Another View of Classes

Social dancing does not have to be slow or stuffy! There is energy in the ballroom with Action Dance! Students will learn the dynamic, rhythmic dances of the Caribbean: Salsa (Mexican-Cuban), Merengue (Dominican Republic), Rhumba (Afro-Cuban), and Cha-Cha (triple step Cuban). 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.

Topics in this Series: Action Dance: Caribbean & Latin (Semester 1), Action Dance: Swing & Shag (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.

Adults who work with children should know what to do when an accident, injury, or emergency strikes! Adults can earn certification from the Emergency Care & Safety Institute (ECSI) in "Standard First Aid, Adult, Child, Infant CPR & AED, and Epinephrine Auto Injector".

This is a hybrid, asynchronous e-learning format in which the adult works through self-paced online modules about first aid, choking relief, lacerations/bleeding, broken bones, burns, allergic reactions, breathing problems, heat-related complications, cold-related injuries, bites/stings, fainting/unconsciousness, chest compressions, rescue breathing, and more.

After completing the online instruction, the adult student attends a one-hour, in-person skills clinic to practice and demonstrate competency in CPR chest compressions, rescue breathing, and the use of an AED (automatic external defibrillators) and an Epinephrine auto injector (EpiPen).

The digital certifications are valid for two years, and adult students will be able to print out their certifications for employers, volunteer roles, coaching positions, or their own records.

Prerequisites: None

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 the 2024 paperback reprint of: "Algebra I" by Paul A Foerster as sold by Veritas Press (https://store.veritaspress.com/foerster-algebra-i-student-text.html)

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a complete credit in Algebra I for purposes of a high school transcript.

Prerequisites: Pre-Algebra

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.

First quarter, the class will focus on freshwater lakes and the variety of unique biomes that exist in them. Students will compare major lake systems around the world and learn about general limnological processes such as seasonal turnover and phytoplankton blooms. They will also explore the incredible range of lake biomes, from acidic, volcanic lakes and hot springs, to ancient temperate lakes like Lake Baikal. Students will learn about the extreme chemistry that occurs in some systems, like stratified lakes with toxic gas layers at the bottom, and will study the many unique, endemic species of plants and animals that have evolved in lake systems.

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.

This is a place-holder for the Biology lecture. Students should register for the Biology Lab, which will automatically enroll them in both sections. A physical meeting room will be designated for on-campus students who have classes immediately before or after this virtual session.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of a year-long high school science class

This boxing fundamentals class helps teens build coordination, confidence, and controlled athletic movement in a safe and structured environment.

Students will learn proper boxing stance and footwork, practice space awareness and movement control, and develop correct punching mechanics through guided drills. Conditioning exercises will improve balance, focus, and overall fitness while building strength and endurance.

All power punches are directed only at heavy bag- never at another student. Students will practice shadow sparring, a non-contact drill that focuses on movement, timing, and technique rather than striking an opponent.

Safety is a top priority. There will be no head contact, no hard punches to the body, and no student-to-student striking of any kind. The class emphasizes discipline, self-control, and skill development rather than aggression.

BoxFit for Teens offers a positive outlet for energy while helping students improve coordination, fitness, and confidence in a supportive, supervised setting.

The color name in the class title refers to the collectable token students will earn each quarter they take the class. Collect all 8! Teens 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. BoxFit continues each quarter, and students may repeat the class to continue to improve fitness. No two workouts are the same!

The Calculus BC seminar must be taken in conjunction with the Tuesday/Friday, in-person Calculus class by those stuents who wish to pursue the AP exam at the BC level. The Calculus BC seminar will be held virtually at a mutually convenient time for the instructor and enrolled students. The additional instructional time will cover the additional topics beyond the scope of the AB level including:

• Parametric equations and polar coordinates
• Advanced integration techniques
• Improper integrals
• Logistic differential equations
• Sequences and series
• Taylor and Maclaurin series

Prerequisites: PreCalculus

Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. In this full-year laboratory course,
students explore how the structure of atoms explains the properties of substances and how
chemical reactions shape the world around us. Through hands-on investigations, demonstrations,
and guided inquiry, students develop both conceptual understanding and practical laboratory
skills.

Course concepts include the study of matter, scientific measurement, atomic structure, models of
the atom, and the periodic table. Students will then study ionic and covalent bonding,
intermolecular forces, and how structure affects both the properties of substances and the energy
of processes. Students will apply an understanding of chemical reactions and the law of
conservation of mass to understanding processes such as acid-base chemistry, gas laws, and
kinetics.

Laboratory work is central to the course. Students conduct experiments to measure density,
explore bonding and solubility, investigate energy changes, analyze chemical reactions,
determine limiting reactants, perform titrations, and design and carry out their own
investigations. Emphasis is placed on identifying variables, collecting reliable data, constructing
graphs, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.

Quantitative reasoning is incorporated throughout the course, including proportional reasoning,
dimensional analysis, graph interpretation, and algebra-based problem solving. This course is
designed to build strong scientific thinking skills while providing a solid foundation for future
study in chemistry, biology, physics, and environmental science.

Prerequisites: Students must have successfully completed Algebra I and a full-year high school
science course such as Compass's Introduction to High School Science, Biology, or the
equivalent. Students should also be strong, independent readers and able to understand graphs,
tables, percentages, decimals, ratios, and averages.

Class Meetings: This class will be taught in a Hybrid format with an online lecture on Mondays
(9:00 am - 9:55 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.

Class Expectations: For both in-person and virtual class meetings, students are expected to
come prepared, have class materials, and be ready to participate in class discussions and
activities. During virtual lectures (Mondays), students are expected to be seated at a desk or table
and have their cameras on.

Levels: This course provides a substantive, full-credit experience at 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
will complete additional assignments, engage in more advanced mathematical reasoning, and
take more challenging assessments. 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.

Workload: All students should expect to spend 3-4 hours per week outside of class on pre-
learning, problem sets, pre-labs, and lab reports. Honors students can expect an additional 1-2
hours of additional work. Pre-learning and pre-lab work is required so class time can be spent on
highlights, class discussion, homework review, and labs.

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 the instructor and classmates. Parents can have an observer
account in Canvas to review assignments and graded work.

Assessments: Students will earn points for completed homework, tests and quizzes, lab reports,
and participation. 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: None

Lab/Supply Fee: A lab fee of $150 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

What to Bring: Students should bring a 3-ring 1- or 2-inch binder with 5 dividers, a pen and a
pencil, splash goggles, and a scientific calculator each week.

What to Wear: Students should not wear any loose, drapey clothing to lab. They should come to
lab with long hair tied back and must wear closed toe shoes. Students must wear their splash
goggles during all labs.

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 and a full-year high school science class

Everyone can learn to sing! This quarter, children will sing well-known scores from the beloved Broadway musical featuring the aspirations and antics of orphan Annie. The group will learn classics like "Its the Hard Knock Life", "Tomorrow", and "Little Girls."

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.

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. 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:
Banking and Checking Accounts including balancing a checkbook (on paper and spreadsheet), understanding fees, and interest.
Saving and Investing including how money grows, simple and compounding interest, overview of how stocks, bonds, savings accounts, and CDs work, and discussion on personal emergency fund.
Credit Cards including fees, minimum payments, interest, what happens when the balance is not paid off, and a look at consumer credit scores.
Measurement/Metric System/Unit Conversion including a review of what units are used for what items in imperial and metric systems, common ballparks and estimates, mathematical methods to convert and compare units, and the use of apps to make conversions.
Sales/Discounts by looking at examples to compare various promotions and to calculate which is a better deal.
Wages/Income including calculating weekly or bi-weekly or annual pay from a rate, estimate payroll withholdings as percentages, look at hour overtime affects earnings, commissions, and a survey of the salaries and hourly rates for variety of jobs teens and young adults might have.
Pricing and Cost including sales taxes and how goods and services are priced and what mark-ups should be considered- useful for those wanting to have their own business.
Rent/Mortgages For rentals, understand application fees, security deposits, and pre-paid amounts, monthly rate and what is included, and term of lease and make comparison among options. For purchases: understand how mortgages vary based on down payment, term, and interest rate. Students will look at cost of homes in their area and practice using online calculators to adjust down payment, term, interest rate, and homeowners' insurance affect monthly payment, and they will look briefly at how the amount paid towards principle and interest (P/I) change over time.
Types of Insurance including auto, health, and hazard insurance. What is required, what is recommended, and how much do they cost? Understanding option such as employer-paid v. self-pay; private insurance v. ACA marketplace policy; and terminology such as co-pay, co-insurance, deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, etc.
Loans- Auto/Student/Personal/Consumer (such as furniture) including understanding how down payment, term, and interest rate affect your monthly payment and what it means to have "no interest for 12 months" or "zero down."
Automobiles including the cost of warranties and what they cover, the costs of owning and operating a vehicle, fuel efficiency, and the metrics of EVs.
Budgeting including a personal plan given assumed career/average salary, and all anticipated expenses (housing, utilities, transportation, food, insurance, medical, clothing, entertainment).

Prerequisites: Pre-Algebra

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/Materials: Students should purchase or rent Mathematics for Business and Personal Finance,by McGraw Hill Publishers, 1st Edition (ISBN-13: 978-0078805059) [race cars on cover]

What to Bring: Notebook or paper, pen or pencil, textbook and/or workbook. From time to time the instructor may ask students to bring a smart phone (for apps) or laptop for in-class investigation.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as full credit in Mathematics or Personal Finance for purposes of a high school transcript.

Prerequisites: Pre-Algebra

Crafty Kids Club is a weekly after-school meet-up for kids in grades 2-5. Kids will gather and socialize while completing a craft around a monthly theme. An experienced Compass arts instructor will facilitate the crafting each week. Projects are selected to showcase a variety of materials and crafting techniques and to promote creativity and imagination. Each month, a minimum of four projects will be included from among eight craft categories: wooden, wearables, simple sewing, painting, sculpting, paper, beading, and mixed media.

Kids will enjoy the camaraderie of working alongside a group of friends in Crafty Kids Club, and parents will appreciate the break! Parent Notes:

Winter/spring themes and example projects are:

If a student misses a week, no problem! His/her supplies for the missed project will be bagged and sent home with instructions to complete it solo or with parents. Registration is for 16-weeks ($139) or 8-weeks ($79).

This is a place-holder for the Earth Science Lecture. Students should register for the Earth Science Lab, which will automatically enroll them in both sections. A physical meeting room will be designated for on-campus students who have classes immediately before or after this virtual session.

Prerequisites: Co-Requisite: Algebra I

Sign up for a session with a Compass evaluator. In a 30-minute meeting, the evaluator will review your child's homeschool progress and prepare an evaluation that can be submitted for the Virginia annual Evidence of Progress. Once registration and payment for the session is received, the evaluator will contact you to schedule a mutually agreeable meeting time at Compass. For more information on Evidence of Progress, see our webpage.

Sign up for a proctored session of the BASI Survey standardized test to be used for the Virginia annual Evidence of Progress. This test session will begin at 3:15 pm and will last approximately 75 minutes. The BASI test is for 3rd-12th grade only. For more information on Evidence of Progress, see our webpage.

Welcome to the Extreme Animal Kingdom, where the most incredible creatures on Earth push the limits of life itself! In this thrilling, hands-on exploration, students will encounter animals with jaw-dropping abilities and unbelievable adaptations. Some glow in the dark, lighting up the ocean depths like living lanterns, while others thrive in boiling, toxic waters near undersea volcanoes. Tiny organisms can freeze solid or dry out completely-then come back to life years later. Some animals can live without oxygen or regrow entire body parts, while others can change color in an instant or turn nearly invisible. Lightning-fast predators can run as fast as a car or punch with the speed of a bullet, while ingenious builders create intricate homes and traps. From animals smaller than a speck of dust to giants larger than a bus, students will discover how life survives, adapts, and thrives in the most extreme environments on Earth. Get ready to explore the strange, the surprising, and the truly wild!

Dive into a hidden world of tiny organisms and ocean giants! Students will investigate creatures too small to see and others that glow, drift, or thrive in the darkest depths of the sea. From plankton to powerful ocean predators, this unit explores how life survives in extreme underwater environments. Prepare to discover the strange, the beautiful, and the truly surprising world beneath the waves.

Topics in this Series: Microscopic & Marine Marvels (Quarter 1); Amazing Arthropods (Quarter 2); Remarkable Reptiles & Relatives (Quarter 3); Marvelous Mammals (Quarter 4). Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $20.00 is due payable to the instructor on/before the first day of class.

Fun Fit PE encourages young elementary schoolers to move and play during the day! Kids will enjoy games such as flag tag, tug-of-war, soft dodge ball, relays, and silly obstacle courses with challenges such as crab crawl, log roll, or bunny hop. Activities will engage hand-eye coordination, gross motor skills and improve accuracy, endurance, speed, agility, and flexibility.

Fun Fit PE is a fun, supportive, small-group experience with a dedicated coach where the emphasis is on doing one's best and individual improvement rather than competition or comparison with classmates. Equally as important, young athletes get to practice valuable life skills such as working with teammates, good sportsmanship, taking turns, cooperation, and communicating with the coach.

All activities will take place on the thick mats of Compass's new physical fitness center. Children will play in socks or bare feet as shoes cannot be worn on the mats. They should wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a reusable water bottle.

The color name in the class title refers to the collectable token students will earn each quarter they take the class. Collect all 8! Children may enroll in Fun Fit PE 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.

FUNctional Fitness is a dynamic PE program for that incorporates well-rounded exercises to get kids 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!

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!

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!

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: Algebra I

Register here to participate in the morning session of the Homeschool Quads Chess Tournament on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 10:00 am- 12:15 pm. There is a $15.00 entry fee for any player.

Why do Mentos candies in Coke make a fizzy mess? What makes the different colors in fireworks? How can lizards grow new limbs? Middle schoolers can find the answer to these and dozens of other intriguing questions through science!

This year-long, hands-on science course is a survey of key concepts in the fields of Life Science, Physical Science (chemistry and physics), and Earth Science which will give 7th and 8th grade students the fundamentals they need to tackle high school-level Geology, 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 witht the week off to be announced.

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. In addition, a laptop computer will be needed some weeks in class for data collection and some weeks at home for online quizlets.

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: 6th Grade Math

How do viruses hijack your cells? How do skateboarders survive spins on a half-pipe? What causes some lithium-ion batteries to burst into flames? Answers to these questions can be found in the study of high school science!

Foundations in High School Science is a year-long, introductory high school science course which examines the living and non-living worlds. This survey course introduces key concepts from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics which will lay the foundation for students to pursue more rigorous, year-long high school science courses in each discipline. This course also serves as a science survey, or overview, for students who will not be pursuing a STEM field or advanced education.

Students will learn about the principles of scientific investigations and engineering practices, the Scientific Method, and the basic format of a lab report. They will practice taking measurements, recording data, converting units of measure, and related mathematical concepts such as 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.

Topics in biology will include molecular, cellular, classification, organisms, populations, and ecosystems. Students will explore the relationships between living things and their environments. The chemistry units will cover the composition of matter, atomic structure and periodic table, and chemical bonds and reactions, while the survey of physics will include forces and motions; conservation of energy, thermal energy, electricity and magnetism; and wave phenomena, characteristics, behavior, including electromagnetic and sound waves.

Prerequisites: Students should have completed 8th grade math or a course in Pre-Algebra prior to taking Foundations in High School Science. They should be familiar with ratios, rates, proportions, decimals, percents, exponents, and solving one-variable equations.

Meeting Dates: This is a 29-week course with the week off to be announced.

Class Meetings: This class will be taught in a Hybrid format with an online lecture on Mondays (9:00 am - 9:55 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.

Class Expectations: For both in-person and virtual class meetings, students are expected to come prepared, have class materials, and be ready to participate in class discussions and activities. During virtual lectures (Mondays), students are expected to be seated at a desk or table and have their cameras on.

Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class on reading and homework assignments.

Assignments: All class announcements and assignments will be communicated via 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 or rent Physical Science - Interactive Science by Pearson / Savvas Publishing (ISBN # 978-0133209266) and Biology For Dummies (ISBN # 978-1119345374 )

Materials: Students should bring the following supplies to each class: Five Star spiral graph ruled notebook, scientific calculator, colored pencils, glue stick, pens or pencils to write with, and a ruler. Students will be asked to bring a laptop to class on some days.

Lab/Supply Fee: A lab fee of $100.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of 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: Co-Requisite: Pre-Algebra

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 Jiu Jitsu Fit 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.

Separate fact from fiction in the study of law and order. Did you know that on average it can take up to six months to get a DNA report, not same day? Did you realize that law enforcement only spend 4% of their time on violent crimes, not in high-speed car chases or high stakes foot races? This course is taught by a PhD candidate and adjunct professor in Criminology, Tayler Shreve. It is a survey of the Criminal Justice system for teens who are interested in becoming practitioners or professionals in this vast field which includes attorneys, investigators, detectives, forensic scientists, law enforcement officers, corrections officials, wardens, FBI, DEA, or ATF agents, researchers, or advocates.

First semester, students will examine the broad themes of criminals (who?) and the crimes they commit (what?), and the settings and neighborhoods where crimes are most likely to occur (where? when?) and what motivates them to commit crimes (why?). The class will talk about trends and theories in criminology, criminal psychology, and profiles, and what the studies and statistics reveal about criminals and the justice system.

Theories that will be discussed this semester include: Early criminological theory from the Chicago School; Social Disorganization Theory; Life Course Theory; Differential Association Theory; and the Reintegrative Shaming Theory. To understand theories, the class will read real case studies such as: the Menendez brothers (Parricide, Social Bonds Theory), Ted Bundy (Labeling Theory), and Bernie Madoff (Anomie/ Strain Theory)

Students will discover how this information is interpreted and applied whether you are working in law enforcement, policymaking, the judicial system, or correctional network. Finally, the class will talk about law enforcement and how they build a case once a crime is committed. Students will read and discuss actual cases, looking at the facts, evidence, forensics, and alibis from real case files. They will learn what is a cold case, and how these can be 'cracked' years later. This semester, the class will host guest speakers such as a police canine team, a detective, and/or a forensic expert, and may take a trip to the Herndon police station.

This course is not a study in social justice or reform but instead relies heavily on the facts, statistics and policies of our existing criminal justice system, details that every advocate and reformer should also understand.

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: Crimes and Cases (Semester 1), Courts and Corrections (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

Prerequisites: Students should be on-level for high school reading and comprehension.

Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class on class reading and activities.

Assignments: The instructor offers a Choose-Your-Own-Assignment policy in which students will be required to complete a certain number of assignments out of a selection of assignments offered. This allows a student to drill down on themes that they prefer and spend less time on topics that they do not prefer. All assignments will be posted on password-protected Canvas classroom management site. There, students access assignments, find course documents, upload homework, track points earned, and message instructor and classmates.

Assessments: The instructor will award points for completed assignments that parents can use to assign a grade.

Textbook/Materials: All materials will be links to open-source materials or scans of documents provided by the instructor and posted to the class Canvas site.

Lab/Supply Fee: None

What to Bring: Notebook or paper, pen, or pencil.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Civics or Career Exploration for purposes of a high school transcript.

Can your little one settle for story time? Share, smile, and socialize during play? Follow fun, familiar directions? This one-morning, 2-hour program is a "taste" of preschool for homeschooled youngsters. Young children will learn and play in a small group with an experienced child developmental specialist/preschool educator for this dynamic program that offers regular interaction and socialization.

Your little one will enjoy being with same-aged peers, building independence, and tackling new skills for a few hours each week. Little Learners Lab will introduce foundational concepts needed for future learning such as pre-reading skills (such as letter recognition); pre-writing skills (such as tracing or highlighting); and pre-math skills (such as colors, patterns). This play-based and language-based program will feature circle time, seasonal themes, songs, and stories. Games and free play time will allow young children to practice key childhood social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and entering play with others. Activities that incorporate multi-modalities and strengthen fine motor skills will be introduced. A mid-morning break consisting of a small snack (such as goldfish crackers, teddy grahams, or animal crackers) and water will be furnished at each session. The teacher will also provide ideas for parents to work on at home with their child during the week.

Little Learners Lab Preschool is offered in three weekly sessions: Tuesday morning, Wednesday afternoon, and Thursday morning. Registration is stand-alone for each day so parents can register for 1,2,or 3 sessions. As a learning lab, Compass may invite 1-3 high school students, ages 13+, to serve as classroom aides and learn about early childhood education/development.

Readiness: Students must be age 3-1/2 (42 months) by the start of the session (no exceptions). To be successful in this program, entering preschoolers must be able to do the following: (1) 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 voice needs or requests; and (5) be completely potty trained and able to use a public restroom (wiping, flushing, washing hands, etc.) with minimal oversight of a classroom aide.

Other Notes:
-There is a $40.00 material fee for class consumables due payable to the teacher on the first day of class.
-Parents must remain at Compass while their children are in preschool.
-Registration for this program is by 14- or 16-week semester with priority registration for continuing students.
-Parents who are shopping around or applying to alternate preschool programs should review the Compass withdrawal and refund policy.

A powerful hurricane season forecasted. Polar ice caps receding. Hydraulic fracking. Solar power. Everywhere we look, environmental science is in the news! Living Planet is a middle school environmental science class which 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 lab-based investigation.

First quarter, students will begin their study of Geology and Soil Sciences and discover the ways geology, paleontology, soil science and agricultural sciences are used in environmental research. They will model the mechanical and chemical weathering of rock and perform a mineral identifiction lab. The class will learn about techniques such as carbon dating, and sediment and ice core analysis, that scientists use to investigate current environmental issues such as human impacts to carbon and nitrogen cycling. Students will do in-class labs to make predictions, collect and graph data, draw conclusions, and develop models of key Environmental Science processes.

Topics in this series include: Geology & Soils Lab (first quarter); Atmosphere Lab (second quarter); Water Lab (third quarter); and Climate Patterns Lab (fourth quarter). There is a $20.00 lab fee due payable to the instructor on/before the first day of class for consumable materials.

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.

First semester, students will work through official Microsoft study materials to become certified as a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) in Word and Power Point. Working in Word will help a student create attractive and professional-looking reports, multicolumn newsletters, resumes, business correspondence. Specific skills covered in the Word Associate curriculum include: managing documents; inserting and formatting text, paragraphs, and sections; managing tables and lists; creating and managing references; inserting and formatting graphic elements; and managing document collaboration. 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.

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 MOS certifications. 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 the MO-310: Microsoft PowerPoint (Microsoft 365 Apps) first semester and the MO-210: Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps) second semester.

Testing Fees: A fee of $100 per exam 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.

Step outdoors and into nature's living laboratory! This outdoor science class immerses students in real-world field study where the woods, streams, and wetlands become the classroom. Each week, explorers will practice the methods of natural scientists as they investigate ecology, geology, zoology (local wildlife), botany (plants), ornithology (birds), mycology (fungi), and entomology (insects), in our own suburban ecosystem.

Students will observe natural systems in action as they examine life cycles, the water cycle, and the local watershed; explore suburban wetlands; and uncover the balance between producers, consumers, and decomposers, as well as predator- prey relationships and food webs. Seasonal cycles will guide discoveries as young naturalists watch habitats transform and learn how plants and animals adapt throughout the year.

Each week, students will explore the southern section of Sugarland Stream Valley Park in Herndon with a senior naturalist and outdoor educator. This program offers a refreshing break from sit-down, indoor, and screen-based learning,encouraging movement, fresh air, curiosity, and hands-on discovery. Students will learn to stop, look, listen, smell, touch, turn things over, and peek beneath the surface to uncover nature's hidden wonders. A portion of every session will focus on developing confidence and comfort in the outdoors. Emphasis will be placed on safe, respectful, and responsible exploration, environmental stewardship, and appreciating what we find in nature. Students will also enjoy nature-based games that reinforce teamwork and exploration skills.

See Compass's Outdoor Classes webpage for more information on meeting location, what to bring, what to wear, inclement weather, and more.

Step outdoors and into nature's living laboratory! This outdoor science class immerses students in real-world field study where the woods, streams, and wetlands become the classroom. Each week, explorers will practice the methods of natural scientists as they investigate ecology, geology, zoology (local wildlife), botany (plants), ornithology (birds), mycology (fungi), and entomology (insects), in our own suburban ecosystem.

Students will observe natural systems in action as they examine life cycles, the water cycle, and the local watershed; explore suburban wetlands; and uncover the balance between producers, consumers, and decomposers, as well as predator- prey relationships and food webs. Seasonal cycles will guide discoveries as young naturalists watch habitats transform and learn how plants and animals adapt throughout the year.

Each week, students will explore the southern section of Sugarland Stream Valley Park in Herndon with a senior naturalist and outdoor educator. This program offers a refreshing break from sit-down, indoor, and screen-based learning,encouraging movement, fresh air, curiosity, and hands-on discovery. Students will learn to stop, look, listen, smell, touch, turn things over, and peek beneath the surface to uncover nature's hidden wonders. A portion of every session will focus on developing confidence and comfort in the outdoors. Emphasis will be placed on safe, respectful, and responsible exploration, environmental stewardship, and appreciating what we find in nature. Students will also enjoy nature-based games that reinforce teamwork and exploration skills.

See Compass's Outdoor Classes webpage for more information on meeting location, what to bring, what to wear, inclement weather, and more.

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 shelter, make cordage, craft a bow and arrow, identify edible plants, track animals, and purify water. The group will learn knife safety and skills like whittling a spoon and spatula; how to use maps and compass (orienteering), and basic first aid. Students will practice animal and plant identification and will catch and identify macro-invertebrates to determine stream health (outdoor temperatures permitting.)

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 woods is 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 Outdoor Classes.

See Compass's Outdoor Classes webpage for more information on meeting location, what to bring, what to wear, inclement weather, and more.

This is a place-holder for the Physics lecture. Students should register for the Physics 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: Co-Requisite: PreCalculus

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, 7th edition by Stewart, Redlin, and Watson (ISBN-13: 978-1305115309). 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: Algebra II

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: Algebra I

"Empowered!" is how recent students of coach Iman Castenada described their self defense seminars. Teens and adults feel confident, capable, and in-control when they have the physical and mental tools to evade and escape uncomfortable or even dangerous situations. Self defense and personal safety are essential life skills for any teen or adult who is out in the community and interacting with others.

This class emphasizes situational awareness and making safe choices. Students will work in pairs and small groups to act out mock scenarios, rehearse strategies, and practice defensive moves and strikes. Topics will cover a range of situations from assessing the safety of a new place; conscientiously carrying out daily activities (like carrying a purse or backback, walking/jogging alone, parking a car, taking public transportation, and traveling), deescalating a bully, disarming an agressor, escaping an attacker, and if necessary, fighting back to save your life.

This workshop is taught by Iman Casteneda, Compass's homeschool PE and Jiu Jitsu Fit instructor. She earned a Green belt in Jiu Jitsu under Royce Gracie, a particularly grueling program that took her more than 10 years to prepare for. She is also personal trainer, Cross-Fit instructor, Muy Thai practitioner, former MMA (mixed martial arts) competitor, former EMT, and survivor of assault.

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 Self Defense and Personal Safety 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. Self-Defense and Personal Safety continues each quarter, and students may repeat the class to learn additional skills and build the reflexes, recall, and reactions to use when needed. No two sessions are the same!

Buenas tardes! Spanish Para Estudiantes is an immersive introductory Spanish class for middle school students. In a natural learning progression, students will be exposed to vocabulary and phrases in Spanish through in-class activities and conversations. Limited cues in English will be used to prompt students in the first few weeks.

This is a conversation-focused class where students are encouraged to speak in class. Vocabulary and phrases will be introduced in thematic units such as weather, time, members of the family, clothing, food, places in town, hobbies and sports, holidays, etc. As students learn new vocabulary, they will be encouraged to begin to combine adjectives with nouns and nouns with verbs in short phrases, often in mock conversations with classmates.

Grammar will be introduced as it comes up in conversation and in phrases. Students will be exposed to pronouns, noun-verb agreement, adjective-noun agreement, familar vs. formal, ordinal and cardinal numbers, comparisons and superlatives, and more. Students are not expected to read or write at this stage, but are expected to take notes and to gain a sense of spelling in Spanish. 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.

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!

First semester, actors will explore the basics of improvisation, story-telling, and stagecraft through activities and exercises that encourage cooperation, communication, and teamwork. With fun, interactive improv games such as "Yes, and.." and "Improved Stories," students will learn how to use short form improv to play off each other to convey character, emotion, situation, setting, and to highlight their scene partners. The variety of improv activities each week will help develop the "group mind" and class dynamic. Small group and partner work will boost teens' confidence and trust in a supportive environment.

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.

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.

Teen weight training is an introduction to strength training in a small group class under the guidance of a seasoned, experienced coach. The primary lifts covered in class will be: back squat, bench press, deadlift, and strict press which are all compound moves that employ multiple muscle groups. These lifts are also "functional" meaning they engage the core and train muscles to work cooperatively in daily activities such as picking up a box or hoisting a parcel to a high shelf. Emphasis will be on correct form, posture, and safety.

The color name in the class title refers to the collectable token students will earn each quarter they take the class. Collect all 8! Teens may enroll in Weight 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. Teen Weight Training continues each quarter, and students may repeat the class to continue to improve strength.

What makes living things alike, and what makes them different? How do organisms survive, grow, and interact with the world around them? How did life on Earth begin as single-celled organisms and give rise to the staggering diversity we see today? This two-semester series gives students a strong, hands-on foundation in the core concepts they will encounter in high school biology, from the origin and evolution of life to cells, genetics, and human body systems. Through real lab experiences including microscope work, specimen observation, and guided dissections, students will develop the skills to observe, analyze, and think like scientists.

First semester, students explore the big picture of life by studying how living things are classified, how they interact, and how they have changed over time. Topics include the six kingdoms of life, classification systems, natural selection, speciation, heredity, evolution, ecosystems, and energy flow through food chains and webs. Students will observe organisms of increasing complexity as they seek to understand how life developed and diversified on Earth- beginning with single-celled organisms like amoeba, then sponges, worms, and plants (including a flower dissection) and fungi (including a mushroom dissection).

Guided dissections focus on comparing body systems across organisms of increasing complexity and may include a sea anemone, starfish, freshwater mussel, earthworm, crayfish, squid, and a frog. For the frog dissection, students who feel uncomfortable may opt for a paper and virtual alternative. The class will also have the opportunity to observe preserved specimens including jellyfish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and a sea lamprey, as well as live specimens when available. Students will learn proper lab safety, and practice dissection and microscope techniques.

Notes:
(1) While this course references the rise of organisms, hereditary traits, and natural selection, it does not specifically teach evolution.

(2) Preserved and living specimens are subject to availability. Though specimens will be ordered in advance, some may be unavailable for extended periods of time, in which case the instructor will select alternate specimens or laboratory activities.

(3) Students who complete both semesters and engage with the suggested supplemental material may find this sequence suitable as part or all of a biology credit for a high school student seeking a more accessible biology course.

Topics in this series: MacroBio & Organisms (Semester 1) and MicroBio & Organs (Semester 2). There is $60.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on/before the first day of class.

The Science of Stuff takes students beyond observation and into understanding the powerful chemical and physical laws that govern the world around them. Through engaging, hands-on investigations, students will explore the field of physical science covering matter, molecules, forces, motion, chemical reactions, waves, electricity, and magnetism in ways that make complex ideas clear and tangible. Each quarter- CLICK!, CRASH!, FIZZ!, and SPARK!- builds a deeper understanding of how and why objects move, interact, and change. Students will test ideas, analyze results, and discover physics and chemistry at work.

First Quarter, students will begin at the smallest scales: atomic structure, elements, the periodic table, molecules, chemical formulas, and the nature of covalent and ionic bonds. From there, the class will zoom out to explore how the movement and arrangement of molecules govern the structure and behavior of matter itself - states of matter, mass and volume, buoyancy and suspension, surface tension, air pressure, diffusion, and osmosis. Labs include modeling ionic and covalent bonds, launching air-pressure-powered rockets, and liquid nitrogen and dry ice demonstrations.

Topics in this Series: CLICK! (Matter & Molecules)- Quarter 1; CRASH! (Forces & Motion)- Quarter 2 ; FIZZ! (Chemical Reactions)- Quarter 3; and SPARK! (Waves, Electricity & Magnetism)- Quarter 4. There is a $20.00 lab fee due payable to the instructor on/before the first day of class.

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! Teens 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!

Clear writing is power, and in today's world, the students who communicate ideas precisely are the ones who succeed. "Write to Work" equips high school students with the skills to write professional emails, craft persuasive proposals, create user guides, summarize data, and explain complex ideas clearly and confidently. No matter what the student's future field, clear professional writing is essential. Colleges expect it. Employers demand it. This course moves beyond essays and creative writing to focus on real-world communication- the kind used in offices, labs, startups, and organizations every day. Students will learn to write with clarity, structure, and purpose and gain a practical skill set that sets them apart in any future field.

First semester, students will build a strong foundation in professional business communication through practical, real-world writing tasks. The course begins with email etiquette and tone, teaching students how to communicate clearly and professionally in digital settings. From there, students will draft memos and internal communications, write precise instructions, and develop career-ready materials including resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and professional bios. As the semester progresses, students will craft persuasive business proposals and executive summaries, write structured informational reports, and learn the basics of writing market research and data findings. They will also practice customer service writing by responding to or writing product complaints, compose press releases, create compelling product descriptions, and write thoughtful product or service reviews. By the end of the semester, students will have assembled a polished portfolio of authentic business documents that reflect clarity, professionalism, and practical workplace readiness.

Topics in this Series: Business Writing (Semester 1), Technical Writing (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

Prerequisites: Students should be on-level for high school reading and comprehension.

Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-4 hours per week outside of class on class reading and activities.

Assessments: The instructor will award points for completed assignments that parents can use to assign a grade.

Textbook/Materials: All materials will be links to open-source materials or scans of documents provided by the instructor and posted to the class Canvas site.

Lab/Supply Fee: None

What to Bring: Notebook or paper, pen, or pencil.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in English for purposes of a high school transcript.

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 student 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 Well is offered each quarter under the same class name, but students may take it each quarter to continue to improve their writing skills.

Compass little girls ages 5-10 and their fathers or special grown-ups are invited to the Spring Fling party and dance, on Sunday April 19th, from 5:00pm - 7:00pm. There will be games, music, activities, and dancing. Snacks, sweets, and beverages will be served.

Attire for little girls is dressy, and attire for fathers is suits or sportscoats. All Compass rules on behavior and dress code will apply to all partygoers.

Tickets are $15.00 per person (early registration) through April 1, and $20.00 per person after April 1 (late registration). Note: One ticket is needed for each attendee. At least one child must be a currently enrolled Compass student. Sisters who are not enrolled at Compass may attend with their Compass sister and parent. Parent set-up, chaperones, and clean-up help will be needed.