Our History
Odyssey Charter School opened its doors in September 2005 as a K through 6 charter school. We are a tuition-free public school; OCS welcomes all eligible applicants up to its enrollment limit and, afterwards, admits students randomly (by lottery).
Odyssey Charter School is proud to be a Utah Public Charter School. OCS is accountable to the state for expenditure of public funds and for student achievement. We do not charge tuition and do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, or handicap.
Our Philosophy
Public education should allow for the diversity of the public it serves. Charter schools give flexibility to public education, and are a choice, not the choice, for all students or families. Odyssey Charter School is the embodiment of what its founders desire to choose for their children and offer to like-minded parents and families.
We believe that children are born with intelligence and curiosity to learn. If done right, education will embrace and enhance these characteristics. An elementary education should provide the foundation of learning skills and knowledge that is deep and strong enough to support whatever subsequent educational goals a student may desire to pursue. Priority must be given to mastery of basics in language arts and math as the foundation for all other knowledge.
We feel there are some characteristics that a community of learning must model in order to be effective:
Mission-driven. Curriculum, pedagogy, and all other aspects of the school’s activities should reflect the school’s stated mission. This mission should allow for some flexibility to address individual student needs within the school framework.
Parents as real partners. We believe that parents are the primary teachers of their children; schools support parents’ efforts. Since student achievement and parental involvement are so closely related, a school should do all in its power to encourage meaningful parent participation. School hours, communication strategies, and homework schedules are designed to recognize the importance of family time and support.
Elevated school culture. School culture should be highly collegial and focused on continual improvement in all areas, including valuing academic achievement and improvement. A school is comprised of individuals who bring individual attitudes. The whole of these attitudes creates a school’s culture. As school staff and parents’ model teach-ability and synergy, children are more likely to develop the same attributes. Frequent assemblies, uniforms, and ongoing teacher training all encourage this sense of community.
Character education. When intelligent students possess knowledge yet lack an understanding of public virtue, a misuse of their abilities may result. Character education is inimical to the creation of responsible and contributing members of society. An educational environment must support the development of positive character traits such as civility, integrity, and hard work. Such support will help students become productive members of society and putting their knowledge to good use.
Strong accountability system. We believe that little else is as important as effectively educating our children. Student, parent, and educator are all accountable for a child’s success and learning. It is essential that expectations for each party is well developed and communicated with methods for follow-up.