Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What precautions are being taken to help prevent the spread of COVID-19?
TOURS: We encourage potential families to watch our Virtual Tour on YouTube and explore the various videos of our kids in action to get a glimpse of the fun and adventure we have every day. When we are at capacity and there is a waitlist, we conduct only a limited number of virtual tours via FaceTime or Zoom for the classrooms that are most likely to have a foreseeable opening. We are happy to set up a private meeting for you and your family to go over other details.
DAILY ROUTINE: Upon arrival, all staff and children entering the building must have their temperature taken. Parents are currently not allowed inside the building. All teachers and staff are required to wear a mask while on campus, even outdoors. All stations and rooms are thoroughly cleaned according to CDC guidelines to combat the transmission of the virus.
Q. We are expecting a baby. When should I start looking for child care?
Right away! Many childcares have a wait list, and you may encounter wait times up to a year in length. Visit each location that meets your needs as early as possible, and if you find a place that feels right for your family, go ahead and reserve the spot. This helps you and your selected child care plan for your future new arrival.
Q. How do I reserve a spot for my child at Compass Academy?
We are excited to welcome your child to our program! To hold your spot, there is a one time non-refundable registration fee of $200 plus a $300 non-refundable deposit that applies toward your first month’s tuition. We offer a grace period of two weeks from your designated start date as we know babies don’t always arrive on time and life circumstances can fluctuate. If for any reason you choose not to attend, your child’s spot will be released. If you decide to enroll at a later date, you will have to re-register.
Q. What are the age ranges served and tuition rate for each level?
We accept children for our childcare program between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years old. We recently added a Pod Class for K-5th grade to assist with virtual learning in a classroom setting. For detailed tuition and payment information, please call or email the office.
Q. Does Compass Academy offer full time or part time child care programs?
We are pleased to offer both Full Day and Half Day programs. Our Half Day program is from 9am-1pm. Additionally, we offer both Full Week or Partial Week options, consisting of either a 2 day, 3 day or a 5 day week. You must select your day length and weekly attendance plan upon registration and commit to that time and day schedule so we can staff and prepare for each week appropriately. Please note, the Half Day program is not available for the Infant age group.
Q. What kind of curriculum and learning philosophies are followed?
Compass Academy embraces an eclectic mix of Montessori, Reggio Emilia Inspired learning, and the play method. We believe children learn naturally through playing and exploring the world around them. To support these values, we created a natural learning ambiance with organic practices utilizing indoor and outdoor classrooms. In everything we do, we are as eco-friendly as possible. Our ultimate goal is to provide an experience that contributes to the development of happy, confident children who can be seamlessly integrated into a mainstream school
Q. How are tuition payments handled?
Tuition is paid monthly. You have the option to set up a fee free Autopay with your bank, or you can use a credit card with an additional 3% convenience fee per transaction. Tuition is charged between the 1st and the 5th of every month.
Q. How does Compass Academy communicate with parents and what kind of communication can parents expect to receive?
Parents are encouraged to download the Brightwheel and Whatsapp application on their smartphone. We use this app to communicate and send pictures by authorized personnel through the official mobile number. Your child’s academic progress will also be shared via the Brightwheel app.
Q. What holiday schedule does Compass Academy follow?
The yearly calendar is available on the Parents tab of our website. We closely follow the Cobb County School system calendar with minor exceptions. Any changes to the calendar will be communicated as soon as possible.
Q. What safety measures are in place to make sure my child is secure?
We are concerned about your child’s health and safety in everything we do. Our building meets all of the City of Smyrna codes and guidelines for child safety. We feature a double locked door system and security cameras. We also have a contract with a reputable alarm company to assist us in the unlikely event of an emergency. Only authorized parents with key codes may enter the building. No child will be released from the center without prior notice from the parents to confirm that someone else has been authorized to pick up the child without a valid ID.
Q. What meals do you serve?
We serve breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Fresh fruit and organic options are an important priority and served when possible. Half Day preschool students receive lunch only.
Q. Is English the only language spoken at Compass Academy?
We offer a dual language program. English and Spanish are used interchangeably and we have integrated Spanish classes into our curriculum.
Q. Is Compass Academy currently hiring staff members?
We are always looking to expand our family! If you love children, enjoy laughing, and have a passion for learning from the world around you, we would love to talk to you. Please fill out the Contact Us form and inquire about current positions that may be open.