Odyssey School

My daughter had her BEST 3 years at Odyssey ! I would recommend Odyssey in a heart beat, only if your kid need the challenge. Your kid will not be suitable if he/she is behind in class. Top high school students comes from Odyssey ! Thank you Odyssey, you are the best !
--Submitted by a parent

Odyssey provides a stimulating, engaging curriculum for gifted students to thrive and develop in ways they never imagined. While middle school is never easy, I feel Odyssey students make the transition into young adulthood as graciously and smoothly as could be expected. The emotional intelligence aspects of the curriculum are a large contributing factor. The progressive atmosphere has been honored under the new head of school, and I still hope to send my child to Odyssey when the time comes! I know that at Odyssey her differences will be honored and her successes celebrated.
--Submitted by a teacher

My son transferred into Odyssey as an eight grader after having a lackluster experience at a local public middle school. He has been very happy at Odyssey. The culture is both challenging and supportive. The teachers are engaged and accessible. He is much happier, more stimulated and enjoying school on a daily basis. I am happy that he is being better prepared for high school.
--Submitted by a parent

What an amazing place! We have lived in the area for years, and when it came time to look for a middle school for our son, we looked in all of the usual places. We did the rounds of open houses and for some reason; Odyssey just wasn t on our radar screen. I m not sure why, its 5 minutes from our house, and very convenient to the freeway. At the urging of some friends we gave Odyssey School a call and are we ever glad. This small school has a big agenda. They manage to inspire middle school kids in a safe and nurturing environment. My son needs personal attention in order to thrive and this is Odyssey s specialty. Small class environment, serious academics taught in a fun way, outstanding math, science, humanities, language, and physical education like I ve never encountered before. Odyssey s cultural arts program enriches the students beyond their perceived comfort zone to create independent thinkers and world citizens. They leave the classroom regularly for community service, hands on learning and educational travel opportunities. The middle school experience culminates with a three week trip to Japan. Outstanding.
--Submitted by a parent

As the parent of a seventh-grade student in his second year at Odyssey, I am delighted with this gem of a school. Designed for gifted kids, Odyssey challenges and nurtures its students academically, artistically, athletically, emotionally, and socially. Odyssey inspires them through projects and experiences inside and outside of the classroom. Odyssey helps them to navigate the shoals of early adolescence. Odyssey produces well-rounded, curious, and energized students ready for high school, college, and life.
--Submitted by a parent

(Response from current student to review from Sept 29, 2010) Our former head of school was the co-founder of Odyssey. He created an amazing place where students expand their comfort zones by trying new things, respect other people, and learn to stand up for what they believe in. And I do NOT believe that our head of school only got along with submissive parents and kids, and had low social skills. First of all, he would always talk to the students with respect, and he would always explain why he was making a change. Even if we didn't agree, we still understood what was happening and why. Second, he taught me so much and changed my life for the better. I know that I will use the skills he taught me for the rest of my life. I hope that Odyssey stays the same as it was when he was here.

You know you have found a great middle school, when your child is excited about learning. They has a "CSI" crime scene set up when the kids arrived at school and they worked on solving the crime with fingerprinting etc. How cool to make science fun!
--Submitted by a parent

Our son continues to thrive at Odyssey Middle School during his second year. I am impressed with so many aspects of the school. The expectations for the students are high, and students are appropriately pushed to their limits. This is all done in a high quality supportive, warm, and understanding environment. Odyssey students are smart, polite, well-behaved, and will be future leaders. Odyssey enhances the healthy growth of young adolescents as lifelong learners who are ethical, good citizens, competent, self-sufficient and optimistic about the future. At this age our son is undergoing rapid physical, social, emotional, and moral changes. Odyssey is a safe and happy environment we entrust with the healthy development and education of our son during these crucial years of growth. The new head is unparalleled, and the teachers and staff are wonderful. Our son loves going to Odyssey everyday.
--Submitted by a parent

I am an alumni parent, with much Odyssey experience. IMHO, Odyssey had two big weaknesses in the past.. 1 - the head of school got along well with submissive parents/kids, but very badly with opinionated parents/kids. He created a great innovative program, but had low social skills and great power. 2- with one brilliant exception, the math teachers have been generally less than stellar. HOWEVER, both those issues are resolved this year! There is a new head of school who was loved by staff, parents, and students alike during interviews, and from what I've heard, is still loved by all. And they now have a new, well-qualified math teacher. Now, I would be 100% excited about having my children at Odyssey. Even before, my kids got a great education, felt happy and accepted in their peer groups, and weren't bored for a minute. That's saying a lot!
--Submitted by a parent

Odyssey is an incredible place to let your gifted and talented child's wings open fully. Odyssey provides a rare opportunity for adolescents to have individualized attention, being encouraged to take risks in a safe and supportive environment, and gave loyal friendships with peers and teachers. The school also provides opportunities for leadership and personal growth. Our daughter has absolutely thrived in this school, feeling comfortable about herself socially and academically in every way. We have found the teachers to be incredible, honest and open with us, and have loved them all. Thank you Odyssey!
--Submitted by a parent