FAQ

Is Enrollment still open for the 2024-2025 school year?

Enrollment for the 2024-25 school year opened on February 5, 2024. Click here to start an application!

Is Compass Charter Schools (CCS) a private school?

No. CCS is a public charter school. We are a tuition-free school so there are no fees required for scholars to attend, and there are no entrance exams or other requirements often associated with private schools. The quality and personalized care our staff provides does remind people of private schools. Imagine; CCS provides the benefits of a private school without the tuition costs!

Can my child enroll part time?

As a public, tuition-free charter school, scholars may only be enrolled as full-time scholars with us.

Do you offer Summer School?

We sure do! Summer School is open to currently enrolled scholars.

How long does the enrollment and registration process take?

Not long! Once your application is complete, there are a few steps in the process, depending on the program you select and grade level. Our friendly Enrollment Specialists are here to help you throughout both the enrollment and registration process. If you need someone to walk you through the process, give an Enrollment Specialist a call (877) 506-8631 (press 1 for Enrollment) Our team is happy to help.

When can my child begin their courses?

The first day of classes for the 2024-25 school year will be August 28, 2024. If you enroll mid year, as soon as you complete the enrollment process and sign the Master Agreement, your scholar(s) can begin their classes.

When does TK enrollment start?

Enrollment for a TK scholar is based on their 5th birthday. Scholars must turn 5 prior to June 2nd, 2025 for the 2024-25 school year.

Do you provide computers to your scholars?

We have a Computer Loan Program to support all scholars. Request the form when you speak to your Supervising Teacher after signing the Master Agreement.

Can you access my scholar’s past school records for me?

Yes! However, please note there could be a delay in receiving those records due to the possible high volume of requests to your previous school. If you have access to those records, we encourage you to send them to us during the enrollment and registration process to avoid those delays.

Are immunization records required?

Under the SB277 Immunization Bill, our school is deemed an independent study program without classroom instruction and, therefore, you are NOT subject to immunization requirements to enroll. Because the state requires us to have immunization records on file, we do ask that a copy of any immunization records you have for your scholar be submitted. However, you will still be able to enroll without them.

Can I submit picture copies of enrollment documents?

Yes! You may upload all required documents to Reg Online when you complete registration.

What happens after I fill out the application and submit all the required documents?

Once all is complete, our Enrollment Team will process your application and reach out if we need more information and to confirm when all is complete. The Academic Team will then send you the Master Agreement to be signed by you and your scholar. The date on your Master Agreement becomes your “official enroll date”.

Can I switch programs if I find that one is not the right fit?

Yes. Program transfers at the change of semester are possible. You may also make the switch during re-enrollment for the following school year.

Is Compass Charter Schools WASC accredited?
Yes! We are proud to be a WASC accredited school.

What will my child study?

• Our Online scholars in grades K-5 will study English, math, social studies, science, and physical education using our Accelerate Education curriculum.
• Online scholars in grade 6-8 will study English, math, social studies, science, and physical education, along with the choice of one (1) elective course per semester using the Accelerate Education curriculum.
• Online scholars in grades 9-12 will follow our high school course requirements for graduation. The counselors and teachers will work with the Learning Coach and scholar to make high school course choices. Our scholars use the Accelerate Education curriculum.
• Our Options (Home Study) scholars in grades TK-12 and their Supervising Teacher will select from a variety of curriculum options to determine the best fit for their academic growth..

What is a Learning Coach? What are the responsibilities?
Families will designate a Learning Coach (LC) to guide their scholars through their coursework. Online scholars in K-5 and TK-12 Options (Home Study) scholars will need a dedicated LC (about 20-30 hours a week) to help them every step of the way, checking lesson plans, organizing schedules, collecting work samples and maintaining contact with teachers. Online scholars in grades 6-8 are slightly more independent, and LCs can expect to dedicate about 5-10 hours checking in with their scholar to be sure they’re progressing as necessary. Online scholars in grades 9-12 are mostly independent. LCs can expect to dedicate about 5-10 hours a week monitoring their scholar’s progress.

Do you offer extra-curricular activities, clubs or field trips?
Yes! Compass believes in providing plenty of enrichment activities and field trips to support scholar educational progress. Please check out our Calendar of Events, which lists all of our upcoming events. We also currently offer a variety of scholar clubs, which are all conducted virtually!

Does my scholar have to participate in state testing?
Yes. All eligible scholars are required to participate in state testing. All public schools are required to administer the CAASPP and ELPAC  in the relevant grade levels by state and federal laws. Testing takes place in an online environment and is monitored by teachers and learning coaches. Dates and times vary, and we announce these in the spring. We realize testing takes up valuable learning time, and we attempt to plan ways to minimize the disruption it may cause.

In an independent study program like this, how would the school know if a scholar is successful?
Our teachers maintain regular communications with scholars and/or families to maintain open dialogue so that if a scholar is in need of help, it can be addressed in a timely manner. In addition, scholars are monitored regularly throughout the school year to be sure that they are making progress in their courses. We also schedule benchmark testing three times during the school year, to give us information about scholar growth and alert us if a scholar needs additional academic support. We firmly believe in our partnership between scholar, LC, and staff and will work together to support the scholar.

How is attendance taken in this type of program?
Attendance in an independent study program is done through time value of the demonstrated work products and not by time in a classroom as in brick and mortar school. This is why logs, required samples, and meetings are an important part of scholar attendance.

Are there a lot of students who are not able to succeed in this environment?
Honestly, there are a few. Some think that success in our program has much to do with age and maturity but really, it is less about age than about dedication and discipline. Being an independent study scholar is not difficult, but it does require a scholar to be responsible and dedicated to learning. We have found that the majority of the scholars who join us are able to do very well in this environment. 

To be successful in an independent study environment, scholars need to:

1. Work independently with the support of their teacher and/or learning coach
2. Manage their time effectively
3. Set goals and be motivated to work towards them

What happens if a scholar is not successful in this type of program?
According to CA Education Code that governs all public schools, we are obligated to set standards for success and academic growth which scholars need to meet in order to continue with us. Our dedicated teachers will work with scholars and LCs to give the guidance, encouragement, and support needed so scholars may continue successfully with our program; however, if a scholar is not benefiting in this unique educational model with all the provided support and guidance, they may need to be referred back to their school of residence.

Can you give me an overview of the Online Program?
The Online Program provides an education that enables teachers and scholars to work closely to create a personalized learning experience through the Online Learning platform.  Unlike “distant learning” that many scholars implemented due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the Online Learning program leverages the flexibility of independent study but provides support that each scholar needs in order to achieve their goals. The online lessons are accessible 24/7 so scholars can break up lessons throughout the day however they see fit. Our credentialed teachers support the online lessons with live, synchronous sessions that utilize the latest Web 2.0 tools and research-based instructional strategies. In this program, the teacher and online learning platform are providing scholar instruction and the Learning Coach (parent) supports the scholar at home. 

What curriculum will my scholar use in the Online Program?
The Compass Charter Schools Online Learning program utilizes the Accelerate Education learning management system (LMS) to offer award winning, asynchronous instruction for all of our Online scholars. Scholars can engage in their studies by actively engaging in each module lesson, diving into concepts through videos, diagrams, pictures, and more.  Scholars in grades K-8th are also provided additional targeted practice within the lessons through the linked iXL learning platform. 

Can you give me an overview of the Options (Home Study) Program?
The Personalized Learning Program here at Compass Charter Schools (CCS) is called the Options (Home Study) program. Scholars and parents work with their assigned credentialed Supervising Teacher (ST) to develop a Personalized Learning Plan based on the family’s educational philosophy and scholar’s learning style. Families meet with their assigned ST on a regular basis to discuss assigned work, review progress and exchange samples in various subjects. In addition, Educational Support Funds are allotted to each scholar to use towards approved non-sectarian educational materials, curriculum, and services.

I have never homeschooled my child, can I really do this?
Yes! We provide plenty of support here at CCS. Our Supervising Teachers are excellent resources and can help you along the way. We also conduct workshops for the parents / learning coaches to share resources that help you work with your scholars.

What is a Supervising Teacher (ST)?
A Supervising Teacher is a caring, credentialed teacher who provides support in the form of academic guidance, parental support, and assurance of state compliance.

Can I use funds for extracurricular activities?
Yes. As long as you have all of your core curriculum in place, you will be able to use funds for enrichment classes and curriculum that align with your Master Agreement. You will work closely with your ST to determine the best use of the Educational Support Funds.

Do I receive this money directly?
Funds are allocated for your scholar’s use but those funds are “banked” with the school. Families, with input and support from their Supervising Teacher, decide how and where those funds will be used in relation to their Master Agreement. Most families purchase lessons, classes, curriculum and/or science kits from our extensive list of approved providers.

Do my scholars receive the same amount of funds no matter how old they are or when we enroll?
Educational Support Fund amounts will vary depending on your scholar’s grade level. The amount of funding received depends on your scholar’s first official day at CCS. The full amount of funding is available to scholars who start on the first day of school, the funding is on a depreciation schedule for scholars who enroll after the first day of school; however all scholars will receive the curriculum and materials needed for their education.

When, where and how are materials shipped?
The materials that are ordered for you scholars will be shipped directly to your home. The delivery time varies because each provider has different packaging and delivery timelines. Once you receive materials, you must quickly scan and email the signed packing slip to your ST.

What happens at learning period meetings with my scholar’s Supervising Teacher (ST)?
Learning Period meetings must include the ST, the scholar and the parent. Because we are a virtual school, CCS does not require in-person meetings. Zoom/Google Meet or any other viable online communication. At meetings, the learning coach (parent) and scholar share all recent progress, lessons, and work samples with the ST.

Where can I find a list of all the approved Compass vendors?

Click here to see the hundreds of providers that Compass works with for materials, curriculum and classes.

Can my scholars share funds?

No, funding is specific to each scholar and siblings may not share educational funds.

How can I suggest adding a new Community Provider? 

The business can complete a form (Pre-Application for Interested Businesses) located on the Options Program website page.

If I don’t use all my educational funds, will they roll over to the next school year?

No, funds do not roll over from the current school year to the next school year. Funds do roll over from the Fall semester to the Spring semester.

What is the difference between the Approved Community Provider List and the Approved Curriculum List?

Some curricula can be purchased through different approved providers. Other curricula can be purchased only through the parent company. (example: Essentials in Writing products can be purchased through the parent company(EIW) or Rainbow Resource).

If I don’t want to wait to purchase materials and curriculum, can I buy things ahead of time and be reimbursed?

No, we do not do reimbursements.

Do we get the same amount of Educational Funds no matter when we enroll?

Funds depreciate over the course of the school year and the amount will depend on when you sign the Master Agreement (MA).

Is there a limit to how many books my scholar can order?

You and your assigned Supervising Teacher(ST) can work together and decide how many books are appropriate for your scholar’s learning plan. All materials and services ordered  for the scholar must align with their Master Agreement (MA). The Educational Support Funds Guidelines helps the Learning Coach (parent) know what is ok to order.

Is there a limit to how much I can spend on enrichment/elective courses?

Yes, at least 25% of the scholar’s budget is to be set aside for core materials/services.

What are considered “core” and “non-core” materials and services?

Core: curriculum that is used for Math, Language Arts, Social Studies/History, Science, and elective courses for high school scholars.

Non-Core: elective items for grades 1-8 and school/office supplies TK-12.

Can I use a religious curriculum?

Because Compass is a public charter school and funding is from the State all content of either materials or services must be nonsectarian (non-religious).

If I live in LA County can my scholar enroll at the OCLC?

OCLC is located in Santa Ana and only serves families who reside in the counties of San Diego, Riverside, Orange, or San Bernardino. 

Can my scholar take classes at a provider outside our county of residence?

Yes.

I have some curriculum from when I was a child. Can I use that for my scholar?

This would be best discussed with your ST.

I have some curriculum from one of the older siblings, Can I use that for my scholar?

This would be best discussed with your ST.

If I feel my child is more advanced, can I get a curriculum for a grade above then where my child is currently placed?

This would be best discussed with your ST.

Can my scholar attend a class BEFORE submitting a purchase order or BEFORE that provider or instructor has been added to our approved list? Compass cannot provide back pay for services. All Compass Provider instructors must be cleared by the DOJ before the scholar can attend any classes.

What payment methods are NOT available to Providers?

Credit Card, PayPal, Venmo.

Can the funds be used partially each month and the family pay the remaining balance? 

Funds cannot be used as a monthly stipend. The class fee must be paid in full each month until the funds are exhausted. After this point, the family can pay out of pocket (directly) to the vendor.

Can you give me an overview of the Special Education Program at Compass? Compass Charter Schools is a virtual school, we provide special education and related  services in an online environment for scholars with IEPs. Specialized Academic Instruction (SAI) is provided by Compass Special Education Instructors in a virtual online format. We create an environment that is similar to a traditional, in-person one except that instead of being in the same room, the scholar and provider meet in a live virtual classroom using tools such as Adobe Connect, Google Meets, Zoom, or another online classroom application and using best practices in Special Education. IEP services such as, but not limited to; Speech, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Psychological Services are provided by specialists contracted by Compass to provide assessments and services. Related services are provided virtually, as well. More and more schools are using online learning systems and technologies to support their scholars. By implementing these programs, our scholars have the added benefit of advancing their computer literacy skills.

What are some benefits of virtual special education services?
Some benefits that we have found here at Compass are:
A. Because we are a virtual school, it is a part of our school’s thinking to take advantage of excellent online tools when providing special education supports and services.

B. Online services provide the benefit of time. Without the need for travel time for both the scholar and the provider, more time can be spent preparing for each session or doing independent practice on a skill. Time for the special education scholar is an absolutely vital component in the success of a struggling scholar.

C. It is natural for children to work well in familiar settings. Learning is no different. A comfortable environment increases learning for scholars. What is more comfortable than home?

D. Virtual services can be provided with more flexibility for the scholar. Groups are smaller than in a traditional setting. The Parent or LC becomes a very important partner in the services provided and often sit in on the sessions to support their scholar.

What if I suspect my scholar may need special education services:

If you suspect your child may have a disability, you should speak to your child’s Supervising teacher and discuss your concerns. You may request a Student Study Team to implement interventions prior to an assessment. You also have the right to request a special education assessment, in writing. IF you have questions or concerns regarding your scholar’s educational needs, please reach out to your scholar’s Supervising Teacher. IF you have questions regarding Special Education, services, evaluation and placement, please contact the Special Education Department. 

What college have your graduates been accepted to?

• Arizona State University
• Augsburg College
• Berklee College of Music
• Cal Baptist University
• Cal State, Channel Islands
• Cal State, Stanislaus
• California State University, Northridge
• California State University, San Marcos
• Concordia University, Irvine
• Drew University
• Fordham University
• Fresno Pacific University
• Institute of Culinary Education
• Johnson & Wales University
• Juilliard School
• Kent State University
• Loyola Marymount University
• MIT Professional Education Program
• New England College
• Northern Arizona University
• SUNY Oswego
• The Juilliard School
• The New School of Architecture & Design
• Thomas College
• UC Riverside
• UC Riverside
• UC, Berkeley
• UC, Davis
• UC, Davis
• UC, Irvine
• UC, Irvine
• UC, Merced
• UC, San Diego
• UC, San Francisco
• UC, San Francisco
• UC, Santa Barbara
• University of Arizona
• University of Oregon
• University of Redlands
• University of San Diego
• University of San Francisco
• Utica College

Can my high school scholar graduate early?
Yes. Our program allows scholars to accelerate academically to meet the graduation requirements a semester to a year early. Your school counselor can offer insight and is a great resource to assist you in the planning process.

Will my scholar be able to take community college courses?
Community college courses can be a great way for high school scholars to take more challenging courses and prepare for college. Because college courses tend to be more challenging, we want to help assure scholar success when transitioning to college courses. Therefore, scholars will need to meet the requirements of the Concurrent/Dual Credit Enrollment Policy before being approved.

Do you require community service hours?
High school scholars are not required to engage in community service projects/hours to be eligible to graduate and/or earn a high school diploma. We do, however, have a Samaritan Award which is awarded annually to scholars who give 50+ hours of community service to their community.