APPLICATION PROCESS
Dear Families and Community Members of Paramount Unified School District,
In the Spring, many families who have students in middle school begin to think about high school enrollment for their children. Paramount Unified School District has options when it comes to high school enrollment, and Odyssey STEM Academy (OSA) is one of those options. OSA is designed to awaken curiosity and develop creativity with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Additionally, we challenge our future leaders to connect their learning to the world outside of school by providing academic, behavior, and social emotional supports to ensure success.
Understanding the mission and design of Odyssey STEM Academy is the first step towards making an important decision about high school enrollment. You are strongly encouraged to attend one of the informational meetings held at OSA on March 15th or March 19th at 5:00pm.
The enclosed materials explain the application process. Should your family decide to enroll, you must complete and submit the application by March 28, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
If you believe your child is ready for a smaller learning high school community that emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and creativity, then we invite you on our journey that empowers our young people to change the world. If you have any further questions, please visit the school’s website at odyssey.pusdschools.net. You may also contact Rosa Aguayo, Administrative Assistant, with any further questions at (562) 602-8032.
OUR MISSION
Odyssey STEM Academy empowers learners by awakening their curiosity and passion to transform themselves and the world.
WHO CAN APPLY?
This application process applies only for the enrollment of 9th grade students for the 2025-2026 school year. Any student who lives outside the Paramount Unified School District (PUSD) attendance boundaries will need to have an approved Inter-District Transfer prior to registering in PUSD.
PRIOR TO APPLYING
Families are strongly encouraged to attend a 1-hour informational meeting at Odyssey STEM Academy. Each meeting will provide an overview of the school’s mission and core beliefs, preview the curriculum, discuss extracurricular activities, and review the application process. Meeting dates, times, and locations are:
• Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at Odyssey STEM Academy Multipurpose Room
Applications are available at all Paramount Unified School District middle schools, or you may download an application by following this link OFFICIAL ODYSSEY APPLICATION.
DURING THE APPLICATION WINDOW
- All applications must be received by Odyssey STEM Academy no later than 4:00 p.m. on March 28, 2025!
- Two options for submitting your completed application:
- Option 1: Applications can be hand delivered to Odyssey STEM Academy at 3701 Michelson St., Lakewood, CA 90712. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays and scheduled office closures.
- Option 2: Applications sent via US Mail are required to be certified with a return receipt from the U.S. Postal Service. NO POSTMARKS OR FAXES WILL BE ACCEPTED.
- Applications must be complete and accurate for consideration. Please print clearly.
- If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, please provide a copy with the application.
- If there are siblings, an application will need to be completed for each child applying to attend Odyssey STEM Academy.
AFTER THE APPLICATION WINDOW
After the applications have been received, a lottery will be developed. You will be notified of your lottery number.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
- Only one application per student may be submitted.
- Students with an Individualized Education Plans (“IEPs”) who have been selected in the lottery will be referred to their current middle school IEP team. The student’s current IEP team will hold an IEP team meeting to determine appropriate placement and services.
- Students who require English language development (ELD) will be referred to an ELD specialist to ensure the OSA instructional program will meet their specific learning needs.
FAMILY NOTIFICATION
- Families will be notified whether their student was selected in the lottery or not no later than Friday, April 11, 2025. They will be notified by US mail, and a list of selected lottery numbers will be published on the Odyssey website.
- Students selected in the lottery are required to attend an orientation meeting on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Failure to attend the orientation meeting may result in losing an admittance slot at OSA.
- Those students accepted must complete and submit an Intent to Enroll Form no later than May 9, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. The letter of intent must be hand delivered or sent by certified mail with a return receipt. Failure to submit a letter of intent on time may result in losing an admittance slot at OSA.
WAITING LIST
Students who were not selected in the lottery are welcome to join a waiting list. The waiting list will be developed based on a lottery system. As slots become available, the OSA office staff will notify families.