Compass Rose Public Schools: Comprehensive Company Profile

Background

Compass Rose Public Schools is a network of tuition-free, public charter schools serving PreK-12 students across Texas, with campuses in San Antonio and Austin. Established in 2016, the organization's mission is to ensure every student experiences success in school at every grade level and in every subject, preparing them to be academically ready for college. The schools emphasize combining academic success with personal growth, enabling students to navigate life's significant opportunities.

Key Strategic Focus

Compass Rose Public Schools is committed to providing high-quality educational options tailored to the unique strengths and needs of the communities they serve. Each campus offers specialized programs:

S.T.E.M. & Aeronautics: Building a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics to introduce students to aeronautics and robotics.

Entrepreneurship: Equipping students with the tools to become business owners and connecting them to community leaders to build their network early.

Computer Science: Preparing students for careers in tech as the technology field grows around the community.

Agricultural Science: Connecting students to hands-on animal engagement opportunities and farming while also introducing S.T.E.M.

Nature & Public Health: Emphasizing place-based learning, teaching children about how to use their place in the world to strengthen and support their community.

Medicine: Equipping students with the tools and skills to address systemic health challenges in the community.

These programs are designed in partnership with local communities to ensure relevance and effectiveness.

Financials and Funding

As of August 2023, Compass Rose Public Schools reported total revenue of $46.9 million, with expenses totaling $46.6 million. The organization has experienced a 90.2% annual increase in expenses over the past seven years, aligning with its revenue growth. Funding sources include government grants amounting to $41,065,437 and other contributions totaling $5,055,777. Additionally, the organization secured a $9.1 million loan from BlueHub Capital for construction purposes, facilitating the expansion of its campuses.

Pipeline Development

Compass Rose Public Schools has expanded to seven campuses, each offering specialized programs:

Compass Rose Impact Campus: Grades 9-12, Northwest San Antonio.

Compass Rose Legacy Campus: Grades PreK4-12, Brooks City Base/Southeast San Antonio.

Compass Rose Ingenuity Campus: Grades PK4-11, Port San Antonio/Westside of San Antonio.

Compass Rose Journey Campus: Grades PreK4-8, Windcrest/Northeast Bexar County.

Compass Rose Dream Campus: Grades PK4-8, Northwest San Antonio.

Compass Rose Destiny Campus: Grades K-10, Manor.

Compass Rose Harvest Campus: Grades K-8 (2024-2025); K-9 (2025-2026), Bastrop.

These campuses are strategically located to serve diverse communities, offering programs that align with local needs and interests.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Compass Rose Public Schools integrates innovative educational methodologies and technologies to enhance student learning experiences. The organization emphasizes community-driven fields of study, such as S.T.E.M., aeronautics, and computer science, preparing students for careers in growing technology sectors. Additionally, the schools offer free transportation to ensure accessibility for all students.

Leadership Team

The leadership team at Compass Rose Public Schools comprises experienced professionals dedicated to advancing the organization's mission:

Paul Morrissey: Founder and Chief Executive Officer.

Arturo Herrera Jr.: Chairperson, Manager of Strategic Planning at VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority.

Kayleigh Colombero: Vice Chairperson, Superintendent of Étoile Academy Charter School.

Tino Morenz: Secretary, Senior Software Engineer at Microsoft.

Shawn McCormack: Treasurer, School Success Principal at Equitable Facilities Fund.

Desi Martinez: Board Member, Attorney.

Claudia Hernandez: Board Member, Attorney at De Mott, McChesney, Curtright & Armendariz, LLP.

Mitchell Walker: Board Member, Chief Operating Officer for Jefferson Bank.

Andrew Clarence: Board Member, School District Budgeting Professional.

This team brings diverse expertise in education, law, finance, and technology, contributing to the organization's strategic growth and operational excellence.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The charter school sector in Texas is competitive, with numerous organizations striving to provide quality education alternatives. The market is characterized by a focus on specialized programs, community engagement, and innovative teaching methodologies to attract and retain students.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

Noble Network of Charter Schools: Serving over 12,500 students across multiple campuses, focusing on college readiness and achieving high college acceptance rates.

Legacy Traditional Schools: Operating multiple campuses with a traditional, back-to-basics curriculum emphasizing rigorous academics.

Great Hearts Academies: Offering a classical education model with a focus on liberal arts and character development.

These organizations emphasize strong academic programs and community involvement, similar to Compass Rose Public Schools.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Compass Rose Public Schools has partnered with BlueHub Capital, securing a $9.1 million loan for construction purposes, facilitating the expansion of its campuses. Additionally, the organization collaborates with local communities to design and implement programs that meet specific regional needs, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.

Operational Insights

The organization employs 498 individuals, with an average teacher experience of 4.4 years and an average salary of $57,610, which is below the state average. The student-teacher ratio is 17.5:1, higher than the state average of 14.7:1. These factors may impact teacher retention and student performance, areas that the organization may need to address to maintain competitiveness.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Compass Rose Public Schools has demonstrated significant growth since its inception, expanding to multiple campuses and serving a diverse student population. Future opportunities include enhancing teacher support and development to improve retention, expanding specialized programs to attract a broader student base, and strengthening community partnerships to ensure program relevance. By focusing on these areas, the organization can continue to provide high-quality education and maintain its competitive position in the charter school sector.