News & Highlights

At The Compass School, we are proud to be a leader in shaping the future of public education. Below, you'll find recent highlights that demonstrate our leadership in environmental education, project-based learning, and literacy instruction, along with media features like our PBS Classroom segment, a video showcasing our middle school renovation, produced in partnership with the RI Department of Energy, and a School Spotlight feature by the RI League of Charter Public Schools. These accomplishments reflect our continued commitment to innovation, collaboration, and the advancement of public education across Rhode Island.

Best Practice Highlights

As a public charter school, The Compass School fulfills our mission as a pioneer in educational innovation, serving as a hub for experimentation, community engagement, and the advancement of best practices. Our efforts reflect a deep commitment to the ongoing improvement of education, both locally and nationally. Recent highlights include:

Environmental Education

  • Hosted the RI Farm & Sea to School Institute, fostering collaboration and sustainable food education.

  • Compass Student Leaders presented at the US Department of Energy in Washington, DC, as part of the 2024 US Green Difference Awards.

  • Hosted the RI Environmental Educators Association Conference, supporting statewide environmental education initiatives.

Project-Based Learning

  • Hosted a Leadership RI Site Visit, showcasing how project-based learning transforms student engagement and outcomes.

  • Welcomed participants from the International Association of Laboratory Schools Conference during their visit to URI, sharing innovative teaching strategies.

Literacy Leadership

  • Compass educators became weekly contributors to Root Literacy Design's Daring to Read Blog and Literacy YouTube Channel, sharing expertise with educators nationwide.

  • Hosted the first annual RI Science of Reading Conference, with keynote speaker Brandee Lapisky leading discussions on literacy reform.

  • The Reading League Journal published the article "Changing Course: Large-Scale Implementation of the Science of Reading" by Brandee Lapisky and Heather Ballantine, highlighting Compass’s literacy success story.

These accomplishments underscore our dedication to educational excellence, sustainability, and community impact, positioning The Compass School as a leader in public education reform and a trusted resource for advancing best practices.