Compass Academics

Charting a Course Toward Academic Confidence and Success

At Compass Academics, our goal is simple: to help students feel capable, confident, and supported so they can navigate school with greater independence and ease.

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Every student has unique strengths, challenges, and goals. Through personalized academic coaching, subject support, and thoughtful mentorship, we help students develop the skills, strategies, and confidence they need to succeed—not just in one class, but throughout their academic journey.

Whether a student needs help getting organized, strengthening executive functioning skills, mastering a challenging subject, or becoming a stronger writer, Compass Academics provides the individualized support families are looking for.

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About Compass Academics

Compass Academics was founded with a simple belief: students thrive when they have the right guidance, encouragement, and tools.

We work with students, meeting them where they are and helping them move forward with confidence.

For younger learners, we focus on building strong academic foundations, including reading comprehension, writing skills, grammar, math fundamentals, and effective study habits.

For older students, we provide academic coaching, executive functioning support, subject-specific instruction, essay guidance, and individualized strategies to help students manage increasing academic demands.

Think of Compass Academics as a trusted partner on your family's team, someone invested in your child's growth and who will help reduce academic stress while teaching students the skills they need to become more independent learners.

Meet Our Compass Academic Specialists

As Compass Academics grows, we are proud to partner with exceptional educators who bring specialized expertise to our students.

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    Julia Shealy

    Founder & Academic Coach

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  • dr light science and academic specialist tutor headshot charleston

    Dr. Light

    Science & Academic Specialist

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  • Jessica Shenkel math specialist tutor headshot charleston sc

    Jessica Shenkel

    Math Specialist

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Services to Help you Chart Your Course

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    Academic Coaching

    For students who need ongoing guidance, accountability, and support throughout the semester.

    Academic coaching may include:
    ✓ Executive functioning skills
    ✓ Time management and organization
    ✓ Assignment planning and prioritization
    ✓ Study strategies
    ✓ Goal setting
    ✓ Test preparation
    ✓ Academic accountability
    ✓ Self-advocacy skills
    ✓ Parent communication and progress updates

    Academic coaching is ideal for students who feel overwhelmed, struggle to stay organized, or need support managing the demands of school.

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    Subject Support & Tutoring

    Students may also work with Compass Academics for focused support in specific academic areas.

    Areas of support include:
    ✓ French and Spanish language
    ✓ Math, all levels
    ✓ Writing and essay development and editing
    ✓ English support
    ✓ Chemistry
    ✓ Study skills
    ✓ Research projects
    ✓ Homework guidance
    ✓ Test preparation

    For additional subject areas, Compass Academics partners with experienced educators who share our commitment to personalized instruction and student growth.

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How Sessions Work

Compass Academics offers both in-person sessions at our Mt. Pleasant office and virtual appointments.

Most sessions are 45 minutes and take place at a consistent weekly time to provide students with structure, accountability, and momentum.

A typical session includes:

➤ Checking in on current challenges, successes, and priorities

➤ Identifying the most important goal for the session

➤ Working through academic needs, assignments, or skill development

➤ Creating clear next steps for the week ahead

After sessions, families receive updates when appropriate so parents understand progress, goals, and areas of focus.

Academic Support Packages Investment

Compass Academics offers semester-based tutoring and academic coaching designed to help students stay organized, build confidence, and make steady progress throughout the school year.

Rather than paying month-to-month for a fixed number of sessions, families enroll in a semester package with a set number of personalized appointments. This provides flexibility around school breaks, holidays, and changing academic demands while keeping monthly payments predictable.

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    Compass Basic

    $420/month · 4 monthly payments
    *14 appointments per semester

    For students who benefit from consistent weekly academic support.

    ➤ Weekly 45-minute tutoring or academic coaching appointments
    ➤ Individualized support based on the student's needs
    ➤ Help with assignments, studying, test preparation, planning, and organization
    ➤ Ongoing accountability and progress monitoring
    ➤ Parent communication as needed
    ➤ 25-minute Check-Ins may be recommended when a shorter, focused appointment is more appropriate

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    Compass Plus

    $840/month · 4 monthly payments
    *28 appointments per semester

    For students who benefit from more frequent support, instruction, and accountability.

    ➤ Two 45-minute appointments per week, on average
    ➤ Individualized tutoring and academic coaching
    ➤ More frequent support with assignments, studying, planning, and organization
    ➤ Ongoing accountability and progress monitoring
    ➤ Parent communication as needed
    ➤ 25-minute Check-Ins may be recommended when a shorter, focused appointment is more appropriate

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    Support That Adapts to the Student

    ➤ Most Compass appointments are 45 minutes—long enough for meaningful academic work while keeping students focused and engaged.

    ➤ For students who benefit from a shorter touchpoint, 25-minute Check-Ins may be used for focused planning, organization, accountability, assignment review, or targeted academic support.

    ➤ Your Compass coach will determine when a shorter Check-In is appropriate based on the student's needs.

    ➤ If a session runs longer, additional time is billed in 15 or 30 minute increments

  • Simple, Predictable Semester Billing

    Fall semester enrollment includes a set number of appointments rather than a fixed number of appointments each month. This allows flexibility around school holidays and breaks.

    Fall 2026 payments are scheduled for:

    • August 31

    • September 30

    • October 31

    • November 30

    Students may join Compass after the semester begins, subject to availability. Tuition for late enrollment is prorated based on the number of appointments remaining in the semester.

    Compass packages are semester commitments and do not automatically renew.

Need Something Different?
We realize that some students have different circumstances and we are happy to discuss a personalized package.

Scheduling & Cancellation Policy
Compass Academics reserves a weekly appointment time for each student. Families may pause or discontinue services with 30 days' written notice. This allows time to adjust scheduling and ensure a smooth transition for students and families.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Compass Academics supports students from elementary through high school.

  • Yes. Virtual sessions are available for students who prefer online support.

  • Semester plans provide consistency and accountability. Students benefit from having a dedicated support system rather than only meeting when a problem arises.

  • Absolutely. Students may work with Compass Academics for focused subject support in areas such as French, writing, history, and other academic needs.

  • Yes. Communication with families is an important part of helping students make meaningful progress.

Kind Words

★★★★★

  • “Julia was a lifesaver during college application season. Her attention to detail and clear advice helped me craft essays I was proud to share with schools, and left me feeling more confident in my writing abilities alongside college applications! In the competitive world of college admissions, her editing and advice made my essays more easily digestible and interesting while still maintaining my unique voice. Working with her made me feel more confident in myself and my writing abilities!”

    - Nora Clair, Student

  • “As we read our daughter’s Common App essay, we sensed it needed something but couldn’t pinpoint what. After Julia’s first read, her feedback and thoughtful questions immediately stood out. With her experience and guidance, our daughter shaped an essay that truly reflects who she is. Julia has been a steady source of confidence and support throughout an overwhelming college application process. We’re so glad we hired her!”

    - Neves, Parent

  • "Julia has been a wonderful help in getting my 8th grader more organized and prepared for high school. She is able to help him prioritize his schedule and goes above and beyond by assisting in mapping out his homework and study calendar. Her session summaries are also incredibly helpful and give me valuable insight into what they've covered. Her communication is stellar and I can tell she has a vested interest in his success."

    - Missy, Parent

  • "Julia understands the strengths and weaknesses of each kid she works with and finds a way to inspire each kid to reach their goals. Whether it’s organization of all studies or a deep dive into a research project she is our go-to for tutoring. Her years of teaching and her kind approach to guiding students really made a difference!"

    - Laura, Parent

  • "Julia has been an integral part of my son's French learning. Not only does she have a mastery of French and its grammatical subtleties, but she also has the heart of a teacher. Julia truly cares about her students' success and approaches each student individually, recognizing his or her unique needs. My son found Ms. Julia to be patient and understanding while also pressing him forward to learn the complicated, in-depth concepts his class required."

    Kim, Parent

  • "When my daughter left her session today, I had the thought: she is always the happiest leaving Mrs. Shealy's lessons—truly the happiest she is all week long. Thank you so much."

    Megan, Parent

  • "Mrs. Shealy has helped keep me focused and on pace. After working together my senior year of high school, we continued tutoring sessions during my freshman year of college and she helped me adjust well to the new pace of this level of work. She has positively impacted my learning and given me confidence to speak a new language. I am excited to start my third year working with her."

    Ian, Student