The Odyssey School is a dynamic Expeditionary Learning community dedicated to fostering each child's unique potential and spirit of adventure through exemplary standards of character, intellectual achievement, and social responsibility. The Odyssey School is chartered by Denver Public Schools. As a public school we are tuition free, except for our full-day Kindergarten program. Please see our enrollment policy for details.
Teaching and Learning
The school draws its direction and strength from Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound Design Principles. These educational principles provide a powerful framework for personal growth through physical challenge and service. The curriculum is designed around rigorous, purposeful, project-based learning expeditions tied to Colorado State Standards. The Odyssey School's learning experience includes: a focus on reading and writing through literature, a rigorous math program (Investigations and Connected Math), computers to develop students' research and thinking skills, fine arts, documentation of students' work through portfolios, regular out of school fieldwork, and adventure with environmental education.Students
The Odyssey School currently serves 224 students Kindergarten through 8th grade, our full charter. 33% of the student population qualifies for the Federal free or reduced lunch program. Fifty percent of the students are students of color with most being African American.Staff
The Odyssey School has hired a highly qualified and committed staff. All of the teachers are Colorado State certified with 60% holding graduate degrees.Facility
The Odyssey School is located at an innovative campus in the Stapleton Redevelopment Center. Odyssey shares common facilities and play areas with a 350 student DPS elementary school.Finances
The school is primarily supported by per pupil funding received from the school district. Other significant revenue sources include: extra property tax revenues authorized by Denver voters to support special programs in every school (e.g., music, art, reading, etc.); grants and donations; and tuition paid by kindergarten parents to pay for costs of our full-day kindergarten program that is not funded by the State. About two-thirds of the school's annual operating budget is devoted to staff salaries and benefits. Other significant expenditures include: rent and other facility costs; insurance and other administrative support costs; instructional supplies, including equipment for the adventure program; professional development; payments to cover the school's share of the district’s costs of educating students with significant disabilities; and vehicle and transportation costs. Our current budget is available through the following link: Current Budget
