Quarter(s): 1,2

Day(s): Mon

Open Spots: 4

From idea to script- tell the story before the camera ever rolls. Step into the creative world of cinema as you learn how stories are crafted for short films. Under the guidance of a local award-winning filmmaker and author, students will explore how great ideas become compelling scripts for the screen. In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of pre-production used in professional film environments. Students will learn the jobs on a film set, the basics of directing, how to collaborate effectively as a production team, and how to hold auditions to cast their characters. Through guided in-class analysis of high-quality film clips, students will examine what makes a scene effective and how visual and audio elements support storytelling. Students will develop skills in storytelling, including plot structure, character development, dialogue, and pacing. They will learn industry-standard script formatting and software. Workshopping is a central part of the class. Students will participate in peer review, table reads, and guided revision as they refine their writing and strengthen their ideas. By the end of the semester, students will produce a polished, production-ready screenplay, along with a storyboard and shot list for either a short film or a commercial. These materials will serve as the foundation for filming in the second semester.

Quarter(s): 1,2,3,4

Day(s): Mon

Open Spots: 2

Note: AP 2D Art & Design students meet concurrently with AP Drawing students. AP 2D Art & Design is intended to the be first AP art course. Earn college credit and artistic "cred"-ibility in this studio art class! Over the course of the school year, student artists will experiment with artistic techniques, create original works in a variety of mediums and styles, and build a portfolio for submission. Students will be guided by a Compass art instructor, Pete Van Riper, who is also an adjunct art professor at Northern Virginia Community College and a reviewer for AP art portfolios. The three goals of AP 2D Art and Design are to (1) investigate a variety of artistic materials, methods, and ideas; (2) produce 2-dimensional art and designs; and (3) be able to describe and present art and design to others. AP Art and Design students "develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, revision, communication, and reflection." Student artists will create a portfolio with works that feature the elements of art and principles of design such as "point, line, shape, plane, layer, form, space, texture, color, value, opacity, transparency, time; unity, variety, rhythm, movement, proportion, scale, balance, emphasis, contrast, repetition, figure/ground relationship, connection, juxtaposition, hierarchy." Students will be asked to document their medium choices and keep a sketch book and art journal describing their inspiration and artistic process. In class, works will be done in charcoal, pencil, conte crayon, watercolor crayons, watercolor paints, acrylic paint, and collage. Like other college level classes, outside work will be expected, and art completed outside of the weekly class meetings can include graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, fashion design, fashion illustration, painting, and printmaking, and other 2D formats. Students should consider how to express their ideas with selected materials and processes on a flat surface. The College Board has no preferred or unacceptable content or style, but all work must be entirely the student's original creation. Submissions may incorporate pre-existing photographs or others' images provided proper attribution and citations are given and the use reflects an extension of the student's vision and not just duplication or copy work. AI generated designs are strictly prohibited from portfolio submissions, but original, digitally created art is welcome. Students' portfolio submissions for the AP program must include two sections (1) "Sustained Investigation" which includes 15 images of the purposeful evolution of a work or works through concept sketches, practice, experimentation, and revisions, and (2) "Selected Works" which includes images of 5 completed pieces. All portfolio works will be submitted as digital images (scans or photographs) of the student's original pieces, and all images must be accompanied by a written discussion of the materials and processes used. Earn college credit and artistic "cred"-ibility in this studio art class! Over the course of the school year, student artists will experiment with artistic techniques, create original works in a variety of mediums and styles, and build a portfolio for submission. Students will be guided by a Compass art instructor, Pete Van Riper, who is also an adjunct art professor at Northern Virginia Community College and a reviewer for AP art portfolios. The three goals of AP 2D Art and Design are to (1) investigate a variety of artistic materials, methods, and ideas; (2) produce 2-dimensional art and designs; and (3) be able to describe and present art and design to others. AP Art and Design students "develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, revision, communication, and reflection." Student artists will create a portfolio with works that feature the elements of art and principles of design such as "point, line, shape, plane, layer, form, space, texture, color, value, opacity, transparency, time; unity, variety, rhythm, movement, proportion, scale, balance, emphasis, contrast, repetition, figure/ground relationship, connection, juxtaposition, hierarchy." Students will be asked to document their medium choices and keep a sketch book and art journal describing their inspiration and artistic process. In class, works will be done in charcoal, pencil, conte crayon, watercolor crayons, watercolor paints, acrylic paint, and collage. Like other college level classes, outside work will be expected, and art completed outside of the weekly class meetings can include graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, fashion design, fashion illustration, painting, and printmaking, and other 2D formats. Students should consider how to express their ideas with selected materials and processes on a flat surface. The College Board has no preferred or unacceptable content or style, but all work must be entirely the student's original creation. Submissions may incorporate pre-existing photographs or others' images provided proper attribution and citations are given and the use reflects an extension of the student's vision and not just duplication or copy work. AI generated designs are strictly prohibited from portfolio submissions, but original, digitally created art is welcome. Students' portfolio submissions for the AP program must include two sections (1) "Sustained Investigation" which includes 15 images of the purposeful evolution of a work or works through concept sketches, practice, experimentation, and revisions, and (2) "Selected Works" which includes images of 5 completed pieces. All portfolio works will be submitted as digital images (scans or photographs) of the student's original pieces, and all images must be accompanied by a written discussion of the materials and processes used. The class will examine images of others' art, and students will be asked to visit at least two art museums or art exhibits. They will practice giving and receiving construction formal and informal critiques through the observation, analysis, discussion, and evaluation of their own work and that of other artists to hone the AP-required skill of communication about 2D art. Levels This course is only offered at the AP level, but enrollment does not obligate a student to submit a portfolio for AP review. Workload: Student artists should plan 2-4 hours per week outside of class on their pieces, concept drawings, practice sketches, etc. Assignments: All assignments will be communicated to students via email. Assessments: Qualitative feedback will be given weekly in class. The principal assessment in this course is the AP score earned. Textbooks: The instructor will furnish art and design books for students to browse in class and borrow. Supply Fee: A supply fee of $60.00 is due payable to the instructor for shared, in-class basics consisting of: pencils, charcoal, conte a Paris, acrylic paints, brushes, sketch journal, and canvas boards. The instructor will furnish a list of recommended supplies for alternative or premium materials that students may want to incorporate use such as watercolor or colored markers. About AP: "AP" is a trademark of the College Board, which owns and designs the course outline and "audits" (i.e. approves) high school instructors who employ their expertise and creativity to deliver the college freshman-level content. The College Board's summary of the AP 2D Art & Design program can be read HERE, and the instructor AP Course Audit Approval form can be viewed HERE. AP Fees: The fee for the College Board's AP 2D Art & Design portfolio in May 2025 is not included. Each family is responsible for scheduling and paying for their student's AP registration. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

Quarter(s): 1,2,3,4

Day(s): Mon

Open Spots: 2

Note: AP Drawing students meet concurrently with AP 2D Art & Design students. AP Drawing is intended to the the second AP course after a student has completed AP 2D Art & Design. Make your mark and earn college credit through the art of drawing. Over the school year, student artists will investigate, practice, experiment, and refine their drawing skills while creating a cohesive body of work for portfolio submission. Students will be guided by a Compass art instructor, Pete Van Riper, who is also an adjunct art professor at Northern Virginia Community College and a reviewer for AP art portfolios. The focus of AP Drawing is on (1) developing a sustained investigation through drawing, (2) demonstrating drawing skills and processes, and (3) communicating ideas visually. Students engage in inquiry, practice, experimentation, revision, communication, and reflection as they explore how marks, lines, shapes, tones, and textures can be used to convey meaning. Student artists will create a portfolio that emphasizes drawing as a process of mark-making and composition. This includes works that demonstrate the elements of art and principles of design such as line, shape, form, space, texture, value, contrast, movement, proportion, balance, emphasis, and unity. Students will document their artistic decisions, materials, and processes, and maintain a sketchbook or journal to record ideas, influences, and ongoing reflection. In class, students will work with traditional drawing media such as graphite, charcoal, ink, and conte. Additional approaches may be explored when they support drawing as a process of mark-making, including mixed media and digital methods that emphasize line, value, texture, and composition. Like other college-level courses, work outside of class is expected. Portfolio pieces may include observational, experimental, and imaginative works, and can incorporate a range of approaches such as figure drawing, abstraction, mixed media, and digitally informed "mark-making." Students will consider how to use drawing to develop and communicate personal ideas and sustained investigations. The College Board has no preferred or unacceptable content or style, but all work must be entirely the student's original creation. Submissions may incorporate pre-existing photographs or others' images provided proper attribution and citations are given and the use reflects an extension of the student's vision and not just duplication or copy work. AI generated designs are strictly prohibited from portfolio submissions, but original, digitally created art is welcome. Students' portfolio submissions for the AP program must include two sections (1) "Sustained Investigation" which includes 15 images of the purposeful evolution of a work or works through concept sketches, practice, experimentation, and revisions, and (2) "Selected Works" which includes images of 5 completed pieces. All portfolio works will be submitted as digital images (scans or photographs) of the student's original pieces, and all images must be accompanied by a written discussion of the materials and processes used. The class will examine images of others' art, and students will be asked to visit at least two art museums or art exhibits. They will practice giving and receiving construction formal and informal critiques through the observation, analysis, discussion, and evaluation of their own work and that of other artists to hone the AP-required skill of communication about 2D art. Levels This course is only offered at the AP level, but enrollment does not obligate a student to submit a portfolio for AP review. Workload: Student artists should plan 2-4 hours per week outside of class on their pieces, concept drawings, practice sketches, etc. Assignments: All assignments will be communicated to students via email. Assessments: Qualitative feedback will be given weekly in class. The principal assessment in this course is the AP score earned. Textbooks: The instructor will furnish art and design books for students to browse in class and borrow. Supply Fee: A supply fee of $60.00 is due payable to the instructor for shared, in-class basics consisting of: pencils, charcoal, conte a Paris, acrylic paints, brushes, sketch journal, and canvas boards. The instructor will furnish a list of recommended supplies for alternative or premium materials that students may want to incorporate use such as watercolor or colored markers. About AP: "AP" is a trademark of the College Board, which owns and designs the course outline and "audits" (i.e. approves) high school instructors who employ their expertise and creativity to deliver the college freshman-level content. The College Board's summary of the AP Drawing program can be read HERE, and the instructor AP Course Audit Approval form can be viewed HERE. AP Fees: The fee for the College Board's AP Drawing portfolio in May 2027 is not included. Each family is responsible for scheduling and paying for their student's AP registration. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

Quarter(s): 1,2

Day(s): Mon

Open Spots: 4

A plot twist no one saw coming. A character everyone quotes. A scene that takes over social media overnight. Why do some movie moments stick while others disappear? This course invites students to look beyond the surface of movies and explore how films actually work. Students will examine the language of cinema, including camera angles, lighting, editing, sound, and composition, and how these elements shape mood and meaning. They will analyze storytelling techniques such as character development, theme, genre, and narrative structure, while also exploring key moments in film history and how movies reflect cultural and social contexts. Through guided discussions and written responses, students will learn to interpret symbolism, evaluate perspective, and support their ideas with evidence. Students will actively engage with film through scene analysis, group discussions, comparative studies, and short critiques. The course is built around facilitated discussions led by an instructor who grew up in Hollywood on film sets, surrounded by Screen Actors Guild members, bringing real-world insight into the filmmaking process. Rather than simply watching movies, students will investigate how directors make creative choices, participate in collaborative conversations, and develop their own informed perspectives. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper appreciation for film as an art form and stronger skills in critical thinking, observation, and communication.

Quarter(s): 1,2

Day(s): Mon

Open Spots: 4

In this 12-week course, students will learn the core skills of Electronic Music Production from industry professional, DJ, producer, and musician Eric Jao (aka DJ Enferno). Eric brings 30+ years of working in the music industry, including touring the world with Madonna and creating music for Linkin Park and Cirque Du Soleil. He's an Ableton Certified Trainer and the creator of the Electronic Music ELEMENTS curriculum, which he will teach in person at Compass. Students will learn how to make music that sounds like their favorite songs. They'll create their own drums, chords, basslines, and melodies and arrange them into original songs and remixes. As students progress beyond the core curriculum, they will learn to use effects and automation to expand and enhance their music production skills. Students do not need to play an instrument or be able to read music for this course. Instead, they need to have a love of music and the desire to create their own, original songs. Meet your instructor here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5en5nx5zag Workload:Students should expect to spend 1 or more hours per week outside of class. Assignments: Students will be encouraged to continue to work on their music at home. Assessments: Will not be given. What to Bring: Students should bring a laptop (Windows or Mac), tablet, or Chromebook and headphones to class each week. Non-Meeting Days: In addition to the scheduled days-off on the published Compass schedule, this class does not meet on xxx Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component partial credit in Fine Arts or Career Exploration for purposes of a high school transcript.

Quarter(s): 1,2

Day(s): Mon

Open Spots: 3

Students will learn a fun, simplified way to write songs from a professional, award-winning, soundtrack composer. Each week, students will tackle a different phase of songwriting. This class is open to students who play instruments, sing, write lyrics, or a combination of all three talents! The group will learn about the song structure that is popular today with verse, chorus, pre-chorus, pre-verse, intros, and outros. They will listen to some examples of songs to convey what a verse, chorus, and bridge are, and will cover an overview of the basics of functional and classical harmony. Each week, the group will approach a different stage of the songwriting process, working through ideas on their instruments, writing lyrics, or both. Student artists will be guided through making their own background tracks to encourage self- expression and to allow individual voices to emerge. They can use songs they know as inspiration, but they will be encouraged to create everything like a real songwriter. Musicians will be given ready-made chord options so their focus can remain on the creative aspects of songwriting. If the student is only writing lyrics, he/she will be assigned a songwriting partner student who will write the melody and chords. In this case, the lyricist student will be provided with that song's work in progress tracks to write to at home. Students who wish to record their songs should download the free Abbey Road 'Topline' app for Android or Apple smartphones. (The instructor uses this app professionally to share songs and concepts via e-mail, text message, or over social media with colleagues.) The app allows the artist to record songs in sections and play back all together. Microphones will not be needed. The workshop is open to all instrument and voice students, not just guitar. Any style of music is acceptable (pop, folk, country, etc), but all lyrics must be rated "E" for everyone. Topics in this Series: Songwriting Studio for Teens (Semester 1), Songwriting Studio for Teens (Semester 2), etc. Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class . Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in fine arts or electives for purposes of a high school transcript.

Quarter(s): 1,2

Day(s): Mon

Open Spots: 5

Filmmaking demands more than creativity! It demands technical skills that bring your vision- or someone else's- to life on the screen. This semester-long course focuses on developing practical film production skills using accessible, everyday equipment. Students learn to capture clean, consistent, and editable footage with smartphones and low-cost tools while building habits that mirror real-world production environments. The course emphasizes practice and discipline, requiring students to complete weekly production deliverables that demonstrate steady progress in camera operation, lighting, sound, and on-set workflow. Over the semester, students work toward capturing usable footage with proper framing, lighting, and audio, while also demonstrating basic set protocols. They learn how to plan and execute coverage through master shots, angles, and inserts, and produce footage that can be reliably used in post-production. The focus remains on applying foundational skills in a way that aligns with professional expectations. The course follows a structured weekly progression. Students begin with equipment setup and basic test footage, then move into framing and shot types, camera movement, and audio fundamentals. Lighting is addressed in both daytime and low-light conditions, followed by set discipline and proper slating. Students then develop storyboards and shot lists before executing coverage with master shots and multiple angles. The final weeks focus on inserts, continuity, and completing a short scene, followed by review and refinement of their work. By the end of the semester, students will have produced a portfolio demonstrating technical growth and an understanding of core production practices. Equipment:All students must have access to a smartphone with video capability, basic stabilization such as a tripod or handheld grip, an external microphone option, headphones for monitoring audio, a set of clip-on phone lenses, and a video-capable laptop. The total cost of required equipment is designed to remain under $100. Students are expected to bring required equipment to each class. Workload:Students are expected to complete and upload weekly deliverables. Students should expect 1 hour of filming homework per week. Assessments: Students will not receive a formal grade in this elective course, however, through in-class review sessions, they will receive ongoing feedback to apply to their work. Consistent effort, visible improvement, and professional conduct during filming are required throughout the course. Certificate Option: This course is one of several a student can complete to earn a Certificate in Film Production. Students seeking recognition through the certificate must submit a substantial portion of weekly production work, demonstrate consistent participation, and present a body of work that shows clear skill progression over time. Credit: Homeschool families may want to count this course as a partial credit in fie arts or career exploration on a homeschool transcript.