Odyssey Academy operates on six basic assumptions about its students:

• All students can succeed.
• Learning is enhanced when learning activities are student-initiated.
• Learning is enhanced when learning activities focus on problem-solving.
• Learning is enhanced when learning activities are tailored to meet the learning style of each student and based on activities and materials that are real, concrete, and relevant.
• Learning is enhanced when learning activities and student performance are regularly assessed through multiple and diverse methods, including portfolios.
• Learning is enhanced when learning activities are interdisciplinary and involve all students through cooperative activities.

A central focus of Odyssey's curriculum is the intent to provide new and existing learning activities in which students can connect academics to their future. One way Odyssey is doing this is by linking with partners in the community. Some of Odyssey's partners include UTMB, NASA's Johnson Space Center, Texas A&M University, and Rice University's School of Science and Technology.

The vision of Odyssey Academy is to create a national model of a school that enables students to become productive and successful citizens. Odyssey Academy wants to see every student achieve and succeed in eduction and in life.