Our Mission Centered Education
At Odyssey, education isn’t just about textbooks and tests—it’s about cultivating a thriving, balanced life. We believe that when a child is supported emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially, they don't just learn—they flourish.
What makes Odyssey different than other schools? Odyssey emphasizes a school-wide mission focused to inspire and empower each child to reach their full potential while promoting the lifelong well-being of our entire school community. The goal is to promote, protect, and improve the health and well-being of all! Health isn’t a side note—it’s the heartbeat of everything we do. From students and families to our dedicated staff, we champion habits that nourish the body, awaken the spirit, and energize the mind.
A School That Grows More Than Minds
Here, curiosity is celebrated, and children are seen as natural-born learners. Our classrooms are alive with movement, creativity, and discovery—all rooted in the Montessori approach. We’re not just educating students; we’re nurturing passionate explorers who learn through wonder and real-world environments.
Founded on the belief that students find meaning and identity through connection—to community, nature, and themselves—Odyssey embraces a holistic approach. Here, compassion, empathy, and inner peace are just as important as math and reading. Each month, our families explore a “Resiliency Characteristic,” equipping our students with the tools to face life’s ups and downs with courage and grace.
What Else is Different about Odyssey from Other Schools?
Step into our school and you’ll find more than desks and whiteboards. You’ll find organic gardens bursting with life, a butterfly sanctuary, winding nature trails, and a vibrant café serving healthy meals—often made from food grown right here by our students! This last school year alone, our young farmers harvested over two thousand pounds of fresh produce for our lunch program.
With engagement at our own Odyssey farm and gardens, students get hands-on experience in student-led planting, harvesting and tasting adventures. They make the journey with food that takes them from “farm to table” while teachers and café staff incorporate these fresh organic finds into meals and lessons whenever possible.
Our commitment to organic gardening isn’t just about nutrition—it’s about sustainability and stewardship. With hands-on experiences in raised beds, row crops, and a 4,000-gallon aquaponics system, students are not only feeding their bodies, but they’re also learning how to care for the Earth. They’re building the knowledge and skills to grow their own food—and grow a better world.
At Odyssey, wellness isn’t a program. It’s a way of life!
Your Odyssey Adventure Starts Here: Partnering with Parents for a Thriving Community!
At Odyssey Schools, our journey begins with you—the parents. Founded on the power of partnership, we know that when families and educators join forces, children soar. Together, we can ignite a love for learning that shines both in the classroom and at home.
Parent Power: Volunteer Hours Made Fun and Easy!
Parent engagement is part of the “holistic” environment at Odyssey. Research shows that when parents are engaged in school life, students thrive—with improved grades, attendance, behavior, and social skills. Your time and effort directly support your child’s success!
This includes expected volunteer hours—with a twist of fun! Just 18 volunteer hours a year (or 24 for multiple children) makes a world of difference. Even reading this newsletter counts for those volunteer hours. Staying informed just got more rewarding! You can now earn 30 minutes of volunteer credit simply by reading our newsletters, including updates from your child’s classroom and school as well as the Wellness and Green Apple newsletters.
Other ways to volunteer include reading with your child (such as in the read-aloud program), joining a garden project, participating in wellness activities such as the annual 5K run, being a classroom parent assistant or a field trip volunteer or even enjoying lunch together with your child at our healthy café. For more volunteer ideas, click this link HERE.
We make it easy for you to record your volunteer hours. Simply look for the Parent Volunteer QR code on the side bar of our newsletter. Scan the code or click the link to complete a quick survey. Once submitted, your name will be logged, and 30 minutes will be added to your family’s volunteer hours by the front office staff.
Celebrating Birthdays Right
At Odyssey, birthdays and school celebrations focus on what matters most—our children. We shift the spotlight from sugary treats to joyful, meaningful moments. Think music, games, and art instead, without sugar drinks or birthday cakes. Let’s celebrate with intention and wellness to boost our children’s health!
Healthy Habits Start at Home
Help us fuel children with the good stuff! We encourage snacks filled with vibrant fruits and veggies and discourage candy bars, sugary snacks and drinks. Each month, look forward to our Wellness Newsletter—complete with a healthy, delicious recipe to try with your child.
Summer Learning: Keep the Fire Burning!
Summer Reading That Sparks Imagination
Reading should be joyful and inspiring! Our Odyssey Summer Reading List includes books that captivate young minds—from timeless classics to thrilling page-turners. Older students are guided toward books that support honors and AP coursework and prep them for state tests, the SAT, and ACT. (Links to each campus's reading lists are on the sidebar of this webpage.)
Boost Writing with a Summer Journal
Want to keep writing skills sharp? Try this: Have your child write three journal entries a week—15 minutes each. Whether it’s thoughts of gratitude, reflections on daily adventures, or heartfelt letters to loved ones, or a thank you letter (even to Ms. Constance, school founder), journaling builds creativity and literacy in a fun, pressure-free way.
Make This Summer Unforgettable: Family Activities for the Soul
• Take a Nature Walk at Turkey Creek or Erna Nixon Park: Discover forest bathing—breathe in the earthy air, notice the sounds, sketch the wildflowers. Ask your child why it feels so good to be around trees. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of your surroundings. Notice the small details that you might normally overlook. Ask yourself questions like, “What would it be like to be a bird flying through the air?” or “How did this tree get so big?” These walks can be a great way to boost mood, improve mental health, and connect with nature.
• Beach Day Wonders: Wiggle toes in the sand, spot shells and birds, and explore “earthing”—the healing power of going barefoot! Ask your child why it feels so good to walk in the sand. The combination of natural elements at the beach, such as the sound of waves, the feeling of the sun, and the sight of the ocean, creates a calming environment that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Studies have shown that time spent in nature can lower stress hormone levels.
• Don’t forget the classics: stargazing, birdwatching, fishing, camping in the backyard, cooking together, and biking the neighborhood
Local Digs to Visit
• Banana River and Indian River Lagoon: Catch the glow of bioluminescent comb jellyfish or watch dolphins dance! Look for manatees, too! Link HERE.
• Explore Brevard Zoo: Let your child become a zoo journalist—sketch and describe favorite animals!
• Kennedy Space Center Sleepover: For $129, your child (ages 10–14) can have an overnight experience with fun-filled activities. Or visit the Kennedy Space Center Complex and meet astronauts, tour the stars, and dream big with hands-on experiences. or even watch a rocket launch. Link HERE.
• Turtle Sanctuary - Participate in “Turtle Talk.” Link HERE
• Beach Cleanups – Do our beaches a favor! Beach cleanups are held the first Saturday after the first Thursday of each month at Val M. Steele Park in Melbourne Beach and Cherie Down Park and Beach in Cape Canaveral from 9 am to 11 am.
• McKee Botanical Garden (Vero Beach) – Enjoy classes and a children’s garden. Link HERE.
• Lagoon House (9-1 M – Saturday) an environmental learning center and welcome center for the Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway. Link HERE.
• Palm Bay Aquatic Center – Get out and go swimming with open hours from 1 to 5 p.m. daily at $4.00 admission. Link HERE.
Building Resilience: July’s Character Focus—Responsibility
Help your child explore what it means to take ownership—whether it’s finishing chores or standing strong against peer pressure. Talk about the “why” behind responsibilities at home such as daily chores and in the world. (For more helpful tools, visit BuildResiliency.org.)
Unplug and Reconnect
Today’s kids spend up to eight hours a day on screens. That’s too much! Help them break free with simple swaps:
- • Ride bikes
- • Shoot hoops
- • Dance to music
- • Walk the dog
- • Do yard work
- • Read a book
- • Go to the library for more reading, fun and events! Library Link HERE.
In a recent study, children who spend more time reading books than screen-based media have greater connections between brain regions involved in language processing and cognitive control. Balance is key to health, focus, and happiness.
Together, we’re cultivating healthy and joyful learners, resilient hearts, and vibrant families. Thank you for being a vital part of the Odyssey journey!
Recipe - Cool Down this Summer with a Melon Mint Parfait
Ingredients:
- 4 cups bite-sized melon (cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon)
- 2 cups citrus fruit (oranges, grapefruit)
- 2 cups mixed fruit (berries, grapes)
- 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 1 cup granola
- 1 cup nuts or seeds (pistachios, almonds, sunflower seeds)
Instructions:
Layer the melon, citrus, and mixed fruit in parfait cups or clear glasses. Top with fresh mint, a generous scoop of yogurt, a sprinkle of granola, and your choice of nuts or seeds. Enjoy this refreshing summer treat!