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K-6 FAQs

A Private Microschool in Fort Lauderdale (K–6 & Hybrid)

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What is a microschool in Fort Lauderdale?

A microschool is a small, structured learning environment designed to provide individualized instruction, academic rigor, and strong student-teacher relationships.

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Compass Outreach & Education Center is a Florida Department of Education-registered private microschool in Fort Lauderdale serving students in Kindergarten through sixth grade. Our model blends small-group instruction, project-based learning, and measurable academic growth within a highly responsive academic structure.

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What makes Compass different from other private schools in Fort Lauderdale?

Compass is intentionally small. With a maximum 10:1 ratio or lower, students receive consistent visibility, individualized support, and intellectually engaging instruction.

As a Fort Lauderdale microschool, we emphasize:

• Conceptual mathematics instruction
• Structured literacy development
• Project-based and discussion-based learning
• Nature-based and entrepreneurship education
• Measurable academic growth through MAP benchmarking

Our size is not a limitation. It is our strength.

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Is MAP testing required for admission?

Yes. Beginning in 2026, the MAP Growth assessment will be required as part of the admissions process for all applicants.

MAP benchmarking allows us to:

• Determine academic placement
• Identify strengths and skill gaps
• Inform instructional pacing
• Ensure we can support student needs effectively

As a structured private microschool in Fort Lauderdale, placement decisions are data-informed and intentional.

Students continue MAP benchmarking two to three times annually to monitor growth and instructional alignment.

 

How often are students assessed?

Students complete MAP Growth benchmarking two to three times per academic year.

In addition, mastery is evaluated through:

• Project-based assessments
• Teacher-designed evaluations
• Curriculum-embedded skill checks
• Ongoing formative feedback

This layered assessment model ensures accountability while preserving intellectual depth.

 

What attendance options are available?

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Five-day full-time and part-time academic and enrichment options are available.

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While flexibility is part of our hybrid homeschool Fort Lauderdale model, consistent attendance is strongly recommended to support academic continuity and peer relationships.

Our leadership team may recommend a schedule based on student readiness and academic needs.

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How does the Hybrid program work?

Compass offers a structured hybrid homeschool model in Fort Lauderdale.

Students attend campus on designated days for direct instruction and utilize aligned curriculum support at home. Hybrid families do not need to purchase additional curriculum.

The program is a drop-off model and does not require parental attendance during school hours.

 

What happens if we travel during the school year?

Compass values experiential learning. Families are encouraged to notify the school in advance of travel plans.

When feasible, students may continue utilizing the online curriculum while away. Teachers may incorporate travel experiences into reflective projects upon return.

However, consistent attendance remains important to preserve instructional rhythm and classroom cohesion.

 

Does Compass support students with learning differences?

Compass supports a range of learners within our small-group instructional model.

Admissions benchmarking beginning in 2026 ensures we can determine appropriate placement and confirm alignment with our instructional capacity.

Students whose needs require specialized therapeutic or behavioral intervention beyond our academic scope may be referred to appropriate outside providers.

 

What is the class size at your Fort Lauderdale microschool?

Compass maintains a maximum 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio or lower.

This intentional enrollment cap preserves individualized instruction, depth of relationships, and academic responsiveness.

 

Is Compass Outreach & Education Center accredited?

Yes. Compass Outreach & Education Center is a Cognia-accredited private school.

Cognia is a nationally recognized accrediting body that evaluates schools based on rigorous standards in leadership, instructional quality, continuous improvement, and student outcomes.

Accreditation affirms that Compass meets established standards for academic excellence and operational integrity.

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What does accreditation mean for families?

Accreditation signifies that a school has undergone external review and meets defined standards for:

• Curriculum alignment
• Instructional quality
• Assessment practices
• Leadership and governance
• Continuous improvement planning
• Student performance monitoring

For families, accreditation provides assurance that Compass operates as a structured, standards-based private microschool.

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Does Compass require uniforms?

Yes. Uniform ordering information is available under the Admissions tab at www.mycompassoutreach.org.

 

Does Compass provide lunch?

Students bring meals from home. Food sharing is not permitted for health and safety reasons.

 

What security measures are in place?

Compass maintains a secure learning environment through:

• Monitored interior and exterior camera systems
• Secured building access with impact-rated windows and doors
• Alarm monitoring for door movement
• Controlled entry access
• Locked play area gates
• Clearly marked emergency exits

Parent access to live camera feeds is not provided; recorded footage may be reviewed upon written request.

 

How is tuition calculated?

Annual tuition is calculated based on the full academic calendar, including instructional days and scheduled holidays.

Tuition reflects the value of:

• Small-group instruction
• Individualized placement
• Data-informed growth tracking
• Structured hybrid flexibility

 

Is tuition prorated?

Late Enrollment:
Students may enroll mid-year if space is available. Tuition is prorated based on the remaining academic calendar. Enrollment forms and required fees must be submitted to secure placement or waitlist consideration.

Vacation or Illness:
Tuition is not prorated for absences due to illness or vacation.

 

When should families apply?

As a private microschool in Fort Lauderdale with intentionally limited enrollment, early inquiry is recommended.

Admission includes academic benchmarking beginning in 2026, leadership review, and placement consideration.

Seats are filled based on alignment and capacity, not solely on availability.

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