Is Compass tuition-free?
Yes. Compass Charter Schools is a public charter school and does not charge tuition for scholars to attend.
FAQ
Enrollment FAQ
Questions are part of choosing the right school.
Wondering how enrollment works, what learning looks like at home, or which Compass program may fit your scholar best? Start with the questions families ask most, then explore answers by topic.
Most Asked Before You Apply
Start with the questions that matter most.
These are some of the first things families usually want to understand before deciding whether Compass is the right fit.
Which program should we choose?
Compass offers Online and Options learning pathways with different levels of structure, flexibility, and family involvement.
Compare your next steps →How do we begin?
Your county determines which Compass school you enroll with. Start on the Enroll Now page to choose the correct region.
Choose your region →Getting Started
Enrollment
Questions about applying, documents, eligibility, and what happens next.
Is enrollment currently open?
Families can begin by visiting the current Enroll Now page, selecting the Compass school that serves their county, and reviewing available enrollment options.
Is Compass Charter Schools a private school?
No. Compass is a public charter school. Scholars attend tuition-free, and Compass does not operate as a private school.
Can my child enroll part time?
No. Scholars enrolled with Compass are enrolled as full-time public school scholars.
How long does the enrollment process take?
The online application itself can typically be completed in about 15–20 minutes. Additional enrollment steps may vary depending on your scholar, grade level, documents, and program.
The Enrollment Team communicates with families about anything still needed after the application is submitted.
How do I know which Compass school to choose?
Your county of residence determines which Compass charter serves your family. The Enroll Now page organizes applications by region and lists the counties served by each Compass school.
When can my scholar begin?
Start timing depends on completion of the enrollment process and required enrollment steps. Compass will communicate your scholar’s next steps and preparation information once enrollment is complete.
What documents will I need?
Families may be asked to provide required enrollment information or documents before enrollment can be completed.
Can Compass request my scholar’s previous school records?
Yes. Compass can request records from a scholar’s previous school. If your family already has access to the requested records, providing them during enrollment may help reduce delays.
What happens after I submit my application?
The Enrollment Team reviews next steps and communicates with your family about documentation, eligibility, placement, program fit, and preparation for your scholar’s start.
Can we switch programs later?
Program changes may be possible depending on timing and the scholar’s circumstances. Families should work with Compass staff when considering a change between learning programs.
Do you provide computers?
Compass offers a computer loan program to support scholars. Families can ask their Compass team about the current request process.
Learning at Compass
Academics
What learning looks like, how families participate, and how Compass monitors scholar progress.
Is Compass WASC accredited?
Yes. Compass schools maintain WASC accreditation.
What is a Learning Coach?
A Learning Coach is the family member or adult who helps support the scholar’s learning at home. The amount of day-to-day involvement varies by program and grade level.
Do you offer clubs, enrichment, or field trips?
Yes. Compass provides scholar engagement opportunities including clubs, activities, virtual events, and other enrichment opportunities.
Does my scholar participate in state testing?
Eligible public school scholars participate in applicable state assessments. Compass provides families with testing information, schedules, and preparation guidance during the school year.
How does Compass know whether a scholar is making progress?
Teachers maintain regular communication with scholars and families, review academic progress, and use assessments and other indicators to identify when additional support may be needed.
How is attendance measured in independent study?
Independent study attendance is connected to participation, completed work, required work samples, meetings, and other instructional requirements rather than simply time spent sitting in a traditional classroom.
What helps a scholar succeed in this model?
Successful scholars generally benefit from family partnership, consistent communication, time management, goal-setting, responsibility, and engagement with their Compass teachers and staff.
Choose Your Path
Online & Options Programs
Two flexible learning models, each with a different balance of structure, personalization, and family involvement.
Online Program
Structured-for-you curriculum, yet still personalized for your scholar, with credentialed teacher support, online learning tools, and live instructional connection.
Explore the Online Program →Options Program
Personalized-by-you independent study with a credentialed Supervising Teacher, family partnership, curriculum choice, and educational support funds.
Explore the Options Program →What is the Online Program?
The Online Program combines independent-study flexibility with structured digital coursework and support from credentialed teachers. Families support learning at home while Compass teachers guide instruction and progress. The Online Program teachers help personalize your scholar’s assignments to fit their learning style.
What is the Options Program?
Options is Compass’s personalized-by-you independent study program. Families work with a credentialed Supervising Teacher to build a personalized learning plan and families are able to select appropriate curriculum and services.
I have never homeschooled before. Can I do this?
Yes. Compass provides teacher support, family guidance, and learning coach resources to help families understand the model and build routines that work.
What is a Supervising Teacher?
A Supervising Teacher is a credentialed Compass educator who helps guide academic planning, monitors progress, supports the family, and helps ensure program requirements are met.
How do educational support funds work?
Eligible Options scholars receive educational support funds that remain with the school and may be used for approved nonsectarian curriculum, materials, services, and enrichment aligned with the scholar’s learning plan.
Do unused educational funds roll over?
Funds may carry from fall to spring within the same school year, but do not roll into the following school year.
Can families be reimbursed for purchases?
No. Families should follow the approved ordering and provider process rather than purchasing items in advance for reimbursement.
Can religious curriculum be purchased with school funds?
No. Compass is a public charter school, so publicly funded curriculum and services must be nonsectarian.
Options Families
Community Providers
Questions about approved providers, curriculum, services, and educational support fund use.
Where can I search approved providers?
Compass maintains a Community Providers page where families can search current approved providers, curriculum, and related resources.
Can siblings share educational support funds?
No. Educational support funds are allocated to each individual scholar.
Can my scholar use a provider outside our county?
Provider eligibility depends on current Compass provider requirements and approval. Families should use the approved provider search and work with their Supervising Teacher before beginning services.
Can a scholar attend a class before the provider is approved?
Families should not begin Compass-funded services before required provider approval and purchase processes are complete.
Scholar Support
Special Education
Support for scholars with IEPs and families who have questions about evaluation or services.
How does special education work in a virtual school?
Compass provides special education and related services in a virtual environment for eligible scholars with IEPs. Services and instruction are provided through live online tools and other appropriate supports.
What if I think my scholar may need special education services?
Families should speak with their scholar’s Compass teacher or appropriate support team about their concerns. Parents and guardians may also request a special education assessment in writing.
Grades 9–12
High School
Graduation, college planning, acceleration, and high school opportunities.
Can a Compass scholar graduate early?
Some scholars may be able to accelerate and meet graduation requirements early. Families should work with their Compass counselor to plan an appropriate course pathway.
Can Compass scholars take community college courses?
Eligible scholars may have opportunities to participate in concurrent or dual enrollment based on current Compass requirements and college eligibility criteria.
Are community service hours required for graduation?
Compass does not require community service hours solely as a condition for earning a high school diploma.
Still have questions?
You do not have to figure everything out before you apply. Explore Compass, attend an enrollment event, or start your application when your family feels ready.