in Algebra I include number systems, linear systems, rational numbers, complex numbers, exponents, roots, radicals, quadratic equations, polynomials, factoring, absolute values, ratios, and proportions. In addition, the course will cover solving and graphing systems of functions, linear equations, and inequalities. Students will explore these topics through class discussions, practice problems, and open-ended problem-solving. Prerequisite: Students should have a solid foundation in pre-algebra topics in order to take this class. In addition, students should be capable of copying the sample problems and solutions worked in class on the white board to his/her own notes as examples for completing homework. Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-1.5 hours per day on reading, review, and homework on most non-class days. Homework assignments will run on a 7-day cycle, with assignments posted on Thursdays and due the following Thursday. Students are advised to start homework once it is assigned (i.e., not wait until the night before it is due). Weekly homework assignments will be of a length that a student should be able to complete them in two or three at-home work sessions. Solutions will be provided for some homework problems, but students are expected to show all steps of their work. Assignments: The Canvas online class management system will be used to post assignments and scores. Students should have their own e-mail address in order to be set up as users of the Canvas system. Parents can also be set up as Canvas guests/observers for purposes of tracking the student's progress and workload. Assessments: Student progress will be assessed by: (1) The instructor checking that weekly homework sets are attempted and complete and (2) detailed grading of periodic take-home tests. Parents will be able to view accumulated points awarded in the class for the purpose of determining a parent-awarded course grade. See the instructor's webpage for detailed homework and test policy, including late work and re-work. Textbook: Students should purchase or rent the required textbook for this class: Algebra I: Expressions, Equations, and Applications by Paul A. Foerster. It is available in a few different editions, each of which is virtually identical: 2nd edition (ISBN-10 020125073X, ISBN-13 978-0201250732), 3rd edition (ISBN-10 0201860945, ISBN-13 978-0201860948), and Classic edition (ISBN-10 020132458X, ISBN-13 978-0201324587). It is also available under the title Foerster Algebra I, Classics edition (ISBN-10 0131657089, ISBN-13 978-0131657083). A calculator is not needed for this course. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a complete credit in Algebra I for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 06 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Fri | American Sign Language (ASL) I | 9th-12th | Felipe Ramos | 4 |
$822.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
Are you interested in learning a new language that is used right here in America? Are you intrigued by a modern language that has no written form? Do you want to find out why American Sign Language is much more closely linked to French Sign Language than British Sign Language? If so, American Sign Language (ASL) is a great language for you! In this class, students will learn the basic skills in production and comprehension of ASL while covering thematic units such as personal and family life, school, social life, and community. Each unit will include presentations and readings on Deaf culture and Deaf history. Students will learn fingerspelling and numbers, developing conversational ability, culturally appropriate behaviors, and fundamental ASL grammar. Class time will be dedicated to interactive ASL activities and face-to-face signing practice with the instructor and partners. ASL students will have a Deaf instructor. She regularly teaches all-hearing classes and is an excellent role model for students to meet and interact with a native speaker of ASL and to lean natural facial expressions, gestures, and body language used in Deaf communications. ASL students will have more confidence when they encounter Deaf instructors in college or greet speakers of ASL in social settings. Because the instructor is Deaf, students are not permitted to speak aloud in class. This approach improves visual attention and encourages immersion in the language. Students will be able to ask questions of the instructor by writing on individual white boards, but they will be encouraged to sign in order to communicate with the instructor. Lessons are facilitated with Power Point presentations, and a professional ASL interpreter will assist the class on the first day of class. Enrolled students are not expected to know any sign language prior to beginning ASL I. Hundreds of colleges and universities, including all public institutions of higher learning in Virginia, accept ASL as a distinct foreign language. This allows hearing and Deaf students to fulfill foreign language requirements for admission to college. Teens who have difficulty writing, spelling, or have challenging pronunciation in English, can be successful with ASL as a second or foreign language choice. Penn State University research demonstrated that the visual and kinesthetic elements of ASL helped to enhance the vocabulary, spelling, and reading skills in hearing students. Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours each week outside of class on required vocabulary exercises, readings, and signing practice. Assignments: Homework assignments will be posted online in the Canvas digital classroom platform. There may be some brief written assignments, but for most homework assignments, students will be asked to post short videos of themselves signing. Students will need either a camera phone or webcam to complete these assignments. Assessments: The instructor will assign points using a class rubric for the parent's use in assigning a course grade. Course rubrics will evaluate students on their sign production, fingerspelling, ASL grammar, facial expressions including "above the nose" grammar (brows and body movement), and "below the nose" modifiers (lip expressions). Textbook/Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $50.00 payable to Compass for the digital access code for the interactive e-textbook, TRUE+WAY ASL. With their subscription, students may also accces a free searchable, bilingual ASL & English dictionary, called What's the Sign? Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in World Languages for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 09 | 11:00 am | 12:55 pm | Mon | AP 2D Art & Design | 9th-12th | Pete Van Riper | 1 |
$1079.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
Earn college credit and artistic "cred"-ibility in this studio art class! Over the course of the school year, student artists will experiment with artistic techniques, create original works in a variety of mediums and styles, and build a portfolio for submission. Students will be guided by a Compass art instructor, Pete Van Riper, who is also an adjunct art professor at Northern Virginia Community College and a reviewer for AP art portfolios. The three goals of AP 2D Art and Design are to (1) investigate a variety of artistic materials, methods, and ideas; (2) produce 2-dimensional art and designs; and (3) be able to describe and present art and design to others. AP Art and Design students "develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, revision, communication, and reflection." Student artists will create a portfolio with works that feature the elements of art and principles of design such as "point, line, shape, plane, layer, form, space, texture, color, value, opacity, transparency, time; unity, variety, rhythm, movement, proportion, scale, balance, emphasis, contrast, repetition, figure/ground relationship, connection, juxtaposition, hierarchy." Students will be asked to document their medium choices and keep a sketch book and art journal describing their inspiration and artistic process. In class, works will be done in charcoal, pencil, conte crayon, watercolor crayons, watercolor paints, acrylic paint, and collage. Like other college level classes, outside work will be expected, and art completed outside of the weekly class meetings can include graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, fashion design, fashion illustration, painting, and printmaking, and other 2D formats. Students should consider how to express their ideas with selected materials and processes on a flat surface. The College Board has no preferred or unacceptable content or style, but all work must be entirely the student's original creation. Submissions may incorporate pre-existing photographs or others' images provided proper attribution and citations are given and the use reflects an extension of the student's vision and not just duplication or copy work. AI generated designs are strictly prohibited from portfolio submissions, but original, digitally created art is welcome. Students' portfolio submissions for the AP program must include two sections (1) "Sustained Investigation" which includes 15 images of the purposeful evolution of a work or works through concept sketches, practice, experimentation, and revisions, and (2) "Selected Works" which includes images of 5 completed pieces. All portfolio works will be submitted as digital images (scans or photographs) of the student's original pieces, and all images must be accompanied by a written discussion of the materials and processes used. The class will examine images of others' art, and students will be asked to visit at least two art museums or art exhibits. They will practice giving and receiving construction formal and informal critiques through the observation, analysis, discussion, and evaluation of their own work and that of other artists to hone the AP-required skill of communication about 2D art. Levels This course is only offered at the AP level, but enrollment does not obligate a student to submit a portfolio for AP review. Workload: Student artists should plan 2-4 hours per week outside of class on their pieces, concept drawings, practice sketches, etc. Assignments: All assignments will be communicated to students via email. Assessments: Qualitative feedback will be given weekly in class. The principal assessment in this course is the AP score earned. Textbooks: The instructor will furnish art and design books for students to browse in class and borrow. Supply Fee: A supply fee of $60.00 is due payable to the instructor for shared, in-class basics consisting of: pencils, charcoal, conte a Paris, acrylic paints, brushes, sketch journal, and canvas boards. The instructor will furnish a list of recommended supplies for alternative or premium materials that students may want to incorporate use such as watercolor or colored markers. About AP: "AP" is a trademark of the College Board, which owns and designs the course outline and "audits" (i.e. approves) high school instructors who employ their expertise and creativity to deliver the college freshman-level content. The College Board's summary of the AP 2D Art & Design program can be read HERE, and the instructor AP Course Audit Approval form can be viewed HERE. AP Fees: The fee for the College Board's AP 2D Art & Design portfolio in May 2025 is not included. Each family is responsible for scheduling and paying for their student's AP registration. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Tue | Art in Action: Murals, Monuments, and Museums (TUE) | 3rd-4th | Kerry Diederich | 0 |
$165.00 $148.50 by 12/13 |
Elementary artists can get in on the action as they learn about a different artist or artistic style each week and create a representative piece using a wide range of artistic supplies such as tempura and water color paints, pastels, pencils, cray pas, oil pastel crayons, specialty papers, sculpting media, and embellishments. Third quarter, students will look to Washington, DC at famous murals, monuments, and museums. Class projects will be multi-media creations influenced and inspired by the art and sculpture we view in the Capitol-area such as the Washington Monument, Natural Gallery of Art, National Cathedral, US Capitol and National Mall. Topics in this Series: Media of the Masters (Quarter 1); Animal Artists (Quarter 2); Murals, Monuments, and Museums (Quarter 3); Stellar Celestial Subjects (Quarter 4). Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $25.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 11:00 am | 11:50 am | Wed | Ballet Fun: Swan Lake | K-3rd | Alchemy Ballet | 2 |
$160.00 $144.00 by 12/13 |
Young dancers will practice skills in musicality, balance, flexibility, and coordination as they learn to dance as a group. Each quarter, a different musical fairytale ballet will provide the inspiration and the music for the class. Dancers will become familiar with the story of the ballet and the orchestral music as they go through their own routine. The music, story, and characters will serve as an inspiration for creative movement. Third quarter young dancers will learn the story of Swan Lake, a timeless ballet about the princess Odette based on German and Russian folk tales and composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1876. In class, dancers will learn to recognize, understand, and apply techniques from the Vaganova ballet method such as: 1st - 6th positions, marching and skipping, demi plie, grand plie, saute, bourree, grand jete, and tendu. Students will also develop their physical conditioning and learn teamwork. A demonstration of skills learned will be showcased for parents on the last class each quarter. Ballet students are expected to wear appropriate attire. Young ladies must wear a leotard with skirt (attached or detached), pink tights, and soft pink ballet shoes in canvas or leather. Young men must wear a slim-fitting white t-shirt, black shorts, white socks, and soft black ballet shoes in canvas or leather. Topics in this series: The Little Humpbacked Horse (Quarter 1); The Nutcracker (Quarter 2); Swan Lake (Quarter 3); and Don Quixote (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 17 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Fri | Century of American Music: 1970s-2020s | 9th-12th | Ney Mello | 4 |
$397.00 $357.30 by 12/13 |
If you like to "Turn Up the Music" (Chris Brown, 2012), "Play That Funky Music" (Wild Cherry, 1976), or "Dance to The Music" (Sly & The Family Stone, 1967), then you know that there is an impressive variety of American music. America is the birthplace of some of the most influential genres of music and musicians in the world. Much of the world's modern music has roots in American blues, jazz, or rock, while American music has elements from West Africa, the West Indies, and diverse communities such as New Orleans, Detroit, Memphis, St. Louis, Nashville, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the Bronx. American music has influenced behavior and culture such as dance, entertainment, fashion, technology, popular opinion, lexicon, marketing, and more. This is a focused class in music appreciation for students who enjoy listening to or playing music. The class will evaluate a century of American music by listening to and discussing influential performers, writers, and producers. Students will learn to identify music elements unique to each genre- melody, rhythm, harmony- and will develop a musical vocabulary to help them think and talk about musical works. They will also explore innovations in instruments and technologies that evolved with the music, such as drums being placed in a "set" at the advent of jazz music, the rise of electric instruments, and electronic production/mixing. Second semester will explore music from the 1970s to the present encompassing the genres of post-pop, heavy metal, hip hop, rap, grunge, punk rock, new age, alternative rock, Indie rock, post-punk and new fusion. Featured artists will include Michael Jackson, Prince, Van Halen, Nirvana, Metallica, Snoop Dog, Elise Trouw, Domi, Jacob Collier, Gunna, Pop Smoke, Esperanza Spalding, and more. Discover why Kurt Cobain was influenced by the Pixies, how Taylor Swift channels Joni Mitchell, and Lady Gaga's music resembles that of Madonna. Find out why Rolling Stone Magazine declared that without "Soul Queen" Aretha Franklin, there would be no Beyonce, Whitney Houston, or Adele. Like other fine arts classes, music appreciation is a fun break from academics which enriches and engages students in a topic they enjoy. Genres that will not be highlighted in this course include gospel, folk, country, western, tejano, reggae, zydeco, or salsa. Topics in this Series: 19202-1960s (Semester 1), 1970s-2020s (Semester 2), etc. Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Wed | Chess: Intermediate 3 (WED) | 3rd-6th | Karl Peterson | 5 |
$172.00 $154.80 by 12/13 |
Students will enjoy the logic and challenge of the timeless strategy board game as they learn and play chess with classmates. In Chess: Intermediate 3, students will learn skills and strategies that build upon each other such as: later pins, using more or better attackers, using more or better defenders, identifying forcing moves, attacking teams (queen-bishop, queen-knight, and queen-rook). Learning and playing chess supports problem solving, decision making, critical and creative thinking, general cognitive ability, scholastic skills, and mathematical achievement (Univ. of Minnesota). Experts suggest that the game of chess teaches analytical and disciplined thinking skills, while raising self esteem, teaching motivation and determination, and sportsmanship (Kasparov Foundation). Each class will be spent half on technique and half in practice matches with classmates while the instructor coaches. Students should have 15-20 hours of chess instruction prior to enrolling in Intermediate 3 , or a working knowledge of most skills taught in the Compass Beginner Chess level. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Thu | Cooking for Kids: Winter Warm-Ups (THU, 11AM) | 3rd-5th | Mylene Nyman | 7 |
$219.00 $197.10 by 12/13 |
Students will enjoy making delicious recipes and family favorites that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Recipes are selected to be nutritious, fun, and simple to make. Each class will focus on a portion of a meal including appetizer, salad, soup, side dish, main dish, and dessert. The Compass chefs' culinary adventures will include:
Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Tue | Cooking for Little Kids: Winter Warm-Ups (TUE 11AM) | 1st-3rd | Mylene Nyman | 0 |
$219.00 $197.10 by 12/13 |
Students will enjoy making delicious recipes and family favorites that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Recipes are selected to be nutritious, fun, and simple to make. Each class will focus on a portion of a meal including appetizer, salad, soup, side dish, main dish, and dessert. The Compass chefs' culinary adventures will include:
Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 17 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Fri | Creative Journaling for Teens (Q3) | 9th-12th | Sheila Anwari | 5 |
$178.00 $160.20 by 12/13 |
Don't write poetry? Think you can't draw? Maybe not, but you may still want a creative way to record your thoughts, feelings, dreams, and ideas! Journaling is an ongoing process of discovery and exploration that allows one to be conscious of and connect with his/her own thoughts, emotions and ideas. It is a form of expression that supports both academic and personal growth. Creative journaling is not writing daily "Dear Diary" style entries on dated pages. Instead, students will explore various journaling methods, blending self-expression and self-discovery to guide them in learning new ways to problem-solve, achieve goals, and process emotions. Students will work with several writing techniques and a range of art media to develop a personal journal throughout the quarter and will have the opportunity to expand on it in subsequent quarters. Techniques such as freeform writing, black-out poetry, stream-of-consciousness writing, and creative list making will be explored, in addition to experimenting with a wide variety of layered techniques and mixed media with collage, photography, cardstock, book pages, art markers, stencils, tempera sticks, acrylic, paints, washi tape, and stickers. Weekly prompts will cover a range of topics such as gratitude, compassion, ambitions, choices, fear, self-care, and self-esteem as they relate to the students' personal lives and current events. Conversation around the prompts will complement the students' work in their individual journals. Topics in this Series: Journal work is done in an open studio environment that allows students to join in any quarter throughout the year. Prerequisites: No formal writing or art experience is needed. All teens are welcome. Workload: Work outside of class is encouraged but optional. Assessments: Not provided. Lab/Supply Fee: A supply fee of $35.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Fee covers art journal for student to use in class and shared class supplies (paints, inks, brushes, markers, collage materials, glue, washi tape, etc.) What to Wear: Students may wish to have an apron or old shirt to wear when working with paints. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in English, Fine Arts, or general Elective for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Thu | Creative Storytelling: Once Upon a...Time Machine (Thu) | 2nd-3rd | Judith Harmon | 4 |
$177.00 $159.30 by 12/13 |
Children are full of stories and bubbling over with big ideas! In this class, students will learn how to capture their creative vision into a simple story that they will write and illustrate. This quarter, our storytellers will imagine time machine travel. Will they spring forward to a far-flung, fantasy future or backward to behold bewildering bygones? Students will learn how to build a Story Arc through guided, weekly activities. They will discover the key elements to composing a story such as crafting characters, posing a problem, advancing the action, constructing the climax, and writing the resolution- through brainstorming questions like, "Who is in your story?", "Where does this take place?", "What does that look like?" and "What happened after ____?" Students should be able to read, write, and spell at the second grade level or higher for this class. Psst- don't tell your child, but this class helps lay the foundation in language arts for more advanced creative writing and composition. Pair this class with Acting: Kids Theater or Writing Wonders to further encourage communication and storytelling skills. The supply fee is included in the class tuition. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 17 | 11:00 am | 12:55 pm | Fri | Criminology: Fundamentals of Forensic Science | 9th-12th | Tayler Shreve | 5 |
$712.00 $640.80 by 12/13 |
**Note: This is a repeat of the 1st semester, Monday Criminology class.** Students will delve into the world of crime scene investigators (CSIs) as seen each week on Law and Order, NCIS, and the CSI television series! Students will be introduced to the field of forensic science which is the application of science, such as biology, chemistry, pharmacology, and physics, to the criminal justice system. First semester, students will learn the scientific methodologies used in forensic investigation and how to process a crime scene. They will practice measuring, sketching, photographing, documenting, collecting, preserving, and cataloging crime scene evidence. Students will also apply observation skills, interpret evidence, and use logic and deductive reasoning to the investigative process. Each week, students will perform in-class labs and activities to understand common, investigative forensics such as fingerprinting, including identifying fingerprint patterns, and learning how to find and lift latent fingerprints. The class will practice techniques for collecting and analyzing blood and saliva samples, blood typing, and evaluating blood spatter. The class will expand their forensic toolbox with impression evidence, such as footprints and tire tracks, and making molds thereof. They will learn how fibers, fabrics, hair, poison, drugs, pollen, insects, and other trace evidence can be used to unravel a crime. Students will also consider arson evidence, toxicology, and toolmarks in criminal investigative analysis as well as how ballistics, such as firearms evidence and bullet trajectories, are used in investigations. The class will use case studies and forensic data from actual crimes- both solved and unsolved- to see how forensic science is used in investigating and prosecuting cases in the criminal justice system. The class will have occasional guest speakers from the criminal justice system and at least one field trip to a police crime lab. This course is taught by a PhD candidate and professor of Criminology, Tayler Shreve. It is an introduction to criminology for teens who are interested in becoming practitioners or professionals in the vast criminal justice system or those who enjoy true crime books, blogs, or movies. Rating/Advisory: For sensitive students, please note that in the examination of actual crimes, violence such as assault and murder will be discussed. References may be made to illicit substances and weapons used in the commission of crimes. Course content will be filtered to be age-appropriate for high school students in the instructor's judgement. For example, real crime scene photos may be shown with evidentiary details, but not victims or body parts. Students may read autopsy reports, but they will not be shown autopsy photos, and cases of rape will be referred to as sexual assault with no intimate details. Topics in this Series: Fundamentals of Forensic Science (Semester 1) and Cold Case Files (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester will receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class. Assignments: There are assignments both in and out of the classroom. Students have the ability to submit assignments based on their learning style(s): written assignments, presentations, spoken recordings (podcast, TedTalk, etc.). Assessments: Students will receive feedback on all assignments. There are no exams in this course, however points will be assigned for completed assignments, participation, and attendance. Textbook/Materials: Articles and case studies will be posted by the instructor as downloadable pdfs. Lab/Supply Fee: A lab fee of $100 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Non-Meeting Days: In addition to the scheduled days-off on the published Compass schedule, this class does not meet on 9/23/24. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in humanities or career exploration for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Thu | Digital Workshop: Python Programmers (Intro) | 3rd-4th | Ethan Hay | 3 |
$210.00 $189.00 by 12/13 |
In Digital Workshop, students will be introduced to one of the world's fastest-growing programming languages: Python. It is the programming language used by Google, NASA, YouTube, and the CIA! Students will learn how to code with Python to create apps and games. Digital Workshop is a computer lab environment in which students work through the Black Rocket curriculum under the direction of computer science coaches. The lab environment allows students to enroll at any quarter, fosters brand new coders, and encourages those with prior coding experience. In the "Intro" level of a course (i.e., Part 1), students will work through the fundamentals of a new digital skill. In the "Continuing" level (i.e., Part 2), students who continue from "Intro" will develop new skills and will design and code an individual project. New students who enroll in Part 2, "Intro/Advanced" will begin with the introductory lessons. In order to differentiate instruction between new and continuing students, coaches work with small pull-out groups, pairs, or individuals to provide additional support as needed. The class tuition includes a student technology fee that covers the use of instructor-provided classroom laptops loaded with the required software, applications, and licenses. At the end of the class, students will receive access to Black Rocket's interactive learning platform to continue their coding journey at home. Topics in this Series: Minecraft Designers (Quarters 1, 2) and Python Programmers (Quarters 3,4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Wed | Drawing for Fun: Fantastical Figures (11AM) | 3rd-4th | Pete Van Riper | 3 |
$165.00 $148.50 by 12/13 |
Anyone can learn to draw! A professional artist will teach kids how to draw a variety of characters through classical drawing techniques. Students will learn how to break complex forms and figures into simple shapes and bring them to life with shading, shadow, textures, and more. Drawings will feature fantasy and fictional subjects which are a great choice to keep beginning artists from becoming frustrated when their work does not look "the real thing." Third quarter, students will develop their drawing skills on projects featuring fantasy figures. Kids will enjoy projects with dragons, ogres, ghouls, aliens or elves where they can practice drawing techniques without the pressure of trying to replicate real life. The class will learn to draw simple costumes and props around their character to convey setting without drawing elaborate landscapes, and they will learn how to express thoughts and conversation through dialogue bubbles. This is not a “follow-the-leader” or copy/mimic art class, but rather a supportive environment where students are encouraged to create their own fantasy characters and scenarios. They will receive individual coaching and feedback to develop the characters that they dream up rather than trying to replicate well-known existing characters like DC, Marvel, Disney, or Looney Tunes. Young artists having fun playing off each other’s ideas to draw outrageous imaginary characters and worlds. The instructor will often use prompts to get the ideas flowing and to encourage collaboration. The instructor has a class rule that illustrations must be rated “G” with no violence (guns, knives, blood/gore) and will often suggest alternatives such as battle with unexpected objects like baguettes or bananas! Students' practice illustrations and draft renderings will be drawn with regular #2 pencil in sketchbooks, but they are welcome to add color to their work with colored pencils or markers, if desired. There is a $15.00 material fee payable to the instructor on the first day for a sketchbook and shared classroom art supplies. Topics in this Series include: Comic Art and Characters (Quarter 1); Comics with a Cast of Characters (Quarter 2), Fantastical Figures (Quarter 3), and Playful Portraits (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Tue | Eco Scientist: Africa and Asia | 3rd-4th | Osk Huneycutt | 0 |
$193.00 $173.70 by 12/13 |
Become a world-traveling eco adventurer and earth scientist without leaving Compass! Study the world's most exciting and diverse ecosystems and learn about the incredible biologic and geologic phenomena that shape them. Venture into caves and coasts, tundra and taiga, and forests and fjords. Each week, student scientists will begin by locating the fascinating features on a map before learning about these incredible habitats from the ground-up, starting with the geology of a place, then working their way through the climate, biome, flora, and fauna. Hands-on labs and in-class activities will reinforce regional and ecological diversity by examining rock types, classifying plants, observing insects, or modeling weather phenomena. This quarter's journey begins at the highest point on earth Mt. Everest. The class will journey through Asia and India and see how these land masses have changed over geologic time. Why are there elephants in India and Africa, but not in the Middle Eastern lands that connect them? Students will follow the elephant's trail through time and explore the African continent and the world s largest rift valleys where the earth is literally tearing apart! Topics in this Series: The Americas and Antarctica (Quarter 1); Northern Latitudes (Quarter 2); Africa & Asia (Quarter 3); and All About Islands (Quarter 4). Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $20.00 is due payable to the instructor on/before the first day of class. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 15 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Wed, Fri | English: British Literature with Writing Lab: Literary Analysis (Sem 2) | 10th-11th | Anne Taranto | 6 |
$673.00 $605.70 by 12/13 |
This full-credit high school English class will focus on developing critical reading and writing skills through the study of a range of canonical and post-colonial genres and texts written in English. Through exposure to a variety of voices across time periods and geographical regions, students will investigate major themes, such as the importance of language as a locus of power, the continuity of human nature, and the role of the imagination. Spring semester will introduce students to post-colonial texts and genres featuring Vindication of the Rights of Woman (Mary Wollstonecraft), Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen), Frankenstein (Mary Shelley), and Paradise Lost (John Milton). Writing Lab: An essential component of this course will be an in-class Writing Lab. Students will write two or three critical response papers and a full-scale literary analysis essay each term. Students will continue to hone the components of academic writing, including how to construct a thesis statement that makes an argument, how to support their ideas effectively with textual evidence, how to organize an argument logically, and how to cite sources in MLA format. Students should bring a laptop to class one day per week for in-class writing. Note: This is a 14-week class that will not meet on: 4/2/2025, 4/4/2025, 4/16/2025, 4/18/2025, 5/14/2025, 5/16/2025 Topics in this Series: British Literature, Part I (Semester 1) and British Literature, Part II (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Prerequisites: Students should be able to read at grade level and have completed Introduction to Genre or equivalent high school level writing class. Students are expected to take an active role in discussion and complete all writing assignments. Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class. Assignments: All assignments will be posted in a Google Classroom management site. Students will need their own gmail accounts to access Google Classroom. Assessments: Students' written assignments will be graded using a rubric and assigned points that the homeschool parent can use when assigning an overall class grade. Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased and bundled for students. (See Supply Fee below). Supply Fee: A class fee of $22.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for the class pack of books and handouts. What to Bring: Students should bring the current literature, paper, pen or pencil and highlighter to class each week. Some students may wish to bring paper clips, adhesive flags or post-it notes for marking passages/pages. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a half-credit (one semester) or full credit (both semesters) in English for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: Introduction to Genres or equivalent |
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Year long | Sep 06 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Fri | French II | 9th-12th | Edwige Pinover | 2 |
$645.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
Bonjour and welcome to the second year of high school French. This is a conversation-focused program in which students will build their vocabulary quickly and learn essential grammar skills in French. Students will cover the broad themes and vocabular for: my family and my friends, celebrations, shopping, high school, a typical day, and the good old days. The class will begin with a review of adjective-noun agreement, negations, and regular -er, ir-, and -re verbs. They will review and continue to expand their list of irregular verbs such as avoir (to have) and etre (to be). Students will be introduced to the passe compose and Imparfait (imperfect) tenses, and they will learn how to use negations, direct and indirect pronouns, and reflexive verbs with present, past, and imperfect tenses. They will practice comparative and superlative statements, and will continue to have brief cultural lessons integrated in their units. Class will be conducted primarily in French and will focus on listening and speaking skills, asking and answering questions, and correct use of grammar. At home, students will be responsible for memorizing vocabulary and grammar, completing homework assignments, and watching both grammar instruction and language immersion videos. Prerequisite: French I Workload: Students should expect to spend 30-45 minutes per day, 4 days per week on homework outside of class. Assignments: Are sent by e-mail to parents and students. Students must have access to a computer and internet service for computer-based videos and practice tools that are assigned as homework and are essential to success in the class. Assessments: Quizzes, tests, and individual performance reviews will be given to all students at regular intervals to provide parents with sufficient feedback to assign a grade. Textbook: Students should purchase or rent the required textbook for this class: Bien Dit! Level II: Student Edition Level 1 2018 edition (ISBN-13 978-0544861343) Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Foreign Language for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: French I or equivalent |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Wed | French with Friends (Q3) | 3rd-4th | Edwige Pinover | 4 |
$191.00 $171.90 by 12/13 |
Salut! French with Friends is an introductory French class for elementary-aged students. The class will be taught in a predominantly immersion environment. Limited cues in English will be used to prompt students or explain difficult concepts. French language instruction will be presented in a natural learning sequence beginning with nouns (such as colors, numbers, clothing, foods, animals, family members, days/dates, etc), adjectives, beginning verbs, greetings, and simple phrases. Songs, games, stories, and hands-on activities will be used in class to review vocabulary and phrases. Emphasis will be on conversation, but students will be encouraged to learn to spell and sound out written French. Aspects of Francophone culture such as holidays, foods, and traditions will be incorporated in the classes. Each quarter introduces new themes and new vocabulary in French, so continuing students can continue to build their language basics. However, themes and units are non-sequential, so students may enroll in this level in any quarter. The goal of this introductory course is to lay foundations in sounds, vocabulary, and simple phrases while having fun and building confidence in a foreign language. Fluency should not be expected at this level. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Wed | Global Gourmet for Kids: Tasty Thai (11AM) | 3rd-5th | Mylene Nyman | 0 |
$219.00 $197.10 by 12/13 |
Compass cooks will enjoy a culinary tour of the world with Global Gourmet classes! Menus feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients seasoned and prepared to represent regional flavors and traditional dishes from the featured country. Recipes are selected to be nutritious, fun, and simple to make. The Compass chefs' gastronomy adventures will include:
Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 17 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Fri | Global Gourmet for Teens: Tasty Thai | 9th-12th | Mylene Nyman | 6 |
$219.00 $197.10 by 12/13 |
Compass cooks will enjoy a culinary tour of the world with Global Gourmet classes! Menus feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients seasoned and prepared to represent regional flavors and traditional dishes from the featured country. Recipes are selected to be nutritious, fun, and simple to make. The Compass chefs' gastronomy adventures will include:
Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Thu | Graphic History: The Civil War (through Graphic Novels) | 5th-6th | Christina Somerville | 3 |
$214.00 $192.60 by 12/13 |
Why did US states take sides and fight a bloody war, brother against brother? How did the country reunite and rebuild? What changes did the telephone, electrification, and the first automobiles bring to daily life? In this class, students will learn about American History through graphic novels. Kids will not realize they are absorbing factual information and learning about history through the entertaining, illustrated, short-form novels. Through colorful, dramatic graphics and an approachable conversational tone, graphic novels show kids that history can be thrilling! Each quarter will begin with an overview of the graphic novel genre including vocabulary unique to the illustrations and format (panels, speech bubbles, etc.) by looking at several other examples of graphic novels. Each week, students will read a portion of a graphic novel at home from the Saddleback Educational Publishing Graphic, US History Series. In class, the novels and historical content, key historical characters, and events will be discussed. Extension activities will be incorporated such as reading, listening, or watching excerpts of other accounts of the same historical events. Students will think they are talking about cool, comic-style books, but the facilitated class discussion will lay the groupwork for an understanding of US History, chronology, and critical thinking skills. Third quarter will cover the build-up and aftermath of America's War Between the States with The Civil War (1850-1876), The Industrial Era (1865-1915), and America Becomes a World Power (1890-1930). Students are expected to read approximately one half of one graphic history novel (25-30 pages) per week which they may read individually or read aloud with their families. These novels are generally considered at an ages 8-12 reading level. Build a graphic history library. Collect all 12 (3 per quarter)! Because students will need the same editions of all three graphic novels to be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, class sets of the graphic novels will be purchased for students. A supply fee of $48.00 will be due payable to Compass on or before the first day of class for three novels. Topics in this series include: The American Revolution (Quarter 1); Westward Ho! (Early 19th Century) (Quarter 2); The Civil War (Quarter 3); and The 20th Century (Quarter 4) Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Tue | Great Graphic Novels: Shakespeare Shorts | 5th-6th | Christina Somerville | 4 |
$214.00 $192.60 by 12/13 |
Get your child to read the classics without a clash! Children will become familiar with the world's best-known authors and timeless tales through the approachable illustrated format of graphic novels. Kids will not realize they are reading literature and being introduced to literary analysis as they read these entertaining, illustrated, short-form stories. Third quarter, students will read some of the best of the Bard in abridged Shakespeare Shorts. Meet merchant Antonio, a moneylender, and their romantic interests in old Italy in The Merchant of Venice. Journey to a magical forest to learn what happens when whimsical fairies influence the fates of four young lovers in A Midsummer Night's Dream , and unravel mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and mis adventures of a cast of characters in The Twelfth Night. Through colorful, dramatic graphics and an approachable conversational tone, graphic novels show kids that literature can be enthralling! Each quarter will begin with an overview of the graphic novel genre including vocabulary unique to the illustrations and format (panels, speech bubbles, etc.) by looking at several other examples of graphic novels. Each week, students will read a portion of a graphic novel at home from the Saddleback Educational Publishing Graphic, Illustrated Classics Series. In class, literary elements and character analysis will be discussed. Extension activities such as reading, listening, or watching excerpts of other tellings of the same tale will take place in class. Students will think they are talking about cool, comic-style books, but the facilitated class discussion will introduce kids to classic works of literature and perhaps interest them to later read the complete novel. Students are expected to read approximately one half of one graphic novel (25-30 pages) per week which they may read individually or read aloud with their families. These novels are generally considered at the ages 8-12 reading level. Collect all 12 (3 per quarter)! Build an illustrated classic library. Because students will need the same editions of all three graphic novels to be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, class sets of the graphic novels will be purchased for students. A supply fee of $48.00 will be due payable to Compass on or before the first day of class for 3 novels. Topics in this series include: The Most Extreme Adventures (Quarter 1); Best of British Books (Quarter 2); Shakespeare Shorts (Quarter 3), and Classic Adventure Quests (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 15 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Wed | Guitar for Beginners II | 5th-8th | Ney Mello | 3 |
$397.00 $357.30 by 12/13 |
Students will continue to learn the fundamentals of playing the guitar. In this class, students will continue to learn basic melodies, chords, and strumming patterns for familiar songs from a variety of genres such as, "Sweet Jane" (by The Velvet Underground), "House of the Rising Sun," (by Eric Burdon and The Animals) and "Willow" (by Taylor Swift) chosen by the instructor and students. Students are encouraged to bring in music they are interested in learning. New chords and new songs will be added each week as students also learn to read music and basic music theory. Students will also learn how to hold, tune, and care for their guitars. Each student will need a least a beginner level acoustic guitar. Students should be able to read at grade level for this class and should plan to practice at home several times each week. Students should expect to spend 20-30 minutes per day most days practicing chords and melodies from class. There is a materials fee of $10.50 payable to the Compass on the first day of class for a tablature notebook for any student who does not have one from a prior class. New students who wish to enroll 2nd semester should have at least 12-15 hours of prior instruction in order to match the pace of the enrolled students. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 15 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Wed | Homeschool String Ensemble (Spring) | 4th-8th | Monika Dorosheff | 1 |
$506.00 $455.40 by 12/13 |
Homeschool musicians who play violin, viola, cello, or bass are invited to join this homeschool string ensemble! Musicians will have an opportunity to develop orchestral skills and enjoy the experience of practicing, playing, and performing as a group. The ensemble will start each week with tuning and warm-ups such as playing musical scales and simple exercises. Then the musicians will work on several group songs each semester where they will improve musical literacy, learn to follow the directions from the conductor, and learn to play in different keys-- as a group. During the final session of the semester, a concert will be held for friends and family. This ensemble is intended for advanced beginner, intermediate, and advanced strings students who are currently and concurrently enrolled in private lessons. As a guideline, a student should be able to play a D major scale in two octaves on his/her instrument. Students are expected to be able to locate notes on their instruments, read music and be able to identify all rhythmical patterns. Students with less experience may be asked to play for the conductor or to submit a brief video to help establish placement. The instructor will provide the ensemble repertoires, and these arrangements will be specially composed to accommodate the range of abilities of all stringed players in the ensemble. Participants are expected to prepare and practice at home for at least 15 - 20 minutes per day. The cost of the class music is included. This is a 15-week semester program, and the week off will be announced by the instructor. Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 04 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Wed | Integrated Middle School Science (11am) | 7th-8th | Manal Hussein | 0 |
$699.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
This year-long, hands-on science course is a survey of key concepts in the fields of Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth Science which will give 7th and 8th grade students the fundamentals they need to tackle high school-level Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Environmental Science. Topics covered in this course will not only provide a foundation for higher level science, but will also boost the student's confidence and fluency in discussing scientific issues, applying scientific terminology, and using scientific equipment. Content covered in this course will also enable a teen to become a more educated reader and consumer of scientific news and information. General life science themes include life cycles, food webs, scientific classification, cell structure, and human body systems. Topics in chemistry include states of matter, atomic structure, elements and the Periodic Table, and chemical reactions and solutions. Themes in physics include motion, position, speed and acceleration, weight (mass), gravity, friction, buoyancy and density, and electricity and magnetism. The earth science unit will cover the rock cycle, minerals, rocks, fossils, weathering and erosion. In this class, students will learn about the principles of scientific investigations and engineering practices, the Scientific Method, and preparation of formal lab reports. They will practice taking measurements, recording data, converting units of measure, and related mathematical concepts such as significant figures, International System of Units, scientific notation, graphs, and data analysis. Students will learn how to provide evidence to support explanations and solutions for their investigations. This class is appropriate for a tween or teen who has had limited middle school level science and who wants to prepare for high school science. In general, a topic will be discussed one week and then the corresponding lab or activity will be performed in class the following week. Microscope work will be used in some life science labs. Meeting Dates: This is a 29-week course that will not meet during the week of May 23-16, 2025. Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class on reading and homework assignments. Assignments: All class announcements and assignments will be communicated via a Google Classroom. Assessments: Informal, qualitative and constructive feedback will be given on submitted assignments. A quantitative score/grade will not be provided. Textbook: Students should purchase Everything You Need to Ace Science in One Big Fat Notebook: The Complete Middle School Study Guide by Workman Publishing (ISBN # 978-0761160953) Materials: Students should bring the following supplies to each class: colored pencils, glue stick, pens or pencils to write with, and a ruler. Lab/Supply Fee: A lab fee of $100.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Credit: This course is not recommended as a high school credit. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Thu | Jiu Jitsu Fit: Yellow | 6th-8th | Iman Castaneda | 3 |
$150.00 $135.00 by 12/13 |
Jiu-Jitsu Fit is a fun, interactive, physical fitness program for tweens incorporating the Brazilian self-defense martial art of Jiu-Jitsu. Students will follow a well-rounded physical fitness program that incorporates moves and strategies of Jiu-Jitsu to increase strength, flexibility, conditioning, endurance, coordination, balance, and fun! Students will practice techniques for resolving conflicts, dealing with bullies, projecting confidence, and developing stranger awareness in the games and exercises they complete in class. Jiu-Jitsu Fit helps tweens stay active, builds self-esteem, and encourages teamwork. Jiu-Jitsu uses grappling and ground work in addition to standing self-defense positions. The color name in the class title refers to the collectable token students will earn each quarter they take the class. Collect all 8! Students may enroll in FUNctional Fitness at any time, regardless of the color name No one color is a prerequisite for any other color, and tokens can be earned in any order. Some partner work may be co-ed. Students will work on mats in socks or bare feet and should come to class wearing loose, comfortable clothing, such as running pants or sweatpants and bring a refillable water bottle. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Wed | Junior Art Studio: Multi-Media Masters (WED 11AM) | K-2nd | Kerry Diederich | 2 |
$165.00 $148.50 by 12/13 |
This class is a multi-media art sampler for our youngest artists! Each week, students will learn a few fun facts about a type of art, artist, or culture and view sample works. Then, they will create a project in the style of the featured artist or culture using a wide variety of materials, colors, patterns, textures, and embellishments. Young artists will have the opportunity to work with a different media each week such as tempera paint, various papers, color pencils, markers, tissue paper, translucent tracing paper, cray pas, oil pastels, charcoals, and watercolors. Third quarter, Junior Artists will learn about the unique multi-media "craft art" of the masters! Projects will feature art with craft themes such as Van Gogh's Sunflowers, torn paper rainbows, Faith Ringold's story quilts, and sand painting. Art projects will feature a variety of materials and techniques to create craft art while learning about the artist, their technique, and their materials. Topics in this Series: Imitate the Impressionists (Quarter 1); Destination Art (Quarter 2); Multi-Media Masters (Quarter 3); Native American Art (Quarter 4). Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $25.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Wed | Krav Maga Self Defense for Kids- Brown Stripe (Wed) | 5th-8th | David Cubias | 1 |
$156.00 $140.40 by 12/13 |
Krav Maga is the Israeli martial art which teaches self defense and fitness. Students of Krav Maga are taught a series of strategies to assess and respond to common situations, such as facing a bully. Kids are always taught first and foremost to get away, to get help, and to try to deescalate the situation. When that fails, students practice a technique that includes a warning strike followed by escape, and finally, they learn how to stand up for themselves and how to counterattack if a situation escalates and becomes threatening. Kids are empowered and gain confidence when they rehearse how to handle real-life situations. Exercises and in-class practice incorporate balance, coordination, energy, and other key elements of fitness along with life skills such as confidence, teamwork, respect, discipline, and respect. Students may enroll in Krav Maga at any time, and everyone will begin as a white belt. Each quarter, students will practice the full range of skills, but there will be two "featured" moves that a student can earn a belt stripe for being able to demonstrate. Featured moves will include a combative strike and a defensive escape technique. No one stripe is a prerequisite for any other color, and color stripes can be earned in any order. Third quarter, students will have the chance to earn a Brown Stripe. Featured moves include: cover defense and wrist locks (red stripe); straight punch defense and bear hugs (orange stripe); head movement defense and front 2-handed choke (yellow stripe); round kick defense and back 2-handed choke (green stripe); front kick defense and guillotine choke (blue stripe); clinch defense and rear choke (purple stripe); ground striking defense and head lock defense (brown stripe); and 360 defense and full Nelson (black stripe). Students will be able to test for belt promotions to move through the ranks of white belt, yellow belt, orange belt, etc. On average, it is estimated that a student will be ready for a belt test after four quarters/four color stripes. Belt testing will be by coach approval. Topics in this Series: Blue Stripe (1st Quarter), Purple Stripe (2nd Quarter), Brown Stripe (3rd Quarter) and Black Stripe (4th Quarter). Assessments: Belt testing for promotion will be by coach recommendation, but on average will take 4 quarters. Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $6.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class- for new students only- for a white belt to collect the colored stripes! A belt test fee of $25.00 is due payable to the instructor when a student is ready to test for promotion. What to Bring: Refillable water bottle. What to Wear: In lieu of a full martial arts uniform, participants should wear their class t-shirt and belt along with shorts, leggings, or loose, comfortable athletic pants, and comfortable athletic shoes or sneakers. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Thu | Middle School Musical: Broadway's 'Wicked' | 6th-8th | Alina Kirshon-Goldman | 6 |
$242.00 $217.80 by 12/13 |
In the style of "High School Musical" or a glee club, Compass Chorale is for tween singers who want to have fun taking their vocal performance to the next level. This class will focus on choral arrangements of contemporary pieces with 2- and 3- part harmonies. Singers will be expected to memorize pieces and participate in a showcase for parents at the end of the quarter. This quarter, the ensemble's feature piece will be "Popular" from Wicked, the hit musical prequel to the classic "Wizard of Oz" story. Students will work on other music as solos, duets, or small group numbers from the musical Wicked such as, "The Wizard and I", "Something Bad", "I'm Not that Girl", "Wonderful", "No Good Deed", and others. This class includes instruction on vocal development and performance such as posture, breathing, intonation, and the principles of blending vocal harmonies. Basic musical notation will be introduced as well as melodic and harmonic intervals. There is a $25.00 fee for sheet music due payable to Compass on the first day of class.
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Wed | New Twist on Old Tales: Friend Stories | 2nd-3rd | Judith Harmon | 4 |
$177.00 $159.30 by 12/13 |
Young readers and writers will explore classic tales in a variety of creative, multi-media interpretations. Pulling from classic children's literature including fairy tales, fables, and favorites, such as Newberry Award medalists, the group will explore 3-4 well-known stories each quarter (generally spending 2 weeks per tale). Third quarter will feature Friend Stories with the tales Conderella, Alladdin and his Magic Lamp, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. For each story, the instructor will share a lively read-aloud of the featured story. Next, the class will watch a short clip of an animated, televised, or stage version of the same story. Finally, the group will hear a re-telling of the same story from a different angle, such as one adapted to a theme, a different era, or a different culture. Students will discuss what was the same and what was different among the different adaptations. Was a character added or omitted? Was the performed version true to the original? Finally, students will write and illustrate their own, original re-telling of the story by changing characters, setting, or even crafting a surprise, new ending. New Twists on Old Tales introduces some basic literary elements and rudimentary literary analysis skills to encourage children to think more deeply about what they read. Topics in this Series: Amazing Adventures (Quarter 1), Favorite Fairy Tales (Quarter 2), Friend Stories (Quarter 3), and Morals from Fables (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Thu | Number Ninjas: Super Shapes | 1st-2nd | Becca Sticha | 3 |
$174.00 $156.60 by 12/13 |
Does your child learn best by hands-on activities, crafts, games, and stories? Number Ninjas is based on the belief that children need to work with mathematics in a concrete, physical, and tangible way in order to learn fundamental concepts. Young students will love learning numerical concepts in this interactive, exploration-based class where work with numbers feels like a game. Third quarter, students will dive into geometry by creating plane figures and sorting them according to the number of sides, vertices, and angles. We will complete symmetrical pictures with pattern blocks and drawings. Students will compare and sort 2-D and 3-D shapes using everyday objects. We will build a in-class projects featuring shapes. This class covers many of the 1st and 2nd grade Standards of Learning for math. Weekly update e-mails to parents will include suggestions for practice at home and extension activities. Topics in the Series: Play with Place Value (Quarter 1), Measurement Madness (Quarter 2), Super Shapes (Quarter 3), and Fun with Fractions (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 03 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Tue, Thu | Pre-Algebra | 7th-9th | Jen Hallworth | -1 |
$1179.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
This is a complete course in Pre-Algebra that will provide an introduction to basic algebra concepts and a review of arithmetic algorithms with an emphasis on problem solving. The major topics covered in this course are Numbers and Operations, Expressions and Properties, Equations and Inequalities, Functional Relationships and Ratios, Percent and Proportions. Students will learn to use formulas to solve a variety of math problems encompassing geometry, measurement probability, and statistics. Students will also be applying their learning to real life scenarios to solve problems. Prerequisites: Students must be fluent in the four basic operations- addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. They will need to show proficiency and have a thorough command of basic computation. In addition, a basic, introductory understanding and ability to work with fractions and decimals is required to solve equations and simplify expressions. If you are unsure about your child's readiness for this class, the instructor will recommend one or more practice platforms and/or assessments to confirm placement. Workload: Students should expect to spend 3-4 hours per week outside of class to complete practice problems, homework, and assessments. Assignments: All assignments will be posted on password-protected Canvas classroom management site. There, students access assignments, upload homework, link to quizzes and tests, track grades, and message the instructor and classmates. Assessments: All chapter tests will be taken outside of class with parental oversight to maximize in-class instructional time. Points will be assigned for completed homework, quizzes, and tests. A letter grade will not be assigned, but parents can use total points earned versus total points offered to assign a grade for purposes of a homeschool transcript. Parents can view total points earned at any time through the Canvas site. See the instructor's webpage for detailed homework and test policy, including late work and re-work. Textbook: The selected textbook is available free online, and a link will be posted on Canvas. Students who prefer a hard copy textbook may purchase or rent McDougall Littell's Pre-Algebra (ISBN #978-0618250035). As an alternative, for any student who struggles with reading, the textbook can be purchased as an audio CD (ISBN #978-0618478828). What to Bring: TI-34 calculator Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Mathematics for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 03 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Tue, Fri | Probability & Statistics (On-Level or Honors) | 11th-12th | David Chelf | 5 |
$1260.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292 million. 77% of teens ages 12-17 have cell phones. One out of every two youth voters cast a ballot in 2020. From election polls to stock market data and weather reports to medical test results, statistics and probability are all around us. They are quoted in the podcasts we listen to, the news we watch, and the textbooks and articles we read. Statistics and probability are used in almost every field of study and career for forecasting, decision making, and tracking progress. In 2021-22, the government will release a tsunami of 2020 census statistics about our country's population. (Coincidentally, the odds of a tsunami hitting the east coast- less than the Powerball win.) But statistics and probability are also often misused, misquoted or incorrectly applied, so having a solid understanding of what these numbers represent will help make teens informed consumers and decision-makers. This course will explore the collection and analysis of data, inferences and conclusions, and the use of this information. Themes include relationships between variables, gathering data, interpreting categorical versus quantitative data. The class will also cover sample surveys, experiments, and observational studies and evaluate randomness and probability. Finally, students will learn about making inferences, justifying conclusions, and using probability to make decisions. Prerequisite: Students should have a solid foundation in Algebra I and Geometry in order to take this class. It is an ideal class for a student who needs an additional credit in high school math, but who may not wish to pursue more advanced mathematics courses such as Algebra II and Pre-Calculus. Levels: The course provides a substantive, full-credit experience on either an Honors or On-Level track. All class members share core material and participate in the same class lectures. Honors students will receive additional, more challenging problems. Students register online for the same course but must indicate which level they wish to follow by the first day of class. Students may move down a level (from Honors to On-Level) at any time. Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-1.5 hours per day on reading, review, and homework on most non-class days. Homework assignments will run on a 7-day cycle, with assignments posted on Thursdays and due the following Thursday. Students are advised to start homework once it is assigned (i.e., not wait until the night before it is due). Weekly homework assignments will be of a length that a student should be able to complete them in two or three at-home work sessions. Solutions will be provided for some homework problems, but students are expected to show all steps of their work. Assignments: The Canvas online class management system will be used to post assignments and scores. Students should have their own e-mail address in order to be set up as users of the Canvas system. Parents can also be set up as Canvas guests/observers for purposes of tracking the student's progress and workload. Assessments: Student progress will be assessed by: (1) The instructor checking that weekly homework sets are attempted and complete and (2) detailed grading of periodic take-home tests. Parents will be able to view accumulated points awarded in the class for the purpose of determining a parent-awarded course grade. See the instructor's webpage for detailed homework and test policy, including late work and re-work. Textbook: The required textbook for this class is "Stats In Your World" 1st edition by David E. Bock (ISBN-13: 978-0131384897). Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a complete credit in Probability & Statistics for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 15 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Wed | Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Blue Level 1 (Sem 2) | 3rd-4th | Catherine Vanlandingham | 3 |
$718.00 $646.20 by 12/13 |
Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar. Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization. READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook. Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost. ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning. Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $XX.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books. Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Tue | Robot Fab Lab: Mars Rover- (TUE) | 5th-6th | Becca Sticha | 2 |
$210.00 $189.00 by 12/13 |
All-New Technology! Student engineers will be challenged to design, build, and program a robot to explore a simulated Martian challenge. Each rover will have to fit in a mock Mars lander and be able to drive out the lander door, down a ramp, and onto the Mars surface. Once in the Compass Mars environment, each lander must be able to maintain a course while driving over a bumpy terrain and pick up and collect red rocks while ignoring Martian rocks of other colors. Student engineers will be challenged to design, build, and program a robot to complete several unique mazes in the fastest possible time. Students will learn to program their robots to make "decisions" when exploring an unfamiliar maze such as "go straight until you encounter a wall" and "turn to the right if you run into an obstacle." Students will use all new LEGO Education Spike Prime robotics sets. They will build with motors, wheels/axles, gears, levers, and special components. Students will have to install touch, sound, color, gyro, ultrasonic, and/or infrared sensors while also learning to program sequences and commands that use input/output devices for controlled movements and precise turns. Using the drag-and-drop programming menu, students will learn to program their robots while experimenting with key concepts such as fixed values, variables, loops, and logic constructs. This course integrates science, engineering and computational thinking while introducing physical constraints, units of measurement, and coordinate systems. But, don't worry, this is a beginning robotics class. Prior experience is not expected, but returning students are welcome. Each student will build his/her own robotic project, so students can progress and customize at their own pace. In general, in this class, students will spend two weeks assembling, three weeks programming, and two weeks testing and re-designing. Topics in this Series: Maze Runner (Quarter 1), Sumo Bots (Quarter 2), Mars Rover (Quarter 3), and Explore Atlantis (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 06 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Fri | Spanish I | 9th-12th | Sirdley Taborga | 2 |
$645.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
Hola! Get ready for a full year of beginner level high school Spanish! This is a conversation-focused program in which students will build their vocabulary quickly beginning with the alphabet, numbers, time, dates, seasons, school, free time activities/hobbies, likes/dislikes, personal descriptions, family relationships, emotions, food/restaurants, places/locations in town, and shopping/clothing. There will be a strong emphasis on conversation with common grammar concepts such as articles, pronouns, adjectives, comparative phrases, and present tense and regular past tense verbs learned and practiced in the context of conversation (rather than stand-along grammar exercises). Class will be conducted primarily in Spanish and will focus on listening and speaking skills, asking and answering questions. At home, students will be responsible for practicing vocabulary and grammar and completing written assignments, and watching language immersion video clips. Workload: Students should expect to spend 30-45 minutes per day approximately 4 days per week on homework outside of class. Assignments: Are sent by e-mail to parents and students. Students must have access to a computer for videos that are assigned. Assessments: Quizzes and tests will be scored with a points system that parents can use in calculating a grade. Textbook: Students should purchase or rent Avancemos!: Student Edition Level 1, 2018 edition (ISBN # 978-0544861213) Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Foreign Language for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Thu | Successful Social Skills for Kids (Q3-THU) | 3rd-5th | Kathryn Beirne | 4 |
$222.00 $199.80 by 12/13 |
Successful social skills can help kids navigate almost every aspect of their lives. Building confidence in social settings can help improve self esteem and comfort in group settings, sports, new endeavors, with family, in public, or just hanging out with friends. Every child can benefit from improved social skills, but some need a little more practice. In this class, kids will work with a certified, licensed therapist to develop strategies for navigating different social challenges- from conversation skills and identifying feelings and emotions, to seeing perspective, handling stress, talking to parents, making friends, tolerating siblings, and more. The small group class will be highly interactive with games, role playing, videos, modelling behavior, and projects using a evidence-based, social-emotional curriculum Kids will benefit most from taking Social Skills for several quarters. Some activities will be new each quarter, and some will be repeated for reinforcement. As new students join the group, the dynamic will shift, better imitating real life scenarios. Kids' confidence and comfort level will grow when they have multiple quarters to practice their social skills. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Tue | Successful Social Skills for Kids (Q3-TUE) | 3rd-5th | Kathryn Beirne | 2 |
$222.00 $199.80 by 12/13 |
Successful social skills can help kids navigate almost every aspect of their lives. Building confidence in social settings can help improve self esteem and comfort in group settings, sports, new endeavors, with family, in public, or just hanging out with friends. Every child can benefit from improved social skills, but some need a little more practice. In this class, kids will work with a certified, licensed therapist to develop strategies for navigating different social challenges- from conversation skills and identifying feelings and emotions, to seeing perspective, handling stress, talking to parents, making friends, tolerating siblings, and more. The small group class will be highly interactive with games, role playing, videos, modelling behavior, and projects using a evidence-based, social-emotional curriculum Kids will benefit most from taking Social Skills for several quarters. Some activities will be new each quarter, and some will be repeated for reinforcement. As new students join the group, the dynamic will shift, better imitating real life scenarios. Kids' confidence and comfort level will grow when they have multiple quarters to practice their social skills. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Thu | The Science of Art: Optical Illusions & Color | 7th-8th | Michele Forsythe | 5 |
$202.00 $181.80 by 12/13 |
"S" is for science, and "A" is for art in the study of STEAM, but have you thought about the science in art? Artists must understand the science of the materials that the use: how they tint and texturize, mix and melt, dye and dry, blend or bend. There is a complex community of scientists and engineers with specialties in polymers, glass, chemicals, paper, and textiles who design the materials that artists use to create their art. This class will learn about the science and properties of some unique artistic processes and materials and how and why they work. Third quarter, the class will examine optical illusions and color, with activities involving fractals and the visual phenomena such as the transformative art of Escher and mystifying mobius strips. Students will learn about the neuroscience and psychology of color and the properties of light including refraction through water and prisms to understand the component colors. The class will use some computer applications and some designs on paper to observe and recreate the Munker-White Illusion (color stripes distorting color perception), the Muller-Lyer Illusion (size distortion), and fractal phenomena. In-class projects will also incorporate depth reversion, such as ambiguous 3-D cube, shading to represent form, design-your-own Escher like patterns, and experiments with line density and distribution on a spinning disk! Topics in this series: Resins & Polymers (Quarter 1), Paints & Dyes (Quarter 2), Optical Illusions & Color (Quarter 3), and Paper Engineers (Quarter 4). Lab/Supply Fee: A lab fee of $20.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Tue | Tweens Acting Out: No Exit Escape Room | 6th-8th | Judith Harmon | -1 |
$179.00 $161.10 by 12/13 |
Tweens take over as they collectively brainstorm and collaboratively write their own play. Find out what happens when tweens "act out" the unique characters and an original storyline they created. What happens when colorful characters have to escape? Will it be a cakewalk for our sherlocks to crack the code, unblock locks, and walk before the clock stops? Students will begin with improvisational games to get to know each other and to begin to brainstorm about their original play. Through group activities and guided discussion, the actors will decide on characters, conflict, and conclusion, and the story they want to tell. The script will be developed and customized for this class with the students' input. The class will learn the practical aspects of acting, as they work on script read-through, blocking, costume/prop design, and planning the show. Students will develop their own "actor's toolkit" of voice, body, and imagination in this creative process! Actors will grow in confidence and communication skills in preparation for a final sharing with parents on the final day of the quarter. Once the script is fully developed, it will be emailed to parents. Parents will be expected make sure their tweens memorize their script/lines/cues and assemble a simple make-at-home costume, ideally from clothing items and accessories they already own and a little creativity. Topics in this Series: Haunted House of Horrors (Quarter 1), Chaos in the Courtroom (Quarter 2), No Exit Escape Room (Quarter 3) and Rock Start Rivalry (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Thu | We Wannabe Writers (Q3) | 1st | Danielle Mercadal | 0 |
$190.00 $171.00 by 12/13 |
Wannabe Writers is a beginning writing class for first graders. Students will use creative journaling and illustrations to respond to simple writing prompts. The class will explore the use of various punctuation for simple sentences and will use new vocabulary words to express an idea. Each week, students will share their completed writing and drawings with their classmates. For this level, students must be able to read a Level 1 reader independently and possess the readiness skills outlined below. Children may repeat this class each quarter as new prompts and writing techniques will be introduced each session, and assignments will not be repeated. Note:: This class is designed for students to enjoy a fun, new dimension of writing with peers and a teacher, but this will not take the place of a comprehensive language arts curriculum and regular writing practice. Writing Readiness: Enrolling students must be able to (1) recognize, spell and write his/her first and last name; (2) recognize and write all upper case and lower case letters and know the corresponding sounds; (3) spell and pronounce simple blends, (4) recognize the following sight words: all, am, are, at, ate, be, black, brown, but, came, day, did, do, eat, four, get, go, good, have, he, in, into, is, like, must, new, no, now, on, our, out, please, pretty, ran, ride, saw, say, she, so, soon, that, the, there, they, this, to, too, under, want, was, well, went, what, white, who, will, with, yes; (5) spell and write all 2-letter sight words unaided; (6) be familiar with simple sentence structure; and (7) hold and use a pencil correctly. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Tue | Wee Writers (Q3) | K | Danielle Mercadal | 5 |
$190.00 $171.00 by 12/13 |
Wee Writers is a simple journaling class for emergent kindergarten writers ages 5 and 6. Beginning writers will use basic sight words and phonetics while writing about feelings and experiences. Students will learn basic sentence structure with noun-verb construction, initial capital letter, and ending punctuation. Beginning sentences such as, "I lik cak." or "I drnk wtr." would be typical of emergent writers. Students will illustrate their journal entries and have opportunities to share and discuss their writing with peers. Children may repeat this class each quarter as new writing activities will be introduced each session. Note:: This class is designed for students to enjoy a fun, new dimension of writing with peers and a teacher, but this will not take the place of a comprehensive language arts curriculum and regular writing practice. Writing Readiness; Enrolling students must be able to (1) recognize and write his/her first name; (2) recognize and write each letter of the alphabet and know the corresponding sounds; and (3) hold and use crayons and scissors correctly. Social Readiness; Students must be age five (5) by the start of the class. To be successful in this program, kindergartners must be able to do the following preschool-level skills: (1) be able to separate from parents with little discomfort; (2) be able to sit and stay on a task for 10 minutes; (3) be able to follow simple, age-appropriate directions from the teacher or another adult; (4) be completely self-sufficient in a public restroom (wiping, flushing, washing hands, etc.) Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 23 | 11:00 am | 11:55 am | Thu | Writing Lab (Sem2) | 9th-12th | Shannon McClain | 4 |
$312.00 $280.80 by 12/13 |
Writing is not only a critical skill for school and life, it gives teens a voice! In this class, high school students will gain confidence, increase writing fluency, and learn how to incorporate writing a variety of school subjects, for pleasure, and one day, for a job. The objective of this class is for each student to progress and improve his/her own writing. This class does not have a fixed curriculum trying to achieve the same outcome and same skillset for each teen, because each comes to class with different writing experience and varying needs. Instead, through personalized feedback from the instructor and peer feedback exercises, student writers will improve their writing skills from where they started. Students will learn the steps of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Key skills practiced at this level include organizing one's thoughts, defining a purpose and audience for the paper, formulating a topic sentence or main idea, developing supporting details, using correct sentence structure. Students will always be encouraged to write about what interests them, or they may work on writing assignments for other classes or projects. They will write in class each week and will be expected to write at home and submit their work to the instructor for feedback. Each week, the instructor will share brief lessons on grammar (such as correct capitalization, agreement, tenses, parts of speech, use of adjectives/adverbs), and/or style (for example, using metaphors, adding details, building tension). Examples and exercises will be presented from a variety of styles and genres with the instructor using models from fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. Students must be near grade level for reading. Topics in this Series: Writing Lab (Semester 1 and Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Prerequisites: Reading near grade level. Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class. Assignments: Will be discussed in class and emailed in a weekly update. Assessments: The instructor will provide individualized, qualitative feedback and suggestions on assignments. Formal grades will not be given. The parent should review this work or keep a portfolio in order to assign a comprehensive grade the their student's effort and progression. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in English for purposes of a high school transcript. In order to earn a full credit in English, this course should be paired with a literature course. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 11:05 am | 11:50 am | Tue | Nature Quest: Winter- Adventurers (Tue) | K-2nd | Sevim Kalyoncu | 2 |
$149.00 $134.10 by 12/13 |
Witness the wonders of winter! Bundle up and look for signs of how animals live in the cold. Discover tracks in the snow, uncover nests and borrows, and find out who munched on twigs or bark. Observe transformations in plant life, moss, and fungus, and watch the changes to the watershed. Step outdoors to each week to explore nature with a senior naturalist/outdoor educator. Take a break from sit-down classes, indoor activities, and screen time to explore the natural world, get fresh air, and exercise. The group will explore the southern section of Sugarland Stream Valley Park in Herndon while they discover all the secrets that woods hold when you stop, look, listen, smell, touch, turn-over, and peek under! A portion of each session will be seeking and discussing what is found each season. Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things they encounter outdoors, observing and appreciating discoveries in nature, safe exploration of the woods, and how to be a good steward of nature. The class will also discuss outdoor skills such as shelter and outdoor safety. Students will play games in the woods to practice outdoor skills. Visit the Compass Nature Quest class webpage for more information on the program, location, and Frequently Asked Questions. Students should come prepared for class with outdoor/play clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and/or insect repellent, a hat, and jacket or layered outerwear depending on the weather/temperature. Students must be minimum age 5 by the start of class, be comfortable separating from their parents for the duration of class and must be able to stay in a group and follow instructions. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 11:05 am | 11:50 am | Wed | Nature Quest: Winter- Adventurers (Wed) | K-2nd | Sevim Kalyoncu | 6 |
$149.00 $134.10 by 12/13 |
Witness the wonders of winter! Bundle up and look for signs of how animals live in the cold. Discover tracks in the snow, uncover nests and borrows, and find out who munched on twigs or bark. Observe transformations in plant life, moss, and fungus, and watch the changes to the watershed. Step outdoors to each week to explore nature with a senior naturalist/outdoor educator. Take a break from sit-down classes, indoor activities, and screen time to explore the natural world, get fresh air, and exercise. The group will explore the southern section of Sugarland Stream Valley Park in Herndon while they discover all the secrets that woods hold when you stop, look, listen, smell, touch, turn-over, and peek under! A portion of each session will be seeking and discussing what is found each season. Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things they encounter outdoors, observing and appreciating discoveries in nature, safe exploration of the woods, and how to be a good steward of nature. The class will also discuss outdoor skills such as shelter and outdoor safety. Students will play games in the woods to practice outdoor skills. Visit the Compass Nature Quest class webpage for more information on the program, location, and Frequently Asked Questions. Students should come prepared for class with outdoor/play clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and/or insect repellent, a hat, and jacket or layered outerwear depending on the weather/temperature. Students must be minimum age 5 by the start of class, be comfortable separating from their parents for the duration of class and must be able to stay in a group and follow instructions. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 11:05 am | 11:45 am | Thu | Swimming: Beginners/ Adv. Beginners (Thu Q3) | 4th-6th | YMCA Swimming Staff | 5 |
$120.00 $108.00 by 12/13 |
Homeschool Swim Lessons are taught at the Reston YMCA located 0.9 miles/ 3 minute drive from Compass's classroom facility. For more information on swimming lessons, see the program webpage. During the first lesson, students will be observed and determined to be Beginner or Advanced Beginner level, and the class will be divided accordingly among two instructors. Beginners level is for students with little to no swim experience and will cover YMCA Level 1 skills such as water acclimation, floatation, water movement, putting face in the water, swimming 5 feet without a floatation device, and becoming comfortable on back in water. Advanced Beginners level will review all skills in beginner-level class and add YMCA Level 2 skills such as stamina, swimming one length of the pool (25 yards), performing elementary backstroke, rotary breathing, becoming comfortable in deep water, and stroke introduction to include: front crawl, backstroke, and elementary breaststroke. Please note that these skills will be introduced and progress at different rates depending on the comfortable level and experience of enrolled students and may take more than one quarter to complete. At times, students might be moved to a different swimming group (same day, same time, different instructor) to better match the experience level of enrolled children. Lessons are 40 minutes long, running from 0:05 until 0:45 after the hour, leaving enough time to towel dry, change clothes, and return to Compass for your next class. Students should bring a swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes. Googles and swim caps are optional. A parent (or parent proxy) is required to remain on site. Parents may wait on poolside benches or lobby seating. YMCA waivers must be signed and returned for each swimmer. All registration is completed through Compass. All YMCA swimming classes are taught by certified, experienced, background-checked adult instructors with experience teaching children. Consider enrolling your child in both Tuesday and Thursday classes to improve their rate of learning. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 11:05 am | 11:45 am | Tue | Swimming: Beginners/ Adv. Beginners (Tue Q3) | 4th-6th | YMCA Swimming Staff | 6 |
$120.00 $108.00 by 12/13 |
Homeschool Swim Lessons are taught at the Reston YMCA located 0.9 miles/ 3 minute drive from Compass's classroom facility. For more information on swimming lessons, see the program webpage. During the first lesson, students will be observed and determined to be Beginner or Advanced Beginner level, and the class will be divided accordingly among two instructors. Beginners level is for students with little to no swim experience and will cover YMCA Level 1 skills such as water acclimation, floatation, water movement, putting face in the water, swimming 5 feet without a floatation device, and becoming comfortable on back in water. Advanced Beginners level will review all skills in beginner-level class and add YMCA Level 2 skills such as stamina, swimming one length of the pool (25 yards), performing elementary backstroke, rotary breathing, becoming comfortable in deep water, and stroke introduction to include: front crawl, backstroke, and elementary breaststroke. Please note that these skills will be introduced and progress at different rates depending on the comfortable level and experience of enrolled students and may take more than one quarter to complete. At times, students might be moved to a different swimming group (same day, same time, different instructor) to better match the experience level of enrolled children. Lessons are 40 minutes long, running from 0:05 until 0:45 after the hour, leaving enough time to towel dry, change clothes, and return to Compass for your next class. Students should bring a swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes. Googles and swim caps are optional. A parent (or parent proxy) is required to remain on site. Parents may wait on poolside benches or lobby seating. YMCA waivers must be signed and returned for each swimmer. All registration is completed through Compass. All YMCA swimming classes are taught by certified, experienced, background-checked adult instructors with experience teaching children. Consider enrolling your child in both Tuesday and Thursday classes to improve their rate of learning. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Thu | Acting- Kids' Theater: Fractured Fairy Tales | 3rd-5th | Judith Harmon | 2 |
$179.00 $161.10 by 12/13 |
Kids take to the stage as they collaboratively write and perform their very own play with unique characters and an original storyline. What happens when favorite fairy tales are flipped and fumbled? In the newly fabricated tale, does the fearless frog save the fair princess, or do Red Riding Hood and the wretched wolf reunite? Students will begin with improvisational games to get to know each other and start to brainstorm about their original play. Through group activities and guided discussion, the student actors will decide on characters, conflict, and conclusion, and the story they want to tell. The script will be developed and customized for this class with input from the students. The class will learn the practical aspects of acting, as they work on script read-through, blocking, costume/prop design, and planning the show. Student actors will explore skills such as stage movement, character development, emotional expression, and observation/concentration while learning to portray their original character. Students will develop their own "actor's toolkit" of voice, body, and imagination in this creative process! Actors will grow in confidence and communication skills in preparation for a final sharing with parents on the last day of the Once the script is fully developed with everyone's parts, it will be emailed to parents. Parents will be expected to help their children memorize their script/lines/cues and assemble a simple make-at-home costume, ideally from clothing items and accessories you already own and a little creativity. Note: Students who are emerging readers (not able to read at a 3rd/4th grade level) would be better suited to the Young Actor's Playhouse class, rather than this level. Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 03 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Tue, Thu | Algebra I (Tue, Thu) | 7th-10th | Jen Hallworth | 2 |
$1179.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
This is a complete course in high school Algebra I which will cover fundamental concepts in algebra and provide a solid foundation of mathematical literacy, problem solving, reasoning, and critical thinking skills that are necessary for the exploration of more advanced and rigorous topics in mathematics. This course is designed to emphasize the study of algebraic problem-solving with the incorporation of real-world applications. Topics in Algebra I include number systems, linear systems, rational numbers, complex numbers, exponents, roots, radicals, quadratic equations, polynomials, factoring, absolute values, ratios, and proportions. In addition, the course will cover solving and graphing systems of functions, linear equations, and inequalities. Students will explore these topics through class discussions, practice problems, and open-ended problem-solving. Prerequisite: Students should have a solid foundation in pre-algebra topics in order to take this class. In addition, students should be capable of copying the sample problems and solutions worked in class on the white board to his/her own notes as examples for completing homework. Workload: Students should expect to spend 3-4 hours per week outside of class to complete practice problems, homework, and assessments. Assignments: The Canvas online class management system will be used to post assignments and scores. Students should have their own e-mail address to be set up users of the Canvas system. Parents can also be set up as Canvas guests/observers for purposes of tracking the student's progress and workload. Assessments: In this class, the instructor will assess a student's progress by: checking that weekly homework sets are complete; spot-checking the full solution 1-2 select problems in class each week, and giving quarterly take-home tests. Points will also be awarded for class participation. Parents will be able to view accumulated points awarded in the class for purpose of determining a parent-awarded course grade. See the instructor's webpage for detailed homework and test policy, including late work and re-work. Textbook: Students should purchase or rent the required textbook for this class: Algebra I: Expressions, Equations, and Applications by Paul A. Foerster. It is available in a few different editions, each of which is virtually identical: 2nd edition (ISBN-10 020125073X, ISBN-13 978-0201250732), 3rd edition (ISBN-10 0201860945, ISBN-13 978-0201860948), and Classic edition (ISBN-10 020132458X, ISBN-13 978-0201324587). It is also available under the title Foerster Algebra I, Classics edition (ISBN-10 0131657089, ISBN-13 978-0131657083). A calculator is not needed for this course. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a complete credit in Algebra I for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 06 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Fri | American Sign Language (ASL) II | 10th-12th | Felipe Ramos | 3 |
$822.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
Students of ASL will continue to improve their fluency in this 2nd year course. As students become more advanced signers, emphasis will be on focusing on the meaning of a conversation (whole) rather than individual signs (parts). In conversation, students will learn to confirm information by asking questions in context. Second year students will continue to build their vocabulary, apply ASL grammar, and will learn to make requests, ask for advice, give opinions, make comparisons and use superlatives, and narrate stories. Other skills covered in ASL II include expressing year, phone numbers, time, and currency in numbers, appearance, clothing, giving directions, locations, etc. Each unit will include presentations and readings on Deaf culture and Deaf history. Class time will be dedicated to interactive ASL activities and signing practice. ASL students will have a Deaf instructor. She regularly teaches all-hearing classes and is an excellent role model for students to meet and interact with a native speaker of ASL and to lean natural facial expressions, gestures, and body language used in Deaf communications. ASL students will have more confidence when they encounter Deaf instructors in college or greet speakers of ASL in social settings. Because the instructor is Deaf, students are not permitted to speak aloud in class. This approach improves visual attention and encourages immersion in the language. Students will be able to ask questions of the instructor by writing on individual white boards, but they will be encouraged to sign in order to communicate with the instructor. Lessons are facilitated with Power Point presentations, and a professional ASL interpreter will assist the class on the first day of class. Hundreds of colleges and universities, including all public institutions of higher learning in Virginia, accept ASL as a distinct foreign language. This allows hearing and Deaf students to fulfill foreign language requirements for admission to college. Teens who have difficulty writing, spelling, or have challenging pronunciation in English, can be successful with ASL as a second or foreign language choice. Penn State University research demonstrated that the visual and kinesthetic elements of ASL helped to enhance the vocabulary, spelling, and reading skills in hearing students. Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours each week outside of class on required vocabulary exercises, readings, and signing practice. Assignments: Homework assignments will be posted online in the Canvas digital classroom platform. Through Canvas, students will be asked to post short videos of themselves signing as homework. Enrolled students will be asked to review ASL 1 vocabulary, grammar, and facial expressions. Assessments: The instructor will assign points using a class rubric for the parent's use in assigning a course grade. Course rubrics will evaluate students on their sign production, fingerspelling, ASL grammar, facial expressions including "above the nose" grammar (brows and body movement), and "below the nose" modifiers (lip expressions). Textbook/Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $50.00 payable to Compass for the digital access code for the interactive e-textbook, TRUE+WAY ASL. With their subscription, students may also accces a free searchable, bilingual ASL & English dictionary, called What's the Sign? Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in World Languages for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 09 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Mon | AP Modern World History- Lecture **Online** | 10th-12th | Tia Murchie-Beyma | 3 |
$200.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
AP students are required to enroll in this additional lecture section. The lecture is recorded and open to all Modern World History Students. It is tentatively scheduled for 12:00 pm- 12:55 pm online (subject to an alternate time by consensus of AP-enrolled students). A physical meeting room will be designated for on-campus students who have classes immediately before or after this virtual session. Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra I |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Wed | Battle Strategies & Dioramas: WWI- America's Arrival | 6th-8th | Taliesin Knol | 0 |
$195.00 $175.50 by 12/13 |
Students will engage in a hands-on 3D battle strategy game using the military dioramas that they make! In the aftermath of Germany's failed summer offensive, all that remained was for the newly bolstered Allies to launch their own attack and end the war. This was easier said than done, because, aside from a handful of units, the entire American army was dreadfully inexperienced. American generals were unwilling to allow Americans troops to fight and under Allied command, and had deliberately held back until ready to fight en-masse as one army. This was great for newsreels, but deadly for thousands of Americans who were suddenly fighting experienced, war-hardened Germans from the Western front. Could the US army relearn four years of modern warfare in four months? Using artistic model-making techniques, hand tools, and historical maps, students will each form a 10 X 16 shaped, foam diorama with landscape elements (hills, trenches, rivers, ridges, vegetation, barbed wire, etc.) to represent a scene of a famous historical engagement. Students will each receive 1:72 scale miniature soldiers to populate their scene. Once individual projects are constructed, students will combine their dioramas alongside those of their classmates to approximate the larger battlefield terrain. Students will spend the remainder of the quarter learning about the tactics and outcomes of the military engagement while playing a table-top strategy game. Student strategists will use a simplified version of the Fire and Fury historical war gaming rule system for moving troops and equipment. Along with their classmates, students will see how this battle progressed and test different outcome scenarios that might have occurred with different battlefield choices. The instructor will use maps and visual presentations to explain the historical background and circumstances leading up to the specific battle. Course documents, such as period maps, game rules and all other instructional media will be available via a Google Drive link which will be emailed to parents. There is a $25.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on/before the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Naval Conflict- Jutland (Quarter 1), Germany's Last Offensive (Quarter 2), America's Arrival (Quarter 3), and The 100 Day's Offensive (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Wed | Chess: Advanced 3 | 4th-8th | Karl Peterson | 3 |
$172.00 $154.80 by 12/13 |
Students will enjoy the logic and challenge of the timeless strategy board game as they learn and play chess with classmates. In Advanced Chess 3, students will learn skills that build upon each other such as: making and escaping forks, pins, x-rays and skewers; overload, removing the guard, deflection, and decoys. Learning and playing chess supports problem solving, decision making, critical and creative thinking, general cognitive ability, scholastic skills, and mathematical achievement (Univ. of Minnesota). Experts suggest that the game of chess teaches analytical and disciplined thinking skills, while raising self esteem, teaching motivation and determination, and sportsmanship (Kasparov Foundation). Each class will be spent half on technique and half in practice matches with classmates while the instructor coaches. Students should have 30+ hours of chess instruction prior to enrolling in Advanced Chess, a working knowledge of most skills taught in the Compass Beginner and Advanced Beginner Chess levels, or instructor permission. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Thu | Colorful Canvas for Kids: Acrylic Painting | 4th-5th | Diane Wright Cobb | 2 |
$178.00 $160.20 by 12/13 |
Kids will be introduced to acrylic painting in a small group class under the guidance of a professional painter and art teacher. The class will learn the theory of color mixing and the techniques of blending, building up color, creating gradients, and applying light washes. The class will learn how to select the right brush and how to use water to create different effects. Our new painters will practice using paint and brush strokes to create effects like light and shadow, dimension, and texture, and how to develop backgrounds, foregrounds, and detail work. Students will try techniques such as applying and removing paint, layering, stippling, and dabbing, along with wet and dry brush techniques. Students will complete several paintings on canvas boards. A variety of subjects, such as still life, animals, florals, landscapes, seascapes, fantasy, abstracts, or "mimic the masters" will be introduced to illustrate different painting techniques through in-class projects. There is an $20.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Watercolor Painting (Quarter 1), Tempera Painting (Quarter 2), Acrylic Painting (Quarter 3), and MultiMedia Painting (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 06 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Fri | Comparative Anatomy Dissection Lab | 9th-12th | Karen Shumway | 1 |
$675.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
Dissection! The critical lab skill that schools skip and parents hate hosting at home. This lab can be paired with any independent study or online course in high school biology or anatomy in order to gain significant hands-on experience or to complete a lab science credit. Students will investigate the comparative anatomy of a variety of organisms and organs through a year-long dissection study. Class time will be primarily devoted to hands-on exploration with important background information posted in Canvas as slide presentations. Students will begin with an exploration of organisms from a range of phyla, in order of increasing complexity: prokarya, simple eukarya, nematode, sponge, mussel or clam, jellyfish, starfish, earthworm, squid or octopus, crayfish, grasshopper, perch, dogfish shark, frog, owl pellets (for small mammal remains), and fetal pig. The complex organ systems of vertebrates will then be systematically explored, dissecting a critical organ for each system. Where appropriate, organs of multiple species will be used to allow comparison between vertebrates: the circulatory system (pig heart), nervous system (sheep brain), excretory system (pig kidney), sensory system (cow/sheep/pig eyeballs), and musculoskeletal system (chicken wings and cow femur). Students will also use microscopes to look at wet (i.e. fresh or live) and dry mount (i.e. prepared) organism and tissue samples throughout the year. The class will cover lab safety, practice proper dissection techniques, and how to set up and maintain a lab journal with notes and drawings of organs and organisms. Students will have a pre-lab activity (lecture slides, video, and/or packet) to complete each week as "admission" to the following session's dissection. Prerequisites: Students must have age/grade-level dexterity and fine motor skills for the detailed instrument work in this class. Workload: Students should expect to spend 1 hour per week outside of class. Assignments: All assignments will be posted on password-protected Canvas classroom management site. There, students access assignments, upload homework, take automated quizzes and tests, and track grades. Assessments: Will not be given Textbook/Materials: Students should purchase The Anatomy Coloring Book (ISBN-13 : 978-0321832016) Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $140.00 is due payable to the instructor on or before the first day of class. What to Bring: Students should bring a paper or a notebook, pen or pencil, and a set of colored pencils to class each week. What to Wear: Students should not wear any loose, drapey clothing to lab. They should also come to class with long hair tied back and should wear closed toe shoes. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in a laboratory science for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Thu | Cooking for Kids: Winter Warm-Ups (THU 12PM) | 3rd-5th | Mylene Nyman | 6 |
$219.00 $197.10 by 12/13 |
Students will enjoy making delicious recipes and family favorites that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Recipes are selected to be nutritious, fun, and simple to make. Each class will focus on a portion of a meal including appetizer, salad, soup, side dish, main dish, and dessert. The Compass chefs' culinary adventures will include:
Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Tue | Cooking for Kids: Winter Warm-Ups (TUE) | 3rd-5th | Mylene Nyman | 4 |
$219.00 $197.10 by 12/13 |
Students will enjoy making delicious recipes and family favorites that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Recipes are selected to be nutritious, fun, and simple to make. Each class will focus on a portion of a meal including appetizer, salad, soup, side dish, main dish, and dessert. The Compass chefs' culinary adventures will include:
Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 17 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Fri | Cooking for Teens: Winter Warm-Ups | 9th-12th | Mylene Nyman | 6 |
$219.00 $197.10 by 12/13 |
Students will enjoy making delicious recipes and family favorites that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Recipes are selected to be nutritious, fun, and simple to make. Each class will focus on a portion of a meal including appetizer, salad, soup, side dish, main dish, and dessert. The Compass chefs' culinary adventures will include:
Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Wed | Drawing for Fun: Fantastical Figures (12PM) | 5th-6th | Pete Van Riper | 2 |
$165.00 $148.50 by 12/13 |
Anyone can learn to draw! A professional artist will teach kids how to draw a variety of characters through classical drawing techniques. Students will learn how to break complex forms and figures into simple shapes and bring them to life with shading, shadow, textures, and more. Drawings will feature fantasy and fictional subjects which are a great choice to keep beginning artists from becoming frustrated when their work does not look "the real thing." Third quarter, students will develop their drawing skills on projects featuring fantasy figures. Kids will enjoy projects with dragons, ogres, ghouls, aliens or elves where they can practice drawing techniques without the pressure of trying to replicate real life. The class will learn to draw simple costumes and props around their character to convey setting without drawing elaborate landscapes, and they will learn how to express thoughts and conversation through dialogue bubbles. This is not a “follow-the-leader” or copy/mimic art class, but rather a supportive environment where students are encouraged to create their own fantasy characters and scenarios. They will receive individual coaching and feedback to develop the characters that they dream up rather than trying to replicate well-known existing characters like DC, Marvel, Disney, or Looney Tunes. Young artists having fun playing off each other’s ideas to draw outrageous imaginary characters and worlds. The instructor will often use prompts to get the ideas flowing and to encourage collaboration. The instructor has a class rule that illustrations must be rated “G” with no violence (guns, knives, blood/gore) and will often suggest alternatives such as battle with unexpected objects like baguettes or bananas! Students' practice illustrations and draft renderings will be drawn with regular #2 pencil in sketchbooks, but they are welcome to add color to their work with colored pencils or markers, if desired. There is a $15.00 material fee payable to the instructor on the first day for a sketchbook and shared classroom art supplies. Topics in this Series include: Comic Art and Characters (Quarter 1); Comics with a Cast of Characters (Quarter 2), Fantastical Figures (Quarter 3), and Playful Portraits (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 17 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Fri | Drawing Studio: Creative Compositions | 9th-12th | Pete Van Riper | 4 |
$165.00 $148.50 by 12/13 |
Students will draw in a relaxed, informal studio setting, where they will learn the fundamentals of drawing along with the elements of art and principles of design. Most drawing projects are "student's own" where each artist selects their own subject to incorporate demonstrated techniques such as representing light and dark, creating texture and patterns, and shading to show dimension. Third quarter, students will learn to "create narrative" and tell a story with their drawing through subject, placement, and composition. Over the course, students should progress to draw more carefully and more accurately and to represent more refined details in their drawings. The instructor will demonstrate various techniques by developing a sample drawing. Students may elect to follow the class sample or may apply the drawing skills to an entirely unique drawing. This class is suitable for beginners who have never drawn before and for intermediate art students who have worked with other media and are interested in exploring drawing. Drawing can provide a relaxing, needed break from rigorous academic classes and over-scheduled lives in a fun, supportive environment. Topics in this Series: Everyday Objects (Quarter 1), Portraits and Creative Caricatures (Quarter 2), Creative Compositions (Quarter 3), and Imitating Illustration Styles (Quarter 4). Workload: Work outside of class is optional for those who wish to practice their drawing techniques. Assessments: Individual feedback is given in class. Formal assessments will not be given. Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $18.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a sketchbook, a pencil box with pencils of varying hardness, and an eraser. Returning drawing students do not need to pay a supply fee and are expected to replace their drawing supplies as needed, with similar or better quality. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Tue | Dynamic Dioramas: Myths & Legends- Joan of Arc | 3rd-5th | Taliesin Knol | 2 |
$195.00 $175.50 by 12/13 |
As the 100 Years' War devastated the common people of France, a woman was born who took to the field and rallied the nearly defeated French armies to resist the English. Joan, the Maid of Orleans, was inspired by visions from angels to drive out the invaders and see the rightful heir on the French throne. Once captured in battle by the English, she was put on trial for heresy and executed by a corrupt court. This would serve only to martyr her, and the English would ultimately fail to conquer France. Using artistic model-making techniques, hand tools, and historical records, students will create a 10" X 14" diorama board of a 100 Years War battle Joan participated in and populate it with 1:72 scale invading armies and their adversaries for historical re-enactments. Once individual projects are constructed, students will combine their dioramas alongside those of their classmates to approximate a larger battlefield terrain. Students will spend the remainder of the quarter learning about the tactics and outcomes of the conquest while playing a table-top strategy game. Student strategists will use a custom wargaming rule system for moving troops and siege equipment. Along with their classmates, students will see how battles progressed and test different scenarios that might have occurred with different battlefield choices. Course documents such as maps, game rules and all other instructional media will be available via a Google Drive link which will be emailed to parents. Topics in this series include: King Arthur (Quarter 1), 1001 Arabian Nights (Quarter 2), Joan of Arc (Quarter 3), William Wallace and the Scottish Uprising (Quarter 4). There is a $25.00 materials fee payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 13 | 12:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Mon | Economic Empires: Corporations, Capitalists & Consumers- a Market Simulation RPG (20th Century) | 9th-12th | Taliesin Knol | 4 |
$654.00 $588.60 by 12/13 |
In this class, students will model the complex and interconnected economies of post-Industrial Revolution in the early twentieth century. The class will use a custom role-playing game (RPG) to simulate multiple, interconnected industrial economies and global supply chains. Each student will begin the semester as the Head-of-State of a world power. They will make decisions within the framework of their historically accurate government type, such as the absolute monarchy of Tsarist Russia or a republic like France, but in true role-playing fashion, they will create characters and build their "backstories" for these heads of state. Students will practice managing labor forces and forging commercial and military alliances with classmates to secure resources and economic prosperity for their nations. They will learn to balance the role of government in directing resources during war and peace to keep their populations safe, fed, and happy using the game resources available to them. Using the lessons taught in class, students will navigate their interconnected business world, learning to either cooperate with or destroy their rivals. Using their carefully documented ledgers, the class will learn to manage key business elements, from keeping their labor force happy enough not to strike, forging deals and making partnerships, and of course, influencing government policy to their benefit. The end of the semester should make clear how each business is interdependent on another, the benefits of cooperation or forceful acquisition. What role does a good (or bad) government play in encouraging and safeguarding investment and for whose benefit? Above all, it should stress the importance of keeping orderly records, making safe vs highly rewarding investments, and how to successfully manage working relationships. By recreating the circumstances of the early 20th century growth in factories and consumerism, and navigating them in the role playing game, students should understand the how and why of the history they have played. Topics in this Series: Tycoons, Titans & Tyrants- Late 19th century (Semester 1), Corporations, Capitalists & Consumers- Early 20th century (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Prerequisites: None Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class. Assignments: Course documents including period plans, photographs and recreations will be made available through a class Google Drive link emailed to parents (and students who provide their email address), as well as a class reading list of articles/excerpts and YouTube playlist for any videos watched in class or assigned as homework. Assessments: Informal assessments will be given at the instructor's discretion, but assignments will not be scored or graded. Each student's financial success in the game will be an indicator of their learning and participation for purposes of assigning a grade. Parents will also be given shared access to their student's business plan with instructor and ledger, with instructor comments at the conclusion of class. Textbook/Materials: None What to Bring: Paper or notebook, pen or pencil Credit: Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in History, Economics, or Business for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Tue | Engineering Challenge: Mechanical Lab | 5th-6th | Becca Sticha | 1 |
$174.00 $156.60 by 12/13 |
Focus on the "E" in STEM- Engineering! Discover the everyday challenges we can solve through engineering in this hands-on, project-focused class! Students will tackle simulated challenges that span a variety of engineering disciplines and practice the three main steps of the engineering design process by asking, "What is the problem?", "What are possible solutions?" and, "How can I improve on the design?" Third quarter, the class will learn about the careers of Mechanical Engineers and their responsibility for designing, constructing, testing, and maintaining functional devices and machines from ships to appliances, turbines, and vehicles. Students will model mechanical engineering challenges with projects such as a mechanical claw, catapults, tetrahedral kits, pneumatic devices, and a contraption to rescue an animal who is stuck in a drain pipe. Students will work together to solve problems and brainstorm options given a variety of project materials. For each project, students will be challenged to adjust their designs, make modifications, re-design to optimize their creations, and retest performance. Basic building, measuring, data collection, and equations will be used to challenge all minds in engineering! There is a $25.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on/before the start of class. Topics in this Series include: Civil Lab (Quarter 1); Electrical Lab (Quarter 2); Mechanical Lab (Quarter 3); and Green (Sustainable) Lab (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Tue | Environmental Science: Water Investigation | 7th-8th | Osk Huneycutt | 0 |
$193.00 $173.70 by 12/13 |
A powerful hurricane season forecasted. Polar ice caps receding. Hydraulic fracking. Solar power. Everywhere we look, Environmental Science is in the news! Environmental science is an exciting interdisciplinary study that merges the fields of geology, biology, chemistry, and meteorology to explain the earth as an interconnected system with both natural and human-made influences. This year, middle schoolers will sample Environmental Science topics in a hands-on, lab-based investigation. Third quarter, students will focus on water. The class will study the global water cycle, water chemistry and water quality, water tables, water reclamation, desalination, as well as environmental issues related to water resources including pollution and freshwater limitation. Topics in this series include: Geology and Soil Sciences (first quarter); Atmospheric Science (second quarter); Water Science (third quarter); and Current Issues in Environmental Science (fourth quarter). There is a $20.00 lab fee due payable to the instructor on/before the first day of class for consumable materials. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Tue | FUNctional Fitness and Cross-Training (PE) for Tweens: Yellow | 6th-8th | Iman Castaneda | 0 |
$150.00 $135.00 by 12/13 |
FUNctional Fitness is a dynamic PE program for that incorporates well-rounded exercises to get tweens up and moving mid-day! No two workouts are the same, but each day's activities incorporate exercises that target 10 areas: cardio-vascular endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy. FUNctional Fitness focuses on functional movements that are fundamental to all aspects of play and exercise- pulling, pushing, running, throwing, climbing, lifting, and jumping. Work-outs are scalable and adaptable to different individual's own level, and the emphasis is on fun, safety, and personal accomplishment rather than competition among classmates. When the weather permits, some exercises may be taken outdoors. The physical challenges of FUNctional Fitness will foster self-confidence, focus, and help instill a foundation for a lifetime of fitness. The color name in the class title refers to the collectable token students will earn each quarter they take the class. Collect all 8! Students may enroll in FUNctional Fitness at any time, regardless of the color name No one color is a prerequisite for any other color, and tokens can be earned in any order. All equipment is furnished. Students are asked to wear loose, comfortable clothing, such as running pants or sweatpants, and comfortable, supportive athletic shoes. FUNctional Fitness continues each quarter, and students may repeat the class to continue to improve fitness. No two workouts are the same! Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Wed | Global Gourmet for Kids: Tasty Thai (12PM) | 3rd-5th | Mylene Nyman | 0 |
$219.00 $197.10 by 12/13 |
Closed
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Compass cooks will enjoy a culinary tour of the world with Global Gourmet classes! Menus feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients seasoned and prepared to represent regional flavors and traditional dishes from the featured country. Recipes are selected to be nutritious, fun, and simple to make. The Compass chefs' gastronomy adventures will include:
Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 13 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Mon | Information Masters: Research & Reflection (On-Level and Honors) | 9th-12th | Tayler Shreve | 3 |
$356.00 $320.40 by 12/13 |
Information Masters transforms students into savvy consumers and producers of information capable of navigating today's intimidating infosphere. This class introduces high school students to the latest in electronic resources and methodologies for conducting meaningful inquiry and research. Each week, students will develop new media literacy skills necessary for high school and college research writing. Second semester, students will organize their resources with an online bibliography generator. The class will discuss the ethical use of information and how to summarize, paraphrase, and cite sources correctly. To avoid plagiarism while summarizing resources, students will learn note-taking skills using written and online tools. The class will also learn the Cornell Method of Notetaking as one technique. https://www.uc.edu/campus-life/learning-commons/learning-resources/notetaking-resources/cornell-method-notes.html This semester, the class will establish frameworks associated with designing a research project. They will walk through the steps of the research process and plan an individual research project. The class will learn how to synthesize material from multiple sources into a cohesive, properly documented final project. Students will learn how to summarize key elements for presentation and how to apply finishing touches to an oral and media-aided presentation such as Power Point, Canva, or Google Slides. Students taking this course on-level will be expected to share their final product in the form of a class presentation, Ted Talk-style video, or blog. Students taking this course at the Honors level should expect to 1-2 additional hours of homework each week with the goal of having a publishable paper by the end of the semester, an effort which is a note-worthy accomplishment on a college application or resume. Topics in this Series: Inquiry & Investigation (Semester 1) and Research & Reflection (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Prerequisites: Reading and writing at grade-level. Workload: On-level students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class. Honors students should expect to spend 3-4 hours per week outside of class. Assignments: All assignments will be posted on password-protected Canvas classroom management site. There, students access assignments, upload homework, take automated quizzes, track grades, and message instructor and classmates. Assessments: The instructor will assign points for the completion of various assignments, and parents can use the total point earned versus possible for determining a grade in the class. Textbook/Materials: All articles and reference materials will be available online or posted as pdfs on the class Canvas site. What to Bring: Students should bring a laptop or tablet to class, paper or notebook, and pen or pencil. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in English or Language Arts for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 04 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Wed | Integrated Middle School Science (12pm) | 7th-8th | Manal Hussein | 0 |
$699.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
This year-long, hands-on science course is a survey of key concepts in the fields of Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth Science which will give 7th and 8th grade students the fundamentals they need to tackle high school-level Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Environmental Science. Topics covered in this course will not only provide a foundation for higher level science, but will also boost the student's confidence and fluency in discussing scientific issues, applying scientific terminology, and using scientific equipment. Content covered in this course will also enable a teen to become a more educated reader and consumer of scientific news and information. General life science themes include life cycles, food webs, scientific classification, cell structure, and human body systems. Topics in chemistry include states of matter, atomic structure, elements and the Periodic Table, and chemical reactions and solutions. Themes in physics include motion, position, speed and acceleration, weight (mass), gravity, friction, buoyancy and density, and electricity and magnetism. The earth science unit will cover the rock cycle, minerals, rocks, fossils, weathering and erosion. In this class, students will learn about the principles of scientific investigations and engineering practices, the Scientific Method, and preparation of formal lab reports. They will practice taking measurements, recording data, converting units of measure, and related mathematical concepts such as significant figures, International System of Units, scientific notation, graphs, and data analysis. Students will learn how to provide evidence to support explanations and solutions for their investigations. This class is appropriate for a tween or teen who has had limited middle school level science and who wants to prepare for high school science. In general, a topic will be discussed one week and then the corresponding lab or activity will be performed in class the following week. Meeting Dates: This is a 29-week course that will not meet during the week of May 23-16, 2025. Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class on reading and homework assignments. Assignments: All class announcements and assignments will be communicated via a Google Classroom. Assessments: Informal, qualitative and constructive feedback will be given on submitted assignments. A quantitative score/grade will not be provided. Textbook: Students should purchase Everything You Need to Ace Science in One Big Fat Notebook: The Complete Middle School Study Guide by Workman Publishing (ISBN # 978-0761160953) Materials: Students should bring the following supplies to each class: colored pencils, glue stick, pens or pencils to write with, and a ruler. Lab/Supply Fee: A lab fee of $100.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Credit: This course is not recommended as a high school credit. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Tue | Junior Art Studio: Multi-Media Masters (TUE) | K-2nd | Kerry Diederich | 3 |
$165.00 $148.50 by 12/13 |
This class is a multi-media art sampler for our youngest artists! Each week, students will learn a few fun facts about a type of art, artist, or culture and view sample works. Then, they will create a project in the style of the featured artist or culture using a wide variety of materials, colors, patterns, textures, and embellishments. Young artists will have the opportunity to work with a different media each week such as tempera paint, various papers, color pencils, markers, tissue paper, translucent tracing paper, cray pas, oil pastels, charcoals, and watercolors. Third quarter, Junior Artists will learn about the unique multi-media "craft art" of the masters! Projects will feature art with craft themes such as Van Gogh's Sunflowers, torn paper rainbows, Faith Ringold's story quilts, and sand painting. Art projects will feature a variety of materials and techniques to create craft art while learning about the artist, their technique, and their materials. Topics in this Series: Imitate the Impressionists (Quarter 1); Destination Art (Quarter 2); Multi-Media Masters (Quarter 3); Native American Art (Quarter 4). Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $25.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Wed | Junior Art Studio: Multi-Media Masters (WED 12PM) | K-2nd | Kerry Diederich | 0 |
$165.00 $148.50 by 12/13 |
This class is a multi-media art sampler for our youngest artists! Each week, students will learn a few fun facts about a type of art, artist, or culture and view sample works. Then, they will create a project in the style of the featured artist or culture using a wide variety of materials, colors, patterns, textures, and embellishments. Young artists will have the opportunity to work with a different media each week such as tempera paint, various papers, color pencils, markers, tissue paper, translucent tracing paper, cray pas, oil pastels, charcoals, and watercolors. Third quarter, Junior Artists will learn about the unique multi-media "craft art" of the masters! Projects will feature art with craft themes such as Van Gogh's Sunflowers, torn paper rainbows, Faith Ringold's story quilts, and sand painting. Art projects will feature a variety of materials and techniques to create craft art while learning about the artist, their technique, and their materials. Topics in this Series: Imitate the Impressionists (Quarter 1); Destination Art (Quarter 2); Multi-Media Masters (Quarter 3); Native American Art (Quarter 4). Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $25.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Wed | Kids' Doctor Academy: Be a Wilderness Medic | 5th-6th | Karen Shumway | 2 |
$208.00 $187.20 by 12/13 |
What is poison ivy? What if I get stung by a bee? Can I eat that wild berry? Kids have lots of questions about their own bodies and development. Kids' Doctor Academy answers these questions and more in the context of fun, age-appropriate medical lessons and in-class activities which will introduce children to themes in science, medicine, anatomy, and biology. Third quarter, students will learn about scenarios they might encounter outdoors while playing, camping, hiking, or adventuring. Just in time for winter, and looking ahead to summer, class will learn about altitude illness, frostbite, hypothermia, sun burn, heat stroke, and sun poisoning. In a fun way (to not be scary), kids will learn what to do in the event of storms or tornados along with ice and water safety. Adventurers will learn what to do for animal bite wounds, safety around snakes, and insect stings, outdoors allergies /poison plants. Topics will be covered with hands-on activities, short videos, and role playing games, and one of more activities might be conducted outdoors if weather permits. There is a supply fee of $20.00 due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a take-home kit consisting of a medical coat, doctor name tag, class notebook, outdoor safety supplies. Topics in this Series: Physician (Quarter 1); Nutritionist (Quarter 2), Wilderness Medic (Quarter 3), ENT/Dentist- Hearing, Taste, Smell (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Wed | Machine Makers: Apparatus | 3rd-4th | Becca Sticha | 3 |
$210.00 $189.00 by 12/13 |
LEGO Mindstorms components and motors are not just for building robots! These interconnecting pieces can be constructed into an infinite number of unique, mechanized machines- much like an erector set! Each quarter, students will build three or four unique inventions like a paper plane launcher, crossbow, a racing robot, and turntable. Students will incorporate simple machines, complex machines, and small motors into their projects. They will work with wheels, axles, beams, pulleys, tracks, gears, and specialty components used only in these classes. Topics in this Series: Inventions (Quarter 1); Creations (Quarter 2): Innovations (Quarter 3); and Apparatus (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Thu | Marvelous Myths and Mythical Marvels: Monsters | 7th-8th | Christina Somerville | 0 |
$214.00 $192.60 by 12/13 |
Explore the world of gargantuan gods, humble heroes, and malevolent monsters! Mythology is the birthplace of some of the most entertaining and incredible cultural stories ever written. Some ancient myths even have plots that rival today's comics and blockbuster movies. Many myths still have millennia-old appeal because of their timeless tales of good versus evil, life and death, creation and the afterlife. This class explores the origins of early mythology, from the Egyptians to the Greeks, Romans, Celts, Aztecs, and more through epics, plays and poetry. Readers will explore the realm of mythology through short stories, class discussion, analyses, extension activities and projects that will boost comprehension and the understanding of myths as the basis for many other forms of modern media. Students will enjoy reading and discussing battles, romance, treachery, larger than life heroes and characters, intricate gods and goddesses, and all sorts of fantastical creatures! Third quarter, the class will explore Monster Myths featuring the legendary creatures who wreaked havoc on society and the heroes who defeated them. As examples, the class will read about the great Anglo-Saxon warrior Beowulf who battled and defeated a trio of monsters: the vicious Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a dragon. They will read about the decade-long voyage of Odysseus who fought off monsters such as the Cyclops, the witch Circe, and the sea monster Scylla. Finally, students will unravel the tale of Orestes who faced the monstrous Furies, vengeful spirits of the underworld. For this class, students need to be on-grade-level for reading. Topics in this series include: Heroes (Quarter 1); Origins (Quarter 2); Monsters (Quarter 3); Transformations (Quarter 4) Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 06 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Fri | Modern World History (AP, Honors, or On-Level) | 10th-12th | Tia Murchie-Beyma | 2 |
$999.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
This year-long course dives into change and continuity from 1200 CE-present in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania. If you want to better understand Russia's interest in Ukraine or China's motives in Africa, how the world came to drive Japanese cars, Zimbabwe's 2020 land offer to white farmers abroad, or more about the roots of your own family's story and its ties to other places and times, this is the course for you. Global connections were not born with jet travel nor Columbus. By the early 1200s, Persian historian Juvayni, reported that one might walk safely from Southeast Asia to Eastern Europe- thanks to Mongol army units stationed along the way. Silk Roads linked Moscow to Tibet. Vibrant Indian Ocean trade circulated goods, people, and animals from China to Indonesia to India, with links to East African coastal cities and the wider Muslim world, including Arab and Turkic peoples. In 200 more years, Muslim Admiral Zheng He would command China's legendary treasure fleet. What of the Americas? Despite sporadic contacts, like Leif Ericson's disastrous family trip to Canada around 1000 CE, the Old World remained ignorant of lands from the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego. Yet precursors to Incan and Aztec empires built impressive urban city-states, while farther north, Cahokia's pyramids and Mesa Verde's cliffside apartments boomed, the Iroquois League united five great nations, and countless other groups thrived as hunter-gatherers, horticulturists, whalers, fishers, and farmers. At 1200 CE, when this course begins, two halves of the world had not yet collided. Students will use tools and perspectives of historians to see this collision in wider context and learn what else built today's world. The class will analyze primary sources created at the time studied and secondary sources such as historian accounts. Students will learn to spot symbols, think critically about claims, and develop arguments based fairly on evidence. The group will interpret maps, letters, paintings, ceramics, propaganda posters, murals, sculptures, photographs, and speeches to understand context, causation, continuity, and change. Students will learn how to run, ruin, revolt from, and reform empires and nations. By the end of the course, students may not have memorized dozens of dates (unless they want to), but they will have a much clearer idea of who was where, when, and why- and how- that has affected us. Note: This is a reading-heavy course suited for students who can commit to completing homework BEFORE each meeting. That prepares you for active discussion, role play, and activities in class. The course is not lecture-based, but instead is taught as a participatory seminar. Simply cannot learn the rich course material by simply attending. However, if you come with your readings completed, ready to ask questions and apply what you've learned, the world (history) is yours! Levels This course is offered at three levels: On-Level, Honors, and Advanced Placement (AP). Each has a different workload, but all meet together. On-Level students use the same college-level textbook, but have fewer readings, less homework, and less rigorous assessments. Honors students have assignm2ents that engage higher-level analysis and historical thinking skills. AP students work at a university freshman level and have the potential to earn college credit or placement through the spring 2025 AP exam. Once the course begins, students may move down a level anytime, but the instructor will consider "bumping up" on a case-by-case basis only. Before August 1, students must email Compass to (1) choose On-Level, Honors, or Advanced Placement (AP); and (2) provide separate email addresses for student plus adult observer. This allows the instructor to send level-specific Canvas invitations in time for book purchases and completing homework due before your first meeting. Schedule: There are two weekly meetings: (1) Friday 12:00 pm -12:55 pm in-person for all students and (2) Monday tentatively scheduled for 12:00 pm- 12:55 pm online (subject to an alternate time by consensus of AP-enrolled students). The latter is required for AP students, but recorded and open to all. For Honors and On-Level, this is a 28-week course that ends two weeks early due to AP exam timing. AP students have 31 weeks, as they begin two weeks before the regular Compass start date and have an additional session for a mock exam. Workload: Honors and On-Level students should plan 4-5 hours per week outside meetings for reading and homework. AP students typically need 6 hours or more, depending on reading speed and experience. All levels use materials written at a freshman college level. Students must be highly skilled readers or have robust reading support at home. Assignments: All assignments will be posted on password-protected Canvas classroom management site. There, students access assignments; upload homework, take automated quizzes and tests; track grades; message instructor and classmates; and attend virtual conferences. AP students start asynchronously two weeks early with homework due August 22 and 29. All sections will have brief assignments due September 5, the day before the first class meeting on September 6. Assessments: Completed homework, projects, quizzes, and tests receive points and narrative feedback. Parents can calculate a letter grade using the student's points earned divided by points available, in weighted categories that include assignments, reading quizzes, tests, and participation and presentations. Parents may view all scoring and comments at any time through the Canvas site. Textbooks: Students and observers will receive Canvas invitations by August 5 to access to syllabus and initial assignments once they have provided a student and observer email address. All students should purchase or rent: Ways of the World: A Global History with Sources, 3rd ed. 2016, by Strayer, Robert W. (ISBN 9781319022723). Look for an olive green cover with woodcut print of the first Japanese commercial railway in 1872. AP students will need two additional books: (1) A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage, 2005 (any ISBN); and (2) Advanced Placement World History: Modern by Logan/Perfection Learning Logan, 2019 (ISBN 1531129161). About AP: "AP" is a trademark of the College Board, which owns and designs the course outline and "audits" (i.e. approves) high school instructors who employ their expertise and creativity to deliver the college freshman-level content. The College Board's summary of the AP World History program can be read HERE, and the instructor AP Course Audit Approval form can be viewed HERE. https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-world-history-modern-course-overview.pdf) AP Fees: Due to the instructional time, an additional tuition fee of $200 is assessed for the Monday AP lecture session for students approved to take AP level. AP Students must register separately for the Monday lecture session. The fee is not refundable if the student decides midyear to switch to Honors or On-Level. The fee for the College Board's AP World History: Modern exam in May 2025 is not included. Each family is responsible for scheduling and paying for their student's AP exam. AP Enrollment: Students who have taken a prior course with this instructor may discuss AP enrollment through conversation or e-mail with her. If new to this instructor, please email Compass to request a short questionnaire and written assignment prior to selecting AP level. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in World History for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra I |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Thu | Music Makers: Movement & Melodies (Q3) | K-2nd | Kathy Preisinger | 3 |
$169.00 $152.10 by 12/13 |
Music Makers explores many facets of the musical experience- singing, moving, dancing, listening, and playing instruments. The class will explore musical stories, famous composers, and different genres of music while playing a variety of percussion instruments (drums, sticks, triangles, woodblocks and more!). Students will learn to play a beginning pitched instrument on glockenspiels (a small barred instrument like the xylophone). Using an Orff-based approach, students will learn to read and write beginning musical notation and learn musical terminology all in the context of fun and play. Music Makers classes provide a fun, pressure-free environment to experience music and movement with the goal of general musicianship and excellent preparation for further, individual instrument lessons if desired. Music Makers helps every child acquire the essential building blocks for a future of musical learning! Students may join Music Makers at any quarter, and they may return again and again since new music, themes, and skills are constantly introduced. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Thu | Past Places: History & Geography through Games- Imperial Asia (12PM) | 6th-8th | Taliesin Knol | 0 |
$195.00 $175.50 by 12/13 |
Learn history and geography through hands-on, interactive play rather than by studying flat, dull maps! Many great games feature play on map-based boards that can be used as teaching tools. Visual and kinesthetic learners will remember where Mongolia and Madagascar are when they have amassed miniature armies there! The instructor will use board games from his personal collection as teaching tools. In addition, he creates custom boards to use with modified game rules and playing pieces. Third quarter, students will learn about the Imperial Asia with a focus on Feudal Japan using a custom table-top map of Japan and the rules and playing pieces adapted from the game Ikusa (aka Shogun) and Axis and Allies. Students play using actual Japanese clan names as they learn about feudal Japanese shoguns, samurai, and feudal warfare. The game continues week-to-week with students reviewing the geography as they set the game back up. For this conflict, students learn which regions were engaged and where they were located, capitals and key cities, shared borders and boundaries, and prominent geographic features and waterways. They gain an understanding of why feudal clans were at war and how those events influenced history and the modern map. There is a $15.00 supply fee due to the instructor on the first day of class for custom-printed maps and shared class materials. Topics in this series include: The 18th Century World (Quarter 1); The American Civil War (Quarter 2), Imperial Asia (Quarter 3), and The World at War- WWI (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 03 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Tue, Fri | Private Tutoring: Practical Math for Real Life | 10th-12th | David Chelf | 1 |
$1260.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
Financing a motorcycle, buying your first car, comparing lease options on an apartment, understanding your paycheck, and selecting insurance. These are all real-life scenarios that young adults will face within the first five years of graduating high school, if not sooner. These choices and others are an inevitable part of "adulting" and require a solid understanding of essential math skills. This course will work through practical, real-life situations and will review the math skills needed to make informed choices. Often called "Consumer Math," this course will review arithmetic concepts such as decimals, fractions, discounts, rates, ratios, proportions, rounding, simple interest, estimating, and measurements. However, instead of working math problems in abstract exercises, students will revisit these concepts in the context of scenarios they will encounter in everyday life. What is a better deal: an extra 15% off the already discounted sales price of 30% off or Buy One, Get One free? Students will be able to use/apply arithmetic concepts to common scenarios to make informed consumer choices. Course themes include:
Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Thu | Programming Projects Jr: Sphero Robotic Ball | 1st-2nd | Michele Forsythe | 4 |
$202.00 $181.80 by 12/13 |
Every parent knows that kids are curious, captivated, and quick to learn technology-based products. Programming Projects builds on that curiosity to introduce computer science basics, problem-solving, and computational thinking through play-based learning. Third quarter, students will work with Sphero Mini Robot Balls which are spherical, bluetooth enabled robots encased in a clear jacket. Think of BB-8 in Star Wars! Students can code these robots using "drawing" (literally dragging their finger on a computer screen) or block coding with Scratch. Students will work in teams to direct Sphero Mini Robots through mazes and obstacle courses, make them talk, and race them. Inside the Robot ball, there is a gyroscope, accelerometer, and colorful LED lights that are manipulated through simple coding. Once students have mastered programming through drawing on screen, they will learn to control the Robot ball through simple programming in the Sphero Play app or the Sphero Edu app on a phone or tablet. All equipment and devices will be provided by the instructor. Learn more about the Sphero Mini Robot Ball here. https://youtu.be/YxlLeiVo3gM There is a $20.00 technology use fee due payable to the instructor on/before the first day. Topics in this series include: Sphero indi Robotic Cars (Quarter 1), Scratch Coding (Quarter 2), Sphero Robotic Ball Quarter 3) and Tinkercad Design (Quarter 4) Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 17 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Fri | Savvy Social Skills for Teens (Q3) | 9th-12th | Judith Harmon | 5 |
$179.00 $161.10 by 12/13 |
Savvy social skills can help teens navigate almost every aspect of their lives. Building confidence in social settings can help improve self esteem and comfort in public settings, small group scenarios, and one-on-one situations with strangers, family, or friends. Every teen can benefit from improved social skills, but some need a little more practice. In this class, students will work with a facilitator to develop strategies for navigating different social challenges. This highly interactive, small group class will use discussion, role playing, modelling behavior, video clips, and improv skills to explore different approaches to common scenarios from talking to parents and tolerating siblings to making, keeping, and managing friends and knowing when to dodge or double-down on drama. Teens will benefit most from taking Savvy Social Skills for several quarters. Some activities will be new each quarter, and some will be repeated for reinforcement. As new students join the group, the dynamic will shift, better imitating real life scenarios. Teens' confidence and comfort level will grow when they have multiple quarters to practice their social skills. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 15 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Wed | Secrets of Songwriting (Spring) | 7th-8th | Ney Mello | 7 |
$397.00 $357.30 by 12/13 |
Students will learn a fun, simplified way to write songs from a professional, award-winning, soundtrack composer. Each week, students will tackle a different phase of songwriting. This class is open to students who play instruments, sing, write lyrics, or a combination of all three talents! The group will learn about the song structure that is popular today with verse, chorus, pre-chorus, pre-verse, intros, and outros. They will listen to some examples of songs to convey what a verse, chorus, and bridge are, and will cover an overview of the basics of functional and classical harmony. Each week, the group will approach a different stage of the songwriting process, working through ideas on their instruments, writing lyrics, or both. Student artists will be guided through making their own background tracks to encourage self- expression and to allow individual voices to emerge. They can use songs they know as inspiration, but they will be encouraged to create everything like a real songwriter. Musicians will be given ready-made chord options so their focus can remain on the creative aspects of songwriting. If the student is only writing lyrics, he/she will be assigned a songwriting partner student who will write the melody and chords. In this case, the lyricist student will be provided with that song's work in progress tracks to write to at home. Students who wish to record their songs should download the free Abbey Road 'Topline' app for Android or Apple smartphones. (The instructor uses this app professionally to share songs and concepts via e-mail, text message, or over social media with colleagues.) The app allows the artist to record songs in sections and play back all together. Microphones will not be needed. The workshop is open to all instrument and voice students, not just guitar. Any style of music is acceptable (pop, folk, country, etc), but all lyrics must be rated "E" for everyone. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Wed | Sew Fun: Adorable Accessories | 3rd-5th | Judith Harmon | 0 |
$168.00 $151.20 by 12/13 |
Kids will learn the basics of hand sewing and discover it is "sew fun" to create items that can play with and use every day. Third quarter, kids will sew a small purse or bag, a hat, and a pair of slippers. Kids will learn practical sewing skills such as pinning and placement, a running stitch, attaching a button, scissor skills, stuffing, and working with simple patterns. The group will be working with pre-cut felt components from kits that will be enhanced with buttons and embellishments. Since students may work at different rates, some projects may not be completed in class and will be sent home to finish sewing with the newly learned skills. Students should be at age/grade level for fine motor skills for this class. A material fee of $40.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Dazzling DIY Decor (Quarter 1), Crafted Keepsakes (Quarter 2), Adorable Accessories (Quarter 3), and Cool Characters (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Thu | Spanish Exploradores (Q3) | 5th-6th | Sirdley Taborga | 7 |
$191.00 $171.90 by 12/13 |
Buenas tardes! Spanish Exploradores (Explorers) is a fun, immersive introductory Spanish class for older elementary students. Much like learning their native language, students will be exposed to the sounds, vocabulary, and phrases in Spanish through songs, games, stories, and hands-on activities. Limited cues in English will be used to prompt students in the first few weeks. The teacher will bring objects each week to give students tangible, hands-on examples of the vocabulary being introduced. In this level, students will be encouraged to begin to combine adjectives with nouns and nouns with verbs. Each quarter introduces new themes and new vocabulary in Spanish, so children can continue to build their language basics. However, themes and units are non-sequential, so students may enroll in this level in any quarter. While the theme might be the same as that of a younger level of instruction, more vocabulary will be introduced at the older level. The goal of this introductory course is to lay foundations in sounds, vocabulary, and simple phrases while having fun and building confidence in a foreign language. Instruction will be predominantly verbal, but key vocabulary words may be written down for students to begin a sense of spelling. Students will be encouraged to write down new words each week, but reading, writing, and spelling will not be expected. Fluency should not be expected at this level. Material/Supply Fee: The instructor will order a South-American written/published Spanish activity book for students in-class use after assessing their ages/skill levels. Parents will be asked to reimburse the instructor for the expense, typically $10-$15. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Tue | Spanish Para Pequenos (Spanish for Little Ones)- TUE | K-2nd | Ruth Jeantet | 2 |
$191.00 $171.90 by 12/13 |
Hola! Spanish Para Pequenos (Spanish for Little Ones) is a fun, play-based, Spanish immersion class for young children. Following the native language-learning process, children will be exposed to the sounds, letters, and high-frequency words in Spanish through songs, games, stories, puppets, and other interactive activities. The teacher will provide all necessary toys and objects to give young children tangible, and hands-on ways to apply new concepts in practical real-life situations. The instructor uses some Montessori-style activities that create a high-energy, playful environment, engaging tactile and kinesthetic learners alike while appealing to children's natural curiosities. The vocabulary and language structures presented in each session follow a new letter of the alphabet each week that will include greetings, simple phrases, foods, colors, numbers, animals, common action verbs, calendar phrases, articles of clothing and seasonal topics. Vocabulary will be repeated and reviewed often to aid in the retention of the language, and will primarily develop listening and speaking skills. The goal of this introductory course is to lay foundations in phonics and essential vocabulary words while having fun and building confidence in a foreign language. Who knows, your child might just come home singing their new favorite Spanish nursery rhyme! Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Wed | Speak Out! Telling Your Story (Narrative) | 6th-8th | Highest Speak | 6 |
$208.00 $187.20 by 12/13 |
Public speaking skills are essential to academia, success in future careers, and to simply making friends or standing up for yourself! Students will develop their public speaking skills and their own "voice" through the art of storytelling in a fun, supportive environment taught by a public speaking coach. In this class, students will examine the elements of effective storytelling by playing hilarious storytelling games and practicing storytelling assignments. The group will identify the elements of a story and how to structure and write a story that will be told aloud. They will learn about different types of stories, from fiction and fantasy stories to personal narratives, motivational, and persuasive stories. Students will learn how to best perform a story of any kind, conquer any level of nervousness, and become more confident storytellers. They will discover how to use storytelling to enhance anything they do. Each class includes an icebreaker activity, a daily lesson, practice through a game or assignment, individualized feedback, and wrap-up. Students will practice posture, eye contact, enunciation, gestures, pauses, and timing while receiving tips and techniques from the coach and peers. The class will culminate in an end of the quarter presentation for parents. Topics in future quarters include: Finding Your Voice (Expository)- 3rd quarter, and Making Your Point (Persuasive)- 4th quarter
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Tue | Successful Social Skills for Tweens (Q3- TUE) | 6th-8th | Kathryn Beirne | 0 |
$222.00 $199.80 by 12/13 |
Successful social skills can help tweens/teens navigate almost every aspect of their lives. Building confidence in social settings can help improve self esteem and comfort in group settings, sports, new endeavors, with family, in public, or just hanging out with friends. Every tween and teeen can benefit from improved social skills, but some need a little more practice. In this class, students will work with a certified, licensed therapist to develop strategies for navigating different social challenges- from conversation skills and identifying feelings and emotions, to seeing perspective, handling stress, talking to parents, making friends, tolerating siblings, and more. The small group class will be highly interactive with games, role playing, videos, modelling behavior, and projects using a evidence-based, social-emotional curriculum Tweens and teens will benefit most from taking Social Skills for several quarters. Some activities will be new each quarter, and some will be repeated for reinforcement. As new students join the group, the dynamic will shift, better imitating real life scenarios. Their confidence and comfort level will grow when they have multiple quarters to practice their social skills. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 13 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Mon | Sweet Shop: Best Bon Bons (Mon) | 9th-12th | Mylene Nyman | 5 |
$219.00 $197.10 by 12/13 |
The tantalizing aroma of cookies in the oven. A mouth-watering burst of mint. The silky feel of melted chocolate. The sticky sweet of fresh-made caramel. A subtle hint of lemon. Student bakers will enjoy these delicious sensations- and more- as they explore the world of baking homemade desserts. Sweet Shop treats are scrumptious, fun, and simple to make. Each week they will prepare a fresh, handmade dessert or sweet such as: pies, cakes, cookies, tarts, trifles, mousses, puddings, candies, fudge, brittle, or chocolate. The class will include some icing, decorating, and garnishing techniques for completed desserts. This quarter, the Compass bakers' culinary adventures will include:
Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 17 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Fri | Total Training: Teen PE- Yellow | 9th-12th | Iman Castaneda | 8 |
$146.00 $131.40 by 12/13 |
Total Training is a dynamic PE program for that incorporates well-rounded exercises to get teens moving mid-day! No two workouts are the same, but each day's activities incorporate exercises that target 10 areas: cardio-vascular endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy. Total Training focuses on functional movements that are fundamental to all aspects of play and exercise- pulling, pushing, running, throwing, climbing, lifting, and jumping. Work-outs are scalable and adaptable to different individual's own level, and the emphasis is on fun, safety, and personal accomplishment rather than competition among classmates. The physical challenges of Total Training will foster self-confidence, focus, and help instill a foundation for a lifetime of fitness. The color name in the class title refers to the collectable token students will earn each quarter they take the class. Collect all 8! Tees may enroll in Total Training at any time, regardless of the color name No one color is a prerequisite for any other color, and tokens can be earned in any order. All equipment is furnished. Students are asked to wear loose, comfortable clothing, such as running pants or sweatpants, and comfortable, supportive athletic shoes. Total Training continues each quarter, and students may repeat the class to continue to improve fitness. No two workouts are the same! Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 16 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Thu | Ukulele for Advanced Beginners | 4th-8th | Ney Mello | 8 |
$495.00 $445.50 by 12/13 |
Did you know that the ukulele is not just a miniature guitar? It is a member of the Portuguese lute family, but its sound was popularized in Hawaiian music. Ukulele's fun, compact size also appeals to kids and is a great "first" stringed instrument! In this class, kids will continue to build their skills on ukulele. Students will learn expansion of chords, to include minor chords, 7th chords, sharps, and flats. They will begin to play individual notes and chords on each piece that they learn and will learn self-accompaniment. Sample songs taught at this level include “You Are My Sunshine”, “Michael Row the Boat Ashore”, “Octopus’ Garden”, “Rainbow Connection”, and “All My Loving”. Each student should purchase or rent a good quality ukulele for the class. Semester 1, Ukulele for Beginner I students will have priority registration to enroll in Beginner 2 level to continue their musical education. Other students may enroll in the second semester if they have had prior instruction equal to the first semester, or if they are willing to schedule and pay for individual lessons with this instructor to cover 1st semester skills prior to or around the start of the class. Those wishing to enroll in 2nd semester course without the Compass 1st semester class will be asked to play for the instructor in order to demonstrate skill level and establish placement. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Tue | Word Masters: Verbal Analogies and Vocab Challenges (Q3) | 4th-6th | Christina Somerville | 5 |
$214.00 $192.60 by 12/13 |
Word Masters is a language challenge for students who enjoy word games, building their vocabulary, and verbal adventures. Why study lists of words if you can make a game of it? The best way to learn new words is to use them! This class is inspired by the annual Word Masters Challenge (www.wordmasterschallenge.com). Each week students will tackle new vocabulary words and practice them through analogies and critical thinking challenges. Students will examine word meanings, relationships, synonyms and antonyms with in-class activities and games such as Pictionary, Scategories, Charades, and Apples-to-Apples. Word Masters will improve a student's reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, logic skills, and the ability to think analytically and metaphorically. Students can repeat Word Masters as new word lists will be introduced each quarter. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 12:00 pm | 12:55 pm | Wed | Writers' Workshop: Learn to Research- Life in a Castle | 6th-7th | Karen Hickman | 3 |
$178.00 $160.20 by 12/13 |
In Writers' Workshop, middle school students will expand essential communication skills- reading, retaining, discussing, composing, revising, and even listening and speaking- by reviewing short selections of renowned literature and putting pen to paper! Each quarter, students will write about a popular theme using the elements they observe in the example classics. A massive stone castle. A dark swampy moat. A victorious knight in his gleaming armor! Students are curious about life in a castle. The class will time time-travel to the Middle Ages through classical texts and poetry. Research is an essential skill for writers (and students). Students will uncover information about life in the Middle Ages as they learn the skills of notetaking and documenting resources. They will learn how to organize and present information from another era with discovery drafts, gathering grids, and finally, refining their report based on primary sources. Students will learn how to compile a bibliography and will wrap-up their research report with a short presentation at the last class. Join the fun as we learn about life in a castle! Imagination and creativity come easily to most young writers, but acquiring technical skills is also important. Each quarter, students will focus on specific skills. The skills are a part of the Writer's Tool Kit that includes: understanding parts and kinds of sentences, plurals, possessives, and punctuation. Across the four quarters of this class, students will also learn how to use a dictionary and a thesaurus, as well as higher-level, middle school level skills such as summarizing, outlining, note taking, writing a book report, or citing sources. In class, students will share drafts and in-progress works to receive peer feedback and promote revising and editing skills. Homework: Students are expected to write in a journal for a minimum of four minutes per day and respond to prompts that are sent home on an assignment bookmark. They will also be asked to read short assignments such as a chapter or excerpt in preparation for class discussions. Topics in this Series: Creating Colorful Characters (Quarter 1), Fantasy Fun (Quarter 2), Learn to Research- Life in a Castle (Quarter 3) and Prose, Poetry, & Paintings- A Passport Adventure (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 12:05 pm | 12:50 pm | Tue | Nature Quest: Winter- Pathfinders (Tue) | 3rd-4th | Sevim Kalyoncu | 1 |
$149.00 $134.10 by 12/13 |
Witness the wonders of winter! Bundle up and look for signs of how animals live in the cold. Discover tracks in the snow, uncover nests and borrows, and find out who munched on twigs or bark. Observe transformations in plant life, moss, and fungus, and watch the changes to the watershed. Step outdoors to each week to explore nature with a senior naturalist/outdoor educator. Take a break from sit-down classes, indoor activities, and screen time to explore the natural world, get fresh air, and exercise. The group will explore the southern section of Sugarland Stream Valley Park in Herndon while they discover all the secrets that woods hold when you stop, look, listen, smell, touch, turn-over, and peek under! A portion of each session will be seeking and discussing what is found each season. Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things they encounter outdoors, observing and appreciating discoveries in nature, safe exploration of the woods, and how to be a good steward of nature. The class will also discuss outdoor skills such as shelter and outdoor safety. Students will play games in the woods to practice outdoor skills. Visit the Compass Nature Quest class webpage for more information on the program, location, and Frequently Asked Questions. Students should come prepared for class with outdoor/play clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and/or insect repellent, a hat, and jacket or layered outerwear depending on the weather/temperature. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 12:05 pm | 12:50 pm | Wed | Nature Quest: Winter- Pathfinders (Wed) | 3rd-4th | Sevim Kalyoncu | 3 |
$149.00 $134.10 by 12/13 |
Witness the wonders of winter! Bundle up and look for signs of how animals live in the cold. Discover tracks in the snow, uncover nests and borrows, and find out who munched on twigs or bark. Observe transformations in plant life, moss, and fungus, and watch the changes to the watershed. Step outdoors to each week to explore nature with a senior naturalist/outdoor educator. Take a break from sit-down classes, indoor activities, and screen time to explore the natural world, get fresh air, and exercise. The group will explore the southern section of Sugarland Stream Valley Park in Herndon while they discover all the secrets that woods hold when you stop, look, listen, smell, touch, turn-over, and peek under! A portion of each session will be seeking and discussing what is found each season. Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things they encounter outdoors, observing and appreciating discoveries in nature, safe exploration of the woods, and how to be a good steward of nature. The class will also discuss outdoor skills such as shelter and outdoor safety. Students will play games in the woods to practice outdoor skills. Visit the Compass Nature Quest class webpage for more information on the program, location, and Frequently Asked Questions. Students should come prepared for class with outdoor/play clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and/or insect repellent, a hat, and jacket or layered outerwear depending on the weather/temperature. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 12:05 pm | 12:45 pm | Thu | Swimming: Intermediate (Thu Q3) | 2nd-6th | YMCA Swimming Staff | 6 |
$120.00 $108.00 by 12/13 |
Homeschool Swim Lessons are taught at the Reston YMCA located 0.9 miles/ 3 minute drive from Compass's classroom facility. For more information on swimming lessons, see the program webpage. Intermediate level is for students who are proficient in Advanced Beginner level skills such as swimming one length of the pool (25 yards), performing elementary backstroke, and becoming comfortable in deep water. Intermediate swimmers will cover Levels 3 of the YMCA program including elementary breaststroke, backstroke, front crawl with rotary breathing all at 25 yards, with work towards Level 4 skills including stamina and increasing all swimming to 50 yards or more, plus breast stroke, elementary butterfly stroke and kick, elementary dives, and turns. Please note that these skills will be introduced and progress at different rates depending on the comfortable level and experience of enrolled students and may take more than one quarter to complete. At times, students might be moved to a different swimming group (same day, same time, different instructor) to better match the experience level of enrolled children. Lessons are 40 minutes long, running from 0:05 until 0:45 after the hour, leaving enough time to towel dry, change clothes, and return to Compass for your next class. Students should bring a swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes. Googles and swim caps are optional. A parent (or parent proxy) is required to remain on site. Parents may wait on poolside benches or lobby seating. YMCA waivers must be signed and returned for each swimmer. All registration is completed through Compass. All YMCA swimming classes are taught by certified, experienced, background-checked adult instructors with experience teaching children. Consider enrolling your child in both Tuesday and Thursday classes to improve their rate of learning. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 12:05 pm | 12:45 pm | Tue | Swimming: Intermediate (Tue Q3) | 2nd-6th | YMCA Swimming Staff | 6 |
$120.00 $108.00 by 12/13 |
Homeschool Swim Lessons are taught at the Reston YMCA located 0.9 miles/ 3 minute drive from Compass's classroom facility. For more information on swimming lessons, see the program webpage. Intermediate level is for students who are proficient in Advanced Beginner level skills such as swimming one length of the pool (25 yards), performing elementary backstroke, and becoming comfortable in deep water. Intermediate swimmers will cover Levels 3 of the YMCA program including elementary breaststroke, backstroke, front crawl with rotary breathing all at 25 yards, with work towards Level 4 skills including stamina and increasing all swimming to 50 yards or more, plus breast stroke, elementary butterfly stroke and kick, elementary dives, and turns. Please note that these skills will be introduced and progress at different rates depending on the comfortable level and experience of enrolled students and may take more than one quarter to complete. At times, students might be moved to a different swimming group (same day, same time, different instructor) to better match the experience level of enrolled children. Lessons are 40 minutes long, running from 0:05 until 0:45 after the hour, leaving enough time to towel dry, change clothes, and return to Compass for your next class. Students should bring a swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes. Googles and swim caps are optional. A parent (or parent proxy) is required to remain on site. Parents may wait on poolside benches or lobby seating. YMCA waivers must be signed and returned for each swimmer. All registration is completed through Compass. All YMCA swimming classes are taught by certified, experienced, background-checked adult instructors with experience teaching children. Consider enrolling your child in both Tuesday and Thursday classes to improve their rate of learning. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 13 | 12:30 pm | 1:25 pm | Mon | Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Blue Level 2 (Sem 2) | 3rd-4th | Catherine Vanlandingham | 4 |
$718.00 $646.20 by 12/13 |
Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar. Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization. READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook. Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost. ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning. Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $97.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books. Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 17 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Fri | Acting- Teen Scene: It's Not What it Seems | 9th-12th | Judith Harmon | 6 |
$262.00 $235.80 by 12/13 |
It's not always what it seems! Sometimes, a thrilling performance seems to lead the audience in one direction only to make a theatrical turn-around to reveal a different tale. Teens will enjoy the creativity and camaraderie of selecting, casting, rehearsing, and performing a short play that presents a comical about-face. The class will begin by reading through two* possible scripts to select one that bests suits their group and grabs their interest from among:
Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Thu | Acting- Young Actor's Playhouse: Safari Surprise | 1st-2nd | Judith Harmon | 6 |
$179.00 $161.10 by 12/13 |
Acting is an adventure! Young actors work together to create and perform their very own play with unique characters and an original storyline. What happens when an energetic elephant, zany zebra, and hysterical hyena meet on a sunny savannah safari? Students will begin with improvisational games to get to know each other and to begin to brainstorm about their original play. Through group activities and guided discussion, the young actors will decide on characters, conflict, and conclusion, and the story they want to tell. The script will be developed and customized for this class with input from the students. Young actors will explore skills such as sensory awareness, listening, stage movement, character development, emotional expression, and observation/concentration while learning to portray their original character. Young actors will learn aspects of acting by script read-through, blocking, costume/prop discussion, and planning the show. Through individual and group activities, young actors build confidence in preparation for a final sharing for parents. Students will work from a simple, written script, but emerging readers can be accommodated. Parents will be emailed the script after the 3rd or 4th class and will be expected to help their children memorize their lines and assemble a simple make-at-home costume, ideally from clothing items and accessories you already own and a little creativity. All actors must be at least age 6 to sign up for this class. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 13 | 1:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Mon | Advanced Baking Academy: Perfect Pasteries | 9th-12th | Mylene Nyman | 5 |
$428.00 $385.20 by 12/13 |
The warm, welcoming smell of baking bread, flavorful fondant, carefully crackled creme brulee, mile-high mille-feuille, and proper puffed pastry. These are just some of the specialized baking techniques that Compass bakers will learn in Advanced Baking Academy. From pate a choux to piecrust, students chefs will create more complex baked items in this course. This quarter, the Compass bakers' culinary adventures will include:
Prerequisites: Prior Confection or Sweet Shop Class or Instructor Permission |
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Semester | Jan 17 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Fri | Ancient Justice: Crime & Punishment in the Early Modern Era | 9th-12th | Taliesin Knol | 5 |
$381.00 $342.90 by 12/13 |
This class will explore the judicial processes of mainland Europe and their divergence from English Common Law. Like a traditional mock trial program, the class will hear cases, and students will defend themselves. Real historical cases will be studied, and trial parts assigned to the class, which will be debated from the perspective of Englishmen, from commoners to nobility, and Europeans in both criminal and church courts. The class will serve as the jury and, if necessary, select period-appropriate verdicts and explain how they arrived at their decisions, while striving for period accuracy. This semester will examine the Justice systems of Renaissance Europe up to Colonial Britain. Topics in this Series: Crime & Punishment in Medieval Times (Semester 1), Crime & Punishment in the Early Modern Era (Semester 2). Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1 hours per week outside of class. Assignments: Period maps, photographs, and re-creations will be posted on a class Google Drive, and video links from YouTube will be e-mailed to parents and students for homework or supplemental investigation. Assessments: A mid-term and final exam may be given. Textbooks: None. Case documents are provided in class. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in History or Civics for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Wed | Beginner Bots: Perfect Pets (WED) | 2nd-4th | Becca Sticha | 3 |
$210.00 $189.00 by 12/13 |
Discover the world of robotics using kids' favorite, interlocking building bricks! Students will build and program 3-4 different whimsical, mechanized projects each quarter using the WeDo 2.0 robotics system by LEGO Education. Third quarter, students will build, program, and model perfect pets such as a Tom & Jerry (cat and mouse), a baby bird, a bunny, and a dog. Their robots will be built using special-shaped LEGO components from the WeDo Educational set, motors, motion sensors, tilt sensors and a programmable, Bluetooth control unit ("brain"). Student will use classroom tablets to program the control units using an intuitive drag-and-drop coding modules. Prior experience with LEGO or coding is not required. All equipment is furnished. Topics in this Series: Under the Sea (Quarter 1), Wings and Things (Quarter 2); Perfect Pets (Quarter 3), and Reptiles Robots (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 03 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Tue, Fri | Calculus (Honors or AP A/B) | 11th-12th | David Chelf | 3 |
$1260.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
This is a complete course in high school Calculus which will cover fundamental concepts and provide a solid foundation of mathematical literacy, problem solving, reasoning, and critical thinking skills that are necessary for the exploration of more advanced and rigorous topics in mathematics. Topics in Calculus include limits of functions (one-sided and two-sided limits, limits at infinity and infinite limits, limits of sequences, and continuity of functions), derivatives (various definitions of derivatives, estimating derivatives from tables and graphs, rules of differentiation, properties of derivatives, separable differential equations, and the Mean Value Theorem), applications of derivatives (related rates, optimization, and exponential growth and decay models), integrals (basic techniques of integration including basic antiderivatives and substitution), applications of integrals (in finding areas and volumes, describing motion, and as accumulation functions), and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Students will explore these topics through class discussions, practice problems, and open-ended problem-solving. Prerequisite: Students should have a solid foundation in PreCalculus in order to take this class. Level: This course is offered at two levels, Honors and Advanced Placement (AP). The scope and sequence are identical, however AP students may have additional practice problems. Students who wish to take the AP exam must register and pay for their own exam through the College Board in fall 2024 for the May 2025 exam. Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-1.5 hours per day on reading, review, and homework on most non-class days. Homework assignments will run on a 7-day cycle, with assignments posted on Thursdays and due the following Thursday. Students are advised to start homework once it is assigned (i.e., not wait until the night before it is due). Weekly homework assignments will be of a length that a student should be able to complete them in two or three at-home work sessions. Solutions will be provided for some homework problems, but students are expected to show all steps of their work. Assignments: The Canvas online class management system will be used to post assignments and scores. Students should have their own e-mail address in order to be set up as users of the Canvas system. Parents can also be set up as Canvas guests/observers for purposes of tracking the student's progress and workload. Assessments: Student progress will be assessed by: (1) The instructor checking that weekly homework sets are attempted and complete and (2) detailed grading of periodic take-home tests. Parents will be able to view accumulated points awarded in the class for the purpose of determining a parent-awarded course grade. See the instructor's webpage for detailed homework and test policy, including late work and re-work. Textbook: Students should purchase or rent the required textbook for this class: Calculus: Single Variable/Early Transcendentals, 8th edition by James Stewart (ISBN-13 9781305270336). A scientific calculator similar to the Casio fx-115ES PLUS is required for this class, and it is highly recommended that students preparing for the AP exam have a graphing calculator similar to the TI-83. Students without a graphing calculator must have access to desmos.com and/or wolframalpha.com for graphing assignments. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a complete credit in Calculus for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Thu | Chess: Beginners 3 (THU) | 2nd-5th | Karl Peterson | 6 |
$172.00 $154.80 by 12/13 |
Students will enjoy the logic and challenge of the timeless strategy board game as they learn and play chess with classmates. In Beginning Chess 3, students will learn fundamental skills such as: discovered checks and attacks, pins and double checks, counting, checkmate drills, keeping the king safe in the opening, tactics (forks, skewers, x-rays), opening principles. Learning and playing chess supports problem solving, decision making, critical and creative thinking, general cognitive ability, scholastic skills, and mathematical achievement (Univ. of Minnesota). Experts suggest that the game of chess teaches analytical and disciplined thinking skills, while raising self esteem, teaching motivation and determination, and sportsmanship (Kasparov Foundation). Each class will be spent half on technique and half in practice matches with classmates while the instructor coaches. A student can enroll in Beginning Chess 3 as his/her first class. Prerequisites: None |
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Workshop | Dec 06 | 1:00 pm | 4:00 pm | Fri | Christmas Cookie Academy: Kids | 3rd-6th | Mylene Nyman | 4 | $79.00 |
Chewy, chunky, crispy, or crunchy- kids love cookies! Join us for a one-day, 3-hour Christmas Cookie Academy where bakers will craft 3 kinds of cookies. In the workshop, kids will prepare and bake: Almond Spritz Cookies, Molasses Cookies, and White Chocolate Cherry Oat. Students will leave with a tray of 3-4 dozen cookies ready for an exchange or holiday party and the recipes to repeat the cookies at home. See the Compass Cooking Class webpage for more FAQs about our cooking classes. There is a supply fee of $25.00 due to the instructor at the start of the workshop. Prerequisites: None |
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Workshop | Dec 13 | 1:00 pm | 4:00 pm | Fri | Christmas Cookie Academy: Tweens/Teens | 7th-12th | Mylene Nyman | 2 | $79.00 |
Chewy, chunky, crispy, or crunchy- tweens and teens love cookies! Join us for a one-day, 3-hour Christmas Cookie Academy where bakers will craft 4 kinds of cookies. In the workshop, tweens and teens will prepare and bake: Cranberry Cookies with Orange Glaze, Almond Spritz Cookies, Molasses Cookies, and Chai Sugar Cookies with Espresso Glaze. Students will leave with a tray of 3-4 dozen cookies ready for an exchange or holiday party and the recipes to repeat the cookies at home. See the Compass Cooking Class webpage for more FAQs about our cooking classes. There is a supply fee of $25.00 due to the instructor at the start of the workshop. Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 06 | 1:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Fri | Code for a Cause: Technovation Team for Girls | 7th-12th | Mercy Wolverton | 3 |
$498.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
Imagine a phone app that could quickly reunite lost pets, connect the poor with resources that they need, or report a problem in the community! Code for a Cause is the Compass-based Technovation hub where middle school and high school girls will participate in the "world's largest technology entrepreneurship program for girls." Each year, Technovation teams solve real world problems through technology that they develop! Through Technovation, girls work with women mentors, identify a problem in their community, develop a mobile app, and launch a startup. Since 2010, 140,000 girls around the world have developed mobile apps and small businesses to solve problems ranging from food waste and nutrition to women's safety, education, and much more. In this year-long program, girls will work in teams and learn the skills they need to change the world through technology. First semester, the class will participate in team building activities and will be introduced to coding. Students will use Ozaria from Code Combat, a Python-based platform that applies stories and a gamified approach to teach the logic of coding and terminology. Once students understand these fundamentals, they will evaluate (pros and cons) and select their preferred block-based coding tool from either Thunkable or MIT's App Inventor. Second semester, students will form teams of 2-3 girls who will brainstorm and identify a community problem. They will propose a mobile app or AI solution to the issue and conduct market research to see if their idea is unique and feasible. Next, the team will begin developing an app following the Technovation curriculum. In class, girls will be coached step-by-step on the process of creating an interactive application. Finally, girls will learn how to brand their app, create a business plan, and look at what it would take to bring the app to market. The weekly Technovation work sessions will be facilitated by an experienced Technovation coach and cybersecurity engineering student at GMU. She will be supported by remote advisor, Almira Roldan, Sr. Technical Program Manager, AWS Machine Learning University and CEO, UnDesto AI Agency. Ms Roldan will assist through mentoring and scheduling guest presenters who will speak to the Compass teams about topics relevant to their phase of app development such as user experience and market research. Participation in Technovation gives girls the confidence to pursue more computer science courses (70%) and the foundation to eventually major in computer science (26%). Technovation teams are in 100 countries, and the program is sponsored by Oracle, Google, 3M, Adobe Foundation, and others. Level:All students will meet together, but student teams will either Junior or Senior division depending the ages of the team members as of August 1, 2025: Junior Division is for girls ages 13-15, and Senior Division is for girls ages 16-18. In addition to the app and competition document, the Junior division has an additional submission of a User Adoption Plan. The Senior division has an additional submission of a Business Plan. Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class. Assignments: Will be posted on a Google classroom site for students, and key reminders will be emailed to parents. Assessments: Students will receive informal feedback throughout the project. Lab/Supply Fee: A software fee of $30.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class. What to Bring: For this class, students should bring their laptop and charger. Chromebooks cannot be used. Non-Meeting Days: In addition to the scheduled days-off on the published Compass schedule, this class ends on 5/2/25 and will have two (2) other dates off to be announced. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Technology or Career Exploration for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Thu | Colorful Canvas for Little Kids: Acrylic Painting | 2nd-3rd | Diane Wright Cobb | 5 |
$178.00 $160.20 by 12/13 |
Little kids will be introduced to acrylic painting in a small group class under the guidance of a professional painter and art teacher. The class will learn the theory of color mixing and the techniques of blending, building up color, creating gradients, and applying light washes. The class will learn how to select the right brush and how to use water to create different effects. Our new painters will practice using paint and brush strokes to create effects like light and shadow, dimension, and texture, and how to develop backgrounds, foregrounds, and detail work. Students will try techniques such as applying and removing paint, layering, stippling, and dabbing, along with wet and dry brush techniques. Students will complete several paintings on canvas boards. A variety of subjects, such as still life, animals, florals, landscapes, seascapes, fantasy, abstracts, or "mimic the masters" will be introduced to illustrate different painting techniques through in-class projects. There is an $20.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Watercolor Painting (Quarter 1), Tempera Painting (Quarter 2), Acrylic Painting (Quarter 3), and MultiMedia Painting (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 14 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Tue | Comprehension Connections: Critical Thinking Through Non Fiction | 7th-8th | Christina Somerville | 0 |
$356.00 $320.40 by 12/13 |
Middle school students will learn how to improve their critical thinking for a deeper understanding using strategies in reading comprehension, research, and debate. They will discuss and define critical thinking and learn the skills associated with it: researching, sorting information for a variety of purposes, identifying underlying assumptions, defining terms, evaluating evidence, considering opposing points of view, and spotting classic logical fallacies. In this semester, students will be asked to present opinions or consider dilemmas and claims ranging over a wide variety of historical or contemporary topics that may be drawn from literature, law, religion, or comparative worldviews. Students will learn to ask, "Is this a good argument? Is it well constructed and convincing?" They will discover how to break a whole concept into its component parts to formulate and build clear, compelling, persuasive arguments. The semester will build up to an exciting debate in the Lincoln-Douglas format. Students will have to choose a contemporary question (e.g. "Is AI bad for society?"), and they will work together to research arguments for or against that question. The Positive and Negative teams will develop arguments, write speeches, and work to develop arguments for their positions! Middle school students should expect to spend an average of two hours per week on reading and short written responses for this class. Topics in this series include: Topics in this series include: Comprehension Connections (Semester 1) and Critical Thinking (Semester 2). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Thu | Cooking for Tweens: Winter Warm-Ups (THU) | 6th-8th | Mylene Nyman | 3 |
$219.00 $197.10 by 12/13 |
Students will enjoy making delicious recipes and family favorites that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Recipes are selected to be nutritious, fun, and simple to make. Each class will focus on a portion of a meal including appetizer, salad, soup, side dish, main dish, and dessert. The Compass chefs' culinary adventures will include:
Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Tue | Cooking for Tweens: Winter Warm-Ups (TUE) | 6th-8th | Mylene Nyman | 2 |
$219.00 $197.10 by 12/13 |
Students will enjoy making delicious recipes and family favorites that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Recipes are selected to be nutritious, fun, and simple to make. Each class will focus on a portion of a meal including appetizer, salad, soup, side dish, main dish, and dessert. The Compass chefs' culinary adventures will include:
Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Thu | Cracking Codes, Cryptology for Kids: Sleuths | 3rd-4th | Becca Sticha | 4 |
$174.00 $156.60 by 12/13 |
Students will learn the language of undercover agents in this children's cryptology class. Cryptology is the science of secret writing which uses math and logical reasoning to decode and create mystery alphabets. Each week, students will learn one or more ciphers and will practice using them to decode messages and write secret messages to each other! Student sleuths will continue their undercover operations with all-new codes such as the Atbash Cipher, Running Key Cipher, and Four-Square Cipher. Students will also learn about fingerprinting, a key clue to real sleuths solving crimes and will mix and test an invisible ink that can only be read under a black light. The quarter will culminate in a collaboration to crack a variety of codes to flee a classroom Escape Room which may include challenges such as coded letters, picture clues, mirror image writings, puzzling word searches, and cryptograms. Topics in the Series: Spies (Quarter 1), Secret Agents (Quarter 2), Sleuths (Quarter 3), and Superheroes (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Wed | Creative Journaling for Tweens (Q3) | 6th-8th | Sheila Anwari | 3 |
$178.00 $160.20 by 12/13 |
Don't write poetry? Think you can't draw? Maybe not, but you may still want a creative way to record your thoughts, feelings, dreams, and ideas! Journaling is an ongoing process of discovery and exploration that allows one to be conscious of and connect with his/her own thoughts, emotions and ideas. It is a form of expression that supports both academic and personal growth. Creative journaling is not writing daily "Dear Diary" style entries on dated pages. Instead, students will explore various journaling methods, blending self-expression and self-discovery to guide them in learning new ways to problem-solve, achieve goals, and process emotions. Students will work with several writing techniques and a range of art media to develop a personal journal throughout the quarter and will have the opportunity to expand on it in subsequent quarters. Techniques such as freeform writing, black-out poetry, stream-of-consciousness writing, and creative list making will be explored, in addition to experimenting with a wide variety of layered techniques and mixed media with collage, photography, cardstock, book pages, art markers, stencils, tempera sticks, acrylic, paints, washi tape, and stickers. Weekly prompts will cover a range of topics such as gratitude, compassion, ambitions, choices, fear, self-care, and self-esteem as they relate to the students' personal lives and current events. Conversation around the prompts will complement the students' work in their individual journals. Topics in this Series: Journal work is done in an open studio environment that allows students to join in any quarter throughout the year. Lab/Supply Fee: A supply fee of $35.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Fee covers art journal for student to use in class and shared class supplies (paints, inks, brushes, markers, collage materials, glue, washi tape, etc.) What to Wear: Students may wish to have an apron or old shirt to wear when working with paints. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Tue | Creative Storytelling: Once Upon a.. Lost Land (TUE) | 2nd-3rd | Judith Harmon | 4 |
$177.00 $159.30 by 12/13 |
Children are full of stories and bubbling over with big ideas! In this class, students will learn how to capture their creative vision into a simple story that they will write and illustrate. This quarter, our storytellers will make up the myth of a mystical mountain. Will they find lost legends and lonely labyrinths among lush landscapes and more? Students will learn how to build a Story Arc through guided, weekly activities. They will discover the key elements to composing a story such as crafting characters, posing a problem, advancing the action, constructing the climax, and writing the resolution- through brainstorming questions like, "Who is in your story?", "Where does this take place?", "What does that look like?" and "What happened after ____?" Students should be able to read, write, and spell at the second grade level or higher for this class. Psst- don't tell your child, but this class helps lay the foundation in language arts for more advanced creative writing and composition. Pair this class with Acting: Kids Theater or Writing Wonders to further encourage communication and storytelling skills. The supply fee is included in the class tuition. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Tue | Decorative Arts Studio: Fiber Arts Fun for Kids | 3rd-5th | Shona D\'Cruz | 4 |
$229.00 $206.10 by 12/13 |
Student artists will enjoy working hands-on, in 3-dimensions with a variety of sculpting and crafting materials to create original Decorative Arts. Assembling decorative items is multi-sensory, and students enjoy the tactile experience of shaping, stacking, forming, flattening, and layering a selection of materials to create unique, personal projects. Decorative art engages a different artistic skillset than coloring, drawing, and writing, and encourages creativity to represent objects in three dimensions. In this studio environment, students will create original hand-made pieces using a range of artistic techniques and a myriad of materials to choose from. Third quarter, students will work with a variety of fibers and textiles to create unique, 3-dimensional projects. From fuzzy chenille to fluffy cotton and scratchy jute to scrumptious viscose, students will enjoy the tactile experience of looping, lashing, layering, weaving or knotting assorted textures in fabrics and fibers. Students may also work with burlap, felt, leather, muslin, wool, yarn, or string. Example past projects include a string sculpture, a knotted flannel scarf, a wall hanging, and wool felting projects. Students may sew embellishments such as buttons on their finished projects, but this is not a sewing class. A supply fee of $30.00 per student is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Topics in this Series: Sculpture Skills (Quarter 1), Marvelous Mosaics (Quarter 2), Fiber Arts Fun (Quarter 3), and Upcycled, Recycled Projects (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Thu | Digital Lab: Code Your Own Adventure (Intro) | 5th-6th | Ethan Hay | 0 |
$210.00 $189.00 by 12/13 |
In Digital Lab, students will become merge the skills of storytelling and computer science. They will start with a storyline, design characters, and chose not just one ending, but many. Students will create their own text-based adventure games with variables, conditional logic, and images using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Digital Lab is a computer lab environment in which students work through the Black Rocket curriculum under the direction of computer science coaches. The lab environment allows students to enroll at any quarter, fosters brand new coders, and encourages those with prior coding experience. In the "Intro" level of a course (i.e., Part 1), students will work through the fundamentals of a new digital skill. In the "Continuing" level (i.e., Part 2), students who continue from "Intro" will develop new skills and will design and code an individual project. New students who enroll in Part 2, "Intro/Advanced" will begin with the introductory lessons. In order to differentiate instruction between new and continuing students, coaches work with small pull-out groups, pairs, or individuals to provide additional support as needed. The class tuition includes a student technology fee that covers the use of instructor-provided classroom laptops loaded with the required software, applications, and licenses. At the end of the class, students will receive access to Black Rocket's interactive learning platform to continue their coding journey at home. Topics in this Series: Video Game Animation (Quarters 1, 2); Code Your Own Adventure (Quarters 3, 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Wed | Dynamic Dioramas: History & Culture- The 100 Years War, France v. England | 3rd-5th | Taliesin Knol | 6 |
$195.00 $175.50 by 12/13 |
The histories of modern England and France were closely intertwined before the Duke of Normandy conquered England, but it was frequently a violent history, notably with nearly 100 years of almost continuous medieval warfare. This class will learn about the beginning of the Hundred Years War when the King of England took to the battlefield to defend his claim to the crown of France. Using artistic model-making techniques, hand tools, and historical maps, students will create a 10 X 14 diorama board of a famous 100 Years War battle. They will customize their dioramas with landscape elements, waterways, structures of the time, and paint and populate it with 1:72 scale invading armies and adversaries for historical re-enactments.. Once individual projects are constructed, students will combine their dioramas alongside those of their classmates to approximate a larger battlefield terrain. Students will spend the remainder of the quarter learning about the tactics and outcomes of the conquest while playing a table-top strategy game. Student strategists will use a custom historical wargaming rule system for moving troops and siege equipment. Along with their classmates, students will see how battles progressed and test different scenarios that might have occurred with different battlefield choices. Course documents such as maps, game rules and all other instructional media will be available via a Google Drive link which will be emailed to parents. Topics in this series include: The Saxon Invasions (Quarter 1), Persia v. Byzantium (Quarter 2), The 100 Years War, France v. England (Quarter 3), The Wars of Scottish Independence(Quarter 4). There is a $25.00 materials fee payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 15 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Wed, Fri | English: American Literature with Writing Lab- Rhetorical Analysis (Sem2) | 11th-12th | Anne Taranto | 4 |
$673.00 $605.70 by 12/13 |
This full-credit English course is designed to prepare students for college level academic writing. It will deepen student's critical reading and textual analysis skills by asking students to think critically about the "American Dream" and what it means to be an American by reading texts that engage with these topics from the 18th century to today. In this course, students will read and respond in writing to both fiction and non-fiction texts, and our analytical method will focus on rhetorical context (subject, purpose and audience). Spring Semester will feature Their Eyes Were Watching God (Zora Neale Hurston), The Things They Carried (Tim O'Brien), and a selection of other short fiction and poetry. Writing Lab: An essential component of this course will be an in-class Writing Lab. Students in this class should have mastered the basics of academic writing, such as constructing a thesis statement that makes an argument and organizing their thoughts through effective topic sentences and transition statements. This class will deepen students' textual analysis skills with a focus on developing rhetorical analysis, the study of how a text makes meaning. Over the course of the year, students will develop familiarity with a variety of writing styles and forms including rhetorical analysis, literary analysis, critical response, close reading, opinion essay, and personal essay. Students should bring a laptop to class one day per week for in-class writing. Note: This is a 14-week class that will not meet on: 4/2/2025, 4/4/2025, 4/16/2025, 4/18/2025, 5/14/2025, 5/16/2025 Prerequisites: Students taking this class should have mastered the foundations of Introduction to Genre and British Literature (or similar English courses), are expected to take an active role in discussion and complete all writing assignments. Topics in this Series: American Literature, Part I (Semester 1) and American Literature, Part II (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class. Assignments: All assignments will be posted in a Google Classroom management site. Students will need their own gmail accounts to access Google Classroom. Assessments: Students' written assignments will be graded using a rubric and assigned points that the homeschool parent can use when assigning an overall class grade. Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased and bundled for students. (See Supply Fee below). Supply Fee: A class fee of $44.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for the class pack of books and handouts. What to Bring: Students should bring the current literature, paper, pen or pencil and highlighter to class each week. Some students may wish to bring paper clips, adhesive flags or post-it notes for marking passages/pages. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a half-credit (one semester) or full credit (both semesters) in English for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: British Literature or equivalent |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Wed | Fencing for Beginners & Advanced Beginners (Q3) | 5th-8th | Fencing Sports Academy | 4 |
$211.00 $189.90 by 12/13 |
Fencing is the clashing of steel and competitive spirit combined with the battle of the wits. Apply the rules of Olympic fencing, and you have a physically and mentally challenging game of strategy, often called, "physical chess." In Beginning Fencing, students will learn the rules of the sport as well as footwork, attacks, parries, responses, and how to judge matches. Beginning students will use the epee, a thin, lightweight sword with broad hand guard and will wear a wireless electronic scoring sensor over layers of protective gear. Returning students will work with both the epee and foil. The physical benefits of fencing are an increase in agility, balance and coordination. Fencing also provides mental benefits such as improved focus, strategy and confidence. Fencing is safety-oriented with blunt tip weapons, chest protectors, chest/sleeve pads, fencing jacket, gloves, and face mask. Students may enroll any quarter. All equipment is provided by the instructor. Students are asked to wear full length, comfortable athletic pants such as running pants or sweatpants (no jeans, no shorts, no dresses or skirts), and low-heeled athletic shoes. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Wed | French Foundations (Q3) | 5th-6th | Edwige Pinover | 3 |
$191.00 $171.90 by 12/13 |
Bonjour! French Foundations is an introductory class for middle school-aged students. The class will be taught in a predominantly immersion environment. Limited cues in English will be used to prompt students or explain difficult concepts. French language instruction will be presented in a natural learning sequence beginning with nouns (such as colors, numbers, clothing, foods, animals, days/dates, etc), adjectives, greetings, and simple phrases. Students will learn beginning grammatical constructions such as noun-verb agreement, noun-adjective agreement, adjective placement, and the rules of regular verb conjugation. Students will be encouraged to speak aloud and converse with classmates, but also to learn to sound out, spell, and read beginning, written French. Aspects of Francophone culture such as holidays, foods, and traditions will be incorporated in the classes. Each quarter introduces new themes and new vocabulary in French, so continuing students can continue to build their language basics. However, themes and units are non-sequential, so students may enroll in this level in any quarter. The goal of this introductory course is to lay foundations in sounds, vocabulary, grammar, and usage while having fun and building confidence in a foreign language. Students should be at grade level in their reading. Fluency should not be expected at this level. Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 06 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Fri | French III | 10th-12th | Edwige Pinover | 0 |
$645.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
Bonjour et bienvenue dans notre classe de francais 3 ! Welcome to the third year of high school French. This is a conversation-focused program in which students will build more vocabulary and will be able to communicate using more and more complex sentences. The class will continue using the present tense, the future proche (a future), the passe recent (recent past), the passe-compose and imparfait (two forms of past tense) and will learn the future and the conditional forms of verb. Vocabulary will include school activities, professions, the theme of fairy tales, nature and environment, and the media. At this point in learning French, students should be using all of the vocabulary they know to become better listeners, more fluent speakers, and stronger writers. Class will be conducted primarily in French and will focus on listening and speaking skills, asking and answering questions, and correct use of grammar. At home, students will be responsible for memorizing vocabulary and grammar, completing homework assignments, and watching both grammar instruction and language immersion videos. Prerequisites: French II Workload: Students should expect to spend 30-45 minutes per day, 4 days per week on homework outside of class. Assignments: Are sent by e-mail to parents and students. Students must have access to a computer and internet service for computer-based videos and practice tools that are assigned as homework and are essential to success in the class. Assessments: Quizzes, tests, and individual performance reviews will be given to all students at regular intervals to provide parents with sufficient feedback to assign a grade. Textbook: Students should purchase or rent the required textbook for this class: Bien Dit!: Student Edition Level 3, 2013 edition (ISBN-13: 978-0547871691) Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Foreign Language for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: French II or equivalent |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Thu | FUNctional Fitness and Cross-Training (PE) for Kids: Yellow (THU) | 2nd-5th | Iman Castaneda | 5 |
$150.00 $135.00 by 12/13 |
FUNctional Fitness is a dynamic PE program for that incorporates well-rounded exercises to get tweens up and moving mid-day! No two workouts are the same, but each day's activities incorporate exercises that target 10 areas: cardio-vascular endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy. FUNctional Fitness focuses on functional movements that are fundamental to all aspects of play and exercise- pulling, pushing, running, throwing, climbing, lifting, and jumping. Work-outs are scalable and adaptable to different individual's own level, and the emphasis is on fun, safety, and personal accomplishment rather than competition among classmates. When the weather permits, some exercises may be taken outdoors. The physical challenges of FUNctional Fitness will foster self-confidence, focus, and help instill a foundation for a lifetime of fitness. The color name in the class title refers to the collectable token students will earn each quarter they take the class. Collect all 8! Students may enroll in FUNctional Fitness at any time, regardless of the color name No one color is a prerequisite for any other color, and tokens can be earned in any order. All equipment is furnished. Students are asked to wear loose, comfortable clothing, such as running pants or sweatpants, and comfortable, supportive athletic shoes. FUNctional Fitness continues each quarter, and students may repeat the class to continue to improve fitness. No two workouts are the same! Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Tue | FUNctional Fitness and Cross-Training (PE) for Kids: Yellow (TUE) | 2nd-5th | Iman Castaneda | 3 |
$150.00 $135.00 by 12/13 |
FUNctional Fitness is a dynamic PE program for that incorporates well-rounded exercises to get tweens up and moving mid-day! No two workouts are the same, but each day's activities incorporate exercises that target 10 areas: cardio-vascular endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy. FUNctional Fitness focuses on functional movements that are fundamental to all aspects of play and exercise- pulling, pushing, running, throwing, climbing, lifting, and jumping. Work-outs are scalable and adaptable to different individual's own level, and the emphasis is on fun, safety, and personal accomplishment rather than competition among classmates. When the weather permits, some exercises may be taken outdoors. The physical challenges of FUNctional Fitness will foster self-confidence, focus, and help instill a foundation for a lifetime of fitness. The color name in the class title refers to the collectable token students will earn each quarter they take the class. Collect all 8! Students may enroll in FUNctional Fitness at any time, regardless of the color name No one color is a prerequisite for any other color, and tokens can be earned in any order. All equipment is furnished. Students are asked to wear loose, comfortable clothing, such as running pants or sweatpants, and comfortable, supportive athletic shoes. FUNctional Fitness continues each quarter, and students may repeat the class to continue to improve fitness. No two workouts are the same! Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Tue | Geo Detective: Sensational Cycles and Seasons (1 PM) | 1st-2nd | Osk Huneycutt | 2 |
$193.00 $173.70 by 12/13 |
Geo-Detectives discover the many mysteries of Earth Science. From large-scale disasters that come from inside the planet to microscopic contaminants in the water and soil, Geo-Detectives look high and low to understand the forces, systems, and cycles that continue to shape the Earth, its climates and ecosystems. Geo-Detectives will explore concepts as diverse as fossils to fault lines, ozone to ocean trenches, and trade winds to tundra. Hands-on labs and in-class activities will reinforce geological phenomena such as examining fossils, classifying rocks, reading the seismographic charts, or modeling the water cycle. Third quarter, Geo Detectives will take a big picture perspective on the physical, chemical and biological processes that occur on our planet. We will learn about the rock cycle, water cycle, carbon and nitrogen cycling, primary productivity and the flow of energy through ecosystems. Topics in this Series: What a Disaster! Volcanoes, Tsunamis & Earthquakes (Quarter 1); Wacky World Weather (Quarter 2); Sensational Cycles and Seasons (Quarter 3); and Exploring Ecosystems (Quarter 4). Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $20.00 is due payable to the instructor on/before the first day of class. Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 05 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Mon, Thu | Geometry | 8th-11th | David Chelf | 2 |
$1159.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
This is a complete course in high school Geometry which will cover fundamental concepts and provide a solid foundation of mathematical literacy, problem solving, reasoning, and critical thinking skills that are necessary for the exploration of more advanced and rigorous topics in mathematics. Students will learn deductive reasoning, and logic by completing geometric proofs. Topics in geometry include: lines, angles, congruence, concurrence, inequalities, parallel lines, quadrilaterals, transformations, area, similarity, right triangles, circles, regular polygons, and geometric solids. Students will explore these topics through class discussions, practice problems, and open-ended problem solving. Prerequisite: Students should have a solid foundation in Algebra I in order to take this class. Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-1.5 hours per day on reading, review, and homework on most non-class days. Homework assignments will run on a 7-day cycle, with assignments posted on Thursdays and due the following Thursday. Students are advised to start homework once it is assigned (i.e., not wait until the night before it is due). Weekly homework assignments will be of a length that a student should be able to complete them in two or three at-home work sessions. Solutions will be provided for some homework problems, but students are expected to show all steps of their work. Assignments: The Canvas online class management system will be used to post assignments and scores. Students should have their own e-mail address in order to be set up as users of the Canvas system. Parents can also be set up as Canvas guests/observers for purposes of tracking the student's progress and workload. Assessments: Student progress will be assessed by: (1) The instructor checking that weekly homework sets are attempted and complete and (2) detailed grading of periodic take-home tests. Parents will be able to view accumulated points awarded in the class for the purpose of determining a parent-awarded course grade. See the instructor's webpage for detailed homework and test policy, including late work and re-work. Textbook: Students should purchase or rent the required textbook for this class: Geometry: Seeing, Doing, Understanding, 3rd edition (ISBN-10 0716743612, ISBN-13 978-0716743613) A calculator is not needed for this course. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a complete credit in Geometry for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 am | Wed | Global Gourmet for Tweens: Tasty Thai (1PM) | 6th-8th | Mylene Nyman | 6 |
$219.00 $197.10 by 12/13 |
Compass cooks will enjoy a culinary tour of the world with Global Gourmet classes! Menus feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients seasoned and prepared to represent regional flavors and traditional dishes from the featured country. Recipes are selected to be nutritious, fun, and simple to make. The Compass chefs' gastronomy adventures will include:
Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 13 | 1:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Mon | Intro to Interior Design: Fundamentals | 9th-12th | Kristi Newton | 8 |
$521.00 $468.90 by 12/13 |
Discover the captivating world of Interior Design, where creativity meets functionality in the art of shaping spaces! This class will delve into the realms of color, texture, and form to transform ordinary rooms into extraordinary expressions of style and comfort. The class will discover how Interior Designers (also known as Interior Architects) are responsible for embracing the power of design to evoke emotions and enhance everyday living while blending personality, purpose, and practicality to create inviting and inspired spaces where people want to work, rest, dine, play, learn, vacation, and live! First semester, students will explore the fundamentals of interior design to understand how the field is so much more than interior decorating! They will consider how interior design affects their world through an investigation of theory and hands-on practice leading to a semester project of designing a dream room! The class will review the principles and elements of design such as form, shape, and balance with respect to configuring a room. Students will learn about scale and proportion, i.e. the relative size of forms, such as rooms and furniture, in relation to each other. The group will explore the basics of color theory and various finishes. Students will also be introduced to digital tools used in interior design. They will take a field trip to the Marymount University interior architecture resource library. Throughout the semester, they will be exposed to career paths in interior design and will meet some industry guest speakers. They will also look at case studies and sample design projects and challenges from the instructor’s long career in interior design and project management. Each week, students will be working in sketchbooks and learning how to do basic hand sketches, colored renderings, and simple drafting of floor plans, furniture plans, and elevations. Student designers will collect inspiration photos, colored drawings, product information, and finish and fabric samples that will be presented on a design board of their dream room. A student’s sketchbook and/or design boards could be used as elements of a design portfolio that would be submitted for a college program in art, design, or architecture. Topics in this Series: Fundamentals (Semester 1) and Essentials (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class. Assignments: Will be communicated weekly to students in class and on a class communication platform. Assessments: The instructor will track points for the student’s semester effort, and parents can use points earned to assign a grade: Participation (20 points), Sketchbook (30 points), Semester Project (40 points), Presentation of Project (10 points). Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $75.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for a class kit consisting of: sketchbook, graph paper, tracing paper, drafting kit, pencils, colored pencils, 30- and 45- degree triangles. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component partial credit in fine arts/ career exploration for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 13 | 1:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Mon | Introduction to Computer Science: Python Programming | 9th-12th | Ethan Hay | 8 |
$479.00 $431.10 by 12/13 |
Do you want to learn the world's fastest growing programming language that is used by Google, NASA, YouTube and the CIA? Python is a versatile, easy-to-learn beginner-level programming language and gateway to foundational concepts in computer science. Students will learn how to code apps and games as they practice the computer science design cycle of writing code, executing the code, interpreting the results, revising the code syntax based on the output. The class will cover the fundamental building blocks of programming including: variables, mathematical operators, logical operators, and boolean arithmetic. They will also learn about data types, built-in functions, conditional statements, for- loops, defining functions, function stacks, interpreting error messages, exception handling, and add-on libraries. At each step, the class will create basic programs and fun, interactive content. Topics in this Series: Python Programming (Semester 1), JavaScript Programming (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Prerequisites: Algebra I, recommended Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class. Assignments: Will be given in class. Assessments: Will not be given. Lab/Supply Fee: The class tuition includes a student technology fee that covers the rental of classroom laptops and all software and licenses installed on the laptops. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Technology or Career Elective for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 13 | 1:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Mon | Mastering Microsoft Office: PowerPoint & Outlook (Certificate Program) | 9th-12th | Tayler Shreve | 3 |
$725.00 $652.50 by 12/13 |
You might have gone through high school using beginner-level Google tools like Docs, Sheets, and Slides, but to prepare for college and career, it might be time to learn Microsoft Office 365. While Google Workspace applications are generally liked for their ease of collaboration and cloud-based accessibility, Microsoft Office 365 tools are preferred in many majors and industries for their advanced features, refinement, and computing power. Any high school student who plans to pursue a college major in business, science, engineering, or other data-driven field should learn Microsoft Office, and anyone wishing to enter the job market or enhance their resume with recognized credentials as a Certified Microsoft Office Specialist should take this class. Furthermore, any student bound for college or the work world who is not proficient in these computer applications can take this class to catch up on 21st century skills. Second semester, students will work though official Microsoft study materials to become certified as a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) in Power Point and Outlook. Working in Power Point will help a student create and manage professional-looking presentations that may be used for sales pitches, employee training, instructional materials, or exhibit slideshows. Specific skills covered in the Power Point Associate curriculum include: creating slide content; inserting and formatting text, shapes, and images; inserting tables, charts, SmartArt, 3D models, and media; applying transitions and animations; managing slides; and managing multiple presentations. Working in Outlook will help a student manage a range of communications including managing contacts and communications, calendars, assigning action items, and managing resources. Specific skills covered in the Outlook Associate curriculum include: customizing the message content; creating or inserting graphic elements; sending and responding to emails and meeting requests; managing Outlook settings and processes; and managing contacts and tasks. An additional benefit of this course may be earned college credit. The American Council on Education (ACE) has recommended that MOS certifications in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint be considered as computer application in higher education institutions. 1800 accredited ACE-member, degree-granting colleges, universities, and other education-related organizations may award college credit to students who earned these certifications. Prerequisite: Basic keyboarding skills. Levels: Students who take this course on-level can earn two MOS certifications per semester. Students who take both semesters of this course will additionally qualify as a Microsoft Office Specialist: Associate level for earning at least three certifications. Students who wish to pursue a more rigorous curriculum and designate this as an "honors" level course on their transcript can self-study for the Microsoft Office Specialist: Expert level which requires two additional exams passed at the Expert level (and additional testing fees of $200.) Equipment: Students should bring a laptop to class which has a local copy of Microsoft Office 2019 installed or a current subscription and access to Microsoft Office 365. Course Materials: Students will work from the official Microsoft Office Specialist study guides that will be provided in class and is included in the course tuition Assessment: Students will take computer-based exams for each application: The MO-110: Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365 Apps) and MO-210: Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps) during first semester and the MO-310: Microsoft PowerPoint (Microsoft 365 Apps) second semester. If the MO-410 for Microsoft Outlook is released by spring 2025, students will take it, otherwise, they will take the corresponding and near-identical exams for Microsoft Outlook 2019. Testing Fees: A fee of $100 per exam ($200 per semester) is required to take the Microsoft Office Specialist exams. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Career Exploration or Technology for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 13 | 1:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Mon | Medical Mission: Crisis Care (On-Level EMR, Honors EMT) | 9th-12th | Marybeth Henry | 4 |
$799.00 $719.10 by 12/13 |
Physician. Physical Therapist. Phlebotomist. Paramedic. Did you know that the Healthcare Industry makes up more than 18% of the US economy and employs 20 million workers in the US? Chances are that several Compass teens will work in this field. This course is designed to give students an overview of the healthcare field and a foot in the door to begin work as an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Second semester will introduce the Crisis Care that every EMR/EMT must know when they encounter a medical mystery: triage, testing, and treating a patient. Students will learn what to do in the event of illness, anaphylaxis, seizures, stroke, and cardiac or respiratory distress. Every class will include practical, hands-on skills training and labs such as taking vital signs, testing blood glucose levels, administering medications, or using an automatic external defibrillator (AED). Students will identify the role of an EMR/EMT during a mental health crisis and how to help deescalate a confrontation. Throughout the course, the class will learn medical terminology and aspects of human anatomy related to Crisis Care. They will use critical thinking skills to reason through problems they might encounter during emergencies. Finally, they will discover how HIPPA, privacy, consent, and legal issues play in the EMR/EMT's role and how these emergency responders interface with law enforcement, hospitals, and other specialties in the community. EMRs/EMTs are first-on-the-scene, frontline healthcare workers. In Virginia, individuals age 16 or older who earned their license can volunteer or be hired to work on an ambulance, a private medical transport service, or as an assistant or technician in clinical settings. Work as an EMR/EMT can be a young adult's full time job, side gig through college, or help them earn clinical hours that advanced medical programs want to see. Topics in this Series: Emergency Essentials (Semester 1), Crisis Care (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Prerequisite: Students must have completed a workshop in CPR prior to taking this course and will be asked to provide a copy of their certification. An option is the Compass 2-day. 6-hour First Aid/CPR training on June 10 and 11. Alternatively, this Instructor can conduct an outside CPR workshop for $80.00 per student. Levels/Certification: Students under age 16 may enroll in this class, but they must be age 16 by October 1 in order to sit for the EMR or EMT exam in the spring of 2025. Students must take both semesters to prepare for an exam. This class will be taught at two levels concurrently: On-Level which prepares students for the EMR exam and Honors which prepares students for the EMT exam. Both levels meet together for all classes and perform the same in-class activities and labs. Those on the Honors track will have additional readings for EMT preparation. Students may also enroll in this class for one semester as an elective (i.e. non-exam track). They may also take the class for knowledge and experience with no obligation to take the exam. Students who wish to take this at the Honors level and continue the EMT track must have a class average of 80% at the end of the first semester to be approved for Honors level second semester. Students who have less than an 80% average may continue the second semester course at the on-level, or EMR, track. Students on the Honors EMT track may need additional review or test prep sessions with the instructor prior to the exam. Workload: On-level (EMR) students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class on reading assignments and chapter questions. Honors (EMT) students should expect to spend 5-6 hours each week outside of class on reading assignments, chapter questions, and review. Assignments: Students will be assigned 1-2 chapters each week to read at home each week so class time can be dedicated to the practice of hands-on skills. Assessments: The instructor will give short quizzes to ensure that students are keeping up with their reading, which is necessary to prepare for the exam. In addition, students will be "signed off" and approved on hands-on skills throughout the course. The National Registry Exam will be administered in May 2025. Textbook/Materials: Students should purchase or rent Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured Essentials Package 12th Edition by AAOS (ISBN # 978-1284227222) Supplies: Students should purchase the following items and bring to class each week:
Prerequisites: CPR Course |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Tue | Modeling the Great Conquests: William the Conqueror | 6th-8th | Taliesin Knol | 1 |
$195.00 $175.50 by 12/13 |
In the year 1066, the last successful invasion of the British Isles would begin. The Saxons, who were themselves invaders centuries before, would be supplanted by ancestors of the Vikings, the Normans. These Vikings had settled in France 100 years earlier on land gifted to them by the Frankish King, in order to end their Viking ways and the threat they posed to Paris. For most of that 100 years, these Normans fought among themselves, until Duke William the Bastard unified them and with the Pope s permission, took the combined Norman force across the channel to carve out a brand new kingdom. Beset by enemies on all sides, the exhausted Saxon English stood little chance against the thundering Norman Knights, and in 1066 at the battle of Hastings, Norman conquest was finalized when Poor King Harry of the Saxons took and arrow to the eye and died. In the following decades William, no longer a Duke and a Bastard but now a King and a Conqueror. This class will focus on the society of feudal England, the medieval knight, as well as William's battles of the conquest. Students will craft diorama from the battle of Hastings, Fulford, or Stamford Bridge. Using artistic model-making techniques, hand tools, and historical maps, students will create a 12 X 18 diorama board, and populate it with dozens of 1:72 scale Carolingian knights for historical re-enactments. Once individual projects are constructed, students will combine their dioramas alongside those of their classmates to approximate a larger battlefield terrain. Students will spend the remainder of the quarter learning about the tactics and outcomes of the military engagement while playing a table-top strategy game. Student strategists will use a simplified version of the Fire and Fury historical war gaming rule system for moving troops and equipment. Along with their classmates, students will see how battles progressed and test different outcome scenarios that might have occurred with different battlefield choices. Course documents, such as period maps, game rules and all other instructional media will be available via a Google Drive link which will be emailed to parents. There is a $25.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on/before the start of classes. Topics in this series include: Viking Invastions (Quarter 1), Charlemagne, Rebuilding an Empire (Quarter 2), William the Conqueror 1066 (Quarter 3), Saladin and the Crusaders (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Thu | Past Places: History & Geography through Games- Imperial Asia (1PM) | 6th-8th | Taliesin Knol | 2 |
$195.00 $175.50 by 12/13 |
Learn history and geography through hands-on, interactive play rather than by studying flat, dull maps! Many great games feature play on map-based boards that can be used as teaching tools. Visual and kinesthetic learners will remember where Mongolia and Madagascar are when they have amassed miniature armies there! The instructor will use board games from his personal collection as teaching tools. In addition, he creates custom boards to use with modified game rules and playing pieces. Third quarter, students will learn about the Imperial Asia with a focus on Feudal Japan using a custom table-top map of Japan and the rules and playing pieces adapted from the game Ikusa (aka Shogun) and Axis and Allies. Students play using actual Japanese clan names as they learn about feudal Japanese shoguns, samurai, and feudal warfare. The game continues week-to-week with students reviewing the geography as they set the game back up. For this conflict, students learn which regions were engaged and where they were located, capitals and key cities, shared borders and boundaries, and prominent geographic features and waterways. They gain an understanding of why feudal clans were at war and how those events influenced history and the modern map. There is a $15.00 supply fee due to the instructor on the first day of class for custom-printed maps and shared class materials. Topics in this series include: The 18th Century World (Quarter 1); The American Civil War (Quarter 2), Imperial Asia (Quarter 3), and The World at War- WWI (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 13 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Mon | Pops Band: All Instruments | 5th-8th | Jessica Eastridge | 6 |
$438.00 $394.20 by 12/13 |
Enjoy the camaraderie and cooperation of playing contemporary music with others in! Join the first homeschool pops band in the region at Compass. This section is for Concert Band members at the "continuing beginner "and "advanced beginner" level or other musicians of all ages who play brass, woodwind, percussion, and string instruments, piano/keyboard, or voice who wish to have more intensive playing/practice time and learn musical scores from a variety of genres such as pop, rock, jazz, and musical theater numbers. Example pieces are, The Avengers theme song, "High Hopes" by Panic! At the Disco, "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift, or "You'll Be Back" from Hamilton. Percussion students will play snare drum and mallet instruments (such as glockenspiel and xylophone). Woodwinds musicians will play the flute, clarinet, or alto saxophone. Brass students will play the trumpet, trombone, euphonium, French horn, or tuba. Students who play violin, viola, bass, or guitar and those who sing are also invited. All pops band students will practice audiation skills and will play both cooperatively in the full band group and in break-out groups for differentiated instruction by piece, by instrument, or by proficiency. Students in the Pops Band will meet together to continue to develop their skills on their selected instruments and rehearse selected songs. Pops Band is not intended to be a student's sole music instruction- it is recommend that students are co-enrolled in Concert Band or private lessons to improve their techniques and music theory. To be considered for this section, students must also have the following competencies on their chosen instrument:
Prerequisites: See Description |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Thu | Programming Projects: Sphero Robotic Ball | 3rd-4th | Michele Forsythe | 5 |
$202.00 $181.80 by 12/13 |
Every parent knows that kids are curious, captivated, and quick to learn technology-based products. Programming Projects builds on that curiosity to introduce computer science basics, problem-solving, and computational thinking through play-based learning. Third quarter, students will work with Sphero Mini Robot Balls which are spherical, bluetooth enabled robots encased in a clear jacket. Think of BB-8 in Star Wars! Students can code these robots using "drawing" (literally dragging their finger on a computer screen) or block coding with Scratch. Students will work in teams to direct Sphero Mini Robots through mazes and obstacle courses, make them talk, and race them. Inside the Robot ball, there is a gyroscope, accelerometer, and colorful LED lights that are manipulated through simple coding. Once students have mastered programming through drawing on screen, they will learn to control the Robot ball through simple programming in the Sphero Play app or the Sphero Edu app on a phone or tablet. All equipment and devices will be provided by the instructor. Learn more about the Sphero Mini Robot Ball here. https://youtu.be/YxlLeiVo3gM There is a $20.00 technology use fee due payable to the instructor on/before the first day. Topics in this series include: Sphero indi Robotic Cars (Quarter 1), Scratch Coding (Quarter 2), Sphero Robotic Ball Quarter 3) and Tinkercad Design (Quarter 4) Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 15 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Wed | Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Navy, Part 2 (1 PM, Sem 2) | 6th-7th | Catherine Vanlandingham | 3 |
$718.00 $646.20 by 12/13 |
Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar. Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization. READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook. Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost. ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning. Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $XX.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books. Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 13 | 1:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Mon | Robotics Challenge Lab (Sem2) | 8th-12th | Austin Martin | 8 |
$694.00 $624.60 by 12/13 |
Students will explore the science and technology of robotics in an open workshop environment. They will work in pairs by experience level and interests to plan, conceptualize, build, program, and test a robot of their own design. Student partners will set their own design and performance criteria for their robot. Will it be one that plays a game, gathers data, or completes a mission using custom code that the team has written and tested? This laboratory is open to beginners as well as returning students with prior experience. The class will focus on construction and programming, with the goal of having functional robots by the end of the semester. There will be an emphasis on the engineering-design process with repeated build-test-redesign iterations until the robot performs as expected. Student pairs will be encouraged to think creatively and apply problem-solving skills to find unique solutions to their scenario. Groups will move at their own pace, and completed robots may have different levels of complexity depending on the experience of the team. An experienced electrical engineer who was a robotics competitor and coach will serve as a mentor and facilitator during the lab. He will not teach formal lessons but will instead circulate among the partner teams to trouble-shoot and offer advice on hardware and software issues, spending more time with newer builders and programmers. Students will enjoy the collaboration and camaraderie that comes from watching the successes, missteps, and eventual solutions of other teams. They will build with Tetrix Prime metal robotics components, incorporate sensors [such as, ultrasonic distance, infrared (IR) proximity, mini-LIDAR (laser radar), touch, line-following, color- sensing, or sound sensors], electronics, and motors from Tetrix Prizm, and code using the Arduino IDE. Students do not get to keep finished projects. Note: Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. This is a 14-week class that will not meet on 1/20/25 or 2/17/25. Prerequisite:Prior experience with robotics and coding are not required. Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1 hours per week outside of class. Assignments: Assignments, if any, will be communicated in class and limited to individual investigation. Assessments: Will not be given Textbook/Materials: None Lab/Supply Fee: None. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a partial credit in technology or career exploration for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Thu | Secret Pages Society: Adventures | 4th-6th | Christina Somerville | 4 |
$208.00 $187.20 by 12/13 |
Secret Pages Society is a facilitated book club just for elementary readers who want to embark on the adventure of reading and the camaraderie and community of a continuing club. Inspired by highlights from Hogwarts, members of the group may decide to design a club crest, establish leadership roles like club chronicler and treasurer (to manage Compass cash and a treasure chest), and sort themselves into "houses" by interests. Class members will shape the rules and readings for the club! Each quarter, the Society will read one book that is teacher's choice and a second book that the members select as a group from a list curated by the instructor and nominated by members. Members must read assigned chapters from their books at home, either as individual silent reading, read-aloud with parents' support, or listening to an audiobook edition. Readers will be encouraged to take notes on key passages or questions. All books are selected from among Newbery Medalists and Honor Books, Caldecott Medal books, and proven classics of children's fiction. Club members will read high-quality, age-appropriate literature and expand their understanding of what they read through book discussion and hands-on extension activities. They will be encouraged to interact with the story and each other through activities such as acting out or illustrating favorite scenes, discussing and writing alternate endings, prequels, origin or spinoff stories, researching specific aspects of the story, or dressing as favorite characters. Through guided club discussion, the group will be exposed to beginning literary analysis in a fun, interactive setting by discussing plot, theme, characters, setting, genre, writing style, and artistry using specific examples from the story. They will learn to analyze characters, their actions and motives, respond to hypothetical questions, make predictions, and answer prompts using examples from the book. Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and because they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased for students for the first book. (See Supply Fee below). Parents will be responsible for buying or checking-out a copy of the second book, once selected. Supply Fee: A class fee of $8.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for Book 1. Topics in this Series and teacher's choice books include: Adventures: Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier (Quarter 1); Journeys: Banner in the Sky by James Ramsey Ullman (Quarter 2); Quests: Aru Shah and the End of Timeby Roshani Chokski (Quarter 3); and Discoveries: Holes by Louis Sachar (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Wed | Sew Simple: Dynamic Dino Family | 1st-2nd | Judith Harmon | 5 |
$168.00 $151.20 by 12/13 |
Little kids will learn the basics of hand sewing and discover it is "sew simple" to create fun things they can play with and use every day. Third quarter, kids will sew an adorable dino family and their Jurassic accessories: a t-rex, stegosaurus, triceratops, baby dino in an egg, a palm tree, and a volcano. Kids will learn practical sewing skills such as pinning and placement, a running stitch, attaching a button, scissor skills, and stuffing. The group will be working with pre-cut felt components from kits that will be enhanced with buttons and accessories. Since students may work at different rates, some projects may not be completed in class and will be sent home to finish sewing with the newly learned skills. Students should be at age/grade level for fine motor skills for this class and should be a minimum of age 6. There is a supply fee of $35.00 due payable to the instructor on/before the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Sew a Storybook (Quarter 1), Silly Sea Stuffies (Quarter 2), Dynamic Dino Family (Quarter 3), and Keeper's Critters (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Thu | Spanish Amigos (Q3) | 3rd-4th | Sirdley Taborga | 6 |
$191.00 $171.90 by 12/13 |
Buenos dias! Spanish Amigos (Friends) is a fun, play-based, Spanish immersion class for young students. Much like learning their native language, students will be exposed to the sounds, vocabulary, and phrases in Spanish through songs, games, stories, interactive and hands-on activities. Limited cues in English will be used to prompt students in the first few weeks. The teacher will bring toys and objects each week to give kids tangible, hands-on examples of the vocabulary being introduced. Each quarter introduces new themes and new vocabulary in Spanish, so children can continue to build their language basics. However, themes and units are non-sequential, so students may enroll in this level in any quarter. The goal of this introductory course is to lay foundations in sounds, vocabulary, and simple phrases while having fun and building confidence in a foreign language. Instruction will be predominantly verbal, but key vocabulary words may be written down for students to begin a sense of spelling. Students will be encouraged to write down new words each week, but reading, writing, spelling, and note-taking will not be expected. Fluency should not be expected at this level. Material/Supply Fee: The instructor will order a South-American written/published Spanish activity book for students in-class use after assessing their ages/skill levels. Parents will be asked to reimburse the instructor for the expense, typically $10-$15. Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 06 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Fri | Spanish III | 11th-12th | Sirdley Taborga | 2 |
$645.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
Saludos! Get ready for a full year of advanced high school level Spanish! This is a conversation-based program in which students will continue to build their vocabulary quickly and learn essential grammar skills in Spanish. Vocabulary will include shopping for clothing and food; ancient civilizations; modern society; legends and stories; preparing and describing food; ordering meals in a restaurant; watching/making movies and attending movie premiers; reading and writing for newspapers and other publications; family and relationships; the environment and conservation; and careers and professions. There will be a strong emphasis on using regular and irregular preterit tense verbs; imperfect tense verbs; knowing the differences between and when to use preterit vs. imperfect; subjunctive tense verbs; regular and irregular future tense verbs and other common grammar concepts such as commands; direct object pronouns; indirect object pronouns; double object pronouns; when to use por vs. para; comparative phrases; superlative phrases; impersonal expressions and routine application of common spelling changes. Additionally, we will study culture through the lens of contemporary music genres and dances and will gain advanced grammar skills through the translation of popular song lyrics. Class will be conducted almost exclusively in Spanish and will focus on listening and speaking skills, asking and answering questions, and correct use of grammar. At home, students will be responsible for memorizing vocabulary and grammar, completing worksheets and written assignments, and watching both grammar instruction and language immersion videos. Workload: Students should expect to spend 30-45 per day, 4 days per week on homework outside of class. Assignments: Are sent by e-mail to parents and students. Students must have access to a computer and internet service for computer-based videos and practice tools that are assigned as homework and are essential to success in the class. Assessments: Quizzes, tests, and individual performance reviews will be given to all students at regular intervals to provide parents with sufficient feedback to assign a grade. Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $30.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a class packet in lieu of a textbook. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Foreign Language for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 13 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Mon | Spanish Para Pequenos (Spanish for Little Ones)- MON | K-2nd | Ruth Jeantet | 2 |
$191.00 $171.90 by 12/13 |
Hola! Spanish Para Pequenos (Spanish for Little Ones) is a fun, play-based, Spanish immersion class for young children. Following the native language-learning process, children will be exposed to the sounds, letters, and high-frequency words in Spanish through songs, games, stories, puppets, and other interactive activities. The teacher will provide all necessary toys and objects to give young children tangible, and hands-on ways to apply new concepts in practical real-life situations. The instructor uses some Montessori-style activities that create a high-energy, playful environment, engaging tactile and kinesthetic learners alike while appealing to children's natural curiosities. The vocabulary and language structures presented in each session follow a new letter of the alphabet each week that will include greetings, simple phrases, foods, colors, numbers, animals, common action verbs, calendar phrases, articles of clothing and seasonal topics. Vocabulary will be repeated and reviewed often to aid in the retention of the language, and will primarily develop listening and speaking skills. The goal of this introductory course is to lay foundations in phonics and essential vocabulary words while having fun and building confidence in a foreign language. Who knows, your child might just come home singing their new favorite Spanish nursery rhyme! Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Wed | Speak Up! Telling Your Story (Narrative) | 3rd-5th | Highest Speak | 3 |
$208.00 $187.20 by 12/13 |
Public speaking skills are essential to academia, success in future careers, and to simply making friends or standing up for yourself! Students will develop their public speaking skills and their own "voice" through the art of storytelling in a fun, supportive environment taught by a public speaking coach. In this class, students will examine the elements of effective storytelling by playing hilarious storytelling games and practicing storytelling assignments. The group will identify the elements of a story and how to structure and write a story that will be told aloud. They will learn about different types of stories, from fiction and fantasy stories to personal narratives, motivational, and persuasive stories. Students will learn how to best perform a story of any kind, conquer any level of nervousness, and become more confident storytellers. They will discover how to use storytelling to enhance anything they do. Each class includes an icebreaker activity, a daily lesson, practice through a game or assignment, individualized feedback, and wrap-up. Students will practice posture, eye contact, enunciation, gestures, pauses, and timing while receiving tips and techniques from the coach and peers. The class will culminate in an end of the quarter presentation for parents. Topics in future quarters include: Finding Your Voice (Expository)- 3rd quarter, and Making Your Point (Persuasive)- 4th quarter
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Qtr 3 | Jan 17 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Fri | Sweet Shop: Best Bon Bons (Fri) | 9th-12th | Mylene Nyman | 8 |
$219.00 $197.10 by 12/13 |
The tantalizing aroma of cookies in the oven. A mouth-watering burst of mint. The silky feel of melted chocolate. The sticky sweet of fresh-made caramel. A subtle hint of lemon. Student bakers will enjoy these delicious sensations- and more- as they explore the world of baking homemade desserts. Sweet Shop treats are scrumptious, fun, and simple to make. Each week they will prepare a fresh, handmade dessert or sweet such as: pies, cakes, cookies, tarts, trifles, mousses, puddings, candies, fudge, brittle, or chocolate. The class will include some icing, decorating, and garnishing techniques for completed desserts. This quarter, the Compass bakers' culinary adventures will include:
Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Wed | Vet 'Ventures: Reptile Roundup (1PM) | 3rd-4th | Karen Shumway | 6 |
$208.00 $187.20 by 12/13 |
A corn snake with cataracts, a lizard with a limp, or an iguana with an itch. Sometimes even our reptile friends need medical care! Lots of kids love animals, and some even think about becoming veterinarians and animal specialists. There is a lot of science in the care and keeping of animals. In this class, future veterinarians will learn all about the reptile species people keep as pets such as snakes, turtles, tortoises, skinks, and lizards like geckos, bearded dragons, chameleons, and uromastyxs. Each of these different species has different needs in terms of diets, habitats, and handling. The class will discuss some general signs of illness or injury that someone might see in a pet reptile. Kids will discover some of fun and fascinating facts, similarities, and differences in species of reptiles. The class will make a broad survey of reptiles in the wild and discuss why those found outdoors should not be brought in as pets and why pet reptiles should not be released into the wild. Each class meeting will include hands-on and interactive demonstrations, simulations, role-playing, activities, games, stories, or short video clips to convey the information. During the first week, students will receive a lab coat and clinic name tag, and two model reptiles for demonstrations, and a class workbook. They will "adopt" and name their reptiles, and during the final week, they will receive a diploma. (Pets, lab coats, name tags, and workbooks will remain at Compass between classes so they are not forgotten at home). There is a $28.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Discover Dogs (Quarter 1), Pocket Pets (Quarter 2), Reptile Roundup (Quarter 3) and Wildlife Rescue (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 16 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Thu | Writers @ Work | 7th-8th | Shannon McClain | 4 |
$334.00 $300.60 by 12/13 |
Writers @ Work is a fundamental writing class that will prepare seventh and eighth grade students for high school level composition. The class will progress from getting started on learning how to effectively structure purposeful paragraphs) (first semester) to multiple paragraphs linked into articulate and organized essays (second semester). Second semester will focus on essay writing by combining several paragraphs to form a paper. Essays will cover persuasive, personal, and formal themes. Students will learn about topic sentences, transitions between paragraphs, clarity, and guiding the reader through their discussion. Writers will learn about organizing their thoughts or evidence and selecting the most important points to craft a multi-paragraph composition. Students have freedom to choose topics for each form. They will be encouraged to first write about something they already know about and then write about a new topic where they will be challenged to define the question they want to investigate, find sources for their research, organize details, and document information used. Grammar concepts will be introduced throughout the year, and students will be encouraged to incorporate the technique in their next writing or revision. Grammar concepts will include a "toolbox" of writing techniques and rules such as sentence structure, complex and compound sentences, independent and dependent clauses, parts of speech, agreement, tense, use of dialogue and quotation marks, and correct use of punctuation. Students will also be taught techniques for brainstorming and outlining before beginning to write and will be given tips on choosing creative, interesting, and powerful words over mundane, vague, and over-used words. In both semesters, there will be an emphasis on revision. Writing is seldom just the way the author hopes in the first draft. At times, students will be encouraged to use the same paragraph for several weeks to build-upon their first draft, incorporate feedback, apply writing and grammar techniques, in order for them to see the benefits of revision. They will learn to read their own writing from a reader's perspective and develop strategies for improving it. Students will give and receive feedback from class peers and receive regular feedback from the instructor. Time will be set aside in most classes for dedicated, in-class writing. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 1:00 pm | 1:55 pm | Tue | Writing Well (Q3 TUE) | 5th-6th | Shannon McClain | 0 |
$178.00 $160.20 by 12/13 |
Writing is not only a critical skill for school and life, it gives kids a voice! In this class, fifth and sixth graders will gain confidence, increase writing fluency, and learn how to incorporate writing into everyday work and play. The objective of this class is for each student to progress and improve his/her own writing. This class does not have a fixed curriculum trying to achieve the same outcome and same skillset for each child, because each comes to class with different writing experience and varying needs. Instead, through personalized feedback from the instructor and peer feedback exercises, student writers will improve their writing skills from where they started. Students will learn the steps of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Key skills practiced at this level include organizing one’s thoughts, defining a purpose and audience for the paper, formulating a topic sentence or main idea, developing supporting details, using correct sentence structure (for example, initial capitalization and end punctuation). Students will always be encouraged to write about what interests them. They will write for a few minutes in class each week and will be expected to write short assignments at home and submit their work to the instructor for feedback. Each week, the instructor will share brief lessons on grammar (such as correct capitalization, agreement, tenses, parts of speech, use of adjectives/adverbs), and/or style (for example, using metaphors, adding details, building tension). Examples and exercises will be presented from a variety of styles and genres with the instructor using models from fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. Students should be on or near grade level for reading. Writing Wonders is offered each quarter under the same class name, but students may take it each quarter to continue to improve their writing skills. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 1:05 pm | 2:55 pm | Tue | Outdoor Survivor: Winter (Tue) | 5th-6th | Sevim Kalyoncu | 7 |
$298.00 $268.20 by 12/13 |
Venture outdoors each week to explore the woods with a senior naturalist and mentor while learning valuable survival skills. Students will learn how to construct a temporary debris shelter, make cordage, identify edible plants, track animals, purify water, perform basic first aid, and use maps and compass (orienteering). Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things you encounter outdoors, safe exploration of the woods, how to be a good steward of nature, and what to do if you ever became lost or injured in the woods. Skills will be reintroduced and adapted each each quarter because the available plants, animals, materials, and water sources change with each season. Students will have a blast, develop greater self-confidence, and build a strong connection to nature and to the real world! Explorations in the woodsis for enrolled students only, and tag-along parents and siblings cannot be accommodated. For information on where the class meets, what to wear, and inclement weather, see the webpage for Compass's Nature Quest program. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 1:05 pm | 2:55 pm | Wed | Outdoor Survivor: Winter (Wed) | 5th-6th | Sevim Kalyoncu | 4 |
$298.00 $268.20 by 12/13 |
Venture outdoors each week to explore the woods with a senior naturalist and mentor while learning valuable survival skills. Students will learn how to construct a temporary debris shelter, make cordage, identify edible plants, track animals, purify water, perform basic first aid, and use maps and compass (orienteering). Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things you encounter outdoors, safe exploration of the woods, how to be a good steward of nature, and what to do if you ever became lost or injured in the woods. Skills will be reintroduced and adapted each each quarter because the available plants, animals, materials, and water sources change with each season. Students will have a blast, develop greater self-confidence, and build a strong connection to nature and to the real world! Explorations in the woodsis for enrolled students only, and tag-along parents and siblings cannot be accommodated. For information on where the class meets, what to wear, and inclement weather, see the webpage for Compass's Nature Quest program. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 1:30 pm | 2:55 pm | Tue | Junior Engineering with LEGO: Winter Wonders (TUE) | K-2nd | Becca Sticha | 4 |
$225.00 $202.50 by 12/13 |
Students will use LEGO to design and build simple engineering projects out of everyone's favorite building toy! In this 90 minute class, students will explore concepts and vocabulary in physics, mechanical engineering, structural engineering, aerospace engineering, and architecture while playing with their creations. Third quarter, students will build for an icy winter environment and explore constructions like a bobsled course, snow plows, snow mobiles, a Polar Express train, and gondola ski lifts! Each class begins with 10-minutes of free build from tubs of LEGO components followed by a short discussion and demonstration of the day's project and concepts. Students build individually or in groups. Instructors will provide individual assistance, facilitate challenges, performance testing, competitions, and modifications to projects. Some projects may have been introduced in prior year's sessions, but each new build is unique, and student's building skills and understanding will have grown. Notes:(1)Students must be minimum age 5 and able to separate from their parents for this class. (2) Projects are built from shared, Compass-owned components, so students will not bring completed projects home. Parents, however, can step into class 15 minutes before the end of each session to photograph their child's construction. Topics in this Series: Fantastic Fliers & Space Racers (Quarter 1); Articulated Animals(Quarter 2); Winter Wonders (Quarter 3); Construct a Carnival (Quarter 4) Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 13 | 1:30 pm | 2:25 pm | Mon | Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Silver, Part 2 (Sem 2) | 4th-5th | Catherine Vanlandingham | 3 |
$718.00 $646.20 by 12/13 |
Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar. Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization. READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook. Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost. ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning. Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $XX.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books. Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 17 | 2:00 pm | 3:25 pm | Fri | Acrylic Painting: Open Studio (Q3) | 9th-12th | Pete Van Riper | 4 |
$248.00 $223.20 by 12/13 |
Students will be introduced to painting with acrylics in a relaxed, informal studio setting under the guidance of a professional art instructor. Students will work on canvas boards and will learn elements of art, principles of design, and color theory in addition to methods in painting. Each week, the instructor will demonstrate a different technique in acrylic painting rather than a different subject. Techniques will include mixing and blending paints, wet and dry brush techniques, sponge techniques, glazing, washing, gradient relief, sgraffito, impasto, smudging, dot techniques, stippling, pouring, splattering, dabbing, underpainting, and detailing. The emphasis will be on methods and effects so that each student has a "toolbox" of techniques for working in acrylics. Students will have the freedom to mix and match the techniques that they have learned to create original pieces. In the open studio concepts, each student will have a different goal and unique project in-progress such as still life, floral, landscape, portrait, fantasy, abstract, or pop art. Student will complete two or three boards each quarter, depending on the level of detailing. This class is suitable for beginners who have never painted before, and for experienced art students who have worked in other mediums and are interested in exploring acrylic painting. Compass parents are welcome to register for this class to work alongside their teens, or to work on their own, while their teen is in another Compass class. Painting can provide a relaxing, needed break from rigorous academic classes and over-scheduled lives in a fun, supportive environment. Prerequisites: None Workload: Work outside of class is optional, however students who want to continue to practice their painting techniques might want to purchase a tabletop easel (approx. $10.00) and set of basic acrylic paints ($30.00+) for home use. Assessments: Individual feedback is given in class. Formal assessments will not be given. Lab/Supply Fee: A supply fee of $25.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for up to 6 canvas boards and shared class supplies (paints, brushes, paper products, etc.). Students who paint more quickly need more than 6 boards can purchase additional ones from the instructor for $4.00/each. What to Wear: Students may wish to wear an apron, smock, or paint shirt when working with acrylic paints. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 16 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Thu | Acting- Tween Stage: Holmes & Watson- The Game's Afoot | 6th-8th | Judith Harmon | 2 |
$279.00 $251.10 by 12/13 |
When desperate people come to 221B Baker Street in search of aid, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are always there to help. But a quartet of conundrums will put even Holmes' deductive genius and Watson's brilliant brain to the test. The remarkable duo must match wits with a dastardly blackmailer, recover a coronet of priceless gems, trace a vanished bride, and solve a murder so strange that Watson considers it the most difficult of all their cases. Based on four classic short stories by Arthur Conan Doyle, this play is both a gripping mystery and a celebration of enduring friendship. The class will read and vote on two of the four skits to prepare. Tweens will appreciate the quirky, off-beat humor of this scripted comedy. They will enjoy the creativity and camaraderie of working together to bring this humorous piece to stage. Students, along with their acting instructor, will cast, rehearse, and coordinate a class performance of this comedy. Students will be encouraged to design and assemble simple costumes, props, and backdrops from items at home. Student actors will be expected to learn their lines and participate fully. This class is best suited for students who are active listeners, are flexible and easily adapt, have a sense of humor, and can work in a collaborative group. Students need to be able to stay in sync with the flow of the class. This is not an "anything goes" or free-for-all class. The students will perform for family and friends at the end of the semester. Topics in this Series: The Internet is a Distraction- Oh Look, A Squirrel! (Semester 1) and Holmes & Watson- The Game's Afoot (Semester 2). Supply Fee: A class fee of $40.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a copy of the licensed script, performance royalty, and project materials. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Tue | Acting- Young Actor's Playhouse: Suddenly Small | 1st-2nd | Judith Harmon | 5 |
$179.00 $161.10 by 12/13 |
Acting is an adventure! Young actors work together to create and perform their very own play with unique characters and an original storyline. What happens when everything is shrunk so trees are as tall as towers and bugs are the size of buildings? Young actors will create their own suddenly shrunken scenarios. Students will begin with improvisational games to get to know each other and to begin to brainstorm about their original play. Through group activities and guided discussion, the young actors will decide on characters, conflict, and conclusion, and the story they want to tell. The script will be developed and customized for this class with input from the students. Young actors will explore skills such as sensory awareness, listening, stage movement, character development, emotional expression, and observation/concentration while learning to portray their original character. Young actors will learn aspects of acting by script read-through, blocking, costume/prop discussion, and planning the show. Through individual and group activities, young actors build confidence in preparation for a final sharing for parents. Students will work from a simple, written script, but emerging readers can be accommodated. Parents will be emailed the script after the 3rd or 4th class and will be expected to help their children memorize their lines and assemble a simple make-at-home costume, ideally from clothing items and accessories you already own and a little creativity. All actors must be at least age 6 to sign up for this class. Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 05 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Mon, Thu | Algebra II | 10th-12th | David Chelf | 2 |
$1159.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
This is a complete course in high school Algebra II which will cover fundamental concepts and provide a solid foundation of mathematical literacy, problem solving, reasoning, and critical thinking skills that are necessary for the exploration of more advanced and rigorous topics in mathematics. Topics in Algebra II include linear functions, systems of equations and inequalities, quadratic functions and complex numbers, exponential and logarithmic functions, rational and irrational algebraic functions, and quadratic relations and systems. In addition, this course will cover higher degree functions with complex numbers, sequences and series, probability, data analysis, and trigonometric and circular functions. Students will explore these topics through class discussions, practice problems, and open-ended problem solving. Prerequisite: Students should have a solid foundation Algebra I in order to take this class. Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-1.5 hours per day on reading, review, and homework on most non-class days. Homework assignments will run on a 7-day cycle, with assignments posted on Thursdays and due the following Thursday. Students are advised to start homework once it is assigned (i.e., not wait until the night before it is due). Weekly homework assignments will be of a length that a student should be able to complete them in two or three at-home work sessions. Solutions will be provided for some homework problems, but students are expected to show all steps of their work. Assignments: The Canvas online class management system will be used to post assignments and scores. Students should have their own e-mail address in order to be set up as users of the Canvas system. Parents can also be set up as Canvas guests/observers for purposes of tracking the student's progress and workload. Assessments: Student progress will be assessed by: (1) The instructor checking that weekly homework sets are attempted and complete and (2) detailed grading of periodic take-home tests. Parents will be able to view accumulated points awarded in the class for the purpose of determining a parent-awarded course grade. See the instructor's webpage for detailed homework and test policy, including late work and re-work. Textbook: Students should purchase or rent the required textbook for this class: Algebra and Trigonometry: Functions and Applications- Prentice Hall Classics (ISBN-10 0131657100, ISBN-13 978-0131657106). A scientific calculator similar to the Casio fx-115ES PLUS is required for this class. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a complete credit in Algebra II for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Thu | All About Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, and the Cosmos | 5th-6th | Becca Sticha | 6 |
$174.00 $156.60 by 12/13 |
Did you know that our Sun is a yellow dwarf star residing in a spiral galaxy, the Milky Way? Our nearest neighbor, Proxima Centauri, a red dwarf star, is a mere 25 trillion miles away...but in our same galaxy! Kids who love astronomy and other sciences are invited to learn about stars, galaxies, and the cosmos in this beginning astronomy class. Join us as we examine the lifecycle of stars and discuss what stars are made of. The class will learn how we observe the universe (telescopes, particle detectors, etc) and make these "astronomical" measurements of time and distance. And finally, the class will examine the phenomenon of black holes. This class will use some NASA projects for educators in their investigation. Future themes in this series include: Inner Solar System (Quarter 1); Outer Solar System (Quarter 2); Stars, Galaxies, and the Cosmos (Quarter 3); and Exoplanets and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 17 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Fri | American Government: How the Republic Works Today | 9th-12th | Albert Thompson | 4 |
$397.00 $357.30 by 12/13 |
From freedoms to federalism and enfranchisement to empowerment, students will engage with American Government from a unique, thoughtful perspective. This course is facilitated by college professor Dr. Albert Thompson, a historian of the state, culture, and conflict who was homeschooled through high school. He uses an engaging storytelling style to encourage high school students to use "historical data to advance solutions to contemporary problems." Second semester, the class will consider how the US Government works today and what aspects of the Founders' vision remains intact. Students will cover how the American Government System evolved into its present 21st century form, through an examination of the Jacksonian, Civil War, Progressive, New Deal, and Great Society eras. The class will learn about the conflicts that arose between the states and the federal government as federal power increased. They will explore the rivalries and disputes between elected leaders and bureaucrats as the Administrative State rose to power the 20th century. This semester covers the period in American Government from 1804-present with a focus on 1890 and beyond, including the evolution of the Constitution through the amendments, the shifting balance among the three branches, the impact of Supreme Court decisions, and the growth of Federalism. Topics in this Series: Setting Up the Great Republic (Semester 1) and How the Republic Works Today (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Prerequisites: None Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week on readings. Readings should be treated as pre-readings which students complete before class in order to engage in in-class discussion. Assignments: Reading assignments will be communicated weekly to students by email. This class will not have written assignments or projects. Assessments: The instructor will not give quizzes or provide assessments. Parents may give the textbook Review Questions and/or Critical Thinking Questions that are available for each unit for purposes of assessing their own student's understanding of major themes. The instructor will provide the answer keys. Textbook/Materials: The class will use American Government, , 3rd edition, a free, online open-source textbook from OpenStax. OpenStax is a nonprofit educational initiative based at Rice University. Contributing authors come from a variety of universities. Students may read the book online, download a Kindle version, download a pdf, or order an print copy from Amazon (ISBN-13: 978-1711493954 for $41.00). Prerequisites: None |
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Year long | Sep 06 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Fri | American Sign Language (ASL) III | 11th-12th | Felipe Ramos | 2 |
$822.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
Students of ASL will continue to improve their fluency in this 3rd year course. As students become more advanced signers, emphasis will be on focusing on the meaning of a conversation (whole) and storytelling rather than individual signs (parts) or phrases. In conversation, students will learn to confirm information by asking questions in context. Third year students will continue to build their vocabulary, apply ASL grammar, and will learn to describe places, giving directions, giving opinions about others, discussing plans and goals, ask for advice, give opinions, make comparisons and use superlatives, and narrate stories. Other skills covered in ASL III include expressing year, phone numbers, time, and currency in numbers, giving directions, locations, etc. Each unit will include presentations and readings on Deaf culture and Deaf history. Class time will be dedicated to interactive ASL activities and signing practice. ASL students will have a Deaf instructor. She regularly teaches all-hearing classes and is an excellent role model for students to meet and interact with a native speaker of ASL and to lean natural facial expressions, gestures, and body language used in Deaf communications. ASL students will have more confidence when they encounter Deaf instructors in college or greet speakers of ASL in social settings. Because the instructor is Deaf, students are not permitted to speak aloud in class. This approach improves visual attention and encourages immersion in the language. Students will be able to ask questions of the instructor by writing on individual white boards, but they will be encouraged to sign in order to communicate with the instructor. Lessons are facilitated with Power Point presentations, and a professional ASL interpreter will assist the class on the first day of class. Hundreds of colleges and universities, including all public institutions of higher learning in Virginia, accept ASL as a distinct foreign language. This allows hearing and Deaf students to fulfill foreign language requirements for admission to college. Teens who have difficulty writing, spelling, or have challenging pronunciation in English, can be successful with ASL as a second or foreign language choice. Penn State University research demonstrated that the visual and kinesthetic elements of ASL helped to enhance the vocabulary, spelling, and reading skills in hearing students. Prerequisite: ASL II students who wish to enroll in ASL III must pass a proficiency exam and receive instructor approval. Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours each week outside of class on required vocabulary exercises, readings, and signing practice. Assignments: Homework assignments will be posted online in the Canvas digital classroom platform. Through Canvas, students will be asked to post short videos of themselves signing as homework. Enrolled students will be asked to review ASL 1 and 2 vocabulary, grammar, and facial expressions. Assessments: The instructor will assign points using a class rubric for the parent's use in assigning a course grade. Course rubrics will evaluate students on their sign production, fingerspelling, ASL grammar, facial expressions including "above the nose" grammar (brows and body movement), and "below the nose" modifiers (lip expressions). Textbook/Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $50.00 payable to Compass for the digital access code for the interactive e-textbook, TRUE+WAY ASL. With their subscription, students may also accces a free searchable, bilingual ASL & English dictionary, called What's the Sign? Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in World Languages for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: ASL II students who wish to enroll in ASL III must pass a proficiency exam and receive instructor approval. |
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Year long | Sep 04 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Mon,Wed | AP Literature and Composition (World Literature) | 11th-12th | Anne Taranto | 3 |
$1339.00
Full course fee. Contact for mid-term enrollment/prorated pricing. |
This is a full-credit high school English course taught at the AP level to prepare students for college level reading, analysis, and academic writing. The course features selections from World Literature and will prepare students for the AP Literature and Composition examination. The course will broaden a student's critical reading and textual analysis skills by challenging them to think and write more comprehensively about World Literature. In this course, students will read and respond in writing to fiction works, non-fiction texts, and poetry. The analytical method will focus on both rhetorical context (subject, purpose and audience) and the six "Big Ideas" of the AP course include: Character, Setting, Structure, Narration, Figurative, Language, and Literary Argumentation. Other objectives from the AP curriculum include reading a text closely and drawing conclusions from details; identifying the techniques used by an author and their effects; developing an interpretation of a text; making an argument for it in writing; and supporting that argument with compelling textural evidence. Literature: Featured literature will include: Antigone by Sophocles (441- Greece); Othello by William Shakespeare (1603- England); Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (1847- England); The Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad (1899-Poland); The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka (1915-Germany); Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe (1958- Nigeria); and The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (1989- Japan). Remains of the Day is summer reading. Composition: An essential component of this course will analytical writing. Students in this class should have mastered the basics of academic writing, such as constructing a thesis statement that makes an argument and organizing their thoughts through effective topic sentences and transition statements. This class will deepen students' textual analysis skills with a focus on developing rhetorical analysis, the study of how a text makes meaning. Over the course of the year, students will develop familiarity with a variety of writing styles and forms including rhetorical analysis, literary analysis, critical response, and close reading. Prerequisites: Students taking this class should have taken American Literature at Compass or received permission of the Instructor to enroll at the AP level. Students are expected to take an active role in discussion and complete all writing assignments. Schedule/Format: There are two weekly meetings: (1) Mondays from 2:00 pm-2:55 pm online in a synchronous virtual classroom and (2) Wednesdays from 2:00 pm- 2:55 pm in person. A physical meeting room will be designated for on-campus students who have classes immediately before or after the virtual session. Workload: Students should expect to spend 4-6 hours per week outside of class. Assignments: All assignments will be posted in a Google Classroom management site. Students will need their own gmail accounts to access Google Classroom. Assessments: Students' written assignments will be evaluated using a rubric and assigned points that the homeschool parent can use when assigning an overall class grade. About AP: "AP" is a trademark of the College Board, which owns and designs the course outline and "audits" (i.e. approves) high school instructors who employ their expertise and creativity to deliver the college freshman-level content. The College Board's complete AP Literature and Composition program can be read HERE, and the instructor AP Course Audit Approval form can be viewed HERE. https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-english-literature-and-composition-course-and-exam-description.pdf AP Fees: The fee for the College Board's AP Literature and Composition exam in May 2025 is not included. Each family is responsible for scheduling and paying for their student's AP exam. Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased and bundled for students. (See Supply Fee below). Supply Fee: A class fee of $64.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for the class bundle of novels. What to Bring: Students should bring the current literature, paper, pen or pencil and highlighter to class each week. Some students may wish to bring paper clips, adhesive flags or post-it notes for marking passages/pages. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in English for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: American Literature or equivalent |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Tue | Battle Strategies & Dioramas: America's Wars- Gettysburg (Civil) | 6th-8th | Taliesin Knol | 0 |
$195.00 $175.50 by 12/13 |
Students will learn the basic history of the Civil War, with a focus on the bloodiest battle ever fought on American soil, the three days at Gettysburg. Gettysburg would be the last major offensive action by the Confederate Army on Union soil, shattering the myth of Lee's invincibility on the field and signaling the beginning of the Confederacy's downfall. Students will engage in a hands-on 3D battle strategy game using the military dioramas that they make! Using artistic model-making techniques, hand tools, paint, and miniatures, each student will craft a 10 X 16 diorama. In class, they will view historical maps, artistic renderings, and/or photographs to understand the topography and development of this time and place in history. Students will customize their dioramas with landforms, landscape elements, waterways, and structures to represent a scene from this period. Once individual projects are constructed, students will populate them with 1:72 scale miniature figures. Students will combine their dioramas alongside those of their classmates to approximate a larger battlefield. Students will spend the remainder of the quarter learning about the tactics and outcomes of the military engagement while playing a table-top strategy game. Student strategists will use a simplified version of the Fire and Fury historical war gaming rule system for moving troops and equipment. Along with their classmates, students will see how this battle progressed and test different outcome scenarios that might have occurred with different battlefield choices. Each student will have at least one board and set of miniatures to take home with them. Course documents such as maps, game rules and all other instructional media will be available via a Google Drive link which will be emailed to parents. There is a $25.00 materials fee payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Topics in this year's series include: Lexington & Concord (Quarter 1); The Alamo (Quarter 2); Gettysburg (Quarter 3); and Invasion of San Juan Hill (Quarter 4) Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 17 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Fri | Chess for Teens: All-Level (Q3) | 9th-12th | Karl Peterson | 4 |
$172.00 $154.80 by 12/13 |
Teens will enjoy the logic and challenge of the timeless strategy board game as they learn and play chess with classmates. This is a multi-level class open to Beginners, Advanced Beginners, or Intermediate Players. Instruction will be differentiated based on the make-up of the class, and teens will be placed in pairs or groups depending on experience. Since teens move quickly through lessons and enjoy the interaction of the game, instruction will be approximately 20 minutes, with 35 minutes reserved for weekly in-class matches that are monitored and supported by the coach. Beginners may play as a group against the instructor which is a low-pressure way to learn the game. Teens who are engrossed in their games may continue their play into Friday Teen Game Night. Learning and playing chess supports problem solving, decision making, critical and creative thinking, general cognitive ability, scholastic skills, and mathematical achievement (Univ. of Minnesota). Experts suggest that the game of chess teaches analytical and disciplined thinking skills, while raising self esteem, teaching motivation and determination, and sportsmanship (Kasparov Foundation). Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in logic/reasoning or and elective for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Thu | Chess: Intermediate 3 (THU) | 3rd-6th | Karl Peterson | 5 |
$172.00 $154.80 by 12/13 |
Students will enjoy the logic and challenge of the timeless strategy board game as they learn and play chess with classmates. In Chess: Intermediate 3, students will learn skills and strategies that build upon each other such as: later pins, using more or better attackers, using more or better defenders, identifying forcing moves, attacking teams (queen-bishop, queen-knight, and queen-rook). Learning and playing chess supports problem solving, decision making, critical and creative thinking, general cognitive ability, scholastic skills, and mathematical achievement (Univ. of Minnesota). Experts suggest that the game of chess teaches analytical and disciplined thinking skills, while raising self esteem, teaching motivation and determination, and sportsmanship (Kasparov Foundation). Each class will be spent half on technique and half in practice matches with classmates while the instructor coaches. Students should have 15-20 hours of chess instruction prior to enrolling in Intermediate 3, or a working knowledge of most skills taught in the Compass Beginner Chess level. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Thu | Colorful Canvas for Tweens: Acrylic Painting | 6th-8th | Diane Wright Cobb | 5 |
$178.00 $160.20 by 12/13 |
Tweens will be introduced to acrylic painting in a small group class under the guidance of a professional painter and art teacher. The class will learn the theory of color mixing and the techniques of blending, building up color, creating gradients, and applying light washes. The class will learn how to select the right brush and how to use water to create different effects. Our new painters will practice using paint and brush strokes to create effects like light and shadow, dimension, and texture, and how to develop backgrounds, foregrounds, and detail work. Students will try techniques such as applying and removing paint, layering, stippling, and dabbing, along with wet and dry brush techniques. Students will complete several paintings on canvas boards. A variety of subjects, such as still life, animals, florals, landscapes, seascapes, fantasy, abstracts, or "mimic the masters" will be introduced to illustrate different painting techniques through in-class projects. There is an $20.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Watercolor Painting (Quarter 1), Tempera Painting (Quarter 2), Acrylic Painting (Quarter 3), and MultiMedia Painting (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 17 | 2:00 pm | 3:15 pm | Fri | Crafting for Cosplay: Leather Work | 9th-12th | Judith Harmon | 3 |
$251.00 $225.90 by 12/13 |
Kratos wears a leather baldric. Captain America grasps a shield. Harley Quinn sports spiked wrist cuffs, and Lara Croft wouldn't go to war without her weaponry. Great accessories and carefully crafted garments make great cosplay. If you are interested in the world of cosplay and want to bring some of your favorite characters to life, this class will teach you the skills to craft costumes and accessories. Third quarter, students will learn to work with EVA foam and thermal plastics. They will learn to use patterns, cut, layer, glue, carve, heat-shape, and paint foam and thermal plastic accessories. Projects for the quarter include a leather wrist bracers and a leather travel journal. Note: These projects are different than those taught in 2023-24, so a student can re-take the class to improve their skill and create new pieces. In this class, students will follow templates and patterns provided by and demonstrated by the instructor. Pieces will be individualized through paint and embellishments, but the goal is for cosplayers to learn specialized crafting techniques that they can use at home to make additional, unique pieces. There is a $85.00 supply fee for in-class materials, the shared use of classroom tools/supplies, and some take-home tools to continue crafting at home. Third quarter, students will take home leather embossing tools. Note: Project themes or materials are subject to change due to availability or sourcing at the time of the class. Cosplayers who would like to create original fabric costume elements such as capes, vests, skirts, and more, may want to co-register for this instructor's Learn to Sew classes. Topics in this Series: Foam & Plastics (Quarter 1), Resins and Metal Work (Quarter 2), Leather Work (Quarter 3), Mending & Alterations (Quarter 4) etc. Students continuing from one quarter receive priority pre-registration for the next quarter. Prerequisites: None Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1 hours per week outside of class. Assignments: Will be communicated in weekly e-mails and posted in a Google classroom. Assessments: will not be given Textbook/Materials: All materials will be furnished. Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $85.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in fine arts/theater for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 13 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Mon | Debate and Decisions in Democracy | 9th-12th | John Kornacki | 3 |
$310.00 $279.00 by 12/13 |
After the election of the new President comes the task of setting the policy priorities of the executive branch and passing laws to enact them by the legislative branch. This new course follows current events and uses individual research and in-class discourse and debate to understand and evaluate decisions being made. Students will identify some of the key issues touted during the campaign and investigate how those are being implemented in the new administration.
Students will watch to see who is confirmed to key positions, what, if any, changes are made to federal departments and agencies, and how the law of the land is adapted in the first months through new legislation, executive orders, judicial decisions, and agency regulations. Students will explore how Congress makes new laws and amends existing laws and how that duty is balanced among the different branches of the government.
Students will research, discuss, and debate alternative points of view on topics such as immigration, inflation, healthcare, tax cuts, energy production, foreign aid, and public safety, and national security, among others.
Join former college professor Dr. John Kornacki for this discussion-based class, where students will look more closely at the law-making challenges faced by the new Congress. Students will take a deep dive into the political, economic, and cultural context of the recent election and study its potential impact on legislative and executive actions as well as the effect on state governments.
Prerequisites: Reading at a high school level.
Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class.
Assignments: Students will write a 1-2 page reflection paper every week. Every other week, students will debate an issue of their choosing. There will be 6 debates during the semester. A final term paper on the student's selected issue is offered for those who with to do honors level work.
Assessments: Suggested grades will be based on class participation and successful completion of all assignments.
Textbook/Materials: Supplemental readings will be posted in a Google classroom as downloaded pdfs or links to online articles.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in American Government, Civics, or Current Events for purposes of a high school transcript.
Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Tue | Decorative Arts Studio: Fiber Arts Fun for Tweens | 6th-8th | Shona D\'Cruz | 4 |
$229.00 $206.10 by 12/13 |
Student artists will enjoy working hands-on, in 3-dimensions with a variety of sculpting and crafting materials to create original Decorative Arts. Assembling decorative items is multi-sensory, and students enjoy the tactile experience of shaping, stacking, forming, flattening, and layering a selection of materials to create unique, personal projects. Decorative art engages a different artistic skillset than coloring, drawing, and writing, and encourages creativity to represent objects in three dimensions. In this studio environment, students will create original hand-made pieces using a range of artistic techniques and a myriad of materials to choose from. Third quarter, students will work with a variety of fibers and textiles to create unique, 3-dimensional projects. From fuzzy chenille to fluffy cotton and scratchy jute to scrumptious viscose, students will enjoy the tactile experience of looping, lashing, layering, weaving or knotting assorted textures in fabrics and fibers. Students may also work with burlap, felt, leather, muslin, wool, yarn, or string. Example past projects include a string sculpture, a knotted flannel scarf, a wall hanging, and wool felting projects. Students may sew embellishments such as buttons on their finished projects, but this is not a sewing class. A supply fee of $30.00 per student is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Topics in this Series: Sculpture Skills (Quarter 1), Marvelous Mosaics (Quarter 2), Fiber Arts Fun (Quarter 3), and Upcycled, Recycled Projects (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Thu | Digital Clubhouse: Minecraft Animators (Intro) | 1st-2nd | Ethan Hay | 4 |
$210.00 $189.00 by 12/13 |
In Digital Clubhouse, students will begin exploring computer science by bringing a favorite Minecraft character to life in an animated short film. They will learn how Pixar and Disney make movies like Inside Out and Frozen by using the techniques of keyframing, tweening, texturing, and animating rigged 3D models. Digital Clubhouse is a computer lab environment in which students work through the Black Rocket curriculum under the direction of computer science coaches. The lab environment allows students to enroll at any quarter, fosters brand new coders, and encourages those with prior coding experience. In the "Intro" level of a course (i.e., Part 1), students will work through the fundamentals of a new digital skill. In the "Continuing" level (i.e., Part 2), students who continue from "Intro" will develop new skills and will design and code an individual project. New students who enroll in Part 2, "Intro/Advanced" will begin with the introductory lessons. In order to differentiate instruction between new and continuing students, coaches work with small pull-out groups, pairs, or individuals to provide additional support as needed. The class tuition includes a student technology fee that covers the use of instructor-provided classroom laptops loaded with the required software, applications, and licenses. At the end of the class, students will receive access to Black Rocket's interactive learning platform to continue their coding journey at home. Topics in this Series: Pokemon Masters (Quarters 1, 2); Minecraft Animators (Quarters 3, 4) Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Thu | Dynamic Dioramas: Biome Builders- Coral Reefs (Thu) | 3rd-5th | Taliesin Knol | 1 |
$195.00 $175.50 by 12/13 |
The best way to understand a biome is to build (a model) one! A biome is a large zone on Earth characterized by its climate, soil, vegetation, and organisms with special adaptations for the unique environment. In modeling biomes, students will learn how they are different than similar ecological concepts like habitats and ecosystems. Students will discover how human activities, such as deforestation and habitat destruction, are transforming biomes. In this science-themed diorama class, students will be exposed to concepts such as trophic levels, the water cycle, biological competition, geographic isolation, convergent evolution, species diversification, natural vs unnatural climate change, food webs, habitat loss, and ecological niches, while they are working on their models. Coral reefs are vibrant marine ecosystems found off coasts in warm, clear, shallow water. These underwater formations are formed by the accumulation of calcium carbonate skeletons produced by corals. Coral reefs provide habitats for an array of marine life, including colorful fish, sea stars, anemones, and larger predators like sharks and rays. The intricate reef structure offers shelter, breeding grounds, and feeding for countless ocean species. Each student will create an individual diorama. Students will craft and hand-shape their scene on a 10 x 14 inch foam board using artistic, model-making techniques. They will customize their dioramas with landforms, waterways, plant life, and paint. Once individual projects are constructed, students will populate them with miniature figures and combine their dioramas alongside those of their classmates to create a larger terrain. Students will then compete in a zoology-based survival strategy game. Each student will create one board and receive a set of miniatures to take home with them. Course documents such as maps, game rules and all other instructional media will be available via a Google Drive link which will be emailed to parents. There is a $25.00 materials fee payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Mangrove Swamps (Quarter 1), Marshlands (Quarter 2), Coral Reefs (Quarter 3) and Deep Sea Trenches (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Wed | Dynamic Dioramas: Biome Builders- Coral Reefs (WED) | 3rd-5th | Taliesin Knol | 0 |
$195.00 $175.50 by 12/13 |
The best way to understand a biome is to build (a model) one! A biome is a large zone on Earth characterized by its climate, soil, vegetation, and organisms with special adaptations for the unique environment. In modeling biomes, students will learn how they are different than similar ecological concepts like habitats and ecosystems. Students will discover how human activities, such as deforestation and habitat destruction, are transforming biomes. In this science-themed diorama class, students will be exposed to concepts such as trophic levels, the water cycle, biological competition, geographic isolation, convergent evolution, species diversification, natural vs unnatural climate change, food webs, habitat loss, and ecological niches, while they are working on their models. Coral reefs are vibrant marine ecosystems found off coasts in warm, clear, shallow water. These underwater formations are formed by the accumulation of calcium carbonate skeletons produced by corals. Coral reefs provide habitats for an array of marine life, including colorful fish, sea stars, anemones, and larger predators like sharks and rays. The intricate reef structure offers shelter, breeding grounds, and feeding for countless ocean species. Each student will create an individual diorama. Students will craft and hand-shape their scene on a 10 x 14 inch foam board using artistic, model-making techniques. They will customize their dioramas with landforms, waterways, plant life, and paint. Once individual projects are constructed, students will populate them with miniature figures and combine their dioramas alongside those of their classmates to create a larger terrain. Students will then compete in a zoology-based survival strategy game. Each student will create one board and receive a set of miniatures to take home with them. Course documents such as maps, game rules and all other instructional media will be available via a Google Drive link which will be emailed to parents. There is a $25.00 materials fee payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Mangrove Swamps (Quarter 1), Marshlands (Quarter 2), Coral Reefs (Quarter 3) and Deep Sea Trenches (Quarter 4). Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Wed | Extra, Extra! Non Fiction News-Writing (Q3) | 6th-12th | Shea Megale | 5 |
$165.00 $148.50 by 12/13 |
Be part of a team! Join the Compass Collaborative newspaper staff. The staff is a mixed-age team with students from 6th to 12th grade. Students will learn about journalism and develop writing skills. They will craft effective articles, conduct interviews, and write reviews. Each quarter, writing assignments and responsibilities will be divided based on individual interests. Students will each contribute at least 2-3 items to the Collaborative edition each quarter. While research and data collection will occur outside of class, a portion of staff meetings will be dedicated to writing and editing. The newspaper advisor will use these sessions to demonstrate what constitutes 'good' writing. All staff members will practice editing skills to improve grammar, punctuation, and overall clarity and accuracy in their writing. Students will be informally paired for peer review and feedback on their writing. The newspaper staff will also learn about the formatting, layout, and graphic design elements that go into the newspaper. Interested students will serve as layout apprentices and learn to use Microsoft Publisher. All students register for the same class, and roles and responsibilities will be reviewed and delegated during the first meetings. Students should expect to work on assignments outside of class and will be expected to bring a laptop, notebook, and pen/pencil to each class meeting. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Wed | Fencing for Young Beginners (Q3) | 2nd-4th | Fencing Sports Academy | 3 |
$211.00 $189.90 by 12/13 |
Fencing is the clashing of steel and competitive spirit combined with the battle of the wits. Apply the rules of Olympic fencing, and you have a physically and mentally challenging game of strategy, often called, "physical chess." In Beginning Fencing, students will learn the rules of the sport as well as footwork, attacks, parries, responses, and how to judge matches. Beginning students will use the epee, a thin, lightweight sword with broad hand guard and will wear a wireless electronic scoring sensor over layers of protective gear. Returning students will work with both the epee and foil. The physical benefits of fencing are an increase in agility, balance and coordination. Fencing also provides mental benefits such as improved focus, strategy and confidence. Fencing is safety-oriented with blunt tip weapons, chest protectors, chest/sleeve pads, fencing jacket, gloves, and face mask. Students may enroll any quarter. All equipment is provided by the instructor. Students are asked to wear full length, comfortable athletic pants such as running pants or sweatpants (no jeans, no shorts, no dresses or skirts), and low-heeled athletic shoes. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 15 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Wed | French Fundamentals (S2) | 7th-8th | Edwige Pinover | 3 |
$382.00 $343.80 by 12/13 |
Bonjour and get ready for a full year French Fundamentals! French Fundamentals is a year-long class whis covers that same content and uses the same textbook as high school French I. This level is for middle school-aged students who have taken at least two quarters of French Foundations with the instructor, but who are not yet ready to age up and attend Friday high school classes. The expectation is that middle school-aged Fundamentals students will be ready for high school French II the following school year. Registraton for Fundamentsals is by semester. The corresponding French I description follows: French I is a conversation-focused program in which students will build their vocabulary quickly and learn essential grammar skills in French. Vocabulary will include numbers, time, dates, seasons, school, free time activities/hobbies, likes/dislikes, personal descriptions, family relationships, emotions, food/restaurants, and places/locations in town. There will be a strong emphasis on competency using regular and irregular present tense verbs and common grammar concepts such as articles, pronouns, adjectives, and comparative phrases. Class will be conducted primarily in French and will focus on listening and speaking skills, asking and answering questions, and correct use of grammar. At home, students will be responsible for memorizing vocabulary and grammar, completing homework assignments, and watching both grammar instruction and language immersion videos. Workload: Students should expect to spend 30-45 minutes per day, 4 days per week on homework outside of class. Assignments: Are sent by e-mail to parents and students. Students must have access to a computer and internet service for computer-based videos and practice tools that are assigned as homework and are essential to success in the class. Assessments: Quizzes, tests, and individual performance reviews will be given to all students at regular intervals to provide parents with sufficient feedback to assign a grade. Textbook: Students should purchase or rent the required textbook for this class: Bien Dit!: Student Edition Level 1 2013 (French Edition) (ISBN-13 978-0547871790) Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Foreign Language for purposes of a high school transcript. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 14 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Tue | Geo Detective: Sensational Cycles and Seasons (2 PM) | 1st-2nd | Osk Huneycutt | 3 |
$193.00 $173.70 by 12/13 |
Geo-Detectives discover the many mysteries of Earth Science. From large-scale disasters that come from inside the planet to microscopic contaminants in the water and soil, Geo-Detectives look high and low to understand the forces, systems, and cycles that continue to shape the Earth, its climates and ecosystems. Geo-Detectives will explore concepts as diverse as fossils to fault lines, ozone to ocean trenches, and trade winds to tundra. Hands-on labs and in-class activities will reinforce geological phenomena such as examining fossils, classifying rocks, reading the seismographic charts, or modeling the water cycle. Third quarter, Geo Detectives will take a big picture perspective on the physical, chemical and biological processes that occur on our planet. We will learn about the rock cycle, water cycle, carbon and nitrogen cycling, primary productivity and the flow of energy through ecosystems. Topics in this Series: What a Disaster! Volcanoes, Tsunamis & Earthquakes (Quarter 1); Wacky World Weather (Quarter 2); Sensational Cycles and Seasons (Quarter 3); and Exploring Ecosystems (Quarter 4). Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $20.00 is due payable to the instructor on/before the first day of class. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Wed | Global Gourmet for Tweens: Tasty Thai (2PM) | 6th-8th | Mylene Nyman | 4 |
$219.00 $197.10 by 12/13 |
Compass cooks will enjoy a culinary tour of the world with Global Gourmet classes! Menus feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients seasoned and prepared to represent regional flavors and traditional dishes from the featured country. Recipes are selected to be nutritious, fun, and simple to make. The Compass chefs' gastronomy adventures will include:
Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 15 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Wed | Globetrotters Kids' Geography: Argentina & Nigeria | 2nd-3rd | Danielle Mercadal | 4 |
$169.00 $152.10 by 12/13 |
Discover geography and diverse cultures in this interactive, imaginary tour of the world. Each quarter, students will take a classroom journey to two distinct nations. They will locate the highlighted countries on the world map and complete a map project before buckling in for a fictional flight to the featured locales. Once they have "arrived" in the country, they will begin with an introduction to home and school life by meeting a child through a story or video. Students will learn to recognize similarities and appreciate differences when they compare that child's home, clothing, food, town, daily activities, and school to their own. In subsequent weeks, our Globe Trotters will learn about the culture and traditions of the country through songs, games, projects, and activities that highlight elements like folktales, customs, celebrations, distinct features, language, points of interest, or native species. Third quarter, students will journey to Argentina and Nigeria! Discover Gualeguaychu's Carnival and explore the impressive Iguaza National Park in Argentina. Students will learn about Argentina through weekly projects such as leather crafts and paper weaving and taste testing regional fare like dulce de leche. Mid quarter, the class will travel to Nigeria where they will learn about the Calabar Carnival and imagine relaxing in the Ikogosi Warm Spring. Nigeria will be brought to life by creating clay trade beads, paper masks and sampling plantain chips. Students will be excited by geography and culture when approached through this engaging, multi-disciplinary exploration of diverse countries of the globe! Topics in this Series include Vietnam and Madagascar (Quarter 1); Australia and Poland (Quarter 2); Argentina and Nigeria (Quarter 3); Netherlands and Jamaica (Quarter 4). A supply fee of $25.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Prerequisites: None |
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Semester | Jan 13 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Mon | High School Band Ensemble | 9th-12th | Less Lin | 5 |
$437.00 $393.30 by 12/13 |
Teens will enjoy the camaraderie and cooperation of making music with others in an instrument ensemble! This ensemble is for beginner and advanced beginner musicians of brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Ensemble percussion students will learn to play the snare drum and mallet instruments (such as glockenspiel and xylophone). They will learn proper stick and mallet grip, posture, and playing position for concert percussion instrumentals. Ensemble woodwinds students will learn to play the flute, clarinet, or alto saxophone. They will learn how to hold their instruments with proper posture and hand position and correct embouchure (mouth position and blowing technique) for the instrument. Students will receive instruction on the parts of their instruments and how to safely, correctly, and independently assemble and clean them. Ensemble brass students will learn to play the trumpet, trombone, euphonium, French horn, or tuba. They will learn how to hold their instruments with proper posture and hand position and correct embouchure (mouth position and blowing technique) for the instrument. Students will receive instruction on the parts of their instruments and how to safely, correctly, and independently assemble and clean them. All students will learn the fundamentals of music reading, and the group will practice short songs in Concert B-flat and Concert E-flat major (and their relative minors). They will practice audiation skills by singing, moving, and playing instruments cooperatively and independently. Students will need to rent or purchase an instrument and accessories for the band. See the linked list by instrument. There is a $33.00 supply fee due payable to Compass on/before the start of class for the "Do It! Play (a Band Instrument)" book and workbook and the sheet music songs used for the ensemble. Prerequisites: None |
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Qtr 3 | Jan 16 | 2:00 pm | 2:55 pm | Thu | Kids' Confection Kitchen: Best Bon Bons (THU) | 5th-8th | Mylene Nyman | 0 |
$219.00 $197. |