Compass Charter Schools Homeschool Guide
Compass Charter Schools is a tuition-free California public charter school system serving students in TK through Grade 12 through flexible independent-study programs.
Compass currently offers two main learning pathways:
- Online Program — structured online curriculum with a clear academic roadmap
- Options Program — more flexible, family-designed independent study with parent involvement, curriculum choice, and Educational Support Funds
Both programs are independent study, both include credentialed supervising teacher support, and both are designed for students learning primarily from home.
Compass Charter Schools at a Glance
School Type: Public Charter School
Grades: TK–12
Tuition: Free
Primary Model: Independent Study / Virtual Learning
Homeschool-Style Program: Yes — Options Program
Online Program: Yes
Parent-Directed Learning: Yes, especially in Options
Credentialed Teacher Support: Yes
Educational Support Funds: Yes for eligible Options students
Approved Community Providers: Yes
Online Curriculum: Yes
Field Trips & Enrichment: Yes
High School Program: Yes
WASC Accredited: Yes
NCAA-Recognized Coursework: Yes
Enrollment: Open for 2026–27
Program Types
Charter Independent Study
Homeschool / Home-Based Learning
Online Learning
Parent-Directed Learning
Personalized Learning
Educational Support Funds
Community Providers
Credentialed Teacher Support
Virtual Enrichment
Field Trips & Events
TK–12
What Is Compass Charter Schools?
Compass Charter Schools is a California public charter-school organization designed around flexible home-based learning.
Unlike a traditional neighborhood school, Compass students complete most of their education from home while remaining enrolled as full-time public-school students.
Families choose between two independent-study pathways:
Online Program
Compass provides the curriculum, pacing, assignments, and overall academic roadmap.
Options Program
Families have much more control over curriculum, pacing, schedule, and daily instruction while working with a credentialed Supervising Teacher.
Both programs provide academic support, counseling, enrichment opportunities, clubs, community activities, and teacher oversight.
Compass Operates More Than One Charter School
This is important.
Compass Charter Schools is the overall organization, but students enroll in different legal charter schools depending on where they live.
The California Department of Education currently lists three active Compass charter schools:
- Compass Charter Schools of Los Angeles
- Compass Charter Schools of San Diego
- Compass Charter School of Yolo
Your home county determines which Compass charter you enroll through.
What Counties Does Compass Serve?
Compass Charter Schools of Los Angeles
Serves:
- Los Angeles County
- Kern County
- San Bernardino County
- Ventura County
Compass Charter Schools of San Diego
Serves:
- San Diego County
- Orange County
- Imperial County
- Riverside County
Compass Charter School of Yolo
Serves:
- Yolo County
- Colusa County
- Lake County
- Napa County
- Sacramento County
- Solano County
- Sutter County
Compass specifically tells families to choose their enrollment region based on their county of residence.
Compass Options Program
The Options Program is Compass’s most homeschool-style pathway.
It serves students in TK–12 through independent study.
The parent or guardian acts as the student’s Learning Coach and is expected to be actively involved in the student’s education every day.
Compass describes the Learning Coach as the student’s primary instructor in the Options Program.
Families work with a credentialed Supervising Teacher, or ST, to build a personalized learning plan.
What Does the Parent Do in Compass Options?
The Learning Coach is responsible for much of the student’s daily education.
Families may:
- Choose approved curriculum
- Create the daily learning schedule
- Determine pacing
- Provide day-to-day instruction
- Use hands-on learning
- Choose educational services
- Work with approved Community Providers
- Participate in enrichment and field trips
The Supervising Teacher helps families make sure the student stays academically on track and meets Compass requirements.
What Does the Supervising Teacher Do?
Every Compass student works with a credentialed Supervising Teacher.
In the Options Program, the ST helps with:
- Personalized learning plans
- Curriculum selection
- Academic planning
- Educational Support Funds
- Progress monitoring
- Student work samples
- Activity logs
- Academic accountability
- Family support
Families connect regularly with their Supervising Teacher throughout the school year.
Curriculum Flexibility in Compass Options
Curriculum flexibility is one of the major advantages of Compass Options.
Families can choose curriculum from Compass’s board-approved list rather than being required to use one standard online program.
The personalized learning plan is built collaboratively between:
- The student
- The Learning Coach
- The Supervising Teacher
Families have substantial flexibility over:
- Curriculum
- Daily schedule
- Pacing
- Instructional approach
- Educational services
This makes Options much more parent-directed than Compass’s Online Program.
Does Compass Provide Educational Funds?
Yes.
Eligible students enrolled in the Options Program receive Educational Support Funds.
Compass states that these funds may be used for approved:
- Curriculum
- Educational supplies
- Lessons
- Classes
- Services
- Enrichment
The funds are used as part of the student’s personalized learning plan.
Current Funding Amount
Compass publicly confirms that Options students receive Educational Support Funds, but I could not verify a clearly published 2026–27 per-student dollar allocation on Compass’s public website.
Because funding levels may vary and can change by school year, families should confirm the current amount directly with Compass before enrollment.
Are Compass Educational Funds Cash Paid to Parents?
No.
Educational Support Funds remain school funds.
Compass specifically states that families cannot purchase something themselves and later request reimbursement.
Families must use Compass’s approved ordering and Community Provider process.
Unused Educational Support Funds may carry from fall to spring within the same school year, but they do not roll over into the next school year.
Can Compass Funds Pay for Religious Curriculum?
No.
Compass is a public charter school, so Educational Support Funds may only be used for nonsectarian educational curriculum and services.
Families may personally use additional resources outside Compass, but public-school money cannot pay for religious curriculum.
Does Compass Have Approved Vendors?
Yes.
Compass calls approved outside businesses Community Providers.
Community Providers may offer:
- Curriculum
- Educational products
- Tutoring
- Academic classes
- Enrichment
- Art
- Music
- Physical education
- STEM
- Other approved instructional services
Families should work with their Supervising Teacher before beginning a service or requesting a purchase.
Provider approval and availability can change throughout the school year.
Compass Online Program
The Online Program is the more structured Compass pathway.
Compass provides:
- Online curriculum
- Scope and sequence
- Weekly pacing
- Assignments
- Academic roadmap
- Supervising teacher support
- Technology and supplies based on grade level
The current curriculum partner is Accelerate Education.
This program may appeal to families who want home-based education but do not want to build the curriculum themselves.
How Structured Is Compass Online?
Compass Online provides a much clearer school-created academic plan than Options.
Families receive:
- Weekly pacing guides
- Assigned coursework
- Online lessons
- Academic expectations
- Teacher feedback
- Learning Labs
- Counseling support
Parents still serve as Learning Coaches, especially for younger students, but they are not responsible for designing the entire academic program.
Compass Online vs. Options
| Feature | Online Program | Options Program |
|---|---|---|
| Grades | TK–12 | TK–12 |
| Independent Study | ✅ | ✅ |
| Home-Based Learning | ✅ | ✅ |
| Parent Involvement | ✅ Active support | ✅ Primary instructor |
| Curriculum | Compass-provided | Family-selected from approved list |
| Pacing | Structured | Family-designed |
| Personalized Learning Plan | Teacher-guided | Family + teacher collaboration |
| Educational Support Funds | Generally program resources provided | ✅ Eligible scholars |
| Approved Community Providers | More limited | ✅ Major feature |
| Online Curriculum | ✅ Core program | Optional |
| Flexibility | Moderate | ✅ High |
| Best Fit | Families wanting a roadmap | Families wanting customization |
The most important question is:
Do you want Compass to create the academic roadmap, or do you want your family to design it?
That is essentially how Compass itself distinguishes the two programs.
Does Compass Offer Live Online Classes?
Compass provides teacher support and virtual instructional opportunities through its online-learning structure and Learning Labs.
Online students follow teacher-supported digital coursework through Accelerate Education.
Both programs may also participate in:
- Enrichment workshops
- Clubs
- Academic support
- Virtual activities
- Counseling services
- Community events
Clubs, Activities, and Field Trips
Compass is home-based, but students are not limited to working alone.
Both Online and Options students may have access to:
- Clubs
- Enrichment workshops
- Field trips
- Community events
- Academic support
- Learning Coach Academy
- School competitions
- Social opportunities
Compass emphasizes maintaining a broader school community even though students learn virtually.
Compass Learning Coach Academy
Compass provides resources specifically for parents and guardians who act as Learning Coaches.
This is particularly important in the Options Program, where the parent is the primary day-to-day instructor.
Learning Coach resources are designed to help families understand:
- Independent study
- Daily routines
- Educational planning
- Supporting student learning
- Compass expectations
Compass includes Learning Coach Academy among the support resources available to families.
Compass High School
Compass serves students through Grade 12.
The Online high-school program includes courses provided through Accelerate Education.
Compass states that its Online high-school curriculum includes:
- A–G-approved coursework
- NCAA-approved coursework
- Credentialed teacher facilitation
- College and career planning
- Four-year academic planning
- School counseling
Options high-school students also receive high-school planning and college-readiness support while maintaining greater curriculum flexibility.
Is Compass Accredited?
Yes.
Compass states that it is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges — WASC.
Compass also maintains NCAA recognition for approved coursework.
Compass was undergoing its current six-year accreditation cycle in 2025–26, and the school reported that the mid-cycle visiting committee found meaningful progress.
Is Compass a Public School?
Yes.
Compass Charter Schools are California public charter schools.
The California Department of Education currently lists:
Compass Charter Schools of Los Angeles — Active K–12 public charter
Compass Charter Schools of San Diego — Active K–12 public charter
Compass Charter School of Yolo — Active K–12 public charter
Students attend tuition-free and are enrolled as full-time public-school students.
Is Compass Free?
Yes.
Compass is a tuition-free California public charter school.
There is no private-school tuition.
Families may still personally purchase optional items or activities that are not approved or provided through Compass.
Compass Enrollment
Enrollment is currently open for the 2026–27 school year.
The first step is choosing the correct Compass charter based on your county.
Los Angeles Charter
For residents of:
- Los Angeles
- Kern
- San Bernardino
- Ventura
San Diego Charter
For residents of:
- San Diego
- Orange
- Imperial
- Riverside
Yolo Charter
For residents of:
- Yolo
- Colusa
- Lake
- Napa
- Sacramento
- Solano
- Sutter
Compass states that the online application itself generally takes approximately 15–20 minutes, although additional enrollment steps and documentation may take longer.
Who Might Like Compass Charter Schools?
Compass may appeal to families looking for:
- Tuition-free home-based education
- Parent-directed homeschooling
- Structured online schooling
- Curriculum flexibility
- Educational Support Funds
- Approved Community Providers
- Credentialed teacher support
- Online curriculum
- Flexible schedules
- Clubs and enrichment
- Field trips
- High-school planning
- WASC accreditation
- TK–12 continuity
Compass is particularly useful for families who want to choose between a highly flexible homeschool-style pathway and a structured online-school pathway.
Compass vs. Private Homeschooling
| Compass Charter Schools | Private Homeschool |
|---|---|
| Public charter school | Family operates independently |
| Tuition-free | Family pays for curriculum/resources |
| Educational Support Funds in Options | No charter funding |
| Credentialed teacher oversight | Parent independently directs learning |
| Public-school requirements apply | Greater independence |
| State testing applies | Different requirements |
| Approved curriculum/provider rules | Family selects providers freely |
| Counseling and academic services | Family arranges services |
| Field trips and clubs available | Family finds community activities |
Neither model is automatically better.
Compass provides public-school funding, teacher support, curriculum, counseling, and school-community resources, while private homeschooling gives families greater independence from public-school rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Compass Charter Schools a homeschool program?
Compass offers two independent-study programs. The Options Program is the more traditional homeschool-style pathway, with the parent acting as the primary instructor and choosing curriculum with teacher support.
Is Compass free?
Yes.
Compass is a tuition-free California public charter school.
Does Compass provide homeschool funds?
Yes.
Eligible Options students receive Educational Support Funds for approved nonsectarian curriculum, materials, lessons, classes, and services.
Can parents choose curriculum?
Yes, in the Options Program.
Families choose curriculum from Compass-approved options and build the personalized learning plan with their Supervising Teacher.
Does Compass have approved vendors?
Yes.
Compass maintains a list of approved Community Providers offering educational products, curriculum, classes, enrichment, and services.
Does Compass offer online learning?
Yes.
Compass Online uses Accelerate Education and provides a structured digital curriculum with supervising-teacher support.
Does Compass serve Los Angeles County?
Yes.
Los Angeles County families enroll through Compass Charter Schools of Los Angeles.
Does Compass serve Orange County?
Yes.
Orange County families enroll through Compass Charter Schools of San Diego.
Does Compass serve Riverside County?
Yes.
Riverside County families enroll through Compass Charter Schools of San Diego.
Does Compass serve San Bernardino County?
Yes.
San Bernardino County families enroll through Compass Charter Schools of Los Angeles.
Does Compass serve San Diego County?
Yes.
San Diego County families enroll through Compass Charter Schools of San Diego.
Does Compass serve Imperial County?
Yes.
Imperial County families enroll through Compass Charter Schools of San Diego.
Does Compass serve Kern County?
Yes.
Kern County families enroll through Compass Charter Schools of Los Angeles.
Does Compass serve Ventura County?
Yes.
Ventura County families enroll through Compass Charter Schools of Los Angeles.
Is Compass accredited?
Yes.
Compass is WASC accredited and maintains NCAA recognition for approved coursework.
Compass Charter Schools Contact Information
Compass Charter Schools
850 Hampshire Road, Suite R
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
Phone: (855) 937-4227
Email: info@compasscharters.org
Grades: TK–12
Programs: Online and Options
Compass Charter Schools Official Website
External Resources
Compass 2026–27 Enrollment & County Eligibility
Compass Options Homeschool Program
California Department of Education – Active Compass Charter Schools
Internal Resources
Compare Los Angeles County Homeschool Charter Schools
Compare Orange County Homeschool Charter Schools
Compare Riverside County Homeschool Charter Schools
Compare San Bernardino County Homeschool Charter Schools
Compare San Diego County Homeschool Charter Schools
Important Note
CA Homeschool Hub is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by Compass Charter Schools.
Program options, Educational Support Funds, approved curriculum, Community Providers, enrollment availability, and county service areas may change.
Always verify current information and select the correct Compass charter for your county before enrolling or ordering educational resources.