There are few challenges harder than transforming a school, but the combination of a new school leader and support from the charter authorizer can make it happen.
When Ashley Owings assumed leadership of Odyssey Online Learning in 2020, the school was facing a bleak future. The school’s report card rating was Unsatisfactory, with a score of only 31 out of 100. The graduation rate was a glaring concern as well, sitting at only 35%. It was clear that something had to change—and quickly. Without significant improvements, the school risked closure.
The challenges were many and daunting. But Ashley viewed these challenges as opportunities to make a lasting impact. She immediately prioritized improving the school’s graduation rate, understanding that many of the students at Odyssey—often those who had struggled in traditional schools due to personal or academic issues—deserved a second chance at success. Her vision was clear: raise the school’s performance, foster a sense of community, and most importantly, ensure that each student was supported and given the resources they needed to thrive.
In the years since Ashley took over, the results have been remarkable. The school’s report card grade has improved, and . In just three short years, Odyssey Online Learning’s graduation rate has skyrocketed from a mere 35% to 83%–almost the same as the statewide average. For a school that was once on the brink of closure, this achievement is nothing short of extraordinary. What’s even more inspiring is that many of the students who graduated thought they had little chance of earning a high school diploma. These are students who, once lost in the traditional school system have now walked across the stage and transitioned into their adult lives with a high school diploma in hand.
Heather Holliday from Erskine was instrumental as well, and demonstrated how a dedicated charter authorizer can be incredibly supportive of a school needing help.
Together, Heather and Ashley have turned around a school, which means in turn that they have changed so many students’ lives. For that, we are awarding Odyssey Online Learning, Ashley Owings and Heather Holliday the DLAC Unsung Super Star Award.