• Mission

    It is the mission of Odyssey to evoke and nurture a love of learning in children, which encompasses continuous learning, academic success, and the development of social skills needed for successful, caring, and responsible community participation.

     

    Core Beliefs

     

    1.    Every learner can be motivated and self-directed.

    2.    Every learner will benefit from learning "how to learn."

    3.    Every learner is appreciated as an individual.

    4.    Every learner is greatly assisted in learning by the active participation of his or her original teachers, the parents.

    5.    Every learner benefits from interaction with people, young and old, who have different experiences, interests, and strengths.

    6.    Every learner can expand their sense of joy and curiosity as they learn.

    7.    Every learner will benefit when our teachers are supported in planning the program and developing their skills and capabilities.


      

     

    At Odyssey, we stand for:

    Academic Excellence with a rigorous curriculum that follows district standards to prepare your student for further study in any academic environment. Odyssey students study topics similar to those in other public schools in the Bainbridge Island School District; the delivery model is different. In the elementary program, all students receive instruction in Art, Music, and PE, as well as core academic subjects. In the middle school program, subjects include Algebra, CMP Math, Honors Geometry, CTE STEM Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts. Every semester, middle school students also receive Art, PE/Health, and Music (General Music, Band and/or Marimba Performance Ensemble).

    Self-Directed Learning encourages students to invest in their own education through projects, presentations, and personal inquiry. Project-Based Learning allows students to pursue their interests and communicate their discoveries using multiple forms of expression, including technology, the arts, and live demonstration. Students begin developing skills in independence in first grade and develop them throughout the program.

    Learning Experiences Outside the Classroom enrich academic learning, build leadership skills, and provide an opportunity to build community with fellow students and teachers. All students, grades 1-8, participate in overnight outdoor education expeditions and field trips.

    Service Learning also extends beyond the classroom, encouraging responsible, caring civic participation in the local community, environment, and the wider world.

    School Environment creates an inclusive, inspiring classroom setting where every student is valued and has a voice. Teachers get to know students at a deeper level, developing strong relationships over multiple years.

    High Parent Involvement in the program supports teachers and supplements student learning. Parents volunteer their time and talents, coordinating class projects and field trips or sharing their expertise and strengths in and out of the classroom.



    Frequently Asked Questions

      

    Why do students choose to attend Odyssey?

     

    We are a public school of choice. Families select our program because they prefer a small school, in a multiage setting, with high parent involvement.

     

    Does Odyssey charge tuition?

             No! We are a public school program of the Bainbridge Island School District.

     

    Can students attend Odyssey and still participate in extra curricular activities at other schools?

     

    Yes, we have students who participate in sports at Woodward, and Sakai, as well as a number of club activities at the island's other elementary schools.

     

    Do the school buses transport students to Commodore?

     

    Yes and no! Because of the new two-bell system, some Odyssey 1-6 students can be picked up on the Ordway bus route. Parents in out-lying areas are car-pooling to connect to the operating routes. Odyssey 7/8 is on the Woodward/BHS routes

     

    What type of student attends Odyssey?

     

    Our students and families select Odyssey because of the unique learning opportunities and strong teaching team. We welcome students of all abilities.

     

    After attending a small school, how does a student transition into a larger school community?

     

    We find our students are very successful transitioning into larger schools. Our graduates regularly tell us how well prepared they are for high school and college. Because our programs emphasize the self-directed learner, our students are capable learners in any setting. Our best testimony is in our graduates, who are now attending a broad range of schools from the Naval Academy, Notre Dame, Brown, Evergreen, Cornell to Seattle Community College, Arts Schools, and apprenticeships.

     

    What is the enrollment process?

     

    Please go to the enrollment tab on this webpage to get specific information about our program's enrollment and informational meetings.

     

     

     

     

    *For more information about Odyssey check out our on-line Parent Handbook.