Compass Edvantage
Compass Micro School
Micro schools are small schools of fewer than 150 students that are designed to meet learner needs on a more individualized level. Compass Micro School is a problem based, student centered school serving students in Jackson, Wyoming. Watch this short video for more information, then click to contact us!
How does a micro school work?
Student Centered & Interest Driven
Student-centered classrooms include students in planning, implementation, and assessment. Student interests guide explorations that are supported by rigorous academics and critical thinking skills. Involving learners in these decisions allows the student to take more ownership of their learning and develop a life long love of learning.
Problem Based
Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered approach in which students learn about a subject by working in groups to solve an open-ended problem. This student selected problem is what drives motivation and learning.
Collaborative, Multi-Age Classrooms
Multi-age education puts learners at the center, socially and academically. On the social side, younger children look for guidance from older students who know the ropes, while the older students in the classroom organically learn about mentoring, leadership, and collaboration. Personalized learning is a hallmark trait of multi-aged classrooms.
Interdisciplinary
Interdisciplinary learning is a teaching approach that combines the curricular objectives and methods from more than one discipline focusing on a central theme, issue, or problem. Students benefit from:
understanding the interconnectedness of subject material
utilizing higher order thinking and decision making skills
real world applications.
FAQ
How much does a Compass Micro School cost?
The tuition for the 2020-2021school year is $2500 per month. In the case of siblings, the first sibling rate is $2500, and additional siblings are $2000 per month. At time of enrollment, a deposit of one month's tuition will be required. The deposit will be returned at the final month of enrollment.
What does the school calendar look like?
Compass Micro Schools will follow the Teton County School District calendar for the 2020-2021 school year. There may be an exception to a late start if building permitting takes longer than expected.
What are the school hours?
School hours will be 9am - 3pm, Monday through Friday. We will be able to provide care from 8am-9am for working parents.
How will health guidelines be addressed?
We will meet all local health recommendations for schools. With very small class sizes and small overall school size, health guidelines are easier to maintain. Outside learning will be encouraged during favorable weather.
How will the school be licensed and will staff be certified?
Compass Micro School will enroll students as a private school. Staff will follow guidelines for certification as required by the Wyoming Department of Education for private schools. All staff will be mentored by the heads of school.
Will this school be a dual immersion school?
As the founder of the dual immersion program in Teton County School District, Chad can provide very high level opportunities for Spanish language development for all students. However, this will not mirror the dual immersion school model with 50% of the day in Spanish.
Can my student participate in sports with Teton County School District?
At this time, there is not an agreement with Teton County School District for micro school students to participate in sports.
What if I want to transition back to public school?
While we would love to keep our community together, we understand that families will have different needs through out their schooling careers. In addition to providing all portfolios of assessment data, we will be happy to meet with teachers and administration to ensure the smoothest transition possible.
Do I need to commit for the whole year?
We are asking that families commit for a semester in order to allow a smoother transition to the next educational opportunity.
How will families be selected to participate?
Enrollment will be based on a first come, first serve basis. Due to the timely nature of Compass Micro School, Founding Members will express interest via email before August 4th to receive the Founding Member's tuition rate. Christi and Chad will meet with each family to enroll their students. At this point, we are anticipating two pods with 10-12 students each, capping our enrollment at 24. If there is more interest, a waiting list will be developed. If we have enough interest for additional pods, we will seek an additional location and staff, notifying parents of the possibilities.
How do we contact you?
Any of the "Contact Us" buttons will send an email or you can email directly:
christiroberts@compassedvantage.com
chadransom@compassedvantage.com
Compass Micro School Team
Christi Roberts
Co-Founder, Lead Teacher
Christi Roberts was a classroom teacher, program coordinator, and instructional leader for over 20 years. She holds a Master's Degree in Math Education, is completing a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, and has been awarded the prestigious Milken Educator Award.
Chad Ransom
Co-Founder, Lead Administrator
Chad Ransom was a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and school administrator. He specializes in language acquisition and reading development, holding endorsements in both. Chad has a Master's Degree in Instructional Technology and is pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
You
The Compass Family
Schools run best when families are part of the learning process. It takes all of us to ensure that our children are getting the best education possible. We look forward to creating authentic partnerships with each family enrolled in the program.