Compass Academy at The Cydney Center

Guiding Every Learner Toward Their Unique Direction

A Microschool with a Mission

Compass Academy is not just a school, it's a lifeline for families of children with moderate to severe special needs who deserve more than just a place to go. We offer a customized, compassionate, and community-rooted education model. 

Our Key Distinctions

1. Therapy-Integrated Curriculum

Our students don’t leave class for therapy. Instead, therapy goals are embedded into the learning environment so every moment supports development in the areas of speech, occupational, physical, and vision therapies.

2. Relationship-Based Learning

Small student-to-staff ratios mean your child is known. Our team builds strong relationships with each student and family, providing a consistent, nurturing presence that fuels trust and growth.

4. Sensory-Friendly & Accessible Environment

Our learning space is filled with soft textures, visual supports, themes and intentional zones, and adaptive tools that help students regulate and thrive.

6. Mission-Led, Not Metrics-Driven

We measure success by connection, individualized progress, and peace of mind, contentment, not standardized test scores. Every child is seen as a worthy learner, not a statistic.

3. Whole-Child Approach

We see beyond disability labels. Our model celebrates each learner’s unique pace, preferences, and possibilities, creating space for dignity, choice, and joy.

5. Family-First Focus

You’re not just enrolling a student you’re joining a support system.You will also have access to parent support opportunities through The Cydney Center. Including virtual support groups, workshops and more.

7. Non-Diploma, But Never Non-Directional

Our learners may not follow a traditional academic path, but they are always moving forward. Our team works with the family to establish goals both academic and therapy based and key factors for their child’s quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Compass Academy serves children with moderate to severe special needs who are on a non-diploma track. Our students may be medically complex, nonspeaking, or have significant developmental delays and they all deserve a place to learn, grow, and belong.

  • We offer a small family centered microschool model with:

    • Therapy-integrated academic learning

    • A whole-child approach

    • Sensory-friendly spaces

    • Flexible structure

    • Family centered support for both students & parents

  • We are a microschool first with therapy embedded into the school day. While we are not a licensed therapy provider, families may coordinate private therapy during the school day if they choose.

  • We currently serve students ages 5–18 who are best supported in a life-skills-focused learning environment. Students are educated by developmental level and support needs, not strictly by age or grade.

  • Our days include:

    • Morning routines and movement

    • Sensory play and skill-building

    • Communication-focused learning

    • Life skills, adapted academics, and creative expression

    • Rest and regulation breaks as needed
      A sample daily schedule is included in your packet!

  • We maintain a low student-to-staff ratio to ensure every learner receives personalized support, care, and attention.

  • Compass Academy at The Cydney Center is an approved Indiana ESA (Education Scholarship Account) business provider and funds can be used for The Cydney Center adapted play area and library once it is open to the public however this will not cover tuition for Compass Academy until we complete The accreditation process.  We can walk you through how to apply and use your ESA funds for tuition so that you are ahead of the process.

  • We are located inside The Cydney Center which is currently at The Nexus Impact Center. 9511 Angola Court Indianapolis, IN 46268.

  • Enrollment is currently closed for the 2025-2026 school year. If you're interested in learning more about future enrollment, please fill out the interest form or email us at patricesmith@thecydneycenter.com and a member of our team will follow up with you personally.