7 Ways Our Virtual Learning Scholars Stay Connected

By May 17, 2023 Blog

Compass Charter Schools (Compass) leads the way as The Gold Standard for Personalized Learning. Because we’ve been teaching outside the brick-and-mortar box for over 12 years, we are experts at facilitating scholar connection. These are seven ways we overcome isolation in our tuition-free TK-12 public schools, serving Los Angeles, San Diego, Yolo, and surrounding counties.

Compass is a shining example of how a virtual model provides opportunities for meaningful connections and that it is indeed a community. I am proud to continue supporting the Compass family in building our community and looking for new ways to expand this work.

Liz Brenner, Compass Superintendent and CEO

1 Creating a Virtual Community

Compass staff and educators care deeply about the intellectual, physical, and emotional balance of every scholar. There is a common myth about virtual education that scholars don’t get the social connection that is so necessary. Compass is unique. We collaborate with our learning coaches (parents) to build trusting relationships with our scholars, and it’s good for their health.  According to a study by the American Psychological Association, scholars who feel connected to their peers and educators are less likely to experience:

  • depression
  • anxiety
  • behavioral problems 

Our WASC-accredited schools take scholar connection seriously and utilize many engagement opportunities to create an inclusive diverse community and enable academic, social, and emotional success. We also excel at fostering fun!

2 Field Trips

We commit to fostering authentic learning experiences with real-world challenges through evidence-based instruction. Regular field trips throughout LA, San Diego, and Yolo and surrounding counties bring scholars from a wide geographic area together for in-person, hands-on learning and fresh experiences. Scholars visit local museums, aquariums, zoos, science centers, farms, and more!

3 Virtual Scholar Workshops

Regularly run workshops bring scholars together for enrichment opportunities that broaden their perspectives, enhance their skills and knowledge, and encourage them to develop new passions. Topics include art and science, college and career preparation, and community service projects, among others. 

4 Scholar-led Clubs

Compass scholars learn leadership skills and cooperation through dozens of scholar-led clubs, facilitated by an experienced and talented staff member. Clubs range from Space Exploration & Astronomy, to Genders & Sexualities Alliance, to Arts & Crafts. Clubs are a great way for scholars to network and discover common ground within a diverse population of Compass scholars of similar age.

5 Firebird Reports

Monthly Firebird Reports from young Compass journalists create scholar-to-scholar communication about recent events and motivational scholar wisdom. When news is brought to scholars from fellow scholars it creates a special community.

6 Scholar Engagement Experts

All of this scholar engagement wouldn’t be possible without our tireless, passionate Scholar Engagement Department who also host many contests, awards ceremonies, and Compass Family celebrations. 

7 Orange County Learning Center

Our Orange County Learning Center (OCLC) provides a fun and safe space for project-based learning. Accredited Compass educators work with learning coaches to help scholars learn specific subjects together, like art, mathematics, and science.

Is it any wonder Compass is The Gold Standard for Personalized Learning? Our vision is to create a collaborative virtual learning community, inspiring scholars to appreciate the ways in which arts and sciences nurture a curiosity for life-long learning, and prepare scholars to take responsibility for their future success. This is made possible in part because of our devotion to connecting scholars and helping them feel they belong in our Compass family. 

Are you ready for academically rigorous and customized learning experiences, with the added benefit of social and emotional connection? Rise up like Firebirds with us. We’re Loud & Proud and enrolling scholars today!

About Compass 

Compass Charter Schools (Compass) is the Gold Standard in Personalized Learning for innovative, creative self-learners. We celebrate diversity & equity in our tuition-free public school – every scholar belongs in our tailored education programs: Online and Options home study. As one of California’s leading WASC-accredited virtual charter schools of choice, we nurture a curiosity for lifelong learning. Every TK-12 scholar and learning coach (our term for parents) is fully supported with in-house counselors, welcoming staff, and talented accredited teachers. Additionally, we are the only virtual Purple Star School in California, and one of few virtual AVID programs in the nation. Join our collaborative virtual learning community. Rise and Soar with our Firebirds – enroll with Compass today!

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