Compass in Dorchester, MA, is a co–ed special education school serving students in grades K–12 within a nonsectarian, city–based community.
Founded in 1974, the school currently enrolls 59 students with a student–teacher ratio of 4:1 supported by 16 teachers.
The student body is diverse, with over 91% of students identified as students of color, ranking the school among the top 20% in Massachusetts for diversity.
Compass operates without religious affiliation or membership in educational associations, focusing on special education within an urban environment.
Tuition and financial details are not specified, and enrollment reflects a small school setting in the Dorchester neighborhood.
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 59 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Top Rankings
Compass ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Year Founded
1974
Student Body
Total Students
59 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
91%
State avg.: 31%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
16 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.:
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Application URL
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for Compass?
The application deadline for Compass is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Compass also viewed these schools: Dearborn Academy, Manville School, Meridian Academy, Boston University Academy and Ivy Street School.
The nearest high school to Compass is Cristo Rey Boston High School (0.7 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is St. John Paul Ii Catholic Academy Columbia Camp (0.7 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Yawkey Konbit Kreyol Center (0.6 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
575 WASHINGTON STREET
Newton, MA 02458
(781) 641-5992
Newton, MA 02458
(781) 641-5992
7.5 miles
Gr: 3-12 | 57 students Avg. class size: 7 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Manville School
Special Education School
53 Parker Hill Ave
Roxbury Crossing, MA 02120
(617) 278-8390
Roxbury Crossing, MA 02120
(617) 278-8390
2.7 miles
Gr: 2-10 | 100 students Avg. class size: 8 students
54 Brookside Avenue
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
(617) 277-1118
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
(617) 277-1118
3.6 miles
Gr: 5-12 | 103 students Avg. class size: 11 students Sports: 2 | Extracurrculars: 8 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
One University Road
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 353-9000
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 353-9000
3.7 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 233 students Avg. class size: 12 students Sports: 18 | Extracurrculars: 22 Tuition listed
200 Ivy Street
Brookline, MA 02446
(617) 732-0220
Brookline, MA 02446
(617) 732-0220
3.7 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 51 students Avg. class size: 6 students Sports: 3
School Reviews
Endorse Compass. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ Gap Years Before High School: Is It Worth It?
Learn how private school gap years before high school work, who benefits most, and whether delaying ninth grade is worth the investment.
What Happens When a ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ Closes Mid-Year? A Parent Survival Guide
What parents should do if a private school closes mid-year, including records, tuition, transfers, college applications, and student support.
How ÌÇÐÄÔ´´s Support Students Building Online Personal Brands
Discover how private schools help students build responsible online personal brands through digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and media education.
