Elementary Program
Elementary school at Odyssey is where children truly come into their own as learners, thinkers, and community members. Our integrated grade classrooms—1st and 2nd graders together, 3rd and 4th graders together—create a unique learning environment where students benefit from both peer modeling and leadership opportunities. Younger students learn from observing their older classmates, while older students deepen their understanding by teaching and mentoring. This structure means every child experiences being the youngest learner and the confident leader, building both humility and self-assurance.
Because students spend two years with the same teacher, they are deeply known. Teachers understand each child's learning style, interests, challenges, and growth patterns. This continuity allows for truly individualized instruction and the kind of trust that makes risk-taking possible. Students are flexibly grouped for academics, ensuring each child receives the support or challenge they need, right when they need it.
By the time students complete elementary school at Odyssey, they are fluent readers who love literature. They can think critically and creatively about math. They understand themselves as learners with individual strengths and areas for growth. They can express their feelings, listen to others, and navigate conflict with compassion. They are curious about the world, confident in their ability to learn new things, and ready for the independence and complexity of middle school.
The Elementary Day
Elementary school begins at 9:00 am, with early care and after care options available for families who need them. Students experience a rich, varied day that includes core academics alongside specials: physical education, music, art, and our unique Studio (1-2) and Exploration (3-4) programs that integrate science and social studies through thematic, hands-on learning.
Throughout the year, elementary students look forward to field trips, visiting experts, community celebrations, and opportunities to share their learning with families. Our IRP (Independent Research Project) programming, which begins in kindergarten, allows students to pursue deep dives into topics of personal interest.
Shared Grade Rooms
Our integrated grade structure isn't just about combining ages—it's a deliberate educational philosophy that benefits every student. In a shared grade classroom, learning is less about what grade you're "supposed" to be in and more about where you actually are in your development. Students can work ahead in areas of strength and get extra support in areas of challenge without the stigma of being "behind" or "ahead."
This approach also mirrors the real world, where we constantly learn from and alongside people of different ages and abilities. Students develop flexibility, empathy, and the understanding that everyone has something to teach and something to learn.
Research consistently shows that multi-age classrooms support social-emotional development, reduce competition, and increase collaboration. At Odyssey, we've seen these benefits firsthand: students who are confident asking for help, excited to share what they know, and genuinely invested in each other's success
Academic Approach
Odyssey's elementary program is grounded in evidence-based practices that honor how children learn.
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We use UFLI Foundations, a research-based curriculum rooted in the Science of Reading. This program, developed by the University of Florida and widely adopted across the country, explicitly teaches students how to decode and spell words while building a deep love of reading. Students who go through our program develop both strong phonics foundations and genuine enthusiasm for books.
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We've selected Simple Solutions, an innovative spiraled curriculum that presents new material in small, manageable pieces while continually revisiting previous concepts. Because math skills don't exist in isolation, this approach ensures that every idea is reinforced and connected. Students learn to think critically and creatively about numbers and problems.
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Through our Studio (1-2) and Exploration (3-4) programs, students engage with the world through thematic units that bring learning to life. They conduct scientific inquiry, complete collaborative projects, take field trips, learn from guest experts, and create meaningful work that demonstrates deep understanding of important topics.
Meet the Elementary School teachers
Robin Skeen
Katie Lowe
Emilee Harper
Drew Sencabaugh
Recent Elementary Updates
Curious? Come on a tour and see what sets us apart.
We would love to answer all of your questions and help you learn if Odyssey is right for your family. Fill out our tour inquiry form and we’ll find the time that’s right for you.
