Elementary School

In elementary we build an academic foundation by igniting our students’ natural curiosity through a comprehensive approach to learning.

The elementary program at Odyssey encompasses Kindergarten through 4th grade and represents a critical stage of development, bridging the exploratory learning of Early Childhood with the increasingly independent and departmentalized structure of middle school. The years students spend in elementary school are characterized by a thoughtful balance of academic challenge and intervention, social-emotional support and community belonging, with structures in place to ensure that every child is known, valued and supported.

Our teachers are given the freedom to create fresh curricula and are encouraged to keep their activities student-centered to support learning that will help children make connections across the curriculum.

Course work for students in grade K-4 includes integrated studies in language arts, math, science, and social studies. In addition, schedules include French, music, art, nature-based education, special interest workshops, and physical education. 

Language Arts

Language Arts is a major area of focus in all elementary grades. The students utilize a whole-language, literature-based approach to reading and writing that is supplemented with phonics and grammar activities. This programming allows our teachers to differentiate for the needs of the individual students. At the Pre-K/Kindergarten level, we will expose the children who are not already reading to all the tools they need to learn to read. We do not expect all students to read by the end of kindergarten, as not all children are developmentally ready to do so.

Students who are already reading will be placed in a group based on their ability to decode and comprehend what they are reading and their ability to participate in a group with older students.

By the time your child enters 4th grade, they will have completed the transition from “learn to read” to “read to learn.” For them, material is presented using a multi-model approach designed to immerse students fully in their own learning.