Mount Compass is located 59 Kms from Adelaide GPO. It is centrally placed on the Fleurieu Peninsula being approximately equidistant from Strathalbyn, Goolwa, Port Elliot, Victor Harbor, Yankalilla, Aldinga and McLaren Vale.

Mount Compass Area School has been at its present site since 1934. It became an Area School in 1962. Rapid enrolment increases in the 1980's saw a redevelopment of the school and the addition of Year 12 in 1988. It is now a comprehensive community school with significant numbers of students coming from south coast towns and towns to the north.