THE ODYSSEY FAMILY OF SCHOOLS

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Online Enrollment for the 2024-2025 School Year

Begins on December 4, 2023

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WELCOME

Welcome to The Odyssey Family of Schools. In March of 2008, our first informal parent's meeting took place at the Buckeye Chamber of Commerce. On January 13, 2009, The Arizona State Board for Charter Schools granted us our charter. The Odyssey Family of Schools started off in a strip mall with over 400 scholars in kindergarten through sixth grade. In the fall of 2010, we opened up the Odyssey Buckeye Apache campus with 600 scholars. In 2011 we opened up the Odyssey Goodyear campus, followed by the opening of the Odyssey Institute for Advanced and International Studies for junior high and high school in 2012. In the 2016-2017 school year, the Sienna Hills elementary school campus and the Junior High campus were officially opened. Today, the Odyssey Family of Schools consists of five campuses educating approximately 3,000 scholars from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

Enrollment for the 2023 - 2024 school year is now open. Click here to begin the process.

 

Enrollment for the 2024-25 school year begins on December 4th, 2023. 


Tours are Now Available! Please check with your desired campus for tour information.


All campuses provide time in the month for tours. These tours are open to prospective parents and parents of currently enrolled scholars. They are at designated times and may vary depending on the campus.  A parent must contact the front office to schedule a tour, space is limited. Children are not permitted so as to minimize disruptions to the classes.

 

 

Click Here For The 2024-2025 Campus Tour Interest List

The interest list for 2024-2025 enrollment tours are now forming. Please let us know your desired time of day for a campus tour.

 

COVID-19 Safe Return to School Plan: Click here to view the plan.

Enrollment for the 2023 - 2024 school year is now open.

Click here to begin the process.

Our Culture

We work to develop approaches to learning (skills such as effective communication, open-minded collaboration, and creativity) that emphasize discovery learning...

Our Core Values

At The Odyssey Family of Schools, every scholar matters and all scholars will be empowered to use their talents in order to grow emotionally and academically...

School Calendar

Click here for the school calendar

Four Pillars

We ground ourselves in principles recognized as the Four Pillars...

Who We Are

Our youngest scholars begin their learning adventure at The Iliad Preschool where they are exposed to academics, foreign languages, art, music, physical education, and making responsible choices. The quest for knowledge continues as scholars navigate their way through our phenomenal Odyssey Preparatory Academies and The Odyssey Institute for Advanced and International Studies. The journey concludes–not simply with college admission–but by the wholehearted admission of life-long scholars and principled individuals into a global society in which they are prepared to flourish and lead. We emphasize our mission, vision, and core values every day.

Campus Videos

Vision
At The Odyssey Family of Schools each child matters. Odyssey provides a safe and secure environment where all children are given the opportunity to discover and use their talents to make a positive impact on their community and the world. Through the use of innovative curriculum and technology, students at Odyssey will be prepared to lead in the ever-changing global market place. The positive nature of the Odyssey environment will inspire all team members and will contribute to low teacher turnover and extensive parent volunteerism.
Campus Videos

Parental Rights Handbook
Arizona Department of Education Parental Rights Handbook.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD: Parental Rights Handbook
Campus Videos

Our Mission
The Odyssey Family of Schools aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring scholars who work to create a better and more peaceful community through intercultural awareness, understanding, and respect. Our scholars will grow as part of a challenging environment that facilitates creativity and fun. Our scholars will be empowered to use their unique talents to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, contribute to solutions.

Info Night Overview

Small Groups

Teacher Recruiting
Campus Videos

Core Values
Arrive at any Odyssey Preparatory Academy campus between 7:45-8:00 in the morning and you will be greeted by the voices of scholars quoting The Odyssey Core Values out loud and in unison. Not just something that we repeat each morning and then go about our day, our Core Values inform each of our decisions at The Odyssey Preparatory Academy. From our curriculum choices, all the way down to our tardy policy, we expect, require, and believe that:

  • At The Odyssey Family of Schools every scholar matters and all scholars will be empowered to use their talents in order to grow emotionally and academically.
  • The Odyssey Family of Schools will promote an environment of excellence and professionalism.
  • Growth isn’t always measured by test scores.
  • Scholars will be challenged and will feel safe to explore and learn new things on a daily basis.
  • All scholars will be engaged in a learning environment of creativity and fun.
  • At The Odyssey Family of Schools all team members are appreciated and valued for their hard work everyday.
  • Teachers, staff, parents and the Buckeye/Goodyear Community are all team members.
  • All team members will engage each other through positive communication and display appropriate behavior.

By reciting these values every morning, posting them prominently in every classroom, referring to them frequently throughout each school day, (and even removing them from the wall and taking them with us on a fire drill!) we emphasize their importance and model our respect for guidelines and rules. At The Odyssey Preparatory Academy we actively seek to create and nurture a culture of academic excellence and ethical behavior that is embraced by all team members. Our bar of expectation is set nothing short of excellence for our scholars, staff, and faculty.

As a school of choice, we acknowledge that the challenges of our academic pacing and our emphasis on individual scholar responsibility may not be the best fit for every family. However, for those who are willing and able to make a commitment to the rigors of Navigating Knowledge, Creating Character, Launching Leaders, and Focusing Globally…we say, Let the adventure begin!
Campus Videos

Four Pillars
At The Odyssey Family of Schools each child matters. Odyssey provides a safe and secure environment where all children are given the opportunity to discover and use their talents to make a positive impact on their community and the world. Through the use of innovative curriculum and technology, students at Odyssey will be prepared to lead in the ever-changing global market place. The positive nature of the Odyssey environment will inspire all team members and will contribute to low teacher turnover and extensive parent volunteerism.

The Odyssey Family of Schools – Family of Schools grounds itself in principles recognized as the Four Pillars. Odyssey differentiates itself in the educational community by implementing the programs within these pillars that will prepare scholars to succeed in University and beyond.
Four Pillars Four Pillars Four Pillars Four Pillars
Campus Videos

Pre-Enrollment

The Odyssey Family of Schools is excited you’re interested in enrolling at one of our schools. Enrollment slots are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date that complete pre-registration information is submitted. Enrollment preferences for children of employees and governing board members and siblings of enrolled scholars are given as per ARS §15-184. Enrollment for the 2023 - 2024 school year is now open. Click here to begin the process. Completed enrollment documentation must be submitted within ten days of the offer or the offer will expire and pre-enrollment must be completed anew.
Campus Videos

School Calendar
Download 2023-24 School Calendar
Campus Videos

State of Arizona Tax Credit
The State of Arizona will reimburse you dollar for dollar up to $400 for those filing jointly and up to $200 for those filing single on your contributions to our school. These contributions will support activities that are considered extracurricular. Extracurricular activities include:

  • Field Trips
  • Sports
  • Drama Choir
  • Band Clubs

We are encouraging all our families to include The Odyssey Family of Schools (The Odyssey Family of Schools and The Odyssey Institute for Advanced and International Studies) as one of your yearly charitable donations. If you donate $400 to Odyssey, and you are eligible for reimbursement, you will receive $400 back from the state of Arizona. If you owe the state taxes this donation will reduce the amount you owe by $400. A contributor can also deduct this donation on the federal tax form.
Download 2022 Tax Credit Form Download 2023 Tax Credit Form
Campus Videos

Campus Information
The Odyssey Institute High School: 623-327-1757

The Odyssey Institute Junior High School: 623-777-1740

Sienna Hills Elementary School: 623-444-9934

Apache Elementary School: 623-327-3111

Goodyear Elementary School: 623-882-1140

Teacher resumes available upon request
AVERAGE TEACHER SALARY (A.R.S. §15-189.05). as added by Laws 2018, Ch. 285. § 3. The average salary of all teachers employed in the budget year 2023: $49,698. The average salary of all teachers employed in the prior year 2022: $47721. Increase in average teacher salary from the prior year 2023: $1,977. Percentage increase: 4.1%

In The News

Charter school offers well-rounded approach to education

The Odyssey Preparatory Academy opened in 2010 with 600 students. Today, its locations are educating roughly 3,400 students.

Read More

Three Odyssey Seniors Sign College Athletic Scholarships

Three Odyssey seniors sign college athletic scholarships to continue their athletic careers next year. Kaelyn Giarrusso going to Glendale Community College as a Heptathlete in Track Mikayla Wigglesworth for basketball at Point Park University Edward Aceves for baseball at Phoenix College

Read More

Odyssey Institute Junior High Wrestling Thrives In Inaugural Year

In its first season, the Odyssey Institute for Advanced and International Studies Junior High wrestling program saw success in the form of three state champions.

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Governance

BOARD MEETING NOTIFICATIONS

TOPA’s 3rd Core Value is “Growth is not always measured by test scores.” We will always adhere to the core value as we know scholars learn more when they are engaged in meaningful learning, not simply test-taking skills. However, we also understand that AZ Merit scores always pique public interest; as a way to make TOPA’s AZ Merit scores easy to read, we have compiled the following data by campus. To see the result graphs for 2022 school year, click here:  2022 AZ Merit.
It is the policy of The Odyssey Preparatory Academy (“TOPA”) to not discriminate in employment, admission, treatment or access to its programs or activities on the basis of disability. TOPA has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) or by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Section 504 and Title II prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. TOPA’s Director of Special Education/Section 504-Title II Coordinator has been designated to coordinate the efforts of TOPA to comply with Section 504 and Title II. 
The Director of Special Education/Section 504-Title II Coordinator can be reached at: Director of Special Education/Section 504-Title II Coordinator 1495 S. Airport Rd. Buckeye, AZ 85326 623-327-1757 (Phone) 623-327-0554 (fax) Holly Johnson (admin@topamail.com) Any person who believes she or he has been subjected to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of disability may file a grievance under this procedure. TOPA prohibits retaliation against anyone who files a grievance or cooperates in the investigation of a grievance. Procedure: Grievances must be submitted to the Section 504/Title II Coordinator within six months of the date the person filing the grievance becomes aware of the alleged discriminatory action. 
A complaint should be, but is not required to be, in writing, containing the name and address of the person filing it. The complaint must state the problem or action alleged to be discriminatory and the remedy or relief sought. If the Complainant is unable to put the complaint in writing, TOPA shall provide reasonable accommodations to assist the Complainant with submission of his/her complaint. (Note: Please see the attached Complaint form, which may be used to file a complaint in conformance with these procedures). 
The Section 504/Title II Coordinator (or her/his designee) shall conduct an investigation of the complaint. This investigation may be informal, but it must be thorough, affording all interested persons an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the complaint, including the opportunity to present witnesses. The Section 504/Title II Coordinator will maintain the files and records of TOPA relating to such grievances. 
The Section 504/Title II Coordinator will issue a written decision on the grievance no later than 30 days after its filing, unless extenuating circumstances require an extension of the 30 day timeline. In such a case, the Section 504/Title II Coordinator (or her/his designee) will communicate with the Complainant concerning the need for an extension. 
The person filing the grievance may appeal the decision of the Section 504/Title II Coordinator by writing to TOPA’s Co-Directors within 15 calendar days of receiving the Section 504/Title II Coordinator’s decision. The Co-Directors shall issue a written decision in response to the appeal no later than 30 calendar days after its filing. 
TOPA shall maintain confidentiality as required by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The availability and use of this grievance procedure does not prevent a person from filing a complaint of discrimination on the basis of disability with the U. S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. TOPA will make appropriate arrangements to ensure that disabled persons are provided other accommodations, if needed, to participate in this grievance process. Such arrangements may include, but are not limited to, providing interpreters for the deaf, providing taped cassettes of material for the blind, providing a scribe for submission of the complaint, or assuring a barrier-free location for the proceedings. The Section 504/Title II Coordinator will be responsible for such arrangements.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or older (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. Please click here for the documentation. Ferpa-052115
CHILD FIND:

The intent of Child Find is that all children from birth through age 21 with delays or disabilities are identified, located and evaluated to receive the supports and services they need.
Public schools and the Arizona Early Intervention Program are responsible for “finding” eligible children and providing services needed for them to reach their developmental milestones or meet their educational needs.
When children are “found”, they are referred to a specialist to screen their development. The screening helps “identify” any areas of concern that need to be evaluated further. In order to receive early intervention or special education services, a child must be evaluated to confirm they have a delay or disability that falls under state definitions.
If needed, the child is evaluated using state criteria for specific delays or disabilities. If eligible, the Arizona Early Intervention Program or a public school system will offer early intervention or special education services according to the child’s needs.
  • Early intervention supports and services assist families of children who are eligible by helping children ages Birth to three yearsdevelop to their full potential. In Arizona, early intervention services are provided through the Arizona Early Intervention Program (or AzEIP).
  • Preschool special education services for children ages 3 to 5 provide special strategies to help children reach their developmental milestones.
  • Special education services for school-aged children in kindergarten through the age of 21 provide specialized instruction and services to assist children in the educational environment.
If you have any concerns, please contact the special education office at any campus or call the district office at (623) 327-1757.

AZEIP:

The Arizona Early Intervention Program, also known as AzEIP (pronounced Ay – zip), is a statewide system of support and services for families of children, birth to three, with disabilities or developmental delays.  For more information, please download this form:  Early-Intervention-Program-AZEIP.

Pursuant to A.R.S. 41-1351 and the General Records Retention Schedule for School Districts and Charter Schools Student Records (#000-11-53) established by Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records (L.A.P.R), Special Education Records (including placement records, referrals, evaluations, testing data, and other related records) will be destroyed "four (4) years after the fiscal year of final enrollment."

 

The Odyssey Preparatory Academy will destroy all special education records that are older than five years as of May 31, 2023. Before these records are destroyed, eligible individuals have the right to review the records and obtain copies of any information needed. To review/obtain these records, please email the special education department prior to June 1, 2023. Destruction will take place on June 15, 2023.

 

 

Scholar Enrollment, Etc. Record Requests:

Please send this type of request to info@topamail.com.

 

 

Public Records Request:

 

We will acknowledge receipt of a public records request within 5 business days. This does not mean that you will be provided the documents requested within 5 business days, but simply that we have received your request and will respond.

 

Please send your requests to: 

 

Stephanie Crawford Hiatt

scrawford@topamail.com

623-826-0761


 

Charter Board Transparency

 

Click here to view the FY22 Annual Financial Report as submitted to the Arizona Department of Education.
TITLE IX - SEXUAL DISCRIMINATION POLICY AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD DOCUMENT
Any person who believes she or he has been subjected to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of disability may file a grievance under this procedure. For more information click here: 504grievance
PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS:
For information regarding the procedural safeguards for Section 504, please click here.

PROCEDURAL MANUAL:
“Section 504,” is a federal statute that prohibits discrimination against persons. For more information, please click here: 504ProceduralManual

This link leads to the machine-readable files that are made available in response to the federal Transparency in Coverage Rule and includes negotiated service rates and out-of-network allowed amounts between health plans and healthcare providers. The machine-readable files are formatted to allow researchers, regulators, and application developers to more easily access and analyze data.

Critical Information about Transparency in Medical Coverage: https://www.cigna.com/legal/compliance/machine-readable-files
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