Escuela Key Advertise Here 25-26 Title fill

Odyssey of the Mind @Key

🧠 Registration for the 2025–26 season is now closed.
Keep an eye out for updates on next year’s program and upcoming opportunities to get involved!

Info Session Flyer 

Click the flyer to open the full PDF and view in Spanish.

Odyssey of the Mind — Info Session Flyer
What is OM? Who can join? Season at a Glance Time & Cost How Teams Form Volunteer Roles 2025–26 Problems FAQ Contact

What is Odyssey of the Mind?

Odyssey of the Mind is a creative, team-based program where students (in teams up to 7 students) work together to solve open-ended problems using their imagination, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. It’s a fun, hands-on opportunity to build, perform, and problem-solve in a supportive team environment.

Open to ALL students in kindergarten through 5th grade. Teams typically meet once a week after school or on weekends.

Who can join?

  • Grades: K–2 (Primary, non-competitive showcase) and 3–5 (Division I competition).
  • No experience needed: Curiosity and teamwork are the only prerequisites!
  • Accessibility: We’ll work with families to support schedules, and carpooling.

What students gain

  • Creative thinking, collaboration, and resilience
  • Public speaking and stage presence
  • Basic design, making, and budgeting skills

Time and Cost

  • Teams meet weekly for 60–90 minutes.
  • Locations: student homes, community centers, or Escuela Key.
  • K–2: early after-school or weekend times are recommended.
  • Grades 3–5: may extend to 90-minute practices closer to the tournament.
  • Fees: Key PTA to cover registration.
  • Materials: Low-cost and recycled materials encouraged; teams manage a simple budget for their solution.

How Teams Form

  • Teams have up to 7 students within the same division (K–2 Primary, 3–5 Division I).
  • Each team needs at least one adult coach (co-coaches welcome). Coaches guide process; students create the solution.
  • We aim to place every interested student; final placement depends on the number of coach volunteers.
Student Interest Form

Volunteer Roles

  • Coach / Co-coach: Schedule meetings, run activities, keep kids on track.
  • Team Tournament Judge/Volunteer: Each team provides a volunteer for the tournament day.
  • Parent helper: for 1–2 team meetings (snacks, supervision, etc.)
  • Materials Helper: Help gather cardboard, paint, craft supplies, etc.

Volunteer Sign-Up

Coaches are supported

  • Training, and sample agendas
  • Coach community & check-ins

Season at a Glance

Sept–Oct: Info session (Oct 9) • Interest meetings • Coach training (Oct 25) • Teams formed
Nov–Feb: Weekly/bi-weekly team meetings (60–90 min) • Build, rehearse, iterate
Feb 7: Judges’ training
February 28: Regional Tournament: Division I (3–5) teams' showcase; optional for Primary teams (K–2)
April–May: State Tournament and World Finals (for qualifying teams)

Key families will receive reminders via PTA channels.

2025–26 Problems (Synopses)

Browse this year’s problem synopses from NOVA East Odyssey of the Mind.

View Problem Synopses (PDF)

FAQ

Is Odyssey of the Mind a drama club or a science club?

Both—and more. OM blends art, engineering, storytelling, and teamwork. Many problems end in a short performance that showcases the team’s design/build work.

How much parent time is required?

Coaches typically plan/run meetings (60–90 minutes weekly or bi-weekly). Non-coaching parents can help with carpools, snacks, and tournament volunteering.

Can my child do other activities too?

Yes. Many teams meet after school on a consistent day; schedules are set by coaches to avoid common conflicts when possible.

Do we need special tools or supplies?

No—creativity beats fancy materials. Recycled and low-cost supplies are encouraged.

Contact

🤹

Program Coordinator: Natalia Bailey

Email: odyssey@keypta.org

Questions about coaching, schedules, or forms? We’re happy to help.