Mrs. Jennifer Ogo is a proud native of San Diego and brings over 25 years of experience in education to her new role at Mt. Everest Academy, where she will begin her 26th year of teaching. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences with an emphasis in teaching and a minor in Biology from San Diego State University. She later earned her teaching credential and a Master’s Degree in Education from National University.

Before entering the classroom, Mrs. Ogo worked in the veterinary field, which fueled her passion for animals and the natural world. She enjoys spending time outdoors—camping, snorkeling, kayaking, and participating in just about any activity that involves water.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Ogo has taught science across a wide range of educational settings, including elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as at the university level (UC San Diego) and in adult education programs for fellow educators. For the past 13 years, she has also been a dedicated teacher and volleyball coach for both boys and girls teams at Kearny High School.

Mrs. Ogo lives in Linda Vista with her husband, their two children—Owen, who will be a senior at SDSU, and Orion, a sophomore at Mesa College—and their beloved four-legged family members: two dogs, Maria and Penny, and a calico cat named Callie.

Mrs. Ogo is excited to bring her enthusiasm for science, nature, and lifelong learning to the Mt. Everest Academy community.

The 6th grade OpenSciEd Science curriculum is a comprehensive, phenomena-based program that engages students in scientific inquiry and real-world problem solving. Throughout the year, students explore key concepts across life, Earth, and physical sciences through hands-on investigations, interactive digital tools, and engaging texts. Core units include topics such as thermal energy transfer, plate tectonics, the micro-level structure of living things, and the role of cells in body systems. Each unit is anchored by a compelling real-world problem or phenomenon, encouraging students to think and work like scientists and engineers as they gather evidence, build models, and develop explanations. The curriculum supports deep understanding of NGSS-aligned content while fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills.

The 7th grade OpenSciEd Science curriculum builds on foundational scientific concepts by guiding students through deeper investigations into Earth, life, and physical sciences using real-world phenomena. Students explore topics such as chemical reactions and matter properties, ecosystem dynamics and resource availability, and natural hazards like earthquakes and floods. Each unit is anchored in a compelling storyline, such as helping a fictional community address an environmental challenge, which drives students to ask questions, analyze data, and develop evidence-based models and explanations. Through hands-on labs, interactive simulations, and close reading of science texts, students strengthen their understanding of key NGSS-aligned concepts while honing scientific practices like argumentation, modeling, and engineering design.

PLTW (Project Lead The Way): Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS) is a foundational high school course that introduces students to the exciting and complex world of human health and medicine through hands-on, real-world problem solving. Students take on the role of biomedical scientists as they investigate the mysterious death of a fictional person, exploring key concepts in biology, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and forensic science along the way. Through engaging case studies and lab activities, students learn to analyze medical evidence, examine body systems, study DNA, and explore disease prevention and treatment. The course emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and the application of scientific methods, laying the groundwork for future studies in biomedical fields and health sciences.

This course satisfies "D" Biological Science Course Requirement 

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a college and career readiness program designed to support high school students in achieving their academic goals and preparing for postsecondary success. AVID provides structured support through a rigorous curriculum emphasizing writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading (WICOR). Students receive guidance in study skills, time management, goal setting, and college exploration, while also participating in tutorials and mentorship that encourage critical thinking and problem solving. AVID fosters a college-going culture and empowers students to take ownership of their learning, helping them build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in advanced courses and beyond high school.