In an effort to improve education nationwide, new legislation is constantly being reformed, though it often presents challenges for implementation and can be confusing for parents.
That’s where the Odyssey comes in. This company has developed a comprehensive platform for public fund disbursement and e-commerce, streamlining the administration of educational programs. Their technology makes it easier to access school tuition, tutoring, technology, and extracurricular activities.
One might assume that states would eagerly adopt such technology, but alternative education beyond traditional public schools remains controversial.
Advocates argue that students should be able to attend various schools, including religious private schools, charter schools, home schools, or other small learning environments, with federal funding following the student.
The pandemic underscored the need for flexible teaching solutions, enabling companies like Prenda to offer ways for people to start their own “microschools.”
Joseph Connor, the founder and CEO of Odyssey, understands these challenges well. With a background in teaching at low-income charter schools in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and San Jose, Connor transitioned to law school and consulted on early education policies in Indiana, Louisiana, and Florida.
Many states have Blaine amendments from the late 19th century that prevent public funds from being used at parochial schools. Connor was involved in the 2020 Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue case, where the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that policies discriminating against schools based on their religious status violated the First Amendment.
Connor said that ruling “paved the way for the policies we help run today.”
Following the ruling, Connor established his own network of schools, witnessing firsthand the difficulties of implementing new education policies but also recognizing their benefits for parents when done correctly.
