Hayhurst Elementary School

Given that Odyssey is a history based focus program, the lack of racial diversity amongst the student body does not reflect the historical reality (both past and present) of a country that embodies the principles of a multicultural society. More effort ought to be made to balance the racial and socio-economic diversity. This will enhance for students both an academic and an experiential component of their learning and growth.
—Submitted by a parent

My boys attended the Odyssey program. We loved our experience at the school and wished we didn't have to move and leave. The teachers care and the children excel under their direction. Children have a great ability if you give them a chance to prove it.
—Submitted by a parent

The Odyssey Program at Hayhurst is, in my view, a revelation in the public school system. Through its thoughtful basis of 10 Essentials of Learning, this program is producing students who are independent, motivated, committed, hard-working, organized, prepared for high school, and most of all LOVE school and learning. The way the curriculum is structured, subjects are learned in much more depth than in a more traditionally-modeled school. I recommend it without reservation to any family who is looking for an environment where a love of learning is fostered and celebrated.
—Submitted by a parent

The Odyssey program at Hayhurst is an outstanding, unique program in the public school system. I say this as a parent and also as an educator for over 20 years. It is what many parents and students are looking for and wishing was out there. Here are just some of the components of the program that make it great..... It offers truly differentiated instruction in all subject areas, children are learning and growing together at all different levels in a multi-age, cooperative learning environment. It is a safe, supportive learning community. It has a challenging, deep, rich curriculum that fosters learning and exploration. Children team together with varying strengths and support one another in their learning to help everyone in reaching their potential. Teachers team together to create a well planned, thought out, cohesive, integrated, thematic curriculum. Learning is experiential and includes field studies, performance, and simulations of historical time periods. All these components combined together create an optimum environment where students are motivated and excited about learning. I highly recommend the Odyssey program!
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter is in first grade, and we are extremely pleased with the Hayhurst Neighborhood School. It is a diverse, warm, welcoming community that emphasizes respect, responsibility, and safety. The education provided is very well-rounded, with teachers identifying and grouping kids according to their abilities, talents, and needs. Parent involvement is high here. And amongst all the great learning, everyone still manages to have a lot of fun. The principal, Deanne Froehlich, is awesome. She has brought necessary discipline to the school, but also remains friendly and approachable. At the beginning and end of each day, she is outside greeting parents and students by name. Like many parents, we were apprehensive about public schools. But because our neighborhood school is Hayhurst, we are now proud to be supporting what s already in our community and open to all. Tuition is for college! There s no need to spend it in grade school.
—Submitted by a parent

Odyssey has been the perfect fit for my daughter, an only child who thrives in the 'group' academics and multi-age clusters. Her outgoing personality loves the thematic structure of the curriculum and the historical performances, guilds and field studies . As a parent I love the community which encourages parent participation and feedback. Odyssey is more than a school it's a family.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm delighted to see the Odyssey Program at Hayhurst (www.odysseyprogram.org) finally receive the recognition it deserves. The Odyssey Program is a K-8 PPS focus option housed inside Hayhurst School in SW Portland. (NOTE: The Odyssey Program at Hayhurst is NOT the same as Odyssey Montessori School) PPS blends Odyssey achievement data with Hayhurst Neighborhood School data so you have to dig deeper. Odyssey students are rigorously challenged in a thriving educational environment where learning is, quite literally, an adventure! Students become critical thinkers while exploring science, history, writing, etc. during multi-day field studies to Ft. Stevens & Ft. Clatsop (Lewis & Clark unit), Eastern Oregon (Oregon Trail unit) & Ashland (Shakespeare unit). Students also participate in hands-on guilds (metal & woodworking, stained glass, etc.) tied to historical eras (Colonial America, Middle Ages, etc.). This is a level of enrichment one might find at an elite private school available through PPS!
—Submitted by a parent

After an extended search that included several private schools, we decided to send our daughter to Kindergarten at Odyssey and have been delighted with our decision! The K12 teachers are wonderful-- a very eclectic mix of personalities and talents all of whom are passionate about teaching. The environment has fostered friendship and cooperation among the children as well. The 'literacy groups' are great-- the teachers carefully guide each child and are sure to keep them challenged-- my daughter started K in the fall and she is reading chapter books! The K teacher is a gifted science teacher as well and has really cultivated a love a science in the K12 cluster. Every Friday they have science lab (even K!) and the kids love it. This really is a wonderful school with strong parent support and involvement. Would recommend!
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. Im a 8th grader there. Iv been there since 6th. So i really only no the middleschool aspect of it... Well for starters if your coming into the 678 dont be nervous! Its literally soooooo kind, and welcoming. I made friends right away. And so has everyone else. When you first start and you came from a normal school. Its reeally hard to get used to it. And it will take you awhile probbally a couple of months. But everyone goes through it. And people are supportive of you all the way. So really no worries. Its alot harder then probbaly most middleschools. Its gonna prepare you for highschool handsdown. haha. Theres no groups or like the 'popular' croud. Everyones friends with everyone. Honestly.. the only down side to odyssey is you have about zip freedom. Really only when picking your identies and teams.
—Submitted by a student

My 2 boys have been in the Odyssey progam going on 4 years now. Even though they have completley differest learning styles the program has been wonderful for both of them. I encourage everyone to come check us out.
—Submitted by a parent