COMPASS Academy is a specialized educational program within Catawba County Schools dedicated to supporting students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) who benefit from a highly structured, individualized learning environment. Located at the Sweetwater Education Center in Hickory, North Carolina, COMPASS Academy serves students with diverse emotional, behavioral, social, and academic needs.

The name COMPASS stands for Children Overcoming Monumental Personal and Academic Stressors for Success, reflecting our commitment to guiding students toward growth, achievement, and independence. Through personalized instruction, positive behavioral supports, social-emotional learning, and strong family partnerships, we help students build the skills and confidence needed to succeed both in school and beyond.

At COMPASS Academy, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Our dedicated staff works collaboratively to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where students feel valued, challenged, and empowered to reach their full potential. We focus on the whole child—academically, behaviorally, socially, and emotionally—while celebrating progress, fostering resilience, and preparing students for future success.

Mission

COMPASS Academy is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive environment where all students can thrive academically, socially, and behaviorally, regardless of the challenges they encounter.

Vision

To empower and support students to achieve their potential so that they become successful partners in the community.

What Makes COMPASS Unique?

• Individualized support tailored to each student's needs
• Small learning environments with high staff-to-student support
• A strong emphasis on social-emotional growth and self-regulation
• Collaborative partnerships with families and community resources
• A commitment to helping students build confidence, resilience, and lifelong success

Grades: Kindergarten – 6
Principal: Tashanna Mays
Assistant Principal: Carolyn Zimmerman
School Hours: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM

A Message from the Principal

Welcome to COMPASS Academy!

Whether you are a current member of our school family or exploring COMPASS as a potential placement for your child, I am honored to welcome you to our community.

At COMPASS Academy, we believe every child deserves to be seen, understood, and supported. Our students come to us with unique strengths, experiences, and challenges, and we are committed to providing an environment where they can grow academically, behaviorally, socially, and emotionally. We recognize that success looks different for every child, and we celebrate each step forward along the journey.

What makes COMPASS special is the relationships we build. Our staff is dedicated to creating a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where students feel valued, families feel supported, and growth is possible every day. We work closely with parents, guardians, and community partners because we know that when schools and families work together, students thrive.

The name COMPASS stands for Children Overcoming Monumental Personal and Academic Stressors for Success. That name reflects our purpose. We strive to help students develop the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to navigate challenges and discover their potential. Our goal is not only to support students in the present but to prepare them for meaningful success in the future.

Thank you for trusting us with your child’s educational journey. It is a privilege to serve our students and families, and we look forward to partnering with you as we celebrate accomplishments, overcome obstacles, and create opportunities for success.

With appreciation,

Tashanna Mays
Principal, COMPASS Academy

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