FAQs

The Early College High School Initiative in the United States allows students to receive a high school diploma and an associate degree, or up to two years of college credit, by taking a mixture of high school and college classes. At an early college, students have fewer high school classes because some of their college classes replace their high school classes.

• Early college students graduate with their high school diploma and an Associate degree or up to 60 credit hours of “guaranteed transfer” college credit—for free!
• There are ZERO out-of-pocket expenses! Unlike other early college programs, our students do not pay for textbooks or classroom fees.
• To ensure student success, we provide our students with academic support such as time management, organization, and note-taking skills through AVID courses and after-school tutoring in most subjects.
• We assess every student who enrolls to determine their academic skill level and create an individual plan for each student’s success based on their skill level.
• We offer college prep classes that count toward high school graduation before they begin taking college courses. This greatly increases the student’s success once they begin college coursework.
• By attending Odyssey ECCO, students experience a smooth transition from high school to college with the support of counselors who are trained to support them in navigating their high school and college requirements.
• According to Jobs for the Future, early college students are outperforming their peers nationwide:
  • 90% graduate from high school vs 78% of students nationally;
  • 94% earn free college credits while in high school;
  • 30% earn an Associate degree while in high school;
  • the average graduate will save over 30% on a Bachelor’s degree and over 60% on an Associate Degree.
  • For an informational video about early colleges, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQe4pbnrtjY .

If a student’s career goals require them to earn a higher degree than an Associate degree, Odyssey ECCO will work with your child to determine which PPSC courses are recommended, and will best prepare your child to transfer to a 4-year university.

Many students are not ready for college courses when they first begin at Odyssey. Our course plans are designed to prepare them and help ensure they will be successful in their classes.

• Odyssey ECCO utilizes the ACCUPLACER test to determine the student’s level of skill and competence in Math and English. For a description of the ACCUPLACER Next Generation tests, what students should know for them, practice tests, and available study materials, visit: https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/student/practice.
• Students must meet the minimum score, established by PPSC, for each test to qualify for enrollment in college courses.

Yes! Odyssey is a 1:1 computer school. Currently, there is no cost to rent a school laptop. Visit the RJWAC Media Center if you would like to check out a computer.

Yes, currently a D-11 bus picks students up from the Wasson Campus at 7:10 am, Monday through Friday, and takes students to the PPSC Centennial Campus only. Students are picked up from the PPSC Centennial Campus at 2:10 pm and returned to RJWAC campus at 2:40pm. In addition, students may ride the city bus for free (at any time and any location) with their PPSC Identification Card.

• Our Math Department uses Khan Academy (https://www.khanacademy.org) to help improve our student’s skills.
• Our English department uses EdReady (https://pikespeak.edready.org) to improve student’s reading and writing skills.
• Practice ACCUPLACER tests and study guides are available at: https://accuplacerpractice.collegeboard.org
• There are many tutoring opportunities available to students after school at Odyssey. Your child should talk to their teacher to determine when help is available.
• In addition, all PPSC students are able to seek help from the PPSC Learning Centers. For more information on PPSC tutoring, go to: https://www.pikespeak.edu/academics/learning-commons/tutoring/index.php

• View the Colorado Springs School District 11 graduation requirements HERE
• To better prepare your child for the rigor of college coursework, your child will enroll in high school-level college prep classes (such as Alg 1/2, Alg 3/4, MAT 076, MAT099, and ENG092.) While they are taking these classes, students will earn credits toward their graduation requirements

• ICAP is a multi-year process for students in grades 6-12 to explore, discover, and connect their coursework learning to activities and experiences in relation to their future education and workforce goals. Completion of an ICAP is a graduation requirement for all seniors.
• ICAP has different requirements for each grade level. At a minimum, students must have met the stated goals for 12th grade.
• The goals for 12th grade include, but are not limited to: completion of the FAFSA, creating a resume, and applying to college.
• Click HERE for more information or to see all the requirements for ICAP

• Log on to PowerSchool to view Odyssey ECCO’s high school-level courses.
• Have your student log onto PPSC online campus (D2L) to check their progress in PPSC courses.
• Email or call your child’s instructors. Their contact information can be found on our website under the staff directory.
• It is important to know that college instructors, both on Odyssey’s and PPSC’s campuses, require the student to sign a FERPA waiver giving the instructor permission to speak with parents. This form can be found in the student’s D2L portal.

Students can apply to transfer to Odyssey at any time during their High School career. However, the earlier the start the more time they have to complete the credits needed for an Associate’s Degree.

While Odyssey has many clubs and activities for students to participate in, we do not have a separate sports program. However, students are eligible to participate in any sports at another D11 high school. And we have many that do! Complete an athletic participation form and contact that high school's athletic department for more information.

*Be sure to let Angela Banfield (Angela.Banfield@d11.org) know you are participating in a sport so we can cheer you on and include your participation in our yearbook!

Yes! Odyssey ECCO has many clubs* that students can get involved with! Clubs include, but are not limited to: 

• Business Ethics Club
• Creativity Club
• Games Club
• FFA
• Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FFCLA)
• Iron Phoenix (weight training)
• Journalism
• National Honor Society (NHS)
• Odd Ballers (lunch time basketball)
• Rise & Stride (running)
• Robotics
• Student Council
• Volleyball

*Please note that clubs may vary year-to-year based on student interest.