Philosophies and Practices

Odyssey Academy strives to provide continuous learning, which is tailored to the student's interests and abilities, and is organized around authentic human activities and is sensitive to the development of the whole child. Educators will strive to accomplish the continuity of learning through:

• continuous progress and learning, allowing each child to move through content at their own rate;
  
• establishment of teachers/student relationships for periods of two or more years in multi-age classes;
  
• expected involvement and participation of parents in the classroom, as well as in individual program conferencing, planning, and collaboration;
  
• development of Individualized Learning Education Plans for each student, involving the parent, student, and teacher;
  
• partnerships with the community organizations through youth service-learning opportunities and business mentorships.

Odyssey Academy staff is expected to provide, in their daily work, an integration of real-life experiences, world themes, and academics. Through this integrated framework, all students are assured of:

• learning in an environment that is safe and accepting of their individuality;
  
• learning in a setting reflective of family and community values;
  
• learning in collaborative or shared learning experiences;
  
• applying what is learned in basic subjects to community activities, projects, and real-world situations; and
  
• becoming involved citizens and contributors to the community.