4th Quarter classes begin the week of March 20, 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 March 20, 2026 |
Wednesday
Bold Beats: Intro to Electronic Music Production (Kids/Tweens)
Quarter(s): 4
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 10
In just four hours, students will dive into electronic music production- creating beats, shaping sounds, exploring rhythm and tempo, and building original tracks using professional-style digital tools. Students will be introduced to the basics of Electronic Music Production by industry professional, DJ, producer, musician, and educator Eric Jao. Eric brings 30+ years of working in the music industry, touring the world, and performing with artists like Madonna, Shakira, Rhianna, and Linkin Park. He is the founder of the Mix Major Electronic Music School and co-author of Electronic Music Element curriculum, a web-based platform where students can continue to create beyond the workshop. 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 compositions. Students should bring a charged laptop, Chromebook, or iPad to class. This is a 2-week workshop meeting for 2-hours each day. This workshop serves as an introduction for students interested in exploring Compass’s Electronic Music Production class offered in the fall.
11:00 am-12:55 pm
5th-8th
Art in Action: Destination Art (WED)
Quarter(s): 4
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 10
Elementary artists can get in on the action as they learn about a different artist or artistic style each week and create a representative piece using a wide range of artistic supplies such as tempura and water color paints, pastels, pencils, cray pas, oil pastel crayons, specialty papers, sculpting media, and embellishments. Fourth quarter, students will be introduced to a surprise countries or culture each week where they will learn briefly about the locale's unique tradition of art. The class will use a variety of materials and techniques to represent the projects inspired by the secret destination. Topics in this Series: Picasso in Perspective (Quarter 1); Original Works of the Worlds Oceans (Quarter 2); American Artist Spotlight (Quarter 3); Destination Art (Quarter 4). Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $25.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints.
10:00 am-10:55 am
3rd-4th
Junior Art Studio: Scenic Seascapes & Amazing Ocean Animals (WED-11AM)
Quarter(s): 4
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 10
This class is a multi-media art sampler for our youngest artists! Each week students will learn a few fun facts about a type of art or artist, view sample works, and then will create a project in the style of the artist using a wide variety of materials and representative colors, patterns, textures, and embellishments. Young artists will have the opportunity to work with a different media each week such as tempera paint, various papers, color pencils, markers, tissue paper, translucent tracing paper, cray pas, oil pastels, charcoals, and watercolors. Fourth quarter, Junior Artists will study seascape art and aspects of the ocean and its animals from artists such as John Groves, Jim Holland and Natasha Nazareako. Our art projects will vary and feature lighthouses, ocean animals, and seascapes. Through weekly projects, junior artists will create their own sea-inspired art while learning about the artist, the technique, and the subject matter. Topics in this Series: Kings and Queens- Kids' Medieval Art (Quarter 1); Artists & their Animals (Quarter 2); Whimsical Winter Works (Quarter 3); Scenic Seascapes (Quarter 4). Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $25.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints.
11:00 am-11:55 am
K-2nd
Junior Art Studio: Scenic Seascapes & Amazing Ocean Animals (WED-12PM)
Quarter(s): 4
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 10
This class is a multi-media art sampler for our youngest artists! Each week students will learn a few fun facts about a type of art or artist, view sample works, and then will create a project in the style of the artist using a wide variety of materials and representative colors, patterns, textures, and embellishments. Young artists will have the opportunity to work with a different media each week such as tempera paint, various papers, color pencils, markers, tissue paper, translucent tracing paper, cray pas, oil pastels, charcoals, and watercolors. Fourth quarter, Junior Artists will study seascape art and aspects of the ocean and its animals from artists such as John Groves, Jim Holland and Natasha Nazareako. Our art projects will vary and feature lighthouses, ocean animals, and seascapes. Through weekly projects, junior artists will create their own sea-inspired art while learning about the artist, the technique, and the subject matter. Topics in this Series: Kings and Queens- Kids' Medieval Art (Quarter 1); Artists & their Animals (Quarter 2); Whimsical Winter Works (Quarter 3); Scenic Seascapes (Quarter 4). Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $25.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints.
12:00 pm-12:55 pm
K-2nd
Sew Fun: Make It & Take It
Quarter(s): 4
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 10
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. Fourth quarter, Sew Fun students will get ready to go with fun travel accessories that they make for themselves: a coloring utensil case, a tote bag, a notebook cover, and a fabric travel tic-tac-toe game out of felt, fleece, and vinyl materials. 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 both pre-cut felt and fabric components and uncut fabric that they will cut, stitch, finish and personalize 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. A material fee of $40.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Note: Project themes or materials are subject to change due to availability or sourcing at the time of the class. Topics in this series include: Build-A-Bear (Quarter 1), Cozy Quilts (Quarter 2), Good Night, Sleep Tight (Quarter 3), and On-the-Go (Quarter 4).
12:00 pm-12:55 pm
3rd-5th
Art: Anyone Can Draw! Fantasy Figures
Quarter(s): 4
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 8
Students will draw in a relaxed, informal studio setting, where they will learn the fundamentals of drawing along with the elements of art and principles of design. Students will learn basic sketching of fantasy figures such as dragons, griffins, unicorns, phoenixes, elves, and more. They will practice freehand drawing to represent the creature and practice breaking it down into the simple shapes that make its unique, complex form. Emphasis will be on how to represent in 2D what you see in real life in three dimentions. Student artists will learn techniques such as drawing a “good line”, shading, and blending using crosshatching and smudging. Through the still life study, artists will learn techniques with pencil and charcoal to help them replicate different effects in everyday objects such as textures, lighting, and shadow. Elements of art will be taught to include line, shape, form, and texture. Throughout the course, students will progress to draw more carefully and more accurately and to represent more refined details in their drawings. The instructor will demonstrate various techniques by developing a sample drawing. Students may elect to follow the class sample or may apply the drawing skills to an entirely unique drawing. This class is suitable for beginners who have never drawn before and for intermediate art students who have worked with other media and are interested in exploring drawing. Drawing can provide a relaxing, needed break from rigorous academic classes and over-scheduled lives in a fun, supportive environment. There is an $18 fee due payable to the instructor for a drawing tablet and pencils (new students only). Returning students will use current supplies.
1:00 pm-1:55 pm
6th-8th
Sew Simple: Fairytale Fun
Quarter(s): 4
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 10
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. Fourth quarter, Sew Simple students will sew a nimble knight, a daring dragon, a wordly wizard, and a playful princess in from in order to create the cast of their own felt fairytale fun. 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. A material fee of $40.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Note: Project themes or materials are subject to change due to availability or sourcing at the time of the class. Topics in this series include: Sew a Story (Quarter 1), Monster Mash-Up (Quarter 2), Polar Pals (Quarter 3), and Fairytale Fun (Quarter 4).
1:00 pm-1:55 pm
1st-2nd
Harry Potter Handicrafts: Guest Prof. Hagrid & Hooch
Quarter(s): 4
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 10
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 fourth term at Hogwarts! This term will focus on flying, as we welcome Madam Hooch who will have you make your own broom, and Hagrid who will guide you as you create and conquer your textbook The Monster Book of Monsters. Of course, you'll also make crafts related to your core classes, including a Wingardium Leviosa levitation illusion (Charms), Drinkable Potions (Potions), and more! 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. Note: Project themes or materials are subject to change due to availability or sourcing at the time of the class. Topics in this Series: Guest Prof. Dumbledore (Quarter 1); Guest Prof. Sprout (Quarter 2); Guest Profs. Snape & Slughorn (Quarter 3), and Guest Profs. Hagrid & Hooch (Quarter 4). Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $40.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. What to Bring: Students should bring good scissors for cutting paper/fabric, a ruler, and a low temp, mini hot glue gun to class each week.
2:00 pm-2:55 pm
5th-8th
Drawing for Fun: Playful Portraits (12PM)
Quarter(s): 4
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 10
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." Fourth quarter, students will continue to develop their drawing skills with playful portraits and crazy caricatures. They will draw dramatic and droll faces with intentionally exaggerated features like enormous ears, hilarious hair, titanic teeth or a monstrous moustache. In drawing funny faces, students can practice drawing techniques without the pressure of trying to replicate real life. 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 a $15.00 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
5th-6th
Guitar: Intermediate II
Quarter(s): 3,4
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 6
Students will learn more advanaced techniques of playing the guitar! In this class, students will continue to learn melodies, chords, and strumming patterns for familiar songs from a variety of genres chosen by the instructor and students. Students are encouraged to bring in music they are interested in learning. Students will learn more advanced chords, beyond pure major and minor chords. Songs with more than 3 chords will be covered, and songs in 3/4 and 6/8 will be introduced. Students should plan to practice at home several times each week. Each student will need a least a beginner level acoustic guitar. New students who wish to enroll in Advanced Beginner should have approximately 24-30 hours of prior instruction in order to match the pace of the enrolled students.
10:00 am-10:55 am
5th-8th
(Semester Long)
Guitar for Beginners II
Quarter(s): 3,4
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 5
Students will continue to learn the fundamentals of playing the guitar. In this class, students will continue to learn basic melodies, chords, and strumming patterns for familiar songs from a variety of genres such as, "Sweet Jane" (by The Velvet Underground), "House of the Rising Sun," (by Eric Burdon and The Animals) and "Willow" (by Taylor Swift) 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 $10.00 payable to the Compass on the first day of class for a tablature notebook for any student who does not have one from a prior class. New students who wish to enroll 2nd semester should have at least 12-15 hours of prior instruction in order to match the pace of the enrolled students.
11:00 am-11:55 am
5th-8th
(Semester Long)
Starting with Strings: Beginning Violin II
Quarter(s): 3,4
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 5
Continue to learn to play the violin! Students will learn more advanced skills such as shifting on the violin and playing vibrato. Students will learn to play violin repertoires and practice additional scales. The class will be taught to play in unison from a songbook of arranged works. At the end of the semester, the class will be able to play several short pieces and will perform 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. Semester 1, Beginner Violin I students will have priority registration to enroll in Beginner Violin II to continue their musical education. Other students may enroll in the second semester if they have had prior instruction equal to the first semester, or if they are willing to schedule and pay for individual lessons with this instructor to cover 1st semester skills prior to or around the start of the class. Those wishing to enroll in 2nd semester course without the Compass 1st semester class will be asked to play for the instructor in order to demonstrate skill level and establish placement. Class Expectations: A student violin can be purchased or rented from most music stores (Foxes Music Company in Falls Church is recommended). The student should be professionally measured and fitted for the violin by the music store or a string luthier. Students should also have a shoulder rest fitted to their violin. Students will be asked to bring their violin, bow, shoulder rest, case, small notebook, Suzuki music book, and pencil to every class. In order to fully benefit from the in-class instruction, daily, at-home practice is expected. Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $17.50 payable to Compass on the first day for the Suzuki violin book 1.
10:00 am-10:55 am
2nd-6th
(Semester Long)
Homeschool String Ensemble (Sem2)
Quarter(s): 3,4
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 8
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. The cost of photocopied music is included.
11:00 am-11:55 am
4th-8th
(Semester Long)
Compass Crochet Club (Q4)
Quarter(s): 4
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 10
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. Fourth quarter, beginners will learn the Magic Ring, Pedal Stitch, and Granny Stitch and select from a daisy granny squares or vintage-look coin purse. 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. There is a $30.00 supply fee is due payable to the instructor on/before the first week of the club.
3:00 pm-3:55 pm
4th-8th
Morning Mystery: Murder of Archibald Grim
Quarter(s): 4
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 10
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. Archibald Grim was a cold, callous curmudgeon- a collector of coins and contempt. From the gloomy grounds of Graymire, he grimaced at the townsfolk from behind gilded gates. The grim ghostly recluse was the gruff governor of First National Bank. There, he spent years amassing assets, avoiding affection, and airing animosity, blanketing the city in bitterness, bleakness, and blame. So, when his body was discovered by his housekeeper, no one was shocked- someone had finally poisoned the old prune. But who's the culprit? A banking buddy? A backstabbing butler? A brooding blood-relative craving cold cash? Now, dutiful deputies have tagged you as a top-tier suspect in the murder of Mr. Grim. You must make your way to Grim Castle at the designated date and documented hour. Skipping the summons could suggest silent guilt. This is where your twisted tale begins... 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:
10:00 am-10:55 am
6th-8th
Ballet Fun: Carnival of the Animals
Quarter(s): 4
Day(s): Wed
Open Spots: 8
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. Fourth quarter, young dancers will learn the story of The Carnival of the Animals, composed by Camille Saint-Saens and performed as a ballet since 2004. 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. Dancers in this level must be minimum age 4 by the start of class. A demonstration of skills learned will be showcased for parents on the last class each quarter. Registration is for one morning class, however students who wish to further their skills are encouraged to sign up for both Monday and Wednesday morning lessons. Compass ballet students will have an opportunity to audition for the Alchemy Ballet Academy Winter Performance (including excerpts from The Nutcracker). 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. Topics in this series include:Peter and the Wolf (Quarter 1), The Nutcracker (Quarter 2), Fairy Doll (Quarter 3), and Carnival of the Animals (Quarter 4)
10:00 am-10:50 am
PreK-2nd
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