Compass is an experiential career studies program for highly motivated juniors and seniors. Students who enroll in the program earn high school and college credit while exploring career paths and working side-by-side with professionals in the workplace. Courses are designed and taught in collaboration with business leaders in our community and faculty from North Hennepin and Normandale Community Colleges.

Helping our students chart their future

Working professionals have a hand in creating the curriculum for Compass classes and also serve as guest instructors so that students are better able to understand how what they are learning comes to life in the workplace. This type of educational experience can help students make better informed decisions about their post-high school education and careers and help them be more prepared for the workplace.

A Proven Program Model

Compass derives its inspiration from Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS), a proven business-community-public education partnership model launched by the Blue Valley School District in Overland Park, Kansas in 2009. The Overland Park program has served hundreds of students, partnered with more than a hundred businesses and garnered accolades from students, educators and the business community. Since 2009, dozens of school districts, including several in Minnesota, have introduced CAPS-inspired programs. Many districts, including Wayzata, are members of the CAPS Network.