The Odyssey School

Background Statement

Founded by a dedicated group of parents and teachers, the Odyssey School of Denver is an Expeditionary Learning, public school of choice chartered by Denver Public Schools (DPS). The school opened its doors in September of 1998 with classrooms serving grades 1-4 and an enrollment of 48 children at a temporary site in northeast Denver. Now entering its 21st year, the Odyssey School of Denver serves grades Kindergarten through eighth grade with an enrollment of 234 students.

The Odyssey School of Denver is based on the Expeditionary Learning philosophy. Expeditionary Learning is one of seven "break the mold" school designs funded in the early 1990's by New American Schools, a presidential and private sector initiative that called for radically new models of education built upon high standards and yielding dramatic improvement in student achievement. There are now more than 160 Expeditionary Learning schools nationwide.

We believe children learn best through personal, direct experience. Expeditionary Learning begins with children's curiosity about the world. It harnesses children's natural passion to learn and helps them develop the curiosity, knowledge, skills, and personal qualities they need for successful adulthood. Learning expeditions - journeys into the unknown for a definite purpose - are the heart of this methodology. Students acquire knowledge and skills primarily through learning expeditions that cut across and make connections among disciplines.