By Ms. Janna DeCamps

As we look back on the 2023-2024 school year, it's clear that Odyssey Online Learning has set a new standard in virtual education. This year has been nothing short of transformative, as our commitment to blending virtual learning with dynamic, real-world experiences has truly made waves. From in-person field trips to community-building initiatives and widespread recognition, OOL has proven that online learning can be as engaging and impactful as traditional education.

Exploring the World Beyond the Screen

One of the cornerstones of our success this year has been our emphasis on providing students with rich, hands-on experiences that complement their online learning. We organized over a dozen in-person field trips and events, offering our students a diverse array of learning opportunities. Highlights included:

• STEM Adventures: Students explored the wonders of science and technology during our trip to Wonder Works, an interactive Anne Frank tour at The State Museum, and participated in a bacterial transformation lab experiment at Clemson University.
• Practical Learning: Students engaged in a brain dissection at Bob Jones, giving them a firsthand look at human anatomy.
• Historical Insights: A visit to the SC State House allowed students to delve into South Carolina’s rich history and learn about the legislative process.
• Aviation Enthusiasm: A tour of Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics inspired future pilots and aeronautical engineers.
• Fun and Fellowship: Our outings included bowling, games at Frankie’s Fun Park, and even a march for school choice, fostering both educational and social growth.

Building Community and Engagement

In addition to these educational trips, we made strides in enhancing our school culture through the introduction of new clubs and initiatives:

• Student-Parent Club: Provides support and a social outlet for Odyssey’s student parents. We want to encourage and equip our parents to realize their potential as mothers, fathers, and leaders.
• Service Club: Focused on community service, this club empowers students to give back and develop leadership skills through various volunteer opportunities.

Our community has also grown significantly in the digital realm, with our social media following surpassing 2,700 followers. This expansion has allowed us to connect more deeply with students, parents, and educators, sharing the successes and unique experiences of our school.

We’re thrilled that our community’s support has truly shone through! 

We know we’re making a difference because of the incredible feedback from our parents and students. 

We’ve achieved 4.9 stars on Niche with over 90 reviews! We’re proud to hold a 5-star rating on both Google and Great Schools! 

Celebrating Achievements and Recognition

The 2023-2024 school year has been marked by significant achievements:

• Beta Club Growth: Our Beta Club saw a 10% increase in membership, reflecting the growing interest in academic excellence and leadership among our students.
• National Beta School of Distinction: We are honored to be named a 2023-2024 National Beta School of Distinction, a testament to our commitment to high academic standards and student engagement.
• Media Spotlight: Our innovative approach to education was highlighted in the Greenville News and Upstate Parent magazine, showcasing how we are transforming education in South Carolina.
• Award-Winning Excellence: We were thrilled to be recognized as the WINNER for Best Virtual/Online School in the 2024 Lowcountry Parent Mom’s Choice Awards, an accolade that underscores our dedication to providing an exceptional online learning experience.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate these milestones, we remain focused on our mission to provide a high-quality, engaging, and supportive online learning environment. The success of the 2023-2024 school year is a testament to the hard work of our students, families, and most of all staff. We are excited for the future and committed to continuing our journey of innovation and excellence in education.

Here's to another year of pushing boundaries, being champions for our students, and being game changers in the world of online learning! For the  2024-2025 school year, all we are going to do is win!