Private School vs Independent School
Many families have asked: Is Odyssey School a private school? The answer is yes, but it’s also complex. We were founded to create a learning community that honored the wholeness of our beings. Odyssey is a space where spirituality and emotionality are acknowledged without being indoctrinated. We are not a public school nor a charter, yet we are committed to serving our community!
It is important to acknowledge, especially as a school located in the southern United States that was founded by white families and educators, that there is a fraught history of private education being utilized as a segregationist tool. You can read more about that in this article from southerneducation.org. We have a commitment to equity, which means that we are committed to knowing this history, evaluating ourselves, and working actively against structures of racism.
We recognize the common terminology to describe Odyssey School is “private school,” as we are an organization that relies on tuition and does not accept state funding or adhere to state curriculum (because we look to deepen and expand it). Nevertheless, we prefer the term “independent school.” We are independent of the state system and we think independently.
We are in no way committed to private access for any group. We are committed to accessibility, to learning from history, and to offering financial aid whenever possible. We are a certified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and choose to remain financially independent, which means we rely on tuition and our Annual Campaign to operate. If you are interested in supporting our work, please visit the Partner & Give section of our website for opportunities to donate, create partnership, volunteer, buy raffle tickets for our annual spring raffle, or rent space on our campus.
If you have any questions about how Odyssey School can be accessible to you, please contact us.
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