Compass High School

2040 Pioneer Court

San Mateo, CA 94403

10 Reviews

School District
Grade

9-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on May 26, 2021

My son is currently finishing his Junior year at Compass High School. He's thrilled to be back in person this Spring because the relationships he has with his teachers is so important. They have taken the time to get to know his strengths and challenges. His teachers know what motivates him and they have determined where that fine line is between challenging him and overwhelming him. Students are genuinely kind to each other and when there is a social misstep, the community reacts in a supportive way. My son is dyslexic and has ADHD, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. Compass has been a safe place where my son has learned to advocate for himself and which accommodations help him to do his best work. Despite being a small school, Compass offers a wide range of electives and hopefully sports and some after school activities will return this fall.
Submitted by other on April 15, 2018

I would rate my experience as very successful. I completed Compass and went on to college.
Submitted by parent on April 08, 2018

Five stars for Compass High School! Compass exceeded our expectations. Compass teachers expect a great deal from their students, but will guide them to meet the challenge! Compass encourages a "growth mindset" in their students and it's one of the most important things my daughter learned there. Students internalize that their ability is not fixed; they can always grow and change. Overall, they stress the importance of trying new things and that with practice, you will get better. My daughter's new experiences at Compass included playing basketball on their co-ed team, singing and playing bass and guitar in their band, participating in tech club, and traveling to Costa Rica. If your student enjoys art or drama, Compass is a wonderful place to be because of the strong programs in both. Compass also has a strong college counseling/placement program. We worked closely with the counselor to determine the most appropriate college for our daughter. She was well prepared to tackle her Freshman year in college. Most of all, my daughter felt accepted by teachers and students alike. Compass is a safe place to grow and learn academically as well as socially. I'm very grateful to the compassionate teachers who truly cared for my daughters growth and inspired her to reach for her dreams.
Submitted by student on March 15, 2018

I love my school. I love that I am a student here at Compass
Submitted by parent on March 14, 2018

My son attended the summer program at Compass, and he loved it. We've come to know the teachers and administrators and find the Compass program to be truly impressive. We've had a great experience there.
Submitted by parent on April 18, 2017

The teachers are very qualified, caring and have helped my son to love learning again.
Submitted by parent on April 14, 2017

When I first contacted Compass High School three years ago, the staff member I spoke to asked me what I was looking for in a school for my daughter. I told him that (1) I needed an environment and teachers that could help "wean" my daughter off her reliance on me for homework and study support (it was hurting our relationship); and (2) that could make her love math again! My daughter is now a successful junior at Compass and has just been accepted at a college summer program. Since starting at Compass, she has been on experiential learning trips to Washington, D.C., Costa Rica, and the Pinnacles National Park. She loves her school and she loves the staff and faculty. After her first year at Compass, she asked me, "Dad, why can't school be 7 days a week?" Compass High School has far exceeded my initial expectations!
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2014

Compass is an outstanding school for students who need individualized instruction in order to understand what is being taught. The staff spends a lot of time at the outset understanding how each child learns best and tailors the teaching style to those strengths. The students are shown how to complete their work in a meaningful way, not just through rote memorization or just to check off a box. Field trips are frequent and tied to the curriculum. There is also a strong commitment to have the kids assume community responsibility. As a school full of kids with learning differences, each student is respected by the others rather than subject to the ridicule or criticism they've each received at 'typical' schools, so they appreciate the safety and support of being in an environment where their differences are appreciated instead. It would be nice to have a park or gym next door, but the teachers make sure to provide plenty of outdoor exercise, even driving the kids to nearby facilties when necessary to find it. I strongly recommend this school for parents seeking great support for their children who need a different school environment.
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2014

With the low student to teacher ratio and expertise of the teaching staff, my child is getting a personalized high school experience. The teachers have found a way to make high school subjects engaging and comprehendible for my child with learning challenges. The administrators are forward thinking, the students are excited to learn and the entire school has a positive energy.
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2014

This is a unique program, offering an individualized, supportive education for students with learning differences. Compass is filling a hole in the education fabric on the Peninsula. The students at this school feel successful and enjoy learning and are developing skills that will prepare them for college and beyond. The faculty and staff are creative and innovative with their approaches and are committed to the success of all the students.