History

History and Growth

Odyssey Charter School opened its doors in September 1999 with 240 students in grades Kindergarten through 8th grades in a church facility located directly across the street from Pasadena City College. Odyssey was the first charter school in the state of California to be approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Education (LACOE) and was re-chartered for another five years by LACOE in April 2004.

Demographics

Odyssey serves an ethnically and socio-economically diverse community including African American (40%), Caucasian (27%), Latino (23%), Asian (6%), Other (4%). An estimated 33% of our students are economically disadvantaged families; 10% receive special education services. Approximately 68% of our students come from the Pasadena Unified School District.

Milestones and Key Achievements

In 2006, Odyssey relocated to a 6 acre facility, at 725 West Altadena Drive.


In 2006, Odyssey met all its AYP criteria.


In 2006, Odyssey increased its API by 40 points. 2006 API is 723.


In 2005, Odyssey increased its API by 45 points.


In 2004, Odyssey was granted another five year charter from LACOE.


Currently, Odyssey employs ten classroom teachers, one Inclusion Specialist, a Physical Education teacher, five paraprofessionals, one school counselor, and three classified employees. Of the ten classroom teachers, nine teach core subjects and one is a non-core instructor. Of the nine core classroom teachers, 100% meet the requirements of NCLB (No Child Left Behind), five are CLAD certified, five hold Master's Degrees and one is Nationally Board Certified.


Odyssey offers a fully integrated Arts Program. All students receive specific art and music instruction.


Odyssey parents are partners participating at every level of the school including volunteering, fundraising and membership on the school governing board.