Primary
Kindergarten-1st Grade
The Kindergarten-1st grade program at Odyssey Community School offers a unique and exciting opportunity for young children in the Asheville area.
Its integral classroom honors each child’s inherent wholeness, and teaches through all six strands (mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, aesthetic, and moral). Each day starts with centering. This is followed by time spent on theme-based projects, listening to mythological stories which evolve into mythological based writing, reading, and math studios, reading, reflection and spending time playing in a playground that is a blend of Never Never Land and Chartes Cathedral. The integral education model emphasizes learning about and understanding both the universe and one’s self, and the K/1 classroom nurtures both areas of learning.
Integral education is research based and cutting edge.It encompasses holistic education but is more. Integral education incorporates, refines, and synthesizes many points of view, integrating mind-body-heart. Children learn that either/or thinking can be limiting when they can choose “and” instead. They learn to think creatively both inside and outside of the box, and are respected for the key role they play, together with their teachers, in shaping the learning process. They learn to understand themselves and others, to communicate peacefully to solve conflicts, and use personal power appropriately in the service of a greater good. All of these skills are desperately needed in today’s world.
Within K/1’s integral classroom, mythology plays a very important role.Myths tell stories about complex heroes who are faced with all types of problems. Each problem brings out certain traits, and children learn that real heroes are layered, with ever-deepening qualities. The heroes of mythology allow children to experience many archetypes and to connect with different types of struggles and accomplishments.
The hero’s journey is one focus of the mythological stories, and is used as a primary teaching tool in the K/1 classroom.Children learn that a hero operates from noble intent, takes risks, and perseveres. Our children can acknowledge and celebrate their own hero’s journeys as they learn to develop self-discipline, use their personal power appropriately, and set and meet goals.
Odyssey’s curriculum is rooted in the conviction that each child needs to develop at her/his optimal rate of challenge. Learning is viewed as a multi-dimensional process, as opposed to linear and chronological. Odyssey’s curriculum references the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and the Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory language arts curriculum. Our math curriculum follows the Addison-Wesley scope and sequence.
K/1 at Odyssey supports children in bridging the magical playfulness of the preschool years with the increasingly cognitive experience of the elementary school years in a joyful, respectful, and comprehensive way.
View the K-1 Learner Report and Thematic Template.
Check out the K-1 teacher project presentations: Hypothetical Mythos and Common Core Interface K and Presentation on how mythos supports the emerging reader& writer.
Odyssey
News & Events
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
Friendsgiving at Odyssey 🌟 Gratitude for Odyssey School Asheville 🌟 Reflecting on my time at Odyssey School AVL, I am overwhelmed with a profound sense of gratitude. This incredible place has shaped my academic journey and left an indelible mark on my heart and soul. 📚💖 🌿 The teachers at Odyssey are more than educators; they are mentors, guides, and friends. Thank you for igniting my curiosity and for nurturing my thirst for knowledge. 📝🧠 🌎 Odyssey's commitment to experiential learning has broadened my horizons and allowed me to explore the world around me. Every moment has been a learning opportunity, from outdoor adventures to hands-on projects. 🌍🌄 💪 The supportive community at Odyssey has taught me the importance of collaboration, empathy, and resilience. Together, we've overcome challenges and celebrated victories. 🤝❤️ 🎨 The arts have been vital to my journey here, allowing me to express myself creatively and find my unique voice. Thank you for fostering my artistic growth. 🎭🎨 🌞 As I prepare to embark on the next chapter of my life, I carry the lessons, friendships, and memories from Odyssey School Asheville. I am truly grateful for this remarkable journey. 🚀🌈 #OdysseySchoolAdventures #odysseyhighavl #OdysseySchool #828isgreat #greatschools #ashevillenc #gratitude #lifelessons #EducationJourney #thanksgiving #thankful #friendsgiving
Empowering educators at A+ Arts professional development with the incredible teachers of Odyssey School Asheville! 🍎🎨 Exciting times ahead as we nurture creativity and excellence in education. #OdysseySchool #ProfessionalDevelopment #EducationJourney #ashevillenc #828isgreat #A+ #greatschools #odysseyschoolavl