School partnerships

A privately funded, off-campus program that operates under Ohio law and works respectfully alongside public schools.

Start a Conversation What Ohio law requires
High school students gathered around tables during a Compass class
Serving 3 districts in Scioto County
How Compass works with districts

Simple for schools. Handled by Compass.

Families choose

Participation is voluntary and requires written parent or guardian consent. Compass handles registration and consent forms.

A time set together

Compass works with each district to identify a time. In our current schools that’s lunch and recess, so no core instruction is missed.

Off campus

Classes meet at an approved location off school property.

Compass handles logistics

Volunteers, curriculum, supervision, and transportation, plus attendance records shared with the district.

Privately funded

Supported entirely by donors and churches. No public funds are used.

Screened volunteers

Every volunteer completes an application, a background check, and child-safety training before serving.

What Ohio law requires

ORC § 3313.6022

Current version effective January 19, 2026.

Read the full text
  • District boards shall adopt a policy allowing released time for at least one period per week.
  • Written parent or guardian consent is required.
  • The sponsor keeps attendance records and shares them with the district.
  • Transportation is the responsibility of the sponsor, parent, guardian, or student, and the sponsor assumes liability.
  • No public funds are spent and no public school personnel are involved in the religious instruction.
  • Students are not counted absent and may not be released from a core curriculum course.
  • Districts may award high school students up to two units of credit, evaluated on secular criteria.
Starting a new program

From first call to first class.

  1. 01

    Reach out

    Contact Compass using the form below.

  2. 02

    Meet

    We review Ohio law, your district’s policy, and how Compass operates.

  3. 03

    Build support

    We connect with local churches and families for volunteers and funding.

  4. 04

    Plan logistics

    Class day and time, location, transportation, and check-in procedures.

  5. 05

    Enroll students

    Compass distributes registration and consent forms to families.

  6. 06

    Launch

    Classes begin, and Compass shares attendance records with the district.

Get in touch

Interested in release-time for your school?

Superintendents, principals, board members, teachers, parents, pastors, and community members are all welcome to reach out.