Our Principals
Principal - Bethany Merkling
Bethany holds a Professional Teaching License and Principal License in the state of Colorado. This Fall she will begin her eleventh year in education. She has been a member of World Compass administration for the past two years, most recently serving as our Director of Middle School. Prior to her work at World Compass, she taught in Utah, France, and in Douglas County.
Mrs. Merkling is the founder of World Compass Academy, creating the initial vision for the school, writing much of the original charter, serving as the founding board president, and leading the amazing team who opened the school. She is well-versed in the World Compass curriculum, having taught using Core Knowledge, FOSS, Guided Reading, and Step Up to Writing.
She spends her free time running and spending time with her three little boys
and husband.
I am very excited for my second year as an Administrator at World Compass Academy! 
Prior to joining the admin team, I taught middle school math at WCA for 4 years. I have been a WCA parent since the first year and have a daughter, Jayden, who graduated from WCA and is attending Colorado Early Colleges and a daughter and son (twins), Quinn and Devan, in 6th grade this year.
I started my education career teaching High School mathematics here in Colorado. For two years, I also taught English to kids in China in an online classroom prior to joining the middle school math team at WCA. Two years ago I started to realize that I wanted to pursue administration and started down that path last year. I love everything about education both as a teacher and an administrator.
I am thrilled to be joining World Compass Academy. I enthusiastically embark on this new journey with an unwavering commitment to the continued growth and success of our entire school community.
Over the last 25 years, I have worked as a classroom teacher, program facilitator, school site principal, and director. I hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Master of Arts Degree in Education/Educational Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills.
I was born and raised in Orange County, CA. My wife and I have a 5-year-old daughter who will be entering kindergarten in the fall. In my free time, I enjoy family trips, jiu-jitsu, travel shows and collecting vinyl music.
I look forward to collaborating with teachers, staff and parents and utilizing my experience to help guide and support all stakeholders here at WCA. I am eager to continue meeting and getting to know all of you and anticipate a tremendous school year!
I am delighted to join the Administration team at WCA. I have been teaching in Charter schools for over 25 years and I am looking forward to this new adventure.
I earned a BS in Elementary Education from Northwest Missouri State University, a BS in Early Childhood Education from NWMSU and my Masters Degree in Teaching From Grand Canyon University. I am finishing up my administration license.
My husband and I just celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary. We have a son, Joey (20), who is living his best life in Denver. A daughter, Trinity (16) who attends Castle View High School. We also have one fur baby, a calico cat named Dotty. In my free time, I love to read books, attend Musicals, and travel. I can't wait to make more connections and get to know the WCA community on a deeper level. We are going to have an amazing year!