Carly Penny
A life-long North Carolinian, Carly grew up in Raleigh, surrounded by artists, inventors, craftspeople, and naturalists. She and her husband made Asheville their home in 2004. Carly is a true generalist, being involved in an array of experiences such as travel (Italy, Greece, Spain, Mexico, Canada, and much of the United States), clothing design, illustration, and flute performance. She sees everything as being connected, believing that an integral education is imperative for teaching the whole child and making meaning that lasts. She brings this foundational perspective to her work with Odyssey’s teachers, weaving together big ideas in education, curriculum, and life, as we teach our students how to think and how to grow into their authentic selves. As an administrator, Carly strives to help Odyssey families have experiences that allow them to feel connected across the community and to know that we are here in support of their children’s journey.
Being an educator from 2000 to 2021, Carly further developed her experience as a gifted specialist for elementary and middle grades. In 2021 she accepted a position as Odyssey’s Curriculum and Programming Director. She has experience teaching Pre-K through twelfth grades with extended time as a fourth-grade and third-grade classroom teacher. Additionally, Carly has taught reading skills, child development, clothing design, and music.
Carly holds her post-baccalaureate undergraduate degree in elementary education, retaining a concentration in design and a music minor. She earned her gifted education licensure on the master’s level and she continues to be an avid learner from thought leaders on issues, new developments, and best practices in education.
When she is not working with teachers and families or listening to education podcasts, Carly spends time with her daughter, Emaline, and her husband, Grant. You can find them laughing, hiking, reading, and creating works of art.
Odyssey
News & Events
Odyssey Middle school welcomed Mr. Kevin Rumley and Clifford his service dog His journey is a remarkable story of resilience and transformation. As a young Marine lance corporal, Rumley was nearly killed by an improvised explosive device in Iraq in 2004, which resulted in severe injuries and the loss of his best friend. Following 18 months of treatment and 32 surgeries, Today, Rumley serves as the coordinator of the Buncombe County Veterans Treatment Court in Asheville. This role allows him to apply his personal experiences and professional training to assist other veterans in their recovery journeys . His story is a powerful testament to the potential for growth and change, even in the face of daunting challenges . #828isgreat #odysseyhighavl #OdysseySchoolAdventures #odysseyschoolavl #buncombecountyveteranstreatmentcourt #vtc #buncombecounty #asheville #northcarolina #servicedog #goldenretriever #marines #veterans
Odyssey Poppin!! Middle School Dance. Thank you to all of our Independent school partners. #hangerhall #woodsonbranchnatureschool #frenchbroadriveracademy #thelearningcommunityschool #rainbowcommunityschool #odysseyschoolavl You all rock!!!! The kids had a blast. Thank you DJ @ryanbproductions Thank you Asheville Fire Department #ashevillenc #greatschools #OdysseySchoolAdventures #828isgreat #schooldance #epic #ashevillefiredept #fogmachine #videooftheday #instagood
It will be here before you know it! Odyssey's 16th Annual Festival of Light is an evening filled with joyful, creative and whimsical skits, songs and performances from students pre-k through 12th grade. Thursday, December 14th at 6:30 PM. #theodysseyway #odysseyschoolavl
Here is the link for online donations! Every bit helps Odyssey to the Annual Fund goal and is tax-deductible. Please allow us to make this unique education available to those who can't afford it. Donations also support classroom resources and teacher professional development. https://odysseycommunity.org/donate🍂📚✉💚#givingtuesday
Here is the link to make your tax-deductible donation to Odyssey School's Annual Fund and in the process join a global campaign of generosity! https://odysseycommunity.org/donate/
🌟 It's #GivingTuesday! 🌟 Today, I am asking you to support our school for a purpose bigger than ourselves – to support the bright young minds at Odyssey School Asheville. 📚✨ Our mission to provide innovative, inclusive, and individualized education has never been more vital. With your support, we can ensure that every student has the tools to succeed, explore, and dream. 💡 Here's the impact of your generosity: Increased opportunity for students through scholarships. Access to technology and materials that support learning. Improving our facilities ensures that we maintain a safe and comfortable learning environment. Every contribution, big or small, opens up a world of possibilities for our students. 🌈🌍 🤝 Join us in this movement: Donate via the link on our website Odyssey School Asheville. Share this post and spread the word. Tag us in your stories with #odysseyschoolavl , and tell us why you believe in our School! Let's shape a future filled with curiosity, creativity, and community. 💖 Thank you for being a part of our journey. 🙏 #OdysseySchoolAdventures #odysseyhighavl #OdysseySchool #odysseyschoolavl #greatschools #828isgreat #ashevillenc #givingtuesday #firstchoice #thankyou Dr. Eric "Big E" Howard Head of School