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