The COMPASS program is designed to help college-bound students find direction in their lives as scholars, creative individuals, and compassionate members of society.

COMPASS (The Community of Musicians, Performers, Artists, and Social Scientists) is a small learning community focused on preparing students for life after high school by integrating core curriculum with the social sciences and the arts.  The program places an emphasis on standards-based instruction while helping students to connect learning with real world situations.  The arts are a vehicle for helping students to develop a sociological perspective that will allow them to gain a better understanding of themselves and the world around them. 

All students enrolled in the COMPASS program are expected to meet the A-G requirements for UC admission.  They are also expected to commit to developing their capacity for creative expression.  As part of this commitment, COMPASS students are expected to follow a self-selected pathway in the visual or performing arts that will lead to at least intermediate skills in a specific artistic discipline.  These pathways include: Visual Arts (fine arts or graphic arts focus); and Performing Arts (Drama, Dance, Instrumental Music, or Vocal Music focus). 

COMPASS students are also expected to use their talents and skills in working with other artists to help improve the greater Long Beach community through arts-based community service.