Curriculum
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Middle school students in 5th through 8th grade have daily classes in Math, Science, Literature/Reading, English/Writing and Social Studies and each class period is a full 55 minutes. We also offer two paid electives; students can choose between Studio Arts, PE, Technology and Study Skills.
MATH
Middle School Math classes emphasize hands-on experience and discussion. Students develop and strengthen their skills in the areas of numbers and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and data analysis and probability. We explore problem-solving and logical thinking to apply mathematical concepts to the world around us.
LANGUAGE ARTS
For middle school and the first two years of high school, Odyssey offers a unique double-intensive language arts program. Students enroll in both a reading class and a writing class. These two distinct classes allow them to focus deeply on skill-building and ensure a balanced, rigorous language arts learning process.
READING/LITERATURE
Reading/Literature Courses expose students to a variety of literary genres. We study fiction, non-fiction, drama, poetry, as well as contemporary texts like graphic novels, news stories and opinion editorials. Students are encouraged to become self-motivated, life-long readers. Our Middle School Language Arts program aligns with the National Council of Teachers of English 21st Century Literacies framework.
ENGLISH/WRITING
In Middle School English/Writing, Odyssey students are taught to write coherent, organized prose. They learn research methods and discover how to find credible sources—a key skill in the Internet age. Students complete Middle School Writing with the ability to articulate their thoughts (written and verbal); analyze for meanings, values, and intentions; research and organize information and ideas; and communicate clearly.
SCIENCE
Odyssey teachers specialize in interactive, hands-on science. Students explore, hypothesize, predict, experiment and test in projects that bring their science books alive. We also create a unique science fair. Students choose a concept, research and learn it in-depth and then teach it to others in a science fair atmosphere. Everyone learns, without the high-pressure competition.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Social Studies and history are all about people—why they do the things they do, what factors influence them, and what consequences or possibilities arise from a confluence of events. We guide our students to see social studies as a global classroom. They learn to make relevant, real-world connections and develop a nuanced understanding of cultures, governments, and human lives.
HIGH SCHOOL
Students in 9th through 10th grades have one 55-minute class each day in the foundational subjects of Math, Science, Writing, Reading and Social Studies. In 11th and 12th grades, Reading and Writing are combined into one English class, and all students take Pragmatics (Preparation for College and Careers).
We also offer two paid electives. High school students have the option of taking Spanish Language, Studio Arts, Physical Education/Health, Robotics and Technology Programming, and Study Skills.
MATH
In high school math, we focus on higher-order abstract numeracy. Odyssey students gain a solid lifetime understanding of math and its applications. Students are prepared to use complex math in college, the work place, and to explore their intellectual curiosity. We also ground the study in areas like real estate or consumer math for students needing a less traditional curriculum.
LANGUAGE ARTS
For middle school and the first two years of high school, Odyssey offers a unique double-intensive language arts program. Students enroll in both a reading class and a writing class. These two distinct classes allow them to focus deeply on skill building and ensure a balanced, rigorous language arts learning process.
SCIENCE
Through close examination of everyday phenomena, our high school students learn to apply concepts in biology, physics, chemistry, environmental science and psychology. They learn to observe, innovate and experiment as they explore the interdependent relationships that govern how matter and energy, earth and organisms co-exist.
SOCIAL STUDIES
As our current students become adults, they need the capacity to navigate across cultural barriers. We guide them to understand multiple perspectives, and evaluate the information they encounter with an open mind and a critical eye. Our high school social studies program challenges students to understand diplomatic, economic and cultural issues facing the United States and the world—and to imagine innovative solutions.
ELECTIVES
In order for us to offer flexibility and opportunities for choice, the electives program is separate from our academic core. This allows us to also support students who are participating in a dual-credit program, working, pursuing their own chosen talent or sport, or receiving supporting services. Electives are offered at an additional cost
MAKER SHOP
Class is project-based. Students work with technology, carpentry, mechanics and other tools and skills to build projects and invent new or innovative items. This is an excellent opportunity to build practical skills like carpentry while also learning to invent and problem solve.
STUDIO ARTS
This course focuses on project-based activities like mixed media, painting, ceramics, culinary gardening and crafts. The class also partners with other programs and organizations to broaden the student’s experience with activities such as music, video development and fine arts.
STUDY HALL
Study Hall provides additional study time for students to complete homework and other class assignments. Work in the class supports and reinforces the organization and study skills taught in Odyssey Classrooms.
TECHNOLOGY
Class emphasizes hands-on projects and discussions exploring topics in technology such as video and image editing, computer aided design (CAD) and printing 3-D from that design, robotics, computer game creation, and digital citizenship.
SPANISH
Odyssey offers high school students Spanish I and Spanish II. Both emphasize listening, speaking, reading and writing. They also employ role-play, class presentations and communication in real-life situations. Students examine language structure, acquire a good accent, working vocabulary and set of verb forms, and explore the cultures and peoples of Spanish-speaking countries.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
In our Physical Education program, students participate in a wide variety of games, sports practice periods, discussions and drills. Students learn to cooperate in a group, work on a team, evaluate performance, build character, and appreciate physical fitness. We also draw on community-sponsored programs to promote healthy lifestyles and relationships.
HEALTHY LIVING
This course is a comprehensive study and development of health living habits, individual personal health, managing positive interpersonal relationships and safety. Students will also focus on achieving and maintaining a health-enhancing level of personal fitness through participating in physical activity.
LANGUAGE THERAPY
Our reading program follows the research based, proven Orton Gillingham scope and sequence and can strengthen accuracy, fluency, and decoding skills, which increases comprehension, confidence, and the general desire to read. Group and individual Language Therapy available.
ACADEMIC LANGUAGE THERAPY
Our reading program follows the research based, proven Orton Gillingham scope and sequence and can strengthen accuracy, fluency, and decoding skills, which increases comprehension, confidence, and the general desire to read. Group and individual Language Therapy available.
