On a typical Tuesday at Compass Prep, students hurry between classes, talk with friends during lunch, and plan upcoming clubs and events. To many students, it feels like a traditional high school experience. But behind the classes, friendships, leadership programs, dances, and social events is a homeschool community that began with a much smaller vision.
Founded in 2012 by Debbie Moon and Sandi Sealover, what began as a way for homeschool families to share educational opportunities has grown into a thriving program serving roughly 160 students each year.
Cayla Revels, a teacher and board member, confirms this. “The main change is the enormous growth of the program. It began as a few families and has grown to roughly 160 students enrolled in courses each year! The growth is a huge blessing!” she said.
Lora Matthews’ oldest son was part of the inaugural class at Compass Prep. She participated in managing social events those first years before becoming a tutor and then director and owner in 2015 when the original founders stepped aside. She expressed how rewarding it was to witness students’ achievements at Compass Prep.
“Some Compass Prep alumni have become business owners, nurses, artists, church leaders, engineers, teachers, geologists, military service members, sports trainers, pharmacists, mechanics, and professional musicians. Despite their diverse paths, their shared experience at Compass Prep allowed them to pursue their interests freely. Fifteen years ago, we designed the program to support each student academically and socially. Our alumni reflect this success, and I am grateful to see Compass Prep continue to thrive and guide students on their journeys,” said Matthews.
Ginger Lockamy has been an instructor at Compass Prep since its beginning and continues to be involved at Compass Prep at various levels to this day. She emphasizes the support and community that continues to help numerous students thrive at Compass Prep.
“We’ve had quite a few students come through Compass Prep who have lost parents or siblings, who have suffered with health issues, or who have struggled with interpersonal issues – these students have all found a place to succeed at Compass Prep. They have found friends who have encouraged them, instructors who have loved them while pushing them to do their best in spite of their struggles, and an environment that allowed them freedom to choose how much interaction was best. I remember one student who unexpectedly lost her father just before she started at Compass Prep in 9th grade. Starting amidst that tragedy was hard for her, but she found support and community and ended up thriving at Compass Prep,” explained Lockamy.
According to board members and instructors, the blend of academics and community has been central to Compass Prep’s mission from the beginning.
“What makes Compass Prep unique is the community it creates. It gives homeschool families the opportunity to access high school/college preparatory classes, connect with other families, and provide their students with experiences beyond what they may have at home. Compass Prep brings together families, instructors, and students with different interests and strengths, all working toward the same goal of providing meaningful educational opportunities. It’s more than just taking classes; it’s being part of a community that supports homeschooling and allows teens to have a high school experience similar to their peers who are public schooled,” states Revels.
Joy Aldridge, a biology teacher and board member at Compass Prep, adds, “Our hope is that students and homeschool families are all blessed by their experience with Compass Prep. The goal is to work alongside our families so that students learn how to navigate working independently, preparing them for college with a faith in Christ mindset that they can bring with them through college and/or in their career.”
Aldridge also stated that the values that have remained important to Compass Prep are really similar to the founding families beliefs. “We want to be a place where students feel safe, are able to participate in school spirit, social, and service activities, learn leadership, receive a quality education from instructors, and be among believers in Jesus Christ,” she said.
Over the years, Compass Prep has become more than high school classes for homeschoolers. Students can participate in dances, social events, service opportunities such as Operation Christmas Child, and recently a few clubs have begun. Many of these are organized by the combined effort of teachers and students part of the Student Leadership Committee.
“The clubs have been a great way to help students get to know each other. SLC is always thinking of new ways to serve our student body and the community!” explained Aldridge.
From a more academic perspective, the organization has expanded course offerings and upheld the original values: a safe, Christian environment and a standard for academic excellence- preparing students for college & careers. Teachers are also willing to assist students who need extra help, and the organization continues to adapt to families’ needs.
“I’m most proud of the reputation we have in the community for excellence in instruction,” says Wendy Marus, who became involved in Compass when her children attended in high school and is currently still a teacher at Compass. “The second year they attended I decided to teach a class and it worked out to join the team at CP.”
But teaching classes is only a part of the big picture. The Compass Prep Board puts in a lot of work behind the scenes.
“There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into keeping Compass Prep running. People see the classes, instructors, and student activities, but there are also administrative responsibilities, financial decisions, scheduling, communication with families, policies to maintain, and unexpected issues that need attention. Many of these responsibilities happen outside of class time. The board has to balance the needs and expectations of families with the practical realities of running a program, while making decisions that support Compass Prep’s long-term health and sustainability,” explained Revels.
“The board had to make a lot of decisions regarding the safety of students. To make guidelines that will protect all the people involved. We have to handle the finances, facility use, taxes, paperwork, registration, open houses, orientation, communication, web site, as well as troubleshooting and MM problems or issues that may arise,” added Marus.
For many homeschooled students, high school can look different from the traditional experience. At Compass Prep, however, students can take challenging classes, participate in clubs and dances, take educational excursions, participate in a mock trial, develop leadership skills, and build lasting friendships. Today, Compass Prep offers college-prep classes, social activities, leadership opportunities, a graduation ceremony, and a faith-centered community for homeschool students in the area.
If a new family were to consider Compass Prep, Lockamy would want them to know this: “Compass Prep is a strong program that has been around for 14 years. We offer a variety of classes and lots of flexibility. It’s a great place to help students spread their wings and experience accountability to others before embarking on their next big adventure.”
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