Navigating Upper School: Compass Personalized Coaching

In 2024, St. Luke's launched Compass, an innovative program to help students chart their course through the high school experience. This individualized coaching initiative partners every 8th-grade student with a dedicated Compass Coach.  Together, coaches, advisors, and students build tailored Compass “maps” that provide direction and evolve with students each year.

"Compass is all about helping students navigate their experiences and explore their interests," explained Head of Middle School Katie Boorse. "With so many opportunities available, this program ensures every student has a personal coach to help them make intentional, informed choices."

The Class of 2029 is the first to take part in Compass. They began the program with an “Inventory Interview,” a reflective process designed to help coaches get to know each student.

“The Inventory Interview includes what we call ‘Mary’s Magic Questions,’” explained Boorse, referring to Head of School Mary Carter. “These questions are designed to help our coaches develop a deep understanding of each student.”

Questions such as Before you could read, what were your favorite forms of play? and If you were locked in a library, what would you search for? invite students to reflect on their early interests, natural curiosities, and emerging passions. Through conversations like these, coaches gain valuable insight into each student’s personality, strengths, and aspirations.

"The inventory process was really interesting because it made me think of things about myself that I never thought about before," shared 8th grader Will Yavenditti. "Seeing all these new classes that are possible in high school made me really excited for the things I can explore. I think in high school, I'm going to try to look at all of my options and see what really fits me best."

Armed with insights, the coaches help to create the personalized maps for each student—a living document that will grow alongside them throughout high school. The maps, which all 8th graders received in December,  include recommendations for specific courses, possible independent study topics, career paths, service opportunities, and key skills to build. Together, the components of the map outline a holistic approach to the student’s growth and development, curated for their interests and needs.

The final Compass meeting of the year will take place this spring. With a clearer sense of their interests and goals, students will work closely with their coaches to select freshman courses and plan extracurriculars for the 2025–2026 school year. These conversations mark an important step as students begin to shape their high school experience with intention. As Head of Upper School Billy Bludgus shared, “Compass helps students gain confidence and joy as they experience growing agency over how they invest their time and energy throughout high school."