High School Compass

Compass High School was founded on the belief that learning can take place anywhere, not just in a formal Tucson classroom setting. High school credit can be earned in many unconventional ways. Some of these include independent studies, travels, and internships. We emphasize an understanding of the learning process as well as the personal, real-life application of knowledge. We strive to prepare  high school students  for their lives as adults. Therefore, academic and intellectual development is balanced with building strong life and communication skills.

Our Mission

The primary goal of Compass High School is to meet and exceed the Arizona Standards by promoting quality education. It is our mission to encourage our students to discover their own life’s path and develop the tools they’ll need for their journey. CHS is dedicated to provide each student the opportunity for success by offering an individualized, self-paced program that recognizes the uniqueness of each student in a supportive and accepting environment.

Our supportive learning environment promotes each student’s individuality. At Compass High School, our curriculum is adapted from Art Comb's Six Principles of Learning  . Below you can read an outline of the six principles of learning or you can view and read the full list here.

1. When people have a need to know, they learn best.
2. Learning is a deeply personal, affective experience.
3. All behavior, including learning, involves self-concept.
4. Learning is governed by the experience of challenge or threat.
5. Feelings of being cared for and belonging have vital effects upon learning.
6. Finally, Effective learning requires feedback.

Quick Facts About Compass High School

• Free tuition, enrollment, supplies, & transportation
• A Tucson established “true” alternative high school since 2001
• Arizona department of education official diploma
• 52 unique in-person course offerings
• 25 self-paced electronic course offerings
• 16:1 student to teacher ratio
• 550 average student enrollment
• 1:1 student to computer ratio
• Hybrid block scheduling 
• Dual enrollment offerings with Pima Community College
• Our credits transfer to all other high schools

Compass High School is a different and unique approach to high school education in Arizona. For instance, in conventional public Tucson high schools, learning happens solely in the classroom and at a defined pace. The Arizona school district then chooses the textbook content. Finally, high school student progress is assessed primarily with quizzes & tests.

This type of “one size fits all” system often results in students learning memorization and test-taking skills. Our focus is on the acquiring of knowledge and life skills. Many students get left behind, becoming disconnected and uninterested in their education. The aim of Compass is to rectify this unfortunate trend with high school students.

Compass High School is an innovative charter school. We provide teenagers with a choice from the conventional public education system. We cater to all different learning styles.

Compass encourages high school students to self-advocate and express their identity through their learning. Our goal as educators is to give students the resources they need to challenge themselves. To become passionate about life-long learning and finally become active, capable citizens.