Welcome to Odyssey!
Odyssey Scholars are the inspirational leaders of tomorrow.
We’re delighted you’re considering Odyssey for your summer plans. At Odyssey, highly motivated Atlanta-area students in rising grades 1-12 gather on The Westminster Schools campus in Buckhead to participate in a unique project-based curriculum and thematically-driven coursework taught by master instructors.
A successful applicant rises to the top through a competitive selection process to earn the title of Odyssey Scholar. Odyssey Scholars are resilient, curious collaborators, and change agents.
Why should you apply?
Hear from our teachers, sponsors, students and more why you should choose to spend your summer with us.
What you need before applying:
Your most recent report card and up to date transcripts for High School seniors
It is preferred to have an uploaded file of the official report card. However, if you cannot save a file, we also accept screenshots of the student-parent portal, progress reports, or clear cell phone images of the report.
An email address of a school teacher or community leader
Every student must enter on the Odyssey application the name and email address of their school teacher who will write a recommendation. Odyssey will email your leader/teacher our recommendation form to complete.
Prepare your answers to the following questions:
Why do you want to be selected to participate in Odyssey?
What do you hope to gain or improve during your time at Odyssey?
What does community mean to you, and how would you make changes in your community to improve it?
Prepare a 2-3 Minute Introduction Video
This is designed to allow each applicant to personalize their application and stand out uniquely. The introduction video plays a vital role in the placement process. You must put effort and care into creating a video that presents the best first impression of you. It demonstrates your communication style and that you are presentation savvy, allowing Odyssey to get to know you more personally.
Have you completed these steps, and now you’re ready to apply?
Application Process FAQs
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New students must fill out a new scholar application. Returning Scholars are only required to complete an intent to return form.
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Odyssey’s applications are always free to complete. Accepted or returning Odyssey scholars are charged a $35 enrollment fee for each student accepted into the program annually. The actual cost per student, including transportation and meals, is significant — nearly $3,000. These expenses are covered by the generous donations and contributions of local foundations, businesses, and individuals.
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One recommendation is required to fully complete an application. Recommendation requests are sent through the Admissions system. Odyssey cannot accept recommendation letters in any form outside of the admissions system. The individual completing a student’s recommendation will be asked to submit their opinion on several factors and leave their comments at the bottom of the form.
Acceptable Recommendations: Odyssey prefers recommendations from current or previous teachers. A recommendation can make or break a students, so be sure you remain in contact with your selected individual. It is encouraged to let them know you will be seeking a recommendation on their behalf.
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A scholar who did not successfully complete a summer at Odyssey, or skipped a summer, is welcome to re-apply but must re-apply as a NEW student.
Please keep in mind that a student who was dismissed for poor behavior or disciplinary charges may not re-apply. Offenses such as stealing, bullying, fighting, property damage, or sexual harassment are grounds for expulsion, and a student who engages in said activities cannot return to Odyssey.
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Once all components are submitted, Odyssey staff and Selection Committee conduct a comprehensive review of applicants.
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All applicants will be notified of their status by mid to late spring. We encourage applicants to regularly check their email for updates or contact admissions@odysseyatlanta.org with recruitment questions. Odyssey is committed to informing students as soon as decisions are made to help families plan for the summer.
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Being waitlisted means you had a strong application, but Odyssey ran out of space. The selection committee values your work and sees you as a great fit for the program. Odyssey continues to review the waitlist throughout the first week of the program. Waitlisted applicants will be contacted via email first, with follow-up calls only if needed. Odyssey does not rank the waitlist, and spots are filled based on similarity to the declined applicant. Please do not contact the office about the waitlist position. All waitlisted applicants will be notified when applications reopen, and we strongly encourage reapplying next year!