Fall classes begin the week of September 8, 2026.
You can see key dates in our Google calendar or view our Academic Calendar. You can also view the schedule as a grid (below) or as a list.
Quarter beginning August 31, 2026 |
Wednesday
Artist's Academy: Reframing Reality
Quarter(s): 1
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 0
Artist's Academy is a hands-on course designed to develop technical skill, creative expression, and artistic perspective. Each week, students will examine a range of artists and movements, discussing historical context, stylistic elements, and artistic intent before creating original works informed by their studies. Through work in multiple media, students will strengthen their understanding of composition, color theory, texture, and design while learning to make thoughtful artistic choices and articulate their creative process. First quarter, students will journey through art history, exploring influential artists from a variety of countries and time periods. Each "passport stop" highlights a different artist, as students examine their unique style and create original work inspired by their techniques. Students will discover that artists do not simply copy what they see- they make intentional choices to interpret, shape, and transform reality through their work. Featured artists include Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Piet Mondrian, Matisse, Monet, Kandinsky, and Kazimir Malevich. A partial list of projects this quarter includes: observational drawing, value and shading, grid color design, cut paper color composition, and a watercolor light study using graphite pencils, charcoal, colored pencils, oil pastels, chalk pastels, watercolor paints, acrylic paints, watercolor pencils, markers, fine liners, erasers, rulers, mixed media paper, watercolor paper, canvas, brushes, and palettes. Topics in this series include: Reframing Reality (Quarter 1), Creative Chaos (Quarter 2), Highlights of the Harlem Renaissance (Quarter 3), and Studio Studies(Quarter 4). There is a $25.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on/before the first day.
10:00 am-10:55 am
7th-8th
Art in Action: Abstract Adventures (WED)
Quarter(s): 1
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 3
Art in Action is a dynamic, hands-on program designed to expand students' artistic skills and creative thinking. Each week, students will study a different artist or artistic movement, explore key concepts and techniques, and analyze examples of notable works before creating their own original pieces inspired by what they have learned. Using a variety of media, students will refine their understanding of color, composition, texture, and design while developing greater confidence and independence in their artistic expression. First quarter, students explore the exciting world of abstract art, using color, line, shape, and movement to create expressive and imaginative work. Focusing on art that does not rely on realistic images, students will experiment with color theory, composition, and emotional expression as they develop their own unique visual ideas. Featured artists include Wassily Kandinsky, Jackson Pollock, Piet Mondrian, and Mark Rothko. A partial list of projects this quarter includes: emotion color painting, drip/splatter painting, grid compositions, translate sound into visual forms, line energy drawings, color field painting , abstract collage, and balanced abstract compositions using acrylic paint, tempera paint, liquid watercolor, brushes (round, flat, fan), palette trays, large drawing paper, canvas boards, butcher paper, masking tape, painter's tape, sponges, droppers, straws, cardboard tools, markers, oil pastels, chalk pastels, colored pencils, collage paper, magazines, tissue paper, glue sticks, liquid glue, and scissors. Topics in this series include: Abstract Adventures (Quarter 1), Watercolor Wonders (Quarter 2), Global Gallery (Quarter 3), and Fantasy & Fiction- Harry Potter Inspired Art (Quarter 4)
11:00 am-11:55 am
5th-6th
Adventures in Art: Stellar Celestial Subjects (WED)
Quarter(s): 1
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 2
Adventures in Art is an engaging, hands-on creative experience designed for growing artists! Each week, students will explore a new artist or artistic style, learn interesting background facts, study inspiring examples, and create their own artwork inspired by what they observe. Working with a wide variety of materials, students will experiment with color, pattern, texture, and design as they develop their skills and bring their creative ideas to life.
First quarter, students create art inspired by the moon, Earth, and outer space while being introduced to basic science concepts. Each class combines a new space-themed idea with a hands-on project, encouraging students to explore color, texture, and design as they build creativity and confidence.
A partial list of projects this quarter includes: moon phases chalk drawing, marbled Earth print, galaxy resist painting, planet texture collage, solar system diagram art, and a mixed media rocket ship using pencils, erasers, crayons, colored pencils, oil pastels, and chalk pastels, watercolor paints, liquid watercolors, paintbrushes, shaving cream, white drawing paper, black and colored construction paper, cardstock, canvases, glue sticks, liquid glue, and scissors.
Topics in this series include: Stellar Celestial Subjects (Quarter 1), Creatures in Color (Quarter 2), A Tale of Two Styles (Quarter 3) and Murals, Monuments & Museums (Quarter 4).
12:00 pm-12:55 pm
3rd-4th
Junior Art Studio: Color Quest (WED)
Quarter(s): 1
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 1
Junior Art Studio is a colorful, hands-on art adventure designed especially for our youngest artists! Each week, students will discover a new artist or art style, learn a few fun facts, explore inspiring examples, and then create their own masterpiece inspired by what they have seen. Using a wide variety of materials, students will experiment with colors, patterns, textures, and embellishments as they bring their ideas to life.
First quarter, students will explore how artists use color to express emotion, structure compositions, and communicate ideas. Each lesson connects a color concept to an artist, allowing students to
build skills in mixing, identifying, and applying color creatively. Featured artists include: Piet Mondrian, Paul Klee, Vincent van Gogh, Wassily Kandinsky, Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, and Laurel Burch.
A partial list of projects this quarter includes: primary color grid painting, color mixing chart, warm and cool landscape, abstract circle painting, paper collage, watercolor landscape, and patterned animal artwork, using tempera paint, watercolor paint, brushes, colored paper, scissors, glue, oil pastels, markers,
painter's tape, canvases, art paper, and collage materials.
Topics in this series include: Color Quest (Quarter 1), Destination Discoveries (Quarter 2), Native Nations (Quarter 3), and Multi-Media Mix (Quarter 4). There is a $25.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on/before the first day.
1:00 pm-1:55 pm
K-2nd
Preschool Art Adventures: Creative Colors
Quarter(s): 1
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 3
Big creativity for little hands! This playful, hands-on class is designed especially for our youngest artists to explore a wide variety of art materials in a fun and supportive environment. Each week, preschoolers will dive into themed projects using tempera paints, finger paints, watercolors, markers, pastels, and more. Get ready to mix, swirl, and explore a world of color! First quarter, artists will discover the magic of color through mixing, experimenting, and creating vibrant works of art. Expect lots of joyful mess- making and creative exploration! Students must be at least 3-1/2 years old and able to separate and participate independently in a small group setting. There is a $20.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on/before the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Creative Color (Q1), Super Shapes (Q2), Terrific Texture (Q3), and Fun with Forms (Q4).
10:00 am-10:55 am
3-1/2- 5 years
Guitar for Beginners I
Quarter(s): 1,2
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 3
Learn the fundamentals of playing the guitar! In this class, students will learn basic melodies such as Happy Birthday, Jingle Bells, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, as well as classic rock favorites like Smoke on the Water, etc. Kids will learn to play chords and strumming patterns for familiar songs chosen by the instructor and students. Students are encouraged to bring in music they are interested in learning. New chords and new songs will be added each week as students also learn to read music and basic music theory. Students will also learn how to hold, tune, and care for their guitars. Each student will need a least a beginner level acoustic guitar. Students should be able to read at grade level for this class and should plan to practice at home several times each week. Students should expect to spend 20-30 minutes per day most days practicing chords and melodies from class. There is a materials fee of $11.00 payable to the Compass on the first day of class for a tablature notebook.
11:00 am-11:55 am
5th-8th
(Semester Long)
Sew Simple: Plushie Pets
Quarter(s): 1
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 4
Little kids will learn the basics of hand sewing and discover it is "sew simple" to create fun things they can play with and use every day. First quarter, little kids will sew 6-12 Plushie Pets like puppies, kittens, and bunnies. Kids will learn practical sewing skills such as pinning and placement, a running stitch, attaching a button, scissor skills, and stuffing. The group will be working with pre-cut felt components from kits that will be enhanced with buttons and accessories. Since students may work at different rates, some projects may not be completed in class and will be sent home to finish sewing with the newly learned skills. Students should be at age/grade level for fine motor skills for this class and should be a minimum of age 6. Topics in this series include: Plushie Pets (Quarter 1), Silly Sea Stuffies (Quarter 2), Dynamic Dinos (Quarter 3), and Cute Critters (Quarter 4). There is a supply fee of $35.00 due payable to the instructor on/before the first day of class.
11:00 am-11:55 am
1st-3rd
Sew Fun: Dazzling DIY Decor
Quarter(s): 1
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 3
Kids will learn the basics of hand sewing and discover it is "sew fun" to create items that can play with and use every day. First quarter, kids will sew two cute cube critters, two spherical pillow pets, and a basket. Kids will learn practical sewing skills such as pinning and placement, a running stitch, attaching a button, scissor skills, stuffing, and working with simple patterns. The group will be working with pre-cut felt components from kits that will be enhanced with buttons and embellishments. Since students may work at different rates, some projects may not be completed in class and will be sent home to finish sewing with the newly learned skills. Students should be at age/grade level for fine motor skills for this class. Topics in this series include: Dazzling DIY Decor (Quarter 1), Crafted Keepsakes (Quarter 2), Adorable Accessories (Quarter 3), and Cool Characters (Quarter 4). A material fee of $35.00 is due payable to the instructor on/before the first day of class.
12:00 pm-12:55 pm
4th-6th
Learn to Sew: Beginner
Quarter(s): 1,2
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 0
Learn to sew to create one-of-a kind articles of clothing, home decor, crafts, or handmade items for your side business like Etsy or Ebay. Sewing can be a relaxing hobby, a profitable side gig, and a practical money-saving life skill. Don't settle for store-bought when you can learn to sew the custom creations you envision!
First semester, students will learn the basics of hand sewing. Skills that will be introduced this semester include: quilter's knot, stitches (basting, running, backstitch, whip, ladder), tying a knot, and anchoring a knot. Students will learn to identify and use sewing tools such as fabric scissors, straight pins, thimbles, seam ripper, and various needles.
Students will also begin with get-to-know their sewing machines including different components, attachments, and functions, along with care, use, and maintenance of their machines. They will learn Identify parts of sewing machine; how to fill a bobbin and thread the machine; types of machine needles and how to change a needle, and how to control speeds. Students will practice machine stitches (straight, zig-zag, backstitch) and adjusting the length and width, learn about seam allowance, and sewing corners and curves. Students will begin with simple stitching exercises, and their first project will be sewing a pin cushion that they will use throughout the year.
As part of learning to sew, students will learn about different types of fabrics, what each is best used for, and how to identify grain lines, bias, and selvedge. The class will discover how garments are assembled by deconstructing an article of clothing from its seams. Students will learn how to read a sewing pattern and take measurements The group will learn about hems and elastic along with closures and how/where to use them. First semester's project will be sewing a custom pair of pajama pants.
Topics in this Series: Learn to Sew: Beginner (Semester 1), Learn to Sew: Beginner and Advanced Beginner (Semester 2).
Prerequisites: None
Workload: Students who practice at home will find that their sewing skills are refined and perfected more quickly. Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class practicing the sewing skill/step covered in class.
Assignments: Projects will be given out in class and will also be communicated via Google Classroom.
Equipment/Fabric: Students must bring to class each week:
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $50.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a project box, including a sewing kit (with 1 pack of sewing machine needles, thread, and hand sewing essentials), and other materials used in class.
1:00 pm-1:55 pm
7th-12th
(Semester Long)
Harry Potter Handicrafts: Quirrell's Creations
Quarter(s): 1
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 0
You've dreamed about going to Hogwarts, and now is your chance to experience a year of magical classes! In this maker class, students will create projects inspired by their core classes at Hogwarts (Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Potions, and Transfiguration) and a Hogwarts guest professor. Students learn to work with a variety of materials and learn a broad range of crafting skills such as hand-sewing, painting, papercrafting (including precision cutting, folding, and stenciling) sculpting, and wireworking to create magical pieces inspired by the World of Harry Potter.
Welcome to the first term at Hogwarts! In addition to your core wizarding classes, special projects will be inspired by guest Professor Quirrell such as a Time Turner, a Constellation Caster, and an Embossed Dragon Box.
This is a great class for Harry Potter fans who love the magical world, even for those who have not read all of the books or watched all of the movies. Projects and class discussions are geared to not reveal significant series spoilers. Note: A few classes may include a Harry Potter-inspired food creation or personal care product. The ingredients will be identified in advance, and students with food or ingredient allergies or dietary restrictions will need to check before handling/consuming. Substitute ingredients cannot be provided for those with food allergies or restrictions.
Topics in this Series: Quirrell's Creations (Quarter 1); Pomfrey's Potions (Quarter 2); Flitwick's Favorites (Quarter 3); and Lockhart's Fabrications (Quarter 4)
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $35.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
2:00 pm-2:55 pm
6th-8th
Magical Creatures' Quest: A Tween Role Playing Club (Q1)
Quarter(s): 1
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 2
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. This class is best suited for students who are active listeners, flexible, and easily adapt, have a sense of humor, and can work collaboratively in a group. Students need to be able to stay in sync with the flow of the class. This is not an "anything goes" or free-for-all class. Minimum age 10 to participate.
3:00 pm-3:55 pm
5th-6th
Anyone Can Draw! Style & Self
Quarter(s): 1
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 3
Students will draw in a relaxed, informal studio setting where they will learn the fundamentals of drawing through personal expression and stylization.
Using themes like name art, personal logos, sneakers, favorite foods, and pop culture-inspired designs, students will explore how artists develop a unique visual style. Students will begin with sketching and stylizing familiar subjects, learning how to break objects into simple shapes and exaggerate or simplify features to create original designs. Emphasis will be on line quality, bold shapes, and creative composition rather than realism. Students will experiment with cartooning, graffiti-style lettering, and graphic illustration approaches.
Student artists will learn techniques such as creating a "good line," outlining, patterning, and introductory shading. Elements of art will include line, shape, and pattern, along with principles such as contrast and emphasis.
The instructor will demonstrate techniques through sample drawings, and students may follow along or apply the skills to their own ideas. This class is ideal for beginners and helps build confidence by showing students that drawing does not have to be "perfect" to be powerful.
There is a suppy fee of $18.00 due payable to the instructor for new students only. Topics in this series include: Style & Self (Quarter 1), Characters & Creatures (Quarter 2), Stuff to Sketch (Quarter 3), and Fantasy Figures (Quarter 4).
11:00 am-11:55 am
6th-8th
Drawing for Fun: Comic Art & Characters
Quarter(s): 1
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 3
Anyone can learn to draw! A professional artist will teach kids how to draw a variety of projects by breaking down complex forms and figures into simple shapes and giving them dimensions through shading, shadow, and textures. Projects will focus on fantasy and fictional subjects which are a great choice to keep beginning artists from becoming frustrated when their work does not look "the real thing." Bam! Pow! First quarter, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of drawing comics, with an emphasis on drawing fantasy characters and developing a storyline. They will be taught the basics of illustrating an animal or an imaginary creature by combining and replicating simple shapes to create the character's form. The class will learn to draw simple costumes and props around their character to convey setting without drawing elaborate landscapes, and they will learn how to express thoughts and conversation through dialogue bubbles. This is not a "follow-the-leader" or copy/mimic art class, but rather a supportive environment where students are encouraged to create their own fantasy characters and scenarios. They will receive individual coaching and feedback to develop the characters that they dream up rather than trying to replicate well-known existing characters like DC, Marvel, Disney, or Looney Tunes. Young artists having fun playing off each other's ideas to draw outrageous imaginary characters and worlds. The instructor will often use prompts to get the ideas flowing and to encourage collaboration. The instructor has a class rule that illustrations must be rated "G" with no violence (guns, knives, blood/gore) and will often suggest alternatives such as battle with unexpected objects like baguettes or bananas! Students' practice illustrations and draft renderings will be drawn with regular #2 pencil in sketchbooks, but they are welcome to add color to their work with colored pencils or markers, if desired. There is an $18.00 material fee payable to the instructor on the first day for a sketchbook and shared classroom art supplies. Topics in this Series include: Comic Art and Characters (Quarter 1); Comics with a Cast of Characters (Quarter 2), Fantastical Figures (Quarter 3), and Playful Portraits (Quarter 4).
12:00 pm-12:55 pm
4th-5th
Twinkle Strings Tiny Violin
Quarter(s): 1,2
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 4
Where little hands begin their musical journey…This enchanting small-group class is designed especially for young children ages 3.5 to 5 who are ready to take their very first steps into the world of violin. Students will begin with a Cherub box violin- a safe, replica instrument that helps them learn proper posture, how to hold the violin, and how to grip a bow using a wooden dowel. Through playful games, guided movement, and observation, children will build foundational skills while watching and listening to the instructor. As students grow in confidence over several weeks, they will transition to real 1/16 or 1/8 size violins. Using a Suzuki-inspired approach, students will begin exploring early rhythms and variations of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, developing coordination, listening skills, and musical awareness. The instructor will provide guidance to parents on renting the correct size instrument when the time is right. Students should be able to separate comfortably from a parent and participate in a structured, engaging class environment. This joyful introduction lays the foundation for a lifelong love of music. There is a $14.00 supply fee payable to Compass on/before the first day of class for the box violin.
9:30 am-9:55 am
Ages 3.5 - 5
(Semester Long)
Starting with Strings: Beginning Violin I
Quarter(s): 1,2
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 4
Learn to play the violin! Students will learn the fundamentals of playing the violin using a combination of traditional and Suzuki methods. They will begin by learning how to hold the instrument, how to correctly grasp the bow, parts of the instrument, and the names of the open strings. Students will be taught sequential techniques by adding one finger at a time to each string until they can play a complete scale. The class will be taught to play in unison from sheet music. At the end of the semester, the class will be able to play several simple tunes and will demonstrate for the parents. Music education enhances teamwork and cooperative learning and provides children with a path for self-expression. Scientific research has shown that music lessons not only improve organizational skills and executive functioning but that they also develop self-confidence. Class Expectations: Students will be asked to bring their violin, bow, and case to every class. In order to fully benefit from the in-class instruction, daily, at-home practice is expected. A student violin can be purchased or rented from most music stores and should be set up professionally by a local music store or a string luthier.
10:00 am-10:55 am
2nd-6th
(Semester Long)
Homeschool String Ensemble (Sem1)
Quarter(s): 1,2
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 5
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.
11:00 am-11:55 am
4th-8th
(Semester Long)
Morning Mystery: Faireground Foul Play
Quarter(s): 1
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 1
Who doesn't love a good "Whodunnit" mystery? In this workshop, tween actors will work together to bring a cast of characters to life through creative adaptations and interpretive improvisation. Using materials from a commercial murder mystery role playing game (RPG), students will assume the personas of outrageous and offbeat characters. As the drama unfolds in rounds guided by clue cards, eclectic evidence, and fictitious forensics, a victim, a motive, and eventually the guilty party will be revealed. Huzzah! Hear ye, hear ye! what begins as a festive fair full of feasting, frolic, and fanciful fun quickly flips into foul play. Amidst the jesters, jugglers, and jovial jousting, a prominent patron is found lifeless by the tavern gate. The merriment halts. The whispers whirl. The suspects simmer. Behind the banners and baubles lies betrayal. Who among this motley medieval mix is masking murderous motives? Grab your goblet and guard your alibi- this fair is far from fair. Student actors will be guided through the development of a strong, compelling character, complete with unique ways of speaking, gesturing, and moving, an original costume, a backstory, and of course, an alibi. In this workshop, students benefit from experimenting with acting and improvisation and working as a team. This class is best suited for students who are active listeners, are flexible and easily adapt, have a sense of humor, and enjoy working in a collaborative group. Students need to be able to stay in sync with the flow of the class. This is not an "anything goes" or free-for-all class. Supply Fee: A class fee of $25.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a script and costs related to props and performance license fee. Topics in this series: Faireground Foul Play (Quarter 1), Murder in the Museum (Quarter 2), Grisly Golden Gala (Quarter 3), and Highlands Homicide (Quarter 4).
10:00 am-10:55 am
6th-8th
Ballet Fun: The Little Humpbacked Horse
Quarter(s): 1
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 4
Young dancers will practice skills in musicality, balance, flexibility, and coordination as they learn to dance as a group. Each quarter, a different musical fairytale ballet will provide the inspiration and the music for the class. Dancers will become familiar with the story of the ballet and the orchestral music as they go through their own routine. The music, story, and characters will serve as an inspiration for creative movement. First quarter, young (beginning) dancers will learn the story of The Little Humpbacked Horse, also known as the "Tsar-Maiden"; a ballet based on the fairy tale by Pyotr Yershov and choreographed by Arthur Saint-Leon and set to music by Cesare Pugni since 1864.In class, dancers will learn to recognize, understand, and apply techniques from the Vaganova ballet method such as: 1st - 6th positions, marching and skipping, demi plie, grand plie, saute, bourree, grand jete, and tendu. Students will also develop their physical conditioning and learn teamwork. A demonstration of skills learned will be showcased for parents on the last class each quarter. Ballet students are expected to wear appropriate attire. Young ladies must wear a leotard with skirt (attached or detached), pink tights, and soft pink ballet shoes in canvas or leather. Young men must wear a slim-fitting white t-shirt, black shorts, white socks, and soft black ballet shoes in canvas or leather. Students must be age 4 by the start of class. Topics in this series: The Little Humpbacked Horse (Quarter 1); The Nutcracker (Quarter 2); Swan Lake (Quarter 3); and Don Quixote (Quarter 4).
10:00 am-10:55 am
PK(4)-3rd
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