Devin, a 7th-grade Compass Scholar
We recently had the privilege to interview DeAnna and her son Devin, a 12-year-old, 7th-grade scholar at Compass Charter Schools (Compass.) Devin enjoyed elementary school but struggled with how his middle school managed the return to in-person learning, including increased bullying behavior. This triggered his OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.) Devin is very bright but needed a more personalized learning approach that Compass Charter Schools was able to provide.
Devin loves to watch his progress bar online at Compass and to have a role in personalizing his education. On a typical day, he will start around 8:30 am and work with a lunch break until about 2:30 pm. He works with the incredible staff at Compass, including Erin Thomsen, Middle School Teacher; Dawn Lothinger, Scholar Support Coordinator; and Mandi Schwartzberg, his counselor. This team gives Devin the support he needs to excel and succeed at Compass and in life.
Devin at a concert.
Devin and his learning coach and Mother DeAnna, love the field trips at Compass. They especially enjoy whale watching and visiting the Museum of Tolerance. Devin loves music, specifically punk music and vinyl records. He enjoys editing and the production side of music. His favorite band is The Dropkick Murphys, an Irish punk band.
Devin’s Mom DeAnna, a professor at USC, teaches law, American Indian studies, writing, and social justice. Devin enjoys visiting his Mom’s classroom, sitting in on her classes, and engaging with her students.
Devin and his Mother DeAnna.
With Devin’s OCD, he sometimes struggles with processing information. He will not often ask verbally for help, even if he feels overwhelmed. Devin may be able to focus on a movie or project and later not be able to focus on the same thing. He will sometimes miss a step in a multi-step problem or equation. Some things that can make him anxious include loud noises, bright lights, crowded places, and people acting erratically. At Compass, he can take his education at his own pace and personalize it to how he learns best.
Devin’s favorite subjects include ancient civilization, archaeology, anthropology, mythology, and science. In his free time, he enjoys boxing, swimming, kayaking, listening to podcasts, and woodworking. When asked about his future aspirations, Devin shares that he would like to be the next Jim Henson; how inspiring!
Fun Fact: Devin had his screenplay performed by Hollywood actors!
Devin kayaking.
About Compass
Compass Charter Schools (Compass) is the Gold Standard in Personalized Learning for innovative, creative self-learners. We celebrate diversity & equity in our tuition-free public school – every scholar belongs in our tailored education programs: Online and Options home study. As one of California’s leading WASC-accredited virtual charter schools of choice, we nurture a curiosity for lifelong learning. Every TK-12 scholar and learning coach (our term for parents) is fully supported with in-house counselors, welcoming staff, and talented accredited teachers. Additionally, we are the only virtual Purple Star School in California, and one of few virtual AVID programs in the nation. Join our collaborative virtual learning community. Rise and Soar with our Firebirds – enroll with Compass today!