MIDDLE SCHOOL OVERVIEW & COURSE GUIDE
Mission
TheCompassSchoolofTexasequipsstudentswithastrongacademicfoundation thatfostersanalyticalthinking,instillsthejoyoflearninginawholesome environment,andinspiresthepursuitofpurpose.
Vision
Inspiringstudentstobecreativeandconfidentleadersoftomorrow.
CoreValues
Community•Family
Leadership
Purpose•Resilience
THECOMPASSMIDDLESCHOOLEXPERIENCE
AtTheCompassSchoolofTexas,MiddleSchoolstudentsdevelopindependence,deepenacademicskills,and growinconfidenceandcharacter.Throughrigorousacademics,experientiallearning,andacommunitycentered,service-orientedenvironment,studentsingrades5–8buildastrongfoundationforhighschooland beyond.Highlightsoftheprogramsareembeddedwithineachsubjectarea,ensuringthatleadership,service projects,andhands-onlearningareintegratedintotheacademicexperience.
AcademicOverview
AstheMiddleSchoolprogramgrows,wearetransitioningtoafullydepartmentalizedmodelthatsupports deeperexpertiseandamoreseamlessprogressionforstudents.Wewillbeginthistransitionwithnextyear’s 5thGrade,staffedbytwoleadteachers:onespecializinginEnglishandHistory,andtheotherinMathand Science.Thisstructureallowsstudentstoexperiencesubject-specificinstructionwhilestillbenefitingfromthe consistencyofasmall,connectedteam
Aswecontinueexpanding,addingonegradeleveleachyearuntilweserve5ththrough8th,wewillgradually increasespecialization.Teacherswillultimatelyteachasinglesubjectareaacrossmultiplegradelevels,allowing themtorefinetheircraft,aligncurriculumvertically,andofferstudentsaricher,morefocusedlearning experience.Thisphasedapproachsetsthefoundationforarobust,developmentallyresponsiveMiddleSchool experience.
English
TheprimaryfocusofMiddleSchoolEnglishinstructionistoteachstudentstoread,thinkcritically,and effectivelycommunicateinbothwrittenandoralforms.Asstudentsprogress,theyrecognizetheessential elementsofliterature,analyzeauthor’scraftmoves,appreciatethecomplexityofhigh-qualitywriting, understandthemajorliterarystylesthroughouthistory,andreadworksthatchallengetheirperspectivesand evokealoveforlearning.Worksstudiedareinterdisciplinarybydesignandcuratedintentionally:Students mayanalyzeahistorictexttiedtotheirhistorystudiesordelveintoabiographyofanotablescientificscholar they’relearningaboutinscience.Studentcompositionsarewellstructuredandfilledwithstylisticelements,as theylearntoanalyzetextswithasystematicapproach.Theyclassifyanddiagramsentences,andapply grammarrulestotheirwritingandspeaking,exploredifferentwritingstyles,synthesizeandanalyzeworks fromdifferentgenresandsources,andbecomeconfidentliteraryanalysts.StudentswillleaveCompasswith theabilitytocomposewell-writtenpiecesthatenablethemtosuccessfullymoveaheadtothedeepliterary analysisthatcomesinhighschool.TheiranalysisanddiscussionsduringMiddleSchoolequipthemtothink critically,askrelevantquestions,andidentifymisinformation.Coupledwiththeirdigitalcitizenshipstudies, theylearntoidentifyaccurate,trustworthysourcesandusediscernmenttocriticallyevaluateinformation,as wellasdocumentsourcestoavoidplagiarismandexerciseacademicintegrity.
History
InMiddleSchool,studentsstudyhistoryasadynamicandinterconnectedhumanstory,beginninginthe 1600sandprogressingtowardthemodernworld.Studentsanalyzemajorculturaldevelopmentsandglobal movementsthatshapedmodernsociety.Exploringhistorychronologicallyhelpsthembuildasenseof sequence,understandingwhathappenedandperhapsmoreimportantly,whyeventsunfoldedastheydid. Theyevaluatehowoneerainfluencesthenext,astheyencounterthebeliefs,traditions,innovations,anddaily livesofpeopleacrosstheworld.Ourapproachemphasizeshistoricalliteracythroughrichstorytelling,high qualitytexts,andengagingsupplementaryliterature.Eachtopicisexploredwithrelevantactivitiesthatbring historytolifeandhelpstudentsmakeinterdisciplinaryconnectionsthroughinquiry-basedlearning throughout.Theyanalyzeevidence,recognizepatterns,anddrawappropriateconclusionsbasedonevidence. Throughouttheirstudy,studentsdeveloptheirdialogue,questioning,andanalyticalthinkingskillsthathelp themconnectthepasttothepresent.Throughthisprocess,theygainachronologicalframework,cultural awareness,andtheintellectualtoolsneededtoconfidentlyengagewiththecomplexitiesoftheworldaround them.
Mathematics
MiddleSchoolmathematicsallowsstudentstoreinforcefluencywithwholenumbers,decimals,fractions,and percentswhilestrengtheningtheproblem-solvingskillsdevelopedinearliergrades.Recognizingthe developmentaldifferencesthatnaturallyemergeduringtheseyears,ourprogramincorporatesavarietyof instructionalapproachestomeetstudentswheretheyare.Instructionemphasizesstrategicproblemsolving throughtheuseofvisualmodels,thinkingtasks,andcollaborativelearningexperiences. Inaddition,students applymathematicalconceptstoexpandtheirknowledgeinfinancialliteracy,learningbudgeting,costanalysis, andreal-worlddecision-making.Studentsdeepentheirunderstandingoffinancialresponsibility, entrepreneurship,andtherolemathematicsplaysineverydayeconomicsituations.Thisintegratedapproach ensuresthatMiddleSchoolstudentsdevelopbothstrongmathematicalfoundationsandpracticalfinancial competenciesthatpreparethemforadvancedcourseworkandreal-lifeapplications.Beginningin6thGrade, studentsfollowaMathematicspathwaythatalignswiththeirabilitiestoensurethatstudentsareappropriately challengedateachstepoftheirjourney.Studentswillhavetheopportunitytoshifttrackswithinspecific parameters.
Studentswillbeenrolledintheacceleratedmathprogramperteacherrecommendation,studentperformance,andassessmentdata.
Science
TheMiddleSchoolscienceprogramisdesignedtonurturestudents’innatecuriosityandasolid understandingofthedisciplinarycoreideasthatmakeuptheearth,life,andphysicalsciences.Studentsbuild knowledgethroughdirectengagementintheclassroom,outdoors,andinsidethelaboratory.Learningbegins withconcreteobservationsandgraduallyprogressestowardmoreabstractscientificreasoningasstudents explorechemistry,earthsystems,lifescience,environmentalscience,physics,andengineering.Eachyear, studentsdevelopthecapacitytoaskessentialquestions,investigatereal-worldproblems,andconstruct explanationsbasedonevidenceandscientificreasoning.Anintentionaluseoftechnologytoolssupportsdata collection,modeling,andcommunicationasstudentsanalyzepatterns,testideas,andreflectontheir discoveries.
Acrossallgradelevels,studentsparticipateinauthenticscienceandengineeringpractices,includingmodeling systems,implementinginvestigations,experimentation,analyzingdata,forminglogical,data-supported conclusions,anddesigningsolutions.Thesepracticesarecontinuallysupportedbythecrosscuttingconcepts andthemesthatconnectoverarchingideasandbridgeacrossmultipledisciplines.Collaborativeteamwork, criticalthinking,problemsolving,andreflectivepracticeareembeddedthroughouttheprogram,enabling studentstotransfertheirlearningacrossdisciplinesandtorecognizetheinterconnectednessofscientificideas. Throughthisrigorousandintegratedapproach,studentslearnscientificcontentandhowscientistsand engineersthink,communicate,andmakesenseofthenaturalworld.
Spanish
AtCompass,Spanishisanintegralpartofstudents’educationaljourney.LearningSpanishprovidesa meaningfulopportunitytodevelopasglobalcitizenswhocommunicatewithconfidenceanddemonstrate respectandunderstandingforSpanish-speakingcommunitiesandculturesworldwide.Ourlanguagereadiness standardsaregroundedinthefivegoalareasofworldlanguagelearning:Communication,Cultures, Connections,Comparisons,andCommunities(ACTFLStandards).
CompassofferstwodistinctSpanishprogramsdesignedtomeetMiddleSchoolstudentswheretheyarein theirlanguage-learningjourney.Empecemos1,2,3,and4isdesignedfornew-to-Spanishstudentsorthose withlimitedexposuretodevelopconfidenceandcompetenceinSpanishthatpositionsthemasactive participantsintheirlearning.Theprogressionisintentionallyscaffolded,equippingstudentswiththetoolsto buildoralcomprehension,speaking,reading,andwritingskillswithincreasingaccuracy andfluencybythe completionofEmpecemos4in8thGrade.
StudentswhowerepartoftheCompassSpanishprogramduringLowerSchoolcontinuetheirstudiesin Avancemos1,2,3,and4.Thisprogramextendsanddeepenstheirlanguagedevelopment,strengthening proficiencyacrossallfourdomains:listening,speaking,reading,andwriting.Thispathwayallowsstudentsto progresstowardahighlevelofSpanishproficiency,withthegoalofreachingAvancemos4by8thGradewith theskillsandconfidencetocommunicateeffectivelyinSpanish.
Throughthesethoughtfullydesignedpathways,Compassstudentsleavemiddleschoolpreparedfor AdvancedlanguagestudyandempoweredtoengageconfidentlywithSpanish-speakingcommunities.
ComputerScience,Engineering,andTechnology
TheMiddleSchoolcomputerscienceandengineeringprogramequipsstudentswiththetechnological fluency,designthinking,andproblem-solvingskillsneededtothriveinarapidlyevolvingdigitalworld.Our firstpriorityisguidingstudentstobecomeresponsible,ethical,anddiscerningusersoftechnologyby practicingsafeonlinebehavior,communicatingrespectfully,evaluatinginformationcritically,andmaking choicesthatreflectintegrity.Withastrongfoundationindigitalcitizenship,studentsthenprogressinto increasinglysophisticatedtechnologicalchallengesthatblendcreativity,collaboration,andcomputational thinking.Throughdedicatedcourseworkandintegratedprojectsacrosssubjectareas,learnersbuildskillsin coding,robotics,datamanagement,digitalcreation,andengineeringdesign.
OverthecourseofMiddleSchool,theymovefromessentialcomputeroperationstoadvancedapplications, ultimatelygainingexperiencewithQuickBooks,advancedJava,anddesigningandbuildingtheirownoriginal appbytheendof8thGrade.Ourtechnologyinstructorsarekeenlyawarethatduetothespeedof advancements,someoftheneededcontentwillnecessarilyevolvetoincludetechnologythatdoesnotyetexist. Thissequencewithroomforfutureadvancementsensuresthatstudentsdonotsimplyusetechnology,but insteadtheylearntounderstandit,shapeit,andcreatewithintentionality.
Compasswillcontinuetobeanintentionaltechnologycampus,graduallyscaffoldingtechnologyusewithin theclassroom,includingtheuseoflaptops,iPads,andothertechnologyforspecificacademicpurposes. Technologyispurposefullyintegratedintootherclasses,allowingstudentstoresearch,design,andcreate cross-curricularprojects.Cellularphoneswillnotbeusedoncampus.
GRADE-BY-GRADEOVERVIEWS
5thGrade
Studentsexperienceashifttowardincreasedindependencewithexpectationsandaccountabilitythatequip themtotakefullerownershipoftheireducation.Studentslearntargetedexecutivefunctioningskillsthat supportthemthroughouttheirMiddleSchooljourney.Theywillstrengthencomprehension,critical thinking,andproblem-solvingskillsthroughourcoresubjectsandexploratorycoursesthatencourage curiosity,leadership,andstewardship.
English:
Studentsbuildreadingstaminathroughavarietyofreadingcomprehensionstrategiesandvocabulary acquisition.Theirliteraturestudiesincludethehistoricalfictionandfantasygenres,non-fictiontexts,and poetry.Studentsreadanddiscusscontemporarynovelsinsmallliteraturecirclegroupsthatemphasizestudent-
ledinquiryanddiscussion.Throughcollaborativeprojects,studentssharpencommunicationandreasoning. Writinginstructionfocusesonrobustparagraphwritingandintroductoryresearchskillsalongside compositionsinavarietyofgenres.Studentslearnstructuralandstylisticelementsofwritingandlearnhowto beeffectivecommunicators.Theyareintroducedtoconceptsandskillsforproperlycitingsourcesintheir writtenwork,growingintheirunderstandingoftheimportanceofintegritywithintheirownwriting.
History:
Studentsinvestigatetherapidlychangingworldofthe17thand18thcenturies,aperiodofexpandingempires, shiftingalliances,andgroundbreakingnewideas.Theystrengthentheirgeographyandmap-readingskillsto understandhowplaceinfluenceshistory.TheystudykeymomentsofNewWorldconflict,includingKing Philip’sWar,interactionsamongNativeAmericans,andthecontrastingbeliefsofEuropeanleaderslikeLouis XIVandWilliamPenn.Studentsusetheseeventstobuildfoundationalcivicunderstandingaboutleadership, governance,andcommunityimpact.StudentsexplorehowtheconflictsoftheOttomanEmpireandEurope intersect,examininghowgeography,culturalexchange,andpoliticalambitionshapedbothgeographical regions.ThestudyofscientificadvancementsallowsstudentstoanalyzethinkerslikeNewtonandLocke, discoveringhowuniversallawsandemergingscientificmethodsinfluencedinnovations,likeearlyscientific farming.Studentsalsoexploregloballeadersandrisingempires,includingPetertheGreat’stransformationof Russia,theachievementsoftheIndianEmpire,andtheworldwideconsequencesoftheSevenYears’War. Throughclassroomsimulations,primarysourceanalysis,debates,collaborativework,andcross-disciplinary projects,studentscomparecultures,analyzecausesandconsequences,andidentifyresponsiblecommunity citizenship.Theydeveloparichunderstandingofhowideas,conflicts,andscientificdiscoveriesfromthisera continuetoinfluencethemodernworld.
Mathematics:
In5thGradeMathematics,studentsdeepentheirunderstandingofthefouroperationsbydevelopinggreater computationalfluency.Theyapplythisknowledgetoapproachmulti-stepproblemswithconfidenceusing mathematicalreasoning.Studentsbuildastrongfoundationinfractions,measurementconversions,and geometricconceptswhilebroadeningtheirdataanalysisandintroductoryprobabilityskills.Algebraic readinessiswovenintothecurriculumasstudentsexplorevariables,equations,andexpressions,allowingthem tobeginsolvingforunknownquantities.Financialliteracyisfurtherstrengthenedasstudentsparticipatein designingadvertisingandmarketingmaterialsfortheannualFarmer’sMarket.
Science:
Studentsbeginwithanexplorationoffoundationalscientificideasthroughunitsthatstrengthentheir understandingofsystems,energy,andthepropertiesofmatter.First,studentsinvestigatehowsubstances combine,separate,andchange,developingearlyconceptualgroundinginchemistry.Theyobservesolubility patterns,concentration,andphysicalversuschemicalchange,buildingcriticalskillsinmeasurement,data interpretation,andmodelingparticleinteractions.TheirnextunitexpandstheirthinkingtoEarth’splacein space,guidingthemthroughinvestigationsofshadows,seasons,solarenergy,andEarth–Suninteractionsasa system.Studentsanalyzecause-and-effectrelationshipsthatformobservablepatterns,likeday/nightcyclesand seasonalchanges.Finally,learnersexaminelifefromthebiospheretotheorganismlevel,constructing explanationsforhowlivingsystemsmaintainstabilityandfunction.Theyanalyzehoworgans,tissues,and cellsworktogetherandhowsystemsrelyontheflowofenergyandmatter.Throughouttheyear,students
collaborate,reflectontheirinvestigations,anduseevidencetounderstandtheinterconnectednessofEarth, physical,andlifescienceconcepts.
SignatureExperiences:
In5thGrade,studentsembarkonanovernightcampingtripthatbuildsindependenceandintroduces essentialoutdoorskills,whiledirectlyconnectingtotheirstudyofNativeAmericanhistory.Throughactivities inspiredbytraditionalwaysofliving,likelearningbasicsheltermakingandobservinghowearlycommunities usednaturalresources,studentsgainadeeperappreciationforthedailylife,ingenuity,andculturaltraditions ofNativepeople.TheexperiencestrengthenstheirunderstandingofhowNativeAmericantribeslivedin relationshipwiththeland,whilealsoencouragingteamwork,confidence,andself-reliance.Thistripservesas anengagingbridgebetweenclassroomlearningandthenaturalworld,helpingstudentsinternalizehistorical conceptsinamemorableway.
StudentsalsocontinuetheCompassBusinessFieldTripseries,exploringgovernmentoperations,beginning withcitycouncilinthefallandcontinuingwithcityservices(policeandfire)inthespring.Theirfocusison understandingtheinnerworkingsofcitygovernmentfromabusinessperspective.
6thGrade
6thGradestudentsputtheiranalyticalthinkingandorganizationalskillstoworkthroughdeeperresearch projectsandincreasinglysophisticatedwrittencompositions.StudentsprepareforPre-Algebraandinvestigate Earthsystems,collaboratingthroughinquiry-drivenprojects.TheBusinessSeriesFieldTripsin6thGrade focusoncityandstategovernmentoperations,culminatinginaclasstriptotheTexasStateCapitol.
English:
Studentsanalyzeclassicliterature,shortstories,andpoetrythroughavarietyofannotatingmethods,teaching themtotracethemes,motifs,andsymbolsthroughoutmorecomplextexts.Studentsmakecross-curricular connectionsbetweentheseliterarytextstorecognizeandappreciatetheinterconnectednessofideasand themesacrossdisciplines.Inliteraturecircles,studentsself-selectengaging,high-interestcontemporaryand classicnovelsfordiscussionandanalysis.Thesestudent-ledgroupsallowthemtoleadandengageoneanother withinasetstructure.Studentsengageinstructuredwritingthroughmulti-paragraphcompositionand research-basedwritingprojectsthatintegratecross-curricularthemeswithanincreasedemphasison identifyingqualitydigitalsourcesandaccuratelycitingsources.Theirdiscernmentskillsgrowasthey determinethevalidityandreliabilityofcontentandformevidence-basedargumentsinbothwrittenandoral form.
History:
Studentsexplorethemajorpolitical,social,andculturaleventsthatshapedthemodernworld,beginningwith theAmericanRevolutionanditsfoundationalprinciples.Theybuildtheircivicunderstandingbystudying landmarkeventsliketheBostonTeaParty,theContinentalCongress,theDeclarationofIndependence,the Constitution,andtheBillofRights,alongsidetheleadershipofkeyfigureslikeGeorgeWashington.Students alsoexaminerevolutionsandtransformationsaroundtheworld,includingtheFrenchRevolution, Napoleon’srise,andsignificantchangesinEurope,Russia,China,andSouthAmerica.Beyondunderstanding
events,studentsinvestigatetheinnovationsoftheeraandtheindividualsbehindthem,usingbiography studiestoseehowpersonalvisionandperseverancecaninfluencehistory.Thecourseincludesthestudyof westwardexpansionintheUnitedStates,includingthejourneysofLewisandClark,NativeAmerican experiences,theTrailofTears,andtheGoldRush,aswellasMexicanIndependenceandpivotalmomentsin Texashistory,liketheAlamo.Throughoutthesestudies,studentsbuildcriticalthinking,research,and analyticalskillswhiledevelopingempathyandabroaderperspectiveonglobalevents.gainingafuller understandingofhownationsform,grow,andrespondtoconflict,innovation,andthecontributionsof individualsacrosstime.
On-LevelMathematics:
In6thGradeMathematics,studentsextendtheirfoundationalcomputationalskillswhilebeingintroducedto operationswithrationalnumbers.Thecurriculumemphasizesthedevelopmentofstrongreasoningabilities andmeaningfulmathematicaldiscourse.Studentsdeepentheirunderstandingofrates,rations,fractions,and decimals,andbeginsolving1-stepalgebraicexpressionsandequations.Studentsalsoadvancetheirknowledge ofgeometricrelationshipsandprobability.Financialliteracyfocusesonrefiningstudents'budgetingandcostanalysisskillsinpreparationforourculminatingevent,TheCompassFarmer’sMarket.
Grade6/7AcceleratedMathematics:
In6thGradeAcceleratedMathematics,studentsmovebeyondfoundationalcomputationalskillstoengagein advancedapplicationsofrationalnumberoperations.Theacceleratedcurriculumprioritizessophisticated reasoning,precisemathematicalcommunication,andrigorousproblem-solving.Studentsextendtheir understandingofrates,ratios,fractions,anddecimalsthroughcomplex,multi-steptasks.Proportionsare studiedtoincludepercentproportionsandpercentchange.Studentsprogressintoalgebraicthinkingby solvingandgraphingtwo-stepequationsandinequalitieswithincreasedcomplexity.Thecoursealsoexpands students’explorationofgeometricrelationships,dataanalysisandprobability.Financialliteracyisintegratedat ahigherlevel,asstudentsrefinebudgeting,costanalysis,anddecision-makingskillsinpreparationforour culminatingevent,TheCompassFarmer’sMarket,wheretheyapplymathematicalconceptsinauthentic,realworldscenarios.
EarthScience:
6thGradecontinuesbuildingscientificliteracythroughexplorationsofEarthsystems,geologicalhistory,and chemicalinteractions.Theyearbeginswithaweatherandwaterunitthatfocusesonthephenomenaof Earth’satmosphere.StudentsinvestigateEarth’satmosphereandtheenergytransfersthatproduceweather patterns.Theymodelconvection,tracktemperaturechanges,andanalyzehowwatermovesthroughEarth’s systems.Thedisciplinesofphysicsandchemistryarealsointegrated.Next,studentsexploreEarth’sHistory: thewayshumansuseresources,nowandinthepast,includingtoolmakingfromstones;miningrawmaterials; refiningandmanufacturingtools;extractingpreciousmetalsfromores;thesciencebehinddams;different poweruses;andmore.Studentsevaluatethegeologicalstorycontainedinrocks,landforms,andfossils,and usemaps,models,andphysicalsamplestointerpretevidence.Theythendebateaboutsomeoftheirfindings. Finally,studentsstudychemicalinteractionsandmatter,exploringatoms,molecules,reactions,andthe propertiesofsubstances.Theyconductinvestigations,designmodels,andanalyzedatatoexplainhowmatter isconservedandhowinteractionsbetweensubstancesproducenewmaterials.Throughouttheyear,students strengthentheirskillsincriticalthinking,systemsanalysis,andcollaborativeproblemsolving.
SignatureExperiences: Our6thGradetriptotheTexasStateCapitolbringsstudents’studyofTexas historyandcivicstolifeinanengagingway.AfterlearningabouttheoriginsofTexasindependence,the structureofstategovernment,andthekeyfigures,studentsstepdirectlyintotheplacewheremodern-day Texashistorycontinuestounfold.Duringtheirvisit,theyexploretheCapitolbuilding,observehowlawsare made,andseefirsthandtherolesofelectedofficialsandthesystemsthatkeepourstatefunctioning.This experiencehelpsstudentsconnectclassroomlearningtoreal-worldcivicresponsibility,deepeningtheir understandingofcitizenshipandtheimportanceofinformedparticipationingovernment.Italsostrengthens thefoundationtheywillcontinuetobuildoninlatergradesastheycontinuetostudyAmericanhistory, leadership,andpublicservice.ThisisalsothenextstepinourBusinessFieldTripseries,allowingstudentsto expandtheirknowledgeabouttheinnerworkingsofstategovernmentfromabusinessperspective.
7THGRADE
7thGradeinitiatesanewlevelofindependenceforstudentsastheyfocusonidentityformationand experienceincreasedacademicrigor.StudentsrefinelogicalreasoningthroughSocraticdiscussions, argumentationinwrittencompositions,investigationsintheLifeSciences,andcollaborativecross-curricular projects.StudentsexperiencetheFinancialFoundationsentrepreneurialrotationthroughquarterly departmentrolessuchashumanresources,accounting,IT,andbusinessoperations.TheBusinessSeriesField Tripsin7thGradeincludeaclasstriptoWashingtonD.C.andWilliamsburg,VA.
English:
Studentsadvancetheirliteraryanalysisskillsthroughwholeclassstudiesofclassicnovelsinavarietyofgenres, shortstories,andpoetry.Studentsidentifymotifs,themes,andcharacterarchetypeswithinandacrosstextsto recognizetheuniversalnatureofstorytelling.Theyevaluateauthors’craftmovestobetteranalyzeeachtext’s themesandliteraryelements.Textsareintentionallychosentobeseamlesslyintegratedwithothersubject areas,allowingstudentstodivedeeperinhistoryandsciencewithintheirliteratureblock.Literaturecircles, inquiry-drivenresearch,Socraticdiscussions,andrhetoricalargumentationinwrittencompositionsrefine students'logicalreasoningandenrichtheircommunication.Theyfurtherrefinetheirwritingskillstoproduce thoughtful,thorough,andwell-designedcompositions.Studentprojectsemphasizecivicawarenessandethical reasoningtosolidifytheinterdisciplinarynatureofreadingandwrittenandverbalcommunication.
History:
Studentsfollowachronologicalexplorationofglobaleventsfromthe1830sthrough1900,spanningmultiple continentsandcultures.ThecurriculumincludesthereignofQueenVictoria,themodernizationofJapan, theCrimeanWaranddevelopmentsintheRussianEmpire,BritishandregionalhistoryinIndia,andthe socialandpoliticallandscapesofAfrica,China,andEurope.Throughprimarysourceanalysis,students examinesignificantconflictssuchastheAmericanCivilWar,SouthAmericancivilwars,theSpanishAmericanWar,anddevelopmentsintheBalkans,whilealsostudyingnationalmilestonesincludingCanadian independenceandtheunificationofPrussia/Germany.WestwardexpansionintheU.S.,interactionswith NativeAmericannations,thegrowthofrailroadsinboththeU.S.andJapan,theconstructionoftheSuez
Canal,andsettlementinAustraliahighlighttheera’stechnological,geographic,andsocietalchanges, includingconnectionstoTexashistory.
Studentsinvestigateinnovationsandscientificadvancements,exploringhowtransportation,communication, andindustrialbreakthroughsshapedsocieties.Biographicalstudiesofkeyleaders,inventors,andreformers allowstudentstounderstandhowindividualsinfluencedglobalevents,socialmovements,andtechnological progress.Byanalyzingthesehistoricaldevelopmentsalongsidecross-culturalperspectives,studentsdevelop criticalthinking,research,andanalyticalskills,whilealsoseeinghowlocal, national,andglobalhistories intersectandcontinuetoimpacttheworldtoday.
Grade7Mathematics:
In7thGradeMathematics,studentsdeepentheirmasteryofrationalnumberoperations,includingworkwith complexfractionsanddecimals.Studentsadvancetheirunderstandingofalgebraicrelationshipsbysolving andgraphingtwo-stepequationsandinequalities,utilizingmultiplerepresentations.Slopeinterceptformis introducedinthecurriculum;studentswillincreaseproficiencyinsolvingforslopeandy-intercept.This coursefurtherdevelopsstudents’knowledgeofrates,ratios,proportionalreasoning,andpercentapplications. Throughouttheyear,theyexaminefundamentalbusinessoperationsandleadershippracticesandskills.In7th Grade,studentsalsotakeonmentoringrolesintheFinancialFundamentalsprogrambytrainingyounger studentsinFarmer'sMarketproceduresandbeginningtodevelopfinancialreportsthatsupporttheprogram’s operations.
Pre-Algebra:
Studentsbuilduponthealgebraicfoundationsdevelopedinearliercourseworkastheystrengthentheir fluencywithvariables,expressions,andintegeroperationstosolvelinearequationswithconfidence.Students examinepropertiesofexponents,explorepolynomialstructuresandfactoringtechniques,anddeepentheir understandingoflinear,quadratic,andexponentialfunctionsthroughbothgraphicalandsymbolic representations.Theirculminatingcapstoneprojectfurtherintroducesthemtoprinciplesof business planning,operatingfinancialstatementsandentrepreneurship,providingmeaningfulreal-worldapplication oftheirmathematicallearning.
LifeScience:
Studentsimmerseinlifesciencethroughinterconnectedunitsthatexaminethestructures,functions,and behaviorsoflivingorganisms.TheyexplorethediversityoflifeonEarthbyobservingorganisms,studying classificationsystems,andinvestigatinghowstructurerelatestofunction.Usingmicroscopesanddigitaltools, theydevelopmodelstoexplaincellularprocessesandcompareadaptationsacrossspecies.Studentsthen evaluatehowhumansystemsinteract,astheytacklereal-worldquestionsabouthowthehumanbody functionsandwhathappenswhensystemsaredisrupted.Theyinvestigateimmuneresponses,explorehow cellsobtainenergyandresources,andanalyzehoworgansystemssupportthebodyasitsensesandinteracts withtheenvironment.Finally,studentsevaluateheredityandadaptation,astheytracethefossilrecord, geneticinheritance,andnaturalselection.Theyanalyzeevidencefrompastandpresentorganismstoexplain howspecieschangeovertimeandhowenvironmentalpressuresshape adaptation.Acrossallunits,students engageinargumentfromevidence,carryoutinvestigationsanddissections,collaboratewithpeers,andreflect ontheinterconnectednessofcoreconcepts.
SignatureExperiences:
Compass7thgraderstraveltoWashington,D.C.andthesurroundingareasforseveraldays,immersing themselvesintherichcivicandhistoricallandscapeofournation’scapital.Thisaction-packedexperience deepenstheirunderstandingofAmericanhistoryandstrengthenstheirappreciationfortheresponsibilitiesof citizenship.StudentsexploretheSmithsonianmuseums,tourtheUnitedStatesCapitolbuilding,visitthe WhiteHouse,andexperiencekeymonumentsthatbringtolifetheidealsandeventstheystudyinclass.The tripalsoincludesavisittoWilliamsburg,Virginia,wherestudentsstepintoearlyAmericanlifeandgaina broaderperspectiveonhowourgovernmentanddemocratictraditionsdevelopedovertime.Alongtheway, studentsmayhaveopportunitiestohearfromstateandnationalleaderswhoinspirethemtothinkcritically abouttheirroleinshapingtheircommunitiesandtoengageintheprocessesthatsustainourdemocracy.
StudentsalsocontinuetheCompassBusinessFieldTripseries,exploringhealthcareoperations,learninghow thehealthfield’soperationsfunction,whileidentifyingsimilaritiesanddifferencestothepreviousindustries studied(hospitalityandgovernment).Theirfocusisonunderstandingtheinnerworkingsofthehealth industryfromabusinessperspective.
8thGrade
8thGradestudentscultivateacademicmaturitythroughtheircapstoneyearofMiddleSchool.Academicrigor deepenswithadvancedreading,literaryanalysis,andcompositions,thePhysicalSciences,andalgebraic reasoning.The8thGradeyearculminateswiththeFinancialFoundationspitchevent,across-disciplinary capstoneprojectthatconnectsallcoreacademicsubjectareas,includingSpanishandFarm-to-Table.Students completetheimmersiveSpanishprogramatCompasswithaninternationaltriptoaSpanish-speaking country.
English:
Studentsdeeplyanalyzeclassicandmoderntextsinavarietyofgenresincludingdramaandpoetry.Students writesophisticatedliteraryanalysiscompositionsthattraceincreasinglycomplexliteraryelementsbothwithin andacrossgenresandtexts.Studentsengageinhigher-levelinquiry-basedresearchtodevelopathesis-driven argumentthatpreparesthemforhighschoolresearchexpectations.Throughouttheresearchprocess,students demonstrateproficiencyandskillintheaccurateattributionofsourceswhilealsodevelopingtheirown authenticauthorialvoice.Theyregularlypresentinbothwrittenandoralformtofurtherrefinetheir communicationskills.Theyearculminatesinacross-disciplinarycapstoneprojectconnectingallcore academicsubjectareas,whichallowsthemtoshowcasetheirsummativelearninginacreativeandmeaningful product,ultimatelypresentingtoalargeraudience.
History:
Studentsexploreglobaleventsfrom1900tothe2000s,tracingsocial,political,andtechnological transformationsacrosscontinents.ThecurriculumexaminestheAgeofIndustry,theMexicanRevolution, WorldWarI,theRussianRevolution,andtheriseofsuffragemovements.StudentsstudyIndiannationalism throughGandhi,thePeaceofVersailles,Stalin’sUSSR,ItalianFascism,andthemilitarizationofChinaand
Japan.Economicupheaval,includingtheStockMarketCrash,ispairedwiththeriseofHitler,theNazis,and theHolocaust,leadingintoWorldWarII,theuseoftheatomicbomb,andtheestablishmentofIsrael. PostwarglobalrestructuringincludestheSuezCrisis,theMarshallPlan,theevolutionofAfricaandChina, Asiancommunism,ColdWarconflictsincludingtheKoreanandVietnamWars,andtheriseofdictatorsin SouthAmericaandAfrica.StudentsanalyzetheSpaceRace,CubanMissileCrisis,JFK’s presidency,civil rightsmovements,MiddleEastconflicts,Sovietinvasions,terrorism,andthepoliticalchangesofthe1980s, includingChernobylandtheeventualcollapseofcommunisminEasternEuropeandtheUSSR,while observingcontinuedtransformationsinChinaandBerlin.TheGulfWarandAfrica’sindependence movementsprovideaglobal,cross-culturalperspective,asstudentsthenculminatetheyearwithmodern history.
Throughouttheyear,studentsinvestigatetransformativetechnologicalandscientificinnovations,from industrializationtothedevelopmentofnuclearenergyandspaceexploration.Biographicalstudiesof influentialleaders,activists,scientists,andculturalfiguresilluminatethehumanstoriesbehindhistorical events,fosteringempathyandunderstanding.Byconnectingglobalmovementstosocial,economic,and technologicalchange,studentsdevelopcriticalthinking,research,andanalyticalskills,whilerecognizingthe interdependenceofnationsandtheongoingimpactofhistoryoncontemporarylife.
Grade8Mathematics/Pre-Algebra:
In8thGradeMathematics,studentsbuilduponthealgebraicfoundationsdevelopedinearliercourseworkas theystrengthentheirfluencywithvariables,expressions,andintegeroperationstosolvelinearequationswith confidence.Studentsexaminepropertiesofexponents,explorepolynomialstructuresandfactoring techniques,anddeepentheirunderstandingoflinear,quadratic,andexponentialfunctionsthroughboth graphicalandsymbolicrepresentations.Inadditiontotheirmathematicalstudies,all8th gradersassume leadershipoftheFarmer’sMarket,overseeingoperationsfromplanningtoexecution.Theirculminating capstoneprojectfurtherintroducesthemtoprinciplesofbusinessplanning,operatingfinancialstatements andentrepreneurship,providingmeaningfulreal-worldapplicationoftheirmathematicallearning.
AlgebraI:
AlgebraIstrengthensstudents’conceptualunderstandingbybuildinguponfoundationalarithmetic knowledgeandessentialPre-Algebraconcepts,includingvariables,expressions,integeroperations,andinverse operationsusedtosolvelinearequations.Studentsstudypropertiesofexponents,polynomialstructuresand factoring,andbothradicalandrationalexpressions.Thecoursealsodevelopsstudents’understandingof linear,quadratic,andexponentialfunctionsthroughgraphingandsymbolicrepresentations.Studentssolve equationsinvolvinglinear,quadratic,radical,andrationalexpressionsandapplytheseskillstoanalyzeand solveproblemsinmeaningfulreal-worldcontexts.Inadditiontotheiralgebraicstudies,all8thgradersassume leadershipoftheFarmer’sMarket,overseeingoperationsfromplanningtoexecution.Theirculminating capstoneprojectfurtherintroducesthemtoprinciplesofbusinessplanningandentrepreneurship,providing meaningfulreal-worldapplicationoftheirmathematicallearning.
PhysicalScience:
8thGradefocusesonphysicalscienceandtheforcesthatshapetheuniverse.Studentsevaluate electromagneticforcesbymeasuringmagneticfields,constructingcircuits,designingelectromagnets,and
explainingtheenergytransfersthatpowerelectricalsystems.Theyapplyengineeringpracticestosolve problems,revisedesigns,andsupportclaimswithmeasurableevidence.Theiranalysisofgravityandkinetic energyallowsstudentstoinvestigatemotion,speed,acceleration,mass,andgravitationalforce.Through experimentationandcomputationalmodeling,theyanalyzecollisionphysicsandcause-and-effect relationshipsthatgovernmotion.Studentsthenstudywavesandprogressfromconcreteobservationsof mechanicalwavestomoreabstractmodelsofelectromagneticwaves.Theyexploreenergytransfer,wave properties,andapplications,includingcommunicationtechnologies.Thefinalunitonplanetaryscience expandstheirunderstandingofEarthandspacesystemsbystudyinghistoricalandmodernexplorationsofthe cosmos.Thisunitculminatesinacapstoneprojectthatreinforcescrosscuttingconcepts,particularlysystems thinking,scale,energy,andstabilityandchange,whilehelpingstudentsexplorehumanity’songoingpursuitof understandingtheuniverse.Acrossallunits,8thgradersdevelopstronganalytical,collaborative,and engineeringskillsthatpreparethemforhighschoolscience.
SignatureExperiences:
AspartoftheirSpanishstudies,8thgraderswillparticipateinaculminatinginternationaltravelexperiencein aSpanish-speakingcountry,drawingonyearsoflanguagelearningandculturalstudiesabouttheSpanishspeakingworld.ThisimmersivetripallowsstudentstoapplytheirSpanishskillsinrealconversations,navigate dailylifeinanewenvironment,andgainfirsthandinsightintotheculturaltraditionstheyhavestudied throughoutMiddleSchool.Duringthetrip,studentsworkalongsidelocalcommunities,learningfromnative speakersandcontributingthroughaservice-learningprojectthatdeepenstheirunderstandingofglobal citizenship.Beyondlanguageacquisition,thisexperienceencouragesindependence,strengthensleadership skills,andbroadensstudents’perspectivesastheystepconfidentlyintoHighSchool.Thistripisacapstone momentintheirMiddleSchoolyears,affirmingtheirreadinesstoengagewiththebroaderworld.
StudentsculminatetheCompassBusinessFieldTripseriesexploringfinanceoperations,whileidentifying similaritiesanddifferencestothepreviousindustriesstudied(hospitality,government,andhealthcare).Their focusisonunderstandingtheinnerworkingsoftheindustryfromabusinessperspective.
8thGradeCapstoneProject
TheCompasscapstonepitchunfoldsintwophasesdesignedtomirrorthereal-worldentrepreneurialprocess. Inthefallsemester,everystudentcreatesandpresentsanindividualbusinesspitch,showcasingtheircreativity, problemsolving,andunderstandingofcoreFinancialFoundationsconcepts.
Afterthefirstround,apanelselectsthetop3–4standoutbusinessconcepts.Thosefinalists’conceptsmove forwardasstudentsthenformcollaborativeteamsinthespringsemester,workingtorefineandfullybuild theirbusinessideas.Guidedbyresearch,financialmodeling,andfeedbackloops,eachgroupbuildsafull businessplan,fromconceptdevelopmentandbudgetingtobrandingandmarketing.
Theprocessculminatesinafinalcollaborativepitch,whereteamspresenttoapanelofcommunitymembers, educators,andguest“investors.”Thiscapstoneexperienceenablesstudentstoshowcasecoreknowledgeinkey subjectareas,andhighlightstheirwriting,mathematical,andpresentationskills,whileallowingthemto
engageinteamwork,communication,entrepreneurialthinking,andbusinessfinancialplanning,whichall coretoCompass’smission.
Spanish
Tomeeteachstudent’sindividualneeds,placementtestsandteacherrecommendationswilldeterminethe courseeachstudentwilltake.
Empecemos1
StudentsbuildfoundationalSpanishskillsbylearninggreetingsandfarewells,thealphabet,spellingnames, describingtheweather,tellingtime,andfollowingclassroominstructions.Theystudybasicgrammar structures,includingpersonalpronouns,theverbsserandtener,articles,nounandadjectiveagreement,and possessiveadjectives.Studentsusethefirstpersontodescribethemselvesandthethirdpersonsingularto describeothers,aswellassertoexpressfeelingsandemotions.CulturallearningfocusesonSpanish-speaking countriessuchasColombiaandChile,helpingstudentsconnectlanguagestudywithculturalunderstanding.
Empecemos2
Studentscontinuetoexpandtheirvocabularyanddeepentheirunderstandingofgrammarstructures, includingthepresentindicativeofcommonverbs,expressionsoffrequency,comparatives,andtheuseof gustarwithbothinfinitivesandnouns.Studentscommunicateabouttheirfavoriteactivitiesandfoods,aswell astheirdislikes,anddescribetheirfamiliesusingcompletesentences.Theyalsouseinterrogativepronounsto askquestions,developinggreaterfluencyinspeakingandmakingrequests.Culturalexplorationfocuseson Spanish-speakingcountriessuchasBoliviaandParaguay,furtherstrengtheningstudents’culturalawareness andglobalperspective.
Empecemos3
Studentsexpandkeyvocabularyrelatedtohousing,householditems,clothing,partsofthebody,andsports. Theystudytheverbtobeinthepasttenseinbothforms(serandestar),thepreteritofcommonregularand irregularverbs,frequentlyusedprepositionsandconjunctions,andthedistinctionbetweentheverbs saber andconocer.Studentsspeakwithincreasingaccuracy,fluency,andconfidenceastheydescribepastevents, discusssports,andtalkabouthealthyhabits.Theirwritingskillscontinue todevelopthroughthestudyand applicationofsimplepasttensemechanics.Inculturallearning,studentsexploreUruguayandArgentina, gaininginsightintotheirdemographicsandlearningaboutinfluentialfiguresinsports.
Empecemos4
Studentsstudyreflexiveverbs,objectpronouns,thepresentprogressivetense,demonstrativeadjectives,and theformationofnegativeandinterrogativesentences.Theyapplythegrammarlearnedtotalkabouttheir dailyroutines,atypicaldayatschool,whattheyaredoinginthemoment,andtheirvacationplansand activities.Astheirknowledgeofdifferenttensesexpands,studentswriteparagraphswithincreasedcomplexity, accuracy,andcorrectpunctuation.Inculturallearning,studentsstudySpainandEquatorialGuinea, demonstratinganunderstandingoftheculturestheyexploreandpresentingaculminatingprojectshowcasing
theirfavoriteSpanish-speakingcountrystudiedovertheyears.ToconcludetheSpanishprogram,students culminatetheirlearningwithanimmersiveinternationaltrip.
Avancemos1
StudentsenrolledintheprogramAvancemos1continuetheirstudiesbygroundingtheirlanguageskillsin everydaythemes,suchaspresentingpersonalinformation,talkingabouttheirfamiliesanddailyroutines, whileusingcomplexsentences.Theirpresentationskillsshowconfidence,anauthenticaccent,correct pronunciation,andacommandofthepresentindicativeverbconjugationofregularandirregularverbs, reflexiveverbs,possessiveadjectivesandpronouns,adverbsoffrequency,andmasteryoftheverbsserand estar.
Inculturallearning,whenstudyingColombiaandChile,studentshavetheopportunitytopresenttheir culturalinvestigations,demonstratingbothlinguisticskillsandculturalunderstanding.
Avancemos2
StudentsenrolledintheAvancemos2programstudykeygrammaticalstructures,includingcomparative forms,thefuturetenseusingir+infinitive,andthepreterittenseofser,estar,andregular-ar,-er,and-ir verbs.Thestudentsenhancetheirwritingskillsbystudyingdiacriticalmarks,includingthetildeandthe diéresis.ThetildeplaysanessentialroleinwrittenSpanish,particularlyinclarifyinggrammaticalfunctionand ensuringclarityandaccuracyincomposition.Theirspeakingskillsare refinedthroughreal-lifecontexts,where studentslearntocommunicateattheairport,navigateacity,anddiscusspastactivities.Inculturallearning, studentsexploretheSouthAmericancountriesofBoliviaandParaguay,deepeningboththeirlinguistic proficiencyandculturalawareness.
Avancemos3
StudentsenrolledintheAvancemos3programstudymorecomplextensesandverbforms.Theylearnthe participleformofverbs,thepretéritoperfecto,andtheimperfecttense.Learninghowtoconjugateverbs accuratelyandwhentouseeachtenseenablesstudentstoexpressthemselvesorallywithgrammaticalprecision astheydiscusshowmodesofcommunicationhavechangedovertime,sharetheirownexperiences,andwrite biographiesdemonstratinglinguisticproficiency.Studentsfurtherrefinetheirunderstandingofprepositions andtimeexpressions,andtheirspeakingskillscontinuetostrengthenastheircommandofgrammatical structuresgrows. Inculturallearning,studentsstudytheSouthAmericancountriesofUruguayand Argentina.NeighboringnationsthatsharegeographicfeatureslikeRíodelaPlataandmanyculturalaspects.
Avancemos4
StudentsenrolledinAvancemos4studythefuturetense,conditionalforms,thesubjunctivetenses,andthe passivevoice.Theydeveloptheabilitytospeakwithfluencyandconfidence,engaginginpersonal conversationsbothinsideandoutsidetheschoolsetting.Studentsplan,collaborate,andparticipatein individualandgroupprojectsthatextendlearningbeyondtheclassroom.Atthislevel,thefocusison functionalfluency,grammaticalmastery,andmeaningfulconversation.Inculturalstudies,studentsexplore SpainandEquatorialGuinea.TheyconductresearchandpresentontheirfavoriteSpanish-speakingcountry, onetheyhavestudiedovertheyears.ToconcludetheSpanishprogram,studentsculminatetheirlearningwith animmersiveinternationaltrip.
ELECTIVES
Electivesandclubsallowstudentstoexploreandmastertheirpassionsinmanydisciplines.Astheyprogress, studentswillhaveopportunitiestocompeteinlocal,state,andnationalcompetitions.
Grade5:All5thGradestudentscomplete8-weekrotationsinfourelectives:Art,Debate,Farm-to-Table,and Theater
Grades6-8:Beginningin6thGrade,studentschoosetheirownelectives.Electivecoursesaresemester-long andincludestudentsfrom6th-8thGrades.
• Fine Arts
• Art
• Choir
• Music
• Band
• Sculpture
EXPERIENCES
Leadership:
• Theater Tech
• SpeechandDebate
• Robotics/Engineering/STEM
• Journalism
• DigitalDesign/Photography
MiddleSchoolstudentsatCompasshavenumerousopportunitiestodevelopleadershipskillsandtake responsibilitywithintheschoolcommunity.TheymayrunforStudentCouncil,wheretheyhelpplanevents, representtheirpeers,andcontributetoschoolinitiatives.Olderstudentsserveasmentorstoyoungerpeers, providingguidance,support,andmodelingpositivebehaviors.In8thGrade,studentstakeonacapstone leadershiprolebyoverseeingtheCompassFarmer’sMarketfromabusinessoperationsperspective,asignature schooleventthatintegratesentrepreneurship,financialliteracy,andcommunityengagement.These experienceshelpstudentsworktogether,takeinitiative,andsolvereal-worldproblems,preparingthemto effectivelystepintoleadershiproles.
Business&CivicExposure:
TheBusinessFieldTripSeriesandProfessionalSpeakerEngagementProgramtakesstudentsacrossbusiness sectorstogainfirsthandinsightintohowdifferentindustriesoperate.Compassengagesdistinguishedthought leadersandindustryprofessionalstoenrichclassroomlearning. ThroughCivicandGlobalStudies, students exploregovernmentfunctionsatthecity,state,federalandinternationallevels,developingthecapacityto thinkdeeply,intentionallyarticulatetheirideas,andunderstandtheirroleinabroadercommunity.
Spanish&InternationalTravel:
Spanishisanessentialpartofthecurriculumandrising8thgraderswillembarkonanimmersiveinternational triptoaSpanish-speakingcountry,amilestonethatrecognizestheirgrowth,independence,andtransitioninto youngadulthoodandleadersoftheschool.TheywillusetheirSpanishskillsastheyinteractwithnativesand willengageinleadershipandserviceastheycompleteanintentionallydesignedservice-learningproject.
PIONEERSOFPURPOSEPROGRAM
Thejobsoftomorrowareconstantlyevolving.Howdoweprepareourstudentsforcareersthatmaybecomeobsolete quickly? Weneedtoequipthemwithtransferableskillsthatenablesuccessinanyrole.Theseincludetheabilityto navigateconflict,emotionalbalanceandself-regulation,confidentcommunicationandpresentation,andthecapacityto recognizeandpursueone’spassions.
Manyadultsstrugglewiththeseskills.Someofusspendourentirelivessimplytryingtodecidewhatwewantfroma careerandwhy.Wereadthebooks,attendtheworkshops,andhirethecoaches,oftenwishingsomeonehadtaughtus earlier.
AtCompass,weasked:Whywait?Whynotteachtheseskillswhilestudents'brainsarestilldevelopingandformingthe habitsthatwillservethemforalifetime?
Thus,PioneersofPurposewasestablishedtointroduceanddevelopskillsthatsetstudentsupforsuccess.Thissignature programtakesessentialunderstandingsfromtop-tierprofessionaldevelopmentandexecutivecoachingandtranslates themintoage-appropriatelearningexperiencesforPre-Kthrough8thGrade.Theresultisacomprehensivecurriculum thatequipsstudentstobecomeproblemsolvers,strongcommunicators,analyticalthinkers,andempatheticlisteners withastrongworkethic.
ThesefiveElementsaredesignedtobuildprogressivelythroughouteachgradelevel,instillingresilience,self-awareness, andastrongsenseofpurpose.InMiddleSchoolitevolvesfromclassroomintegrationtoadedicatedandconsistenttime slotonaschedulethatispartofthecorecurriculum.By8thGrade,Compassstudentsarepreparedtobetheindividual everycompanywantstohire,theinnovatorbuildingforthefuture,orthethoughtfulcommunityleadercontinually seekingtomakeapositiveimpactontheworldaroundthem.
AGLIMPSEATDELIVERABLECOMPREHENSIONS&SKILLSFORACOMPASS
Functioning
-Understandhowyour brainworks
-Creatingsystemsfor personalorganization
-Timingtasksand effectivescheduling
-Emotionalregulation (FISBEmodel)
-Planningand prioritizing
-Goalsettingand SMARTgoals
-Workingmemory strategies
-Metacognition (thinkingabout thinking)
-Earningandsaving
-Understandingdebtandcredit
-Businessaccounting,including P&L,balancesheets,andfinancial projections
-Payrollandbenefits
-Marketingandsalespitch development
-QuickBooksandaccounting software
-Businessplancreation
-HRandlegalbasics
-Investmentfundamentals
-Self-discipline
-Emotionalintelligence
-Identifyingpurposeand vision
-Knowervs.Learner mindset
-Settinghealthy boundaries(PositiveNo)
-Activelistening
-CliftonStrengths assessment
-PersonalMission,Vision, andValuesstatement
-Givingandreceiving feedback
-DramaTriangleand EmpowermentDynamic
-Basicmaintenance
-Manners
-Letterwriting
-CPR/FirstAid
-Publicspeaking andpitching
-Digitalmedia creation
-Spreadsheetand technologyskills
-Meeting facilitation
-Event management
-Supervisoryand mentorshipskills
-Customerservice andhospitality
-Veteransupport
-Inclusionand advocacy
-Protectionfor Environmentand animals
-Seniorcare
-Student-ledservice initiativedesign
-Researchand awarenesscampaigns
-Oralhistoryand interviewtechniques
-Teamrecruitment andmanagement
-Impactmeasurement andreflection
ADVISORY
MiddleSchoolAdvisoryisaplaceofbelongingforeverychildwithinthelargerMiddleSchoolcommunity. Advisoryisstrengthenedbythemeaningfulrelationshipbetweentheadvisorandadvisee,wherestudentsare known,valuedfortheiruniqueness,andconfidentthattheirvoicesareheard.Advisoryservesasthedaily anchorofastudent’smiddleschoolexperience,offeringbothstabilityandconnection.
RoleoftheAdvisor
BeinganadvisorisamajorcomponentofeveryMiddleSchoolfacultymember’swork.Advisorsserveas championsandguidesfortheirstudents,ensuringeachchildissupportedholistically.
Theadvisoris:
• Theprimarypointofcontactforparents.
• A“softplacetoland”forstudentsseekingguidance,reassurance,orhelpnavigatingchallenges.
• Responsibleforsharingrelevantinformationwithcolleaguestosupporteachstudenteffectively.
• Aconsistentadultwhocontextualizesastudent’sexperienceacrossacademicandsocialdomains.
• ThePioneersofPurposeteacherandguide,alsomakingsurethatotherteachersareinformed.
• Collaborateswithteacherstoensurethatallstudents’needsaremet.Functionsastheprimary communicatorfortheteam,passingonstudent-specificinformation
Beforetheschoolyearbegins,advisorsmeetindividuallywitheachsetofparentstobuildrapport,sharekey information,andcommunicatethemessagethat“weareallonthesameteam.”
AdvisoryStructure
Advisorygroupsareintentionallydesignedtosupportstudentsastheygrow:
• 5th–6thGrades:Studentsstaywiththesameadvisorandpeergroup,allowingadvisorstodeeply understandeachstudent’sacademic,social,andemotionaldevelopmentduringthesefoundational earlymiddleschoolyears.
• 7th–8thGrades:Studentsshifttoanewadvisorandadvisorygroup expandingtheircircleof connection whileremaininginthesamehouse.Thiscreatescontinuitywithroomforfresh relationshipsandnewleadershiproles.
Communication&Conferences
Advisorsplayanessentialroleincommunicationandself-reflection:
FirstSemester:Classroomteacherspreparereportcards.
EndofYear:Advisorswriteapersonalizednarrativelettersummarizingthestudent’sgrowth,strengths,and nextsteps.
Parent–TeacherConferences: Advisorsleadtraditionalconferences.
Asstudentsmature,theyengageinstudent-ledconferences(reviewingteachercommentsaheadoftime, highlightingkeyinsights,andtakingownershipoftheirprogressduringthemeeting).
Thisstructureensuresthatcommunicationiscohesive,personalized,andfocusedonthewholechild,allowing themtheleadershipopportunitytoleadandguidetheirownlearningandconference.
ParentPartnership
ParentpartnershipremainsacorevalueasstudentstransitionintoMiddleSchool,andthisshiftis intentionallyscaffoldedtosupportstudentsandfamilies.Whilestudentsgraduallymovetowardgreater independenceandownershipoftheirlearning,parentsstayinformedandconnectedthroughregular communication,conferences,progressupdates,andaccesstoacademicandadvisorysupport.Advisorspartner closelywithfamiliestohelpstudentsnavigatenewexpectationsandbuildconfidenceinmanagingtheir responsibilities.MiddleSchoolisdesignedtobeasafeplacetofail,wheremistakesareviewedasopportunities forgrowth,reflection,andlearning.Allthewhile,adultsprovidetheguidanceandstructurestudentsneedto recoverandimprove.Throughthiscollaborativeapproach,Compassensuresthatstudentsaresupported academicallyandemotionally,andthatparentsfeelconfidentinthetransitionastheirchildrenmatureinto capable,self-directedlearners.
STUDENTHONORCODE
Compassstudentswillcommittofollowinganhonorcodethatsetstheexpectationsto:
● Actwithintegrityinallofmyworkandrelationships.
● Strivetoachievemypersonalbest,embracingchallengesasopportunitiesforgrowth.
● Showresilienceinthefaceofsetbacks,learningfromfailureandcontinuingforwardwithdetermination.
● Thinkflexiblyandcreatively,seekingnewsolutionsandperspectiveswithanopenmind.
● Supportothersintheireffortstogrow,learn,andleadwithcharacter.
● Understandthattrueexcellencecomesnotonlyfromachievement,butfromhowIfaceadversity, upholdmyvalues,andcontributetothewell-beingofmycommunity.
GRADINGSYSTEM
TheCompassSchoolofTexasoperatesonanacademicsemestercalendar.Gradesaredeterminedona numericalscale.GradeReportsareissuedatthecloseofeachsemester.TheGradeReportprovidesan evaluationofthestudent’sacademicperformance,effort,andbehavior.Additionalinformationisprovided throughtheteachersongoingcommunication.
RoleofAssessment
AssessmentatCompassispurposeful,centeringonstudentgrowth.Compassusesathoughtfulcombination offormativeandsummativeassessmentswithintheclassroomtoregularlycheckunderstanding,adjustpacing, andensurethatinstructionmeetstheneedsofeachlearnerbecausedatadrivesinstruction.Curriculum-based assessmentsandinternalbenchmarksareusedthroughouttheyeartomonitorprogress,identifytrends,and informinstructionaldecisionsatboththeindividualandprogrammaticlevels.Inaddition,students participateinanannualstandardizedassessment,whichprovidesanexternalmeasureofachievementincore areassuchasreading,math,verbalandquantitativereasoning,andwriting.Commonlyusedbyindependent schoolsforadmissionsandprogramevaluation,theseassessmentsofferdetailedreportsthatallowustotrack growthovertimeandcompareperformancetonationalnorms.WhileCompassdoesnotteachtothetest, assessmentdataservesasanimportantsnapshotoflearning,helpingtorefinecurriculum,individualize instruction,andensurethatstudentsareperformingatlevelsconsistentwithpeerschoolsandpreparedfor futureacademicendeavors.
ACADEMICCOUNSELOR
MiddleSchoolstudentswillbesupportedbyadedicated,credentialedAcademicCounselorwhoworksclosely witheachfamilythroughoutthehighschoolplanningandapplicationprocess.Thispartnershipensuresthat nostudentnavigatesdeadlines,decisions,orrequirementsalone.Thecounselorwillhelpstudentsidentify schoolsthatalignwiththeirstrengths,interests,andlong-termgoals,provideguidanceonessaysand interviews,andcoordinateteacherrecommendationsandrecords.Familieswillreceiveongoing communication,personalizedmeetings,andstep-by-stepsupporttomakethetransitionfeelmanageableand exciting.Withthislevelofindividualizedattention,parentscanfeelconfidentthattheirstudentwillbewellpreparedandguidedtowardthehighschoolenvironmentwheretheywillthrive.
ACADEMICLEARNINGSUPPORTSERVICES
TheCompassSchoolofTexasLearningSupportProgramseekstobestmeettheuniquelearningneedsof studentswithintheframeworkofCompass’coreacademicandcurricularrequirements.Thisprogramisled bytheLiteracy&LearningSpecialist,acredentialedAcademicLanguagePractitioner,alongsidetheHeadof SchoolandDirectorofAcademicsandInstruction.Thisprofessionalworksdirectlywithstudentswho benefitfromacademicenrichmentandextensionopportunities,aswellasstudentswhorequireadditional academicsupportincoresubjectareas.Lastly,theLiteracyandLearningSpecialistensurestheappropriate
classroomaccommodationsareimplementedforCompassstudentswhohaveformaltestingonfilewiththe schoolindicatingtheneedforsuchaccommodations.
ServicesofferedtoMiddleSchoolstudentsintheCompassLearningSupportPrograminclude:
-Directandtargetedacademicsupportand/orextensionincorecontentsubjectareas
-StreamlinedmanagementofadditionalsupportservicessuchasSpeech,OT,LanguageTherapy
-IndividualizedLearningAssistancePlans(ILAPS),ifapplicable
-Progressmonitoringofallimplementedacademicsupports,extensions,andaccommodations
-Implementationofstudent-specificrecommendationsfromeducationaldiagnosticiansandcredentialed externalevaluators
AccommodationsofferedtoCompassMiddleSchoolstudents:
-ExtendedTime(+50%)ontests,quizzes,standardizedtests,andbenchmarksassessments
-PreferentialSeating
-Useofalaptoporcomputerforwrittenworkonassignmentsandtests
-Provideacopyofteachernotes,outlines,andpresentationstoguideinnote-taking