Compass

The Compass Program provides educational services for middle and high school students who have been expelled from school.

The program provides academic instruction in language arts, math, science, and social studies with the goal that the student maintains and increases skills in these instruction areas. Small-group processing sessions help students effectively deal with situations that, in the past, may have gotten them into trouble. The Compass Program administration works closely with the students' families through extensive intake interviews and frequent communication. The program collaborates with community agencies, including Arapahoe County Department of Social Services, City of Aurora and the 18th Judicial probation departments, community mental health centers and individual therapists with whom students are involved.

Admission and Attendance

Once expelled, the student and parents schedule a meeting with the Expulsion Program (EP) team to learn about the program's educational and behavior policies. Students earn the privilege of continued enrollment in the EP by complying with its rules, district policy, and the superintendent's requirements for early re-admission candidates. The latter may include mandatory UA's, counseling, and/or substance education or treatment.

When the student's expulsion term expires, they may enroll in their designated home school. Early Re-Admission (ERA) candidates have their status evaluated by the home school and the Compass Program several weeks prior to the superintendent's target date. If approved, early re-admission students return to their home school on probationary status.

Student Support

To complement the academic curriculum, the EP focuses on academic and social skills pertinent to students' long-term success in a traditional learning environment.

Mental health support for students includes social skills development, decision-making strategies, self-esteem building and interpersonal relationships.

As the Interim Alternative Educational Placement/Setting for students with disabilities, this program provides services that give the student with a disability access to the general education curriculum and benefit on the student's IEP goals and objectives.

Highlights

Follow-up meetings for students who have returned to school are conducted. These meetings involve the student, the Expulsion Program staff, and the student's dean, assistant principal and counselor.   

Vision

Navigating a Pathway of Purpose - 

We envision a thriving network of alternative educational programs that
serve as transformative waypoints on each student’s journey. Our programs
will be places where students feel seen, connected, and capable. We will co-create spaces where healing and growth are central to the educational
experience. Through a shared commitment to relationship-based teaching,
equitable practices, and responsive support systems, we will guide students
to discover their strengths, embrace their potential, and walk through
authentic accountability. Each student will confidently transition onto their
Pathway of Purpose.

Mission

Guiding each student forward - 

We guide students in navigating life’s challenges to chart a purposeful pathway towards a confident future.

Address

1855 S. Joliet Street
Aurora, Colorado 80012

Contact Information

Bruce Jones, Principal
720-747-2980
Email the Principal

Caitlin Montoya, Student Support Administrator
720-747-2981
Email the Student Support Administrator

Deanna Perry, School Office Manager/Attendance
720-554-5825
Email the Office Manager/Attendance

Attendance Guidelines

If your student will be absent, please call or email the office manager with your student's first and last name, the date of the absence, and the reason for the absence. Please include a good number to reach you for any questions. Thank you.
email Attendance

2025/2026 Course Guide
Compass program course Guide