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About Compass High School

Compass High School | A Unique Tucson High School

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
Welcome To Compass High School

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.

Tucson’s High School Of Choice

Flexible High School Schedules

With our hybrid block scheduling, students are able to fully apply themselves to their learning without getting burnt out. These flexible schedules also allow students to get a job or tend to other responsibilities outside of school.

Morning Session
8:00 AM – 12:20 PM

Afternoon Session
12:30 PM – 4:50 PM

Morning Hours

Monday • Wednesday • Friday

1st Period • 8:00am-9:10am
2nd Period • 9:12am-10:22am
Break • 10:22am-10:39am
3rd Period • 10:41am-11:08am
4th Period • 11:10am-12:20pm

Tuesday • Thursday

5th Period • 8:00am-9:44am
6th Period • 9:44am-10:01am
Break • 10:03am-10:34am
7th Period • 10:36am-12:20pm

Afternoon Hours

Monday • Wednesday • Friday

1st Period • 12:30pm-1:40pm
2nd Period • 1:42pm-2:52pm
Break • 2:52pm-3:09pm
3rd Period • 3:11pm-3:38pm
4th Period • 3:40pm-4:50pm

Tuesday • Thursday

5th Period • 12:30pm-2:14pm
Break • 2:14pm-2:31pm
6th Period • 2:33pm-3:04pm
7th Period • 3:06pm-4:50pm

2023-2024 Compass High School Calendar

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Compass High School Beliefs

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.

Life After Graduation

Compass High School is an innovative charter high school that provides teenagers with a choice. Compass is different from the conventional public education system. Our learning community is composed of high school students who are unique learners. Our staff reflects diversity in high school teaching styles and methods.

The culture at Compass High School encourages interactions between students and teachers. For instance, it initiates a learning dialog that encourages our students to become active, self-directed, life long learners.

Compass High School’s alternative education system is based on building relationships and hands-on learning. Ultimately we are a unique, alternative charter high school. We offer individualized, self-paced high school programs. This is in addition to promoting quality education and opportunity for success for all students.

Places like community colleges, the military, and vocational colleges all accept Compass High School diplomas. You can transfer to a state university after enrolling in a community college. If you are looking for employment at Compass, then head on over to our high school jobs page.