Compass Public Charter School

This school is not as good as they claim. The administration is good at one thing, chasing away the best teachers! The administration is very unprofessional in the way they interact with teachers and parents creating an antagonistic atmosphere if anyone asks any questions. I would steer clear of this place of you value your children's education.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is an amazing. The environment is wonderful. The academics are strenuous. The teaching is above and beyond. But be aware if your children are not performing academically they will fall behind. I have average students and it is tough but they love the school so they have to work really hard. I do not care for the administrator of this school, but she runs a tight ship and I feel like this is why this school is so great. and no isn't because I feel like my children need to be favored. If your child isn't performing well on ISATs (which they expect proficient and above) you will get a call saying your child isn't performing and asked to consider if this school is a right fit for your child. Burn out is expected if you come in in an later grade, (such as 5th-8th) My junior highers wanted to quit after 2 weeks because they weren't used to the homework load. They hung in there and are both happy they did!
--Submitted by a parent

My children were admitted to CPCS this year. My wife and I carefully read the charter documents before placing them in this school and went in knowing that it would be a big change for our kids. I was excited to get our kids out of the "big school district" bureaucracy and into a smaller school where the parents, administrator, and board are all on the same page. The academic expectations at CPCS are very high. This makes for a challenging environment that may require a lot of parental one-on-one time at home to make sure your kids are keeping pace in the classroom. This has been a great thing for our family and motivated us a parents to be actively involved in our children's education. Ultimately my child's education is my responsibility and I want to place them in a situation where we have the best chance to learn and be challenged. CPCS has turned out to be that place. I openly admit that it might not be a good fit for some families. Every family is different and school choice should be based on family situation. If you want a challenging school, with strict discipline, and high expectations for both parents and students then CPCS is for you.
--Submitted by a parent

Being LDS, IMHO admissions are based upon who you know. We have tried numerous times to get enrolled at Compass. Our lottery number was low, and others in our ward had higher numbers. The other people, as mentioned, know certain people who are the administrators at Compass. We were not accepted, while the others were. As we know, lotteries can be changed-according to the rules set by those who run them. In the long run, it worked out for the best of us not to be accepted-as we feel the Meridian School District has some of the best schools in the State of Idaho
--Submitted by a parent

This school is Amazing!! The teachers & administrator really care of our children. This school runs off a Lottery system, so acceptance has nothing to do with your religious beliefs. This lottery system allows a level playing field for everyone. It is like being able to have a private school setting, where every one knows your child and you know that they are getting a great education backed up by love for them also.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had kids in this school since day one. I still have a 6th grader there. This school is awesome for kids that like to be challenged, good for an average student if you are an involved parent and can help with homework. Bad for underachievers. But even for them, if they can hang in there until high school and then move on they will excel in High School because the curriculum is so advanced. My only complaint is with the Administrator. She seems to assign labels to students and once labeled that is where they remain. Any complaint I have ever had with this school centers around her actions. The Board seems oblivious. The teaching staff is incredible! It seems to me that this school has recruited the best and brightest and I have seen no signs of teacher burnout. Truly first rate teachers. Good job teachers, thanks!
--Submitted by a parent

Compass is an amazing school that holds everyone to high standards (something many in our society don't like .. it's always OK for everyone else to be held to high standards, but never themselves). Compass protects all students from bullying and constant disruption in the classroom, however does not allow the child who is causing the problem to continue without addressing the issues (a refreshing chnage for many of us parents). Often, instead of looking at themsleves or their child, parents of these bullies or disruptive children lash out and try to find someone to blame. Never learning to take responsibility for your own actions results in irresponsible adults. The outstanding Compass teachers and administration with whom I work strive to help students become responsible adults who operate with integrity.
--Submitted by a teacher

While I strongly support school choice, I would highly recommend to all >parents to thoroughly investigate this school prior to transferring your >students here. The Harbor Method is meant to provide a 'safe harbor' >for your children. The students and most of the families at this school >do support and model this, but the staff is highly lacking in this >area. Most of the bullying that occurs at this school is from the >administration and staff (especially grades 6th, 7th, and 8th). The >pressure to do what is right, be kind to others, treat peers fairly, >that the staff and administration puts on the students is unacceptable >when the staff and administration do not role modeling the behavior. If >your child is singled out as a 'trouble maker', they will endure this >stigma as long as they attend this school. A change in administration >and some staff is needed.
--Submitted by a parent

One of a kind. Innovative, fair, grounded in reality and truth. A breath of fresh air to work there.
--Submitted by a teacher

My kids have been a part of Compass for three years. I have been completely satisfied with the school and the administrator. My kids are receiving a top notch education in a caring safe environment. There are a few disgruntled parents, but aren't there everywhere? There are always those who aren't happy anywhere. I have been very pleased with the way issues have been dealt with as fairly as possible. I believe the administrator is doing a fabulous job.
--Submitted by a parent