Build Zone! Construction Lab
Grades: 2nd-6thDay: Mon , 6 weeks
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 free-build session. All participants are expected to help pick up and to follow all Compass rules on indoor behavior including respecting materials, supplies, and furnishings.
Code for a Cause: Technovation Team for Girls
Grades: 7th-12thDay: Fri , 24 weeks
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: This is a 24-week class. In addition to the scheduled days-off on the published Compass schedule, this class will not meet on 12/18/26 , 3/12/27, 5/14/27, 5/21/27, plus one fall date TBD and one spring date TBD.
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
Grades: 4th-AdultDay: Tue , 7 weeks
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 at any point during the year and will begin with foundational stitches and starter projects. Intermediate and advanced crocheters are encouraged to refine their skills, share tips and techniques, and serve as peer role models for newer members. More experienced participants may bring their own works in progress or contribute to meaningful service projects, such as crocheting NICU infant hats, caps for the homeless, or blankets for Project Linus. Parents are welcome to join the club and may register to learn and crochet alongside their children.
There is a $30.00 supply fee is due payable to the instructor on/before the first week of the club.
Crazy 8s Math Club
Grades: 3rd-5thDay: Wed , 7 weeks
Math like you've never seen it before. In Crazy 8s Math Club, kids experience math as something active, social, and genuinely fun. Developed by the Bedtime Math Foundation, this national program features high-energy games and hands-on challenges that appeal to students of all ability levels.
Each session is packed with fast-paced, interactive activities where math concepts are woven into the fun. Students might dive into Glow-in-the-Dark Geometry, compete in a Crazy 8s Race, test their aim with Daring Darts, or crack codes in Spy Training. Along the way, they build skills in number sense, operations, logic, and problem-solving, often without even realizing how much math they are doing.
Quarter 1 explores a wide range of concepts through play, including 2-D and 3-D shapes, patterns, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and early algebraic thinking. Students also encounter topics like probability, area and perimeter, fractions, graphing, and financial literacy through games like Funny Money. Activities are designed to encourage teamwork, creative thinking, and confidence.
This is not a traditional math class. Crazy 8s Math Club is recreational, energetic, and designed to show kids that math is everywhere and something to look forward to. Second graders may not enroll in this level.
Creative Journaling Club
Grades: 5th-8thDay: Thu , 7 weeks
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 Newswriting
Grades: 6th-12thDay: Tue , 7 weeks
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.
Homeschool String Ensemble
Grades: 4th-8thDay: Wed , 14 weeks
Homeschool musicians who play violin, viola, cello, or bass are invited to join this homeschool string ensemble! Musicians will have an opportunity to develop orchestral skills and enjoy the experience of practicing, playing, and performing as a group. The ensemble will start each week with tuning and warm-ups such as playing musical scales and simple exercises. Then the musicians will work on several group songs each semester where they will improve musical literacy, learn to follow the directions from the conductor, 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. As a guideline, a student should be able to play a D major scale in two octaves on his/her instrument to be prepared for string ensemble. Students are expected to be able to locate notes on their instruments, read music and be able to identify all rhythmical patterns.
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. The cost of the cost of photocopied music is included.
Magical Creatures' Quest: A Tween Role Playing Club
Grades: 5th-6thDay: Wed , 7 weeks
Embark on a magical afternoon journey with "Magical Creatures' Quest: A Familiar Problem!" This enchanting club is for tweens (ages 10-12) 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 who might be interested in embarking on Dungeons and Dragons. Minimum age 10 to participate.
Oui Love French Club
Grades: 4th-8thDay: Wed , 7 weeks
Parlez-vous fun? Whether you are a seasoned francophone or simply a fan of all things French, this lively club is your passport to language, culture, and connection. Students will practice conversational French in a relaxed, welcoming setting while diving into games, short TV clips, current events, and even French cartoons. From bonjour to bon appetit, every meeting offers something new to explore.
Throughout the quarter, members will celebrate French culture and traditions, learning about holidays, customs, and everyday life across the French-speaking world. And because no French experience is complete without food, the club will head to the kitchen once or twice each quarter to prepare (and enjoy!) classic treats like crepes, madeleines, and macarons.
Come for the conversation- stay for the culture, camaraderie, and cuisine!
Pickleball Club
Grades: 2nd-6thDay: Tue , 8 weeks
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.
Roleplayers' Realm: D & D Club
Grades: 8th-12thDay: Mon , 6 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: 2nd-6thDay: Thu , 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.
Urban Motion Parkour Club
Grades: 8th-12thDay: Fri , 7 weeks
Push your limits and own the course! At MindShift Gym, teens train on real parkour obstacles, learning to vault, climb, and flow through complex environments with precision and power. With expert coaching and a high-energy setting, this club builds strength, agility, and confidence while giving teens the thrill of mastering movement.
Teens should wear comfortable athletic clothing and sports shoes (sneakers) to Parkour. Crocs, sandals, slides, or flip-flops may not be worn.
This is an afternoon club for teens 13+ that meets offsite at the MindShift Gym. Teens are responsible for their own transportation.
Urban Motion Parkour Club continues each quarter, and students may repeat the class to continue to improve fitness and agility. No two workouts are the same!
