Enrollment
The application window for students applying as Explorers (ages 5 and 6) or Discoverers (ages 6 through 9) will begin November 1st, 2025.
Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a family. At The Compass School, we're looking for families who believe that education should nurture curiosity, courage, compassion, and agency in every learner.
Our enrollment process is designed as the beginning of a partnership. Through campus visits, conversations, and thoughtful application steps, we'll get to know your child's strengths, interests, and learning style—and you'll discover how TCS can support your family's hopes and dreams for your child's education.
We invite you to…
Scroll down to schedule a tour today
Learn about our Tuition Model
Why Choose TCS?
Families are essential partners as we build TCS.
We offer family workshops and discussions throughout the school year, welcoming your voice into conversations about how we can create a school we're all proud of.
Our educators incorporate student identities and experiences into the classroom.
We celebrate all people in and beyond TCS—belonging in thought, background, and identity is central to who we are. Students engage with local communities throughout the school year. Belonging—in thought, background, and identity—is key to who we are.
Our goal is to graduate remarkable young people.
Learners who are confident in themselves, compassionate toward others, and eager to keep learning. With strong foundational skills and a forward-thinking perspective, our graduates will be well-prepared to excel in top high schools both locally and nationally.
“We are here to walk alongside you every step of the way.”
Admissions Events
The Application Process
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We invite you to attend our Tour and Info Session. Our Founder and Head of School, Geoff Harrison will show you our campus and share our philosophy. You will also have the opportunity to observe a class to see what learning looks like for our students.
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Beginning November 1, 2025, you can begin the application process by submitting an initial application through our portal. A link will be available on this page on November 1st. A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required to initiate the process. Please note that completing the initial application is just the first step in our enrollment process.
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After you submit your initial application, you will also submit: one short written parent response, and one teacher recommendation. More information on these will be available via the portal. These additional materials will help us get to know your child better.
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For more information on our Tuition Plan, please see our tuition page.
After you submit your initial application, you will be invited to complete a profile for your family to determine the tuition rate for your child(ren). Your personalized tuition plan will be available within 10 business days.
You may choose to opt-out of this step, understanding that you are committing to paying full-rate tuition.
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Our 75-minute parent interview provides us an opportunity to get to know you and your child better and to answer any questions you may have about TCS.
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Rising Explorers are invited to a 90-minute visit on a Saturday morning.
Rising Discoverers are invited to a 90-minute visit on a Wednesday morning.
The specific dates will be shared via the TADS portal once your initial application is completed.
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You will be notified of our decision on March 2nd, 2026 via email.
Curious?
Schedule a 1:1 chat today
The Compass School is dedicated to building a faculty and student body that reflect the diversity of Austin. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as members of underrepresented groups.
The Compass School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law in its employment policies. In addition, The Compass School will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.