Our Mission
Odyssey Preschool is a child-centered learning community committed to respecting the unique personality, gifts, and development of each student.
We promote a culture that fosters kindness, curiosity, and cooperation. Our goal is to cultivate both independence as well as an awareness of our global interdependence.
At Odyssey, we are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and empowering educational environment that celebrates diversity and encourages lifelong learning.
We collaborate closely with a Montessori teacher training center to provide guidance and training to interns. At Odyssey, many classrooms are supervised by one or two Master Teachers, creating an ideal training environment for interns. We are proud to be among the few Montessori schools recognized as training centers, fully equipped with an extensive range of materials.
The Story Behind Odyssey
Odyssey Preschool & Montessori was founded in 2009 by Prabha Sanjay, who recognized the need for a nurturing and culturally inclusive child care facility in her community. After years of teaching in various preschools, Prabha envisioned a program that would provide stimulating, developmentally appropriate education rooted in the principles of the Montessori philosophy. Her goal was to create a learning environment that would celebrate cultural diversity, especially for the local Indian community.
Starting as a family day care center in her home, Prabha began to incorporate Montessori materials and methods into her curriculum, creating a space where children could explore and learn through hands-on experiences. As word spread about her unique approach to early childhood education, demand for her center grew rapidly.
In June 2010, Prabha secured a site on Pilgrim Drive, marking the transition from a home-based daycare to a full-fledged preschool. She faced the challenges of obtaining permits, licenses, and the right materials while remaining committed to her vision. One of her first hires was Anne Diamond, an experienced Montessori educator and director who shared Prabha’s passion for creating a culturally rich curriculum. Together, they established the original Odyssey Preschool, which started as a cozy one-classroom program serving Prabha’s eight Family Day Care children, plus four more who were eagerly waiting to join.
Within a year, Odyssey had expanded to meet the growing needs of the community, enrolling enough children to fill the class and increasing the diversity of its student body. Since opening our doors, we have continued to grow and adapt our programs, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the families we serve.
In 2012, we moved from our original location across the parking lot to our current site in Foster City, expanding from one classroom to five. By 2018, we launched Odyssey Toddlers and Odyssey Montessori in Palo Alto, allowing us to care for both toddlers and preschoolers in enriching environments.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all parents and well-wishers for their constant encouragement, support, and critical feedback. It is with their invaluable insights that we continue to improve and tailor our programs to best suit the needs of our parents and children.
The Curriculum
Practical Life
Our Practical Life curriculum focuses on teaching essential life skills through engaging activities that empower children to care for themselves and their environment. Children learn valuable skills such as dressing, cleaning, and food preparation, which foster order, concentration, coordination, and independence. These foundational skills are crucial for building confidence and self-reliance.
Sensorial
In our Sensorial curriculum, children are encouraged to explore the world through all their senses. Activities are meticulously designed to stimulate tactile, visual, auditory, and olfactory experiences, enhancing vocabulary and sensory awareness. By manipulating materials that promote sensory exploration, children develop a deeper understanding of their environment while laying the groundwork for critical thinking and problem-solving.
Language
The Montessori language curriculum takes a holistic approach, focusing on the developmental needs of the child. We promote speaking, listening, reading, and writing through interactive activities that foster a love for language. Children engage with stories, songs, and conversations that inspire creativity and communication skills, creating a strong foundation for literacy.
Mathematics
In our Montessori math program, children learn through hands-on experiences with manipulative materials that illustrate mathematical concepts. This approach helps children grasp abstract ideas in a concrete way, fostering a strong foundation for future success in mathematics. As they engage in graded progression activities, children develop a deep understanding of numbers, shapes, and relationships, building confidence in their mathematical abilities.
Cultural Subjects
Our Cultural Subjects curriculum connects children with the world around them, integrating geography, science, and cultural studies. By exploring the interconnectedness of our global community, children learn to appreciate diversity and develop a sense of responsibility towards their environment. This area of the curriculum is designed to foster curiosity and encourage meaningful discussions about cultures, traditions, and global issues.
Hands-On Learning for Growing Minds
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