Academics

Positive Teaching Methods

We meet each student where they are and provide rigor attuned exactly to their individual level.

Asset-Based Thinking

For students with learning disabilities, a positive orientation to themselves and their education can make all the difference. Asset-Based Thinking is a program we’re thrilled about. It teaches students strategies to focus consistently on what’s working and what’s possible—and to find the great qualities and strengths in themselves and each other. A positive school climate is the clear result.

Odyssey is the first school in Austin to be a certified training school for the Asset-Based Thinking program. Faculty, staff and students are all using its tools. The program integrates seamlessly into our curriculum and has proven to increase student confidence, wellbeing, academic success and leadership!

Authentic Assessment

Our process is the complete opposite of “teaching to the test.”

We use portfolios, one-on-one discussions, multimedia presentations and ongoing observation to assess student progress. Teachers measure growth and comprehension along the way. Teaching, learning and assessment are one seamless fabric.

We know that intelligence, knowledge, skill and effort are expressed in a diversity of ways.

Anxiety about failure doesn’t cloud the learning process at Odyssey. Our students have the opportunity to articulate what they’ve learned in different formats—and enjoy demonstrating their knowledge and skill.

Separate from grades and class assessments, every student takes the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT) once a year. It is administered in a comfortable one-on-one environment with our Educational Diagnostician.

The WIAT provides us with a baseline to understand students’ academic strengths in Reading, Writing, Math and Oral Language—and where additional supports or interventions are needed.

We also offer many services through the Odyssey Educational Testing Center.

What's the Odyssey Difference?

In a word, understanding. We understand our students, and they thrive here because they feel deeply understood.

UNDERSTANDING BUILDS CONFIDENCE

Our teachers’ first goal with a new student is to support and reassure them so their confidence increases. Many new students have become disillusioned and despairing because they’ve been unfairly treated in another educational environment. We understand their learning differences, and know how they can succeed. We champion their strengths, so they can build solid confidence. With confidence comes the ability—and desire—to achieve more.

UNDERSTANDING BUILDS ACADEMIC SUCCESS

The second goal for our teachers is to understand each new student as a unique individual with a unique learning style. Need alternate approaches to learn the same material? Totally fine. Need a slower or faster pace? No problem. Our classes are small and personal so we can offer each young person the structure and tools that work best for them. Our expertise is learning disabilities and we fine-tune instructional methods to make sure everyone is on the same page.

When students are ready for the next level of academic challenge, we also offer Advance Placement classes as well as dual-credit courses at Austin Community College.

UNDERSTANDING BUILDS LEADERSHIP

Our teachers’ third goal is to support a new student’s understanding of their unique, authentic path. We see each of our students as the leaders of their lives. The safe social and emotional experience here allows them to shed struggles they’ve had with themselves and academics. Our respected service- learning program anchors our students’ belief in their own positive contributions to society. They develop a self-concept as an intelligent person who has been hibernating inside; one who accepts and appreciates differences—and who is in charge of their learning, their connections, and their futures.

Learn About Our Exceptional Faculty