Why OA?

Why We Created Odyssey Academy?

  • Putting the Pieces Together/Interdisciplinary Learning

    • We have a vision of students getting the big picture and not just the little pieces.

  • Appeal to all Learning Modalities (visual, auditory, kinesthetic)

    • 1/3 of all students learn very well in a traditional environment.

    • 1/3 do adequately in a traditional environment.

    • 1/3 are lost in a traditional environment.

    • Our goal is to reach all learners through the use of project-based education by utilizing proven educational methods.

    • We utilize a constructivist approach.

    • We would like to keep students in the top three tiers of Bloom's taxonomy which includes evaluation, synthesis, and analysis.

  • Fulfills a need in St. Lawrence County

    • Alternative education is being cut from most budgets.

    • Teachers are being taxed with larger class sizes which makes planning for this type of interdisciplinary, multi-aged education experience nearly impossible.

  • Embraces Multi-aged Learning

    • Students can learn at their own pace.

    • Flexible grouping allows students to work toward their potential.

  • Why K-8?

    • To start kids on a constructivist path as early as possible.

    • To fill a need in Canton for 7-8 grade education.

    • To allow for a more home-like atmosphere.

Why Choose Odyssey Academy?

Odyssey Academy Instructors:

  • Encourage Foreign Language Acquisition at young ages

    • Spanish will be taught from kindergarten to eighth grade.

    • Spanish speaking guests will have discussions and conversations with students.

    • Spanish will be incorporated into the school day.

  • Utilize Real World Instruction

    • Speakers and project guides will be invited in for special topics.

      • St. Lawrence University Students

      • SUNY Potsdam Students

      • SUNY Canton Students

      • Retirees

      • Cornell Cooperative Extension Personnel

      • Parent Volunteers

    • Curriculum is based on New York State Standards, environmentally sound principles, and research-based teaching methods.

      • New York State Core Curriculum

      • National Wildlife Foundation - Ranger Rick K-8 Curriculum

    • Real world experiences and application

  • Embrace Critical Thinking

    • We embrace innovative and critical thinking - we have the flexibility to investigate students' ideas

    • Students can learn at their ideal pace

    • Students will be actively learning and creating

    • All work will be completed during the school day - only family projects will be used for homework