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A free public charter school, Ingenuity launched in 2020 with a bold vision: to prepare San Antonio’s next generation of innovators through a STEM-focused curriculum rooted in aeronautics, robotics, computer science, and technology-based learning. 

The school’s strategic location at Port San Antonio—home to aviation leaders like Boeing, StandardAero, and Knight Aerospace, along with an array of home-grown cyber and applied technology innovators —was no accident. It reflects a deep commitment to connecting students with real-world opportunities in industries that are growing in their literal back yard. 

“We went through a community co-design process before launching Ingenuity,” said Compass Rose Founder and CEO Paul Morrissey. “Families told us they wanted their kids to be ready for the great jobs coming to the Port. That feedback shaped everything—from our curriculum to our partnerships.” 

That includes the school's proximity to the Boeing Center at Tech Port. A short walk from campus, students can access important enrichment opportunities in the center’s technology showcase, AREA 21. 

Operated by the San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology (SAMSAT), the space and the museum’s programming reinforce the connections between learning and pathways to further education and careers in the fields they’re studying. 

After school, Ingenuity’s e-sports club walks across an expanse of lawn to the Boeing Center to play at the LAN Gaming Center, which was purpose built to support this growing activity across all types of academic environments. Both colleges and employers recognize esports as an engaging way to teach workforce skills like teamwork, analytical thinking, communication and a broad knowledge of computing. 

“I tell the kids, college scouts are coming to watch you play,” Rodriguez said. 

A phased approach 

The first phase of the Ingenuity campus introduced elementary grades, followed by middle school completion in 2023. Now, with the final phase complete, Ingenuity was able to expand through 11th grade this year and will add 12th grade next year. The new gym benefits the entire campus, offering space for athletics, assemblies, and community events. A new welcoming courtyard offers safe outdoor spaces to gather. 

Ingenuity, with a capacity for 1,000 students, is one of five Compass Rose campuses across Bexar County, all of which are tuition-free and open to students from every corner of the region. Across the network, Compass Rose serves more than 4,100 students, with enrollment projected to reach 4,500 this year. 

Technology plays a key role in the classroom—not just as a tool for instruction, but as a gateway to future careers. “We use technology to meet students where they are,” Morrissey said. “Whether it’s closing learning gaps or accelerating students ahead of grade level, we want to make instruction richer and more impactful.” 

The school’s STEM curriculum begins early, with coding introduced in kindergarten. By middle school, students are exploring cybersecurity and aeronautical engineering. High schoolers will soon have access to internships with employers at the Port, giving them hands-on experience in industries they’ve studied in class. 

Enrollment is open for all grades, and Compass Rose Ingenuity continues to welcome new families. As an open-enrollment charter, the school accepts students year-round and fills seats as they become available. 

Beyond academics, Compass Rose Ingenuity is deeply committed to community engagement. The school’s facilities—including the new gym—are available for neighborhood use, and parents are encouraged to participate through volunteer and other opportunities. This emphasis on partnership reflects the school’s belief that education is a shared journey. 

“The completion of our last phase is a huge step forward,” said Morrisey, “not just for our school, but for the community we serve.”