Structure
The program consists of two multi-age classes: Youngers (grades K-2) and Olders (grades 3-5). There are approximately 54 students, two teachers, and an instructional aide. Administrative services are shared with Talent Elementary School and the District Office. The program is currently housed in a building owned by the School District and located directly across the street from the main Talent Elementary campus.
The ODP curriculum covers standards-based core subjects in the morning and thematic, project-based instruction in the afternoons. Fridays are set aside for field experiences and visits from resident experts. Music is offered once per week and art classes alternate with a variety of elective choices each Monday. ODP students will take all required state and district assessments just like other district students.
Parent involvement is an essential component of the program. Parents are active participants in all aspects of their children's education: volunteering in the classrooms, helping to select the themes, planning and implementing projects, writing grants, and raising money to pay for supplemental student activities. A Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is in place to help guide the parent support elements of the program.
Project-Based-Learning at ODP is critical for students to connect their daily lessons with use in real-world situations. The active and frequent involvement of community professionals, who come to visit and teach expands the school experience and compliments the academics being taught. Children come to school excited and supported by their community while becoming deeply invested in the learning process on a variety of levels.