
Alpha Rho, National Homeschool Honor Society 2025-26
Grades: 8th-12thDay: Fri
bi-weekly
Pay annual member dues here. For more information on Alpha Rho, the Compass chapter of Eta Sigma Alpha, the National Homeschool Honor Society, see the chapter website. Note that there is an application and acceptance process before a student can pay chapter dues online. Chapter dues are $35.00 for enrolled Compass students, and there is a $2.00 credit card convenience fee for those paying online.

Astronomy Club 2025-26
Grades: 7th-12thDay: Tue
weekly
Sign up here to participate in the with the middle school/high school Astronomy Club. This fee is for the first 7 weeks (Q1) of the club. For more information on the Astronomy Club, see the club web page. The club is open to all area homeschooled students, whether or not they are enrolled at Compass.

BuildZone
Grades: 2nd-6thDay: Mon , 7 weeks
weekly
Enter the BuildZone and step into a world of endless possibilities, where over 10,000 building components are at your fingertips! From Keva Planks to K'Nex, Magnatiles to Marble Runs, Tubelox, Chaos Tower, and Pipe Builders-this is the ultimate mash-up of all things construction.
Here, you're the architect, the engineer, the mastermind. Stack it, snap it, connect it-then remix it! What happens when you combine pieces from totally different sets? You get taller towers, stronger structures, and mind-blowing mega builds! Build solo masterpieces or team up for cool collaborations. Every session is a chance to dream big, build bigger, and let your imagination break all the rules.
This is a hands-on afternoon lab intended to provide opportunities for kids to socialize and tap into their creative energy in a relaxed club setting. No formal curriculum or lessons are provided. This is a supervised 75-minute free-build session followed by 15 minutes of clean up. All participants are expected to help pick up and to follow all Compass rules on indoor behavior including respecting materials, supplies, and furnishings.

Checkmate Champs Chess Club Membership 2025-26
Grades: 2nd-8thDay: Thu , 29 weeks
weekly
Sign up for the 2025-26 Checkmate Champs Chess Club. This is an afternoon club for homeschooled students in 2nd-8th grade that meets each Thursday from 3:00 pm- 4:00 pm for chess play. Compass students are asked to enroll and pay a $20.00 for club dues including for a club t-shirt. This is a one-time fee* for the 2025-26 year. For more information, see the club webpage. Activity fees are non-refundable.
*Note: 2024-2025 members should check their family account for a discount code to use when signing up. This will deduct the cost of the t-shirt from this registration.

Children's Beginner Band
Grades: 2nd-4thDay: Mon , 7 weeks
weekly
Children will enjoy the camaraderie and cooperation of making music together with others in a beginning school band! They will be introduced to brass and woodwind instruments using child-sized plastic instruments from Nuvo. These instruments offer the same fingering, hand positions, embouchure (mouth position and blowing technique) and reeds as their full-sized metal and wood counterparts in a range of fun, lively colors. The Nuvo instruments are considered a "step up" from a traditional plastic recorder with silicone keys, accurate mouthpieces, and a 1.5 octave range in the 'C' key. Students will learn to read music and play as a group. The Children's Beginner Band will get students ready to join the Compass Homeschool Concert Band as 4th graders. Student may join the Children's Band at any quarter and may continue from one quarter to the next as the instructor continues to introduce new songs and skills.
Compass owns a set of the Nuovo instruments. Students may "check out" the instruments for use during the quarter. Parents are asked to pay a refundable deposit to ensure the safe, undamaged return of the instruments at the end of the term. Deposits are: $30.00 for flute or clarinet; $110.00 for saxophone; or $130.00 for horn.

Code for a Cause: Technovation Team for Girls
Grades: 7th-12thDay: Fri , 26 weeks
weekly
Imagine a phone app that could quickly reunite lost pets, connect the poor with resources that they need, or report a problem in the community! Code for a Cause is the Compass-based Technovation hub where middle school and high school girls will participate in the "world's largest technology entrepreneurship program for girls." Each year, Technovation teams solve real world problems through technology that they develop!
Through Technovation, girls work with women mentors, identify a problem in their community, develop a mobile app, and launch a startup. Since 2010, 140,000 girls around the world have developed mobile apps and small businesses to solve problems ranging from food waste and nutrition to women's safety, education, and much more. In this year-long program, girls will work in teams and learn the skills they need to change the world through technology.
First semester, the class will participate in team building activities and will be introduced to coding. Students will use Ozaria from Code Combat, a Python-based platform that applies stories and a gamified approach to teach the logic of coding and terminology. Once students understand these fundamentals, they will apply what they've learned in the PyCharm application outside of Code Combat's environment.
Second semester, students will form teams of 2-3 girls who will brainstorm and identify a community problem. They will propose a mobile app or AI solution to the issue and conduct market research to see if their idea is unique and feasible. Next, the team will begin developing an app following the Technovation curriculum using Python for the logic and Kivy for the Graphical User Interface. In class, girls will be coached step-by-step on the process of creating an interactive application. Finally, girls will learn how to brand their app, create a business plan, look at what it would take to bring the app to market and plan and record a pitch video for their app.
The weekly Technovation work sessions will be facilitated by an experienced Technovation coach and cybersecurity engineering student at GMU. In addition, there will be guest speakers spread throughout the semester talking on topics such as APIs, AI ethics, Marketing, Pitching to Investors, and more. Guest speakers in the past have had job titles such as CEO, Senior Cybersecurity Executive, Manager of Marketing and Communications, and Software Developer.
Participation in Technovation gives girls the confidence to pursue more computer science courses (70%) and the foundation to eventually major in computer science (26%). Technovation teams are in 100 countries, and the program is sponsored by Oracle, Google, 3M, Adobe Foundation, and others.
Level: All students will meet together, but student teams will compete in either Junior or Senior division depending the ages of the team members as of August 1, 2026: Junior Division is for girls ages 13-15, and Senior Division is for girls ages 16-18. In addition to the app and competition document, the Junior division has an additional submission of a User Adoption Plan. The Senior division has an additional submission of a Business Plan.
Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class.
Assignments: Will be posted on Teams classroom for students, and key reminders will be emailed to parents.
Assessments: Students will receive informal feedback throughout the project.
Lab/Supply Fee: A software fee of $50.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for access to Code Combat.
What to Bring: For this class, students should bring their laptop and charger. Chromebooks or Tablets cannot be used.
Non-Meeting Days: In addition to the scheduled days-off on the published Compass schedule, this class will not meet on 12/12/25, 1/16/26 or 5/15/26, plus one other date in both fall and spring to be announced.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Technology or Career Exploration for purposes of a high school transcript.

Compass Crochet Club- Beginners
Grades: 4th-8thDay: Tue , 7 weeks
weekly
Initially, we are launching a Wednesday Crochet Club. If there is enough interest for a 2nd day, we will host a Tuesday club. Add your child(ren) to the waitlist for Tuesday Crochet Club Here.
Welcome to the Compass Crochet Club- where creativity loops us together! Kids, tweens, and teens enjoy crochet because it's relaxing, hands-on, and lets them turn yarn into something uniquely their own. Whether they're stitching up scrunchies or crafting colorful creatures, it's even more fun when shared with friends in relaxing afternoon club.
For new beginners, Crochet Club is run as a facilitated, quarter long workshop that teaches the fundamentals needed to get crafting. First quarter, new beginners will learn four basic stitches: Chain, Single Crochet, Half Doublet Crochet, and Double Crochet. When ready, beginners will make a wall hanging.
New students are welcome to join the club any quarter and will start at the first stitches and projects. Intermediate and advanced crocheters are invited to our weekly gathering. Beginners appreciate having role models and and extra set of hands. Intermediate and advanced crocheters can earn service hours by assisting the newer crafters. They may bring their own in-progress projects or may work on crochet projects for community service such as NICU infant hats, caps for the homeless, or blankets for Project Linus.
For beginners, a $30.00 supply fee is due payable to the instructor on/before the first week of the club. Intermediate and advanced crocheters may enroll in the club for a nominal facility fee of $10.00 per quarter (see Activity Fees page).

Computer Tech Tinkerers Club
Grades: 5th-8th
Register here to participate in the Computer Tech Tinkerers Club which meets bi-weekly on Thursdays at Compass. There is no activity fee for Compass students to participate in the club. (A Compass student one who is currently enrolled in Compass classes.)

Crafty Kids Club
Grades: 2nd-5thDay: Wed , 7 weeks
weekly
Crafty Kids Club is a weekly afternoon meet-up for kids in grades 2-5. Kids gather and socialize while completing a craft around a monthly theme. An experienced Compass art instructor facilitates the crafting each week. Projects are selected to showcase a variety of materials and crafting techniques and to promote creativity and imagination. Each quarter, students will complete projects organized around two themes 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:
- All the supplies are provided: No need to search high and low for the needed materials.
- Reduce waste and clutter: No need to buy large quantities of specialty supplies for a one-time project.
- Reduce clean-up: Leave the glue, paint, and glitter mess at Compass.
- Kids get to experiment with a variety of materials and techniques, even if YOU are not crafty.
- Crafting improves dexterity and fine motor skills, and an afterschool club makes a great social outlet.

Creative Journaling Club
Grades: 5th-8thDay: Thu , 7 weeks
weekly
Don't write poetry? Think you can't draw? Maybe not, but you may still want a creative way to record your thoughts, feelings, dreams, and ideas! Journaling is an ongoing process of discovery and exploration that allows one to be conscious of and connect with his/her own thoughts, emotions and ideas. It is a form of expression that supports both academic and personal growth.
Creative journaling is not writing daily "Dear Diary" style entries on dated pages. Instead, students will explore various journaling methods, blending self-expression and self-discovery to guide them in learning new ways to problem-solve, achieve goals, and process emotions. Students will work with several writing techniques and a range of art media to develop a personal journal throughout the quarter and will have the opportunity to expand on it in subsequent quarters. Techniques such as freeform writing, black-out poetry, stream-of-consciousness writing, and creative list making will be explored, in addition to experimenting with a wide variety of layered techniques and mixed media with collage, photography, cardstock, book pages, art markers, stencils, tempera sticks, acrylic, paints, washi tape, and stickers. Weekly prompts will cover a range of topics such as gratitude, compassion, ambitions, choices, fear, self-care, and self-esteem as they relate to the students' personal lives and current events. Conversation around the prompts will complement the students' work in their individual journals.
Topics in this Series: Journal work is done in an open studio environment that allows students to join in any quarter throughout the year.
Lab/Supply Fee: A supply fee of $35.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Fee covers art journal for student to use in class and shared class supplies (paints, inks, brushes, markers, collage materials, glue, washi tape, etc.)
What to Wear: Students may wish to have an apron or old shirt to wear when working with paints.

Extra, Extra! Non Fiction News-Writing
Grades: 6th-12thDay: Wed , 7 weeks
weekly
Be part of a team! Join the Compass Collaborative newspaper staff. The staff is a mixed-age team with students from 6th to 12th grade.
Students will learn about journalism and develop writing skills. They will craft effective articles, conduct interviews, and write reviews. Each quarter, writing assignments and responsibilities will be divided based on individual interests. Students will each contribute at least 2-3 items to the Collaborative edition each quarter including articles of their chosing (book critiques, movie reviews, field trip recommendations, short fiction, poetry, comics, jokes, tc) and assigned articles about happenings at Compass.
While research and data collection will occur outside of class, a portion of staff meetings will be dedicated to writing and editing. The newspaper advisor will use these sessions to demonstrate what constitutes 'good' writing. All staff members will practice editing skills to improve grammar, punctuation, and overall clarity and accuracy in their writing. Students will be informally paired for peer review and feedback on their writing.
All students register for the same class, and roles and responsibilities will be reviewed and delegated during the first meetings. Students should expect to work on assignments outside of class and will be expected to bring a laptop, notebook, and pen/pencil to each class meeting.

Fantasy Friday Role Playing Club "RPG"
Grades: 8th-12thDay: Fri , 7 weeks
weekly
Teens will embark on an unforgettable fantasy journey each Friday with a role-playing adventure. Aspiring adventurers, creative minds, and strategic thinkers will enjoy these one-shot "shorts." From epic fantasy to futuristic sci-fi escapades, teens will experience a different genre and setting each quarter. They will unleash their creativity and collaborate with peers to shape the adventure, solve challenges, and make decisions to advance the story. The weekly meet-up will be managed by an experienced Game Master who will guide students through the art of role-playing. One-shot RPGs use a simplified rule system of 1-2 pages which make a great introduction for new role-players yet also fun for those with more extensive experience in D&D. The short format works well for a casual afternoon get-togethers.

High School Mock Trial Team 2025-26
Grades: 9th-12thDay: Fri , 26 weeks
weekly
Selected members of the Compass Mock Trial Team must pay their team participation fee deposit here. This fee goes toward team registration, travel and accommodations for coaches to the state competition, copies, and team expenses. Students must be currently enrolled and maintain their enrollment in Compass Classes to participate. Note, when final expenses are reconciled, member may be invoiced for a balance of shared expenses. For more information on the Mock Trial Team, see the team web page. Note that there is an interview/ selection process for new members.

High School Party Planning Committee 2025-26
Grades: 9th-12thDay: Fri
bi-weekly
Sign up here to serve on the high school Party Planning Committee. Help make our teen Fall Party, Winter Ball, and Spring Prom a success. The committee selects a theme, decides on decor, choses a menu, makes items, advertises, sets up and cleans up and has lots of fun in the process. Teens must be enrolled as a current Compass student to participate.

Homeschool Band: Advanced Beginner
Grades: 5th-12thDay: Mon , 14 weeks
weekly
Enjoy the camaraderie and cooperation of making music with others in a school band! Join the first homeschool band in the region at Compass. This section is for continuing beginner and advanced beginner musicians of brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments*
Percussion students will continue their skills on the snare drum and mallet instruments (such as glockenspiel and xylophone). Continuing and advanced beginner woodwinds students will play the flute or clarinet or alto saxophone. Continuing and advanced beginner brass will play the trumpet, trombone, euphonium, French horn, or tuba. All band students will practice audiation skills and will play both cooperatively in the full band group and in break-out groups for differentiated instruction by part, by instrument, or by proficiency.
Students in Band will meet together to continue to develop their skills on their selected instruments. To be considered for this section, students must have the following competencies on their chosen percussion, woodwind, or brass instrument:
--Minimum of 4 months of playing experience (or semester 1);
--A firm understanding of how to assemble and disassemble the instrument correctly;
--Demonstrate proper instrument care;
--Demonstrate correct posture, hand position, and embouchure (woodwinds);
--Be able to play Hot Cross Buns in B-flat Major;
--Be able to play at least one additional song in any key
Students will need to rent or purchase an instrument and accessories for the band. See the linked list by instrument. Furthermore, students are expected to practice their instrument and pieces throughout the week. 15-30 minutes most days is recommended.
For NEW students, there is a $33.00 supply fee due payable to Compass on/before the start of class for the "Do It! Play (a Band Instrument)" book and workbook and the sheet music songs used for the group band performance. RETURNING students will have a supply fee of $9.00 for sheet music.

Homeschool Band: Beginning Percussion
Grades: 5th-12thDay: Mon , 14 weeks
weekly
Enjoy the camaraderie and cooperation of making music with others in a school band! Learn your instrument and get ready to join the first homeschool band in the region at Compass.
Students in beginner percussion will learn to play the snare drum and mallet instruments (such as glockenspiel and xylophone). They will learn proper stick and mallet grip, posture, and playing position for concert percussion instrumentals. Students will learn the fundamentals of music reading. The group will practice short songs in Concert B-flat and Concert E-flat major (and their relative minors) on mallet instruments and basic rudiments on snare drum.
Students will need to rent or purchase an instrument and accessories for the band. See the linked list by instrument.
There is a $24.00 supply fee due payable to Compass on/before the start of class for the "Do It! Play (a Band Instrument)" book and workbook and group sheet music.

Homeschool Band: Beginning Winds
Grades: 5th-12thDay: Mon , 14 weeks
weekly
Enjoy the camaraderie and cooperation of making music with others in a school band! Learn your instrument and get ready to join the first homeschool band in the region at Compass.
Students in beginner winds will learn to play a woodwind [flute or clarinet (5th-12th grade) or alto saxophone (7th-12th grade only)] or brass instrument [trumpet, trombone, or euphonium (5th-8th grade) and French horn or tuba (7th-12th grade students only)]. They will learn how to hold their instruments with proper posture and hand position and correct embouchure (mouth position and blowing technique) for the instrument. Students will receive instruction on the parts of their instruments and how to safely, correctly, and independently assemble and clean them. Students will learn the fundamentals of music reading, and the group will practice short songs in Concert B-flat and Concert E-flat major (and their relative minors).
Students will need to rent or purchase an instrument and accessories for the band. See the linked list by instrument.
There is a $24.00 supply fee due payable to Compass on/before the start of class for the "Do It! Play (a Band Instrument)" book and workbook and group sheet music.

Homeschool String Ensemble
Grades: 4th-9thDay: Wed , 14 weeks
weekly
Homeschool musicians who play violin, viola, cello, or bass are invited to join this homeschool string ensemble! Musicians will have an opportunity to develop ensemble skills and enjoy the experience of practicing, playing, and performing as a group. Themusicians will work on several group songs each semester where they will improve musical literacy and learn to play in different keys as a group. During the final session of the semester, a concert will be held for friends and family.
This ensemble is intended for advanced beginner, intermediate, and advanced strings students who are concurrently enrolled in private lessons.
The instructor will provide the ensemble repertoires, and these arrangements will be specially composed to accommodate the range of abilities of all stringed players in the ensemble. Participants are expected to prepare and practice at home for at least 15 - 20 minutes per day. There will be a supply fee of

Magical Creatures' Quest: A Middle School Role Playing Club
Grades: 6th-8thDay: Tue , 7 weeks
weekly
Embark on a magical afternoon journey with "Magical Creatures' Quest: A Familiar Problem!" This enchanting club is for middle school students who adore whimsical tales, creative adventures, and the magic of tabletop role-playing games. During each club meeting, the group will weave a captivating story where each participant takes on the role of a magical animal on a quest to reunite with its owner. Are you more like a daring dragon, mysterious mermaid, playful Pegasus, or a fearless fairy? Each meeting presents a new chapter, filled with challenges, mysteries, and opportunities for magical mischief. Tweens will unleash their creativity and collaborate with others to shape the adventure, solve puzzles, and make decisions to advance the story.
The club is facilitated by an experienced Game Master who will guide students through the art of role-playing. Tweens will connect and form friendships with other middle schoolers who share a love of magical stories and imaginative play- in person! Previous role-playing experience is not required, but this club serves as a great introduction for tweens and teens who might be interested in embarking on Dungeons and Dragons.

Middle School Social Club
Grades: 6th-8thDay: Wed , 15 weeks
bi-weekly
Middle School Social Club is a bi-weekly meet-up for tweens/young teens in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade (minimum age 11). The group will alternate between indoor activities at Compass and outdoor activities at the nearby Haily M Smith Park. Example activities in the past include: field day games, board games & card games, decorating mini pumpkins, painting canvases, making personal pita pizzas, and icebreaker activities. This club is open only to students who are currently registered in a Compass class. Activities and calendar will be announced by email to those who are enrolled.

Pickleball Club
Grades: 1st-6thDay: Thu , 8 weeks
weekly
Initially, we are launching a Tuesday Pickleball Club. If there is enough interest for a 2nd day, we will host a Thursday club. Add your child(ren) to the waitlist for Thursday Pickleball Club Here.
Welcome to Compass Pickleball Club, the ultimate club for kids who love to move, play, and laugh! Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and for good reason-it's a fun mash-up of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. Played on a small court with paddles and a wiffle ball, it's easy to learn, fast-paced, and full of energy!
Our club introduces kids to the basics of the game with exciting drills, team challenges, and friendly matches. Whether they're brand new or already know how to serve and smash, kids will build confidence, coordination, and teamwork-all while having a blast. With its quick games, silly name, and serious fun, it's no wonder pickleball is popping up in parks, gyms, and playgrounds across the country! Come join the craze.

Quiz Bowl Team- High School
Grades: 9th-12thDay: Mon , 29 weeks
Sign up here to join the High School Quiz Bowl Team. For more information on Quiz Bowl, see the club web page. The club is open to all area homeschooled kids in 9th-12th grade. There is a $130.00 activity fee for Compass students to participate which covers a team t-shirt, 3 tournament entries, team materials, and awards.

Quiz Bowl Team- Middle School
Grades: 6th-8thDay: Thu , 29 weeks
Sign up here to join the Middle School Quiz Bowl Team. For more information on Quiz Bowl, see the club web page. The club is open to all area homeschooled kids in 6th-8th grade. There is a $130.00 activity fee for Compass students to participate which covers a team t-shirt, 3 tournament entries, team materials, and awards.

Roleplayers' Realm D&D Club
Grades: 8th-12thDay: Mon , 7 weeks
Step into a world of imagination, strategy, and storytelling! In this club, teens will work together to create characters, explore fantasy worlds, and go on epic adventures using the popular tabletop roleplaying game, Dungeons & Dragons. Through creative problem-solving, teamwork, and storytelling, members will learn the basics of the game while building friendships and having fun. No experience is needed-just a sense of adventure! All games and scenarios will be moderated and facilitated by an experienced Compass instructor and Dungeon Master.

RunFit Kidz Club
Grades: 1st-8thDay: Wed , 8 weeks
RunFit Kidz is a fun, non-competitive co-ed program for mixed age students of all fitness levels. The program is designed to introduce a passion for fitness and running in a supportive group environment with emphasis on the proper mechanics of running, nutrition/hydration, pacing, and personal goal-setting. Each class session will include dynamic warm-ups, strength training, running technique activities and drills, cool-down stretching, and plenty of games, such as relays. The program is designed to help emerging runners build incremental endurance over 8 weeks, and the group's accomplishments are celebrated with a 5K (3 mile) celebration fun run/walk. For more details on the program, see the Compass webpage.