Academics
The main lesson blocks are the heart of the academic program at Compass. Each student is enrolled in one. Humanities and one Science, Math, and Technology Main Lesson block throughout the school year.
Main lesson time is designed to have students learn the essential concepts and skills in the traditional academic subject areas by investigating real world examples and engaging in "hands-on, minds-on" application of learning.
Through the organization of Main Lesson, Compass seeks to develop independent learners able to pose questions, solve problems, and apply the tools and ideas of a variety of disciplines to understand and make a difference in the world around them. A balance of "teacher directed" and teacher supported "student project" time is structured to help students develop knowledge and skills that enable each student to approach new learning situations with curiosity, confidence and competency.
Main Lesson is intended to engage students in applying multiple disciplines to the exploration of ideas. When appropriate, Main Lesson teachers will coordinate activities to further reinforce these connections between subject areas of study. Student learning in Main Lesson will be demonstrated with a variety of evidence including projects, exams, presentations, reflective writing, homework assignments, and in-class discussions.