Odyssey STEM Academy in Lakewood, California on DonorsChoose

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The pipettes have become a staple in our experiments, most recently in an investigation comparing water and hydrogen peroxide to show how substances with similar chemical compositions can behave very differently when their ratios change. The transparent sticky notes have also been a quiet success, helping students annotate readings and lessons in a way that keeps their notebooks organized and their thinking visible.\r\n\r\nThese materials have truly elevated our class. They've allowed me to incorporate more hands-on labs and interactive lessons, which students consistently say are their favorite parts of chemistry. Your support has not only provided tools, but also sparked excitement, curiosity, and confidence in young scientists. Thank you for investing in their learning and helping make chemistry come alive.","fullyFundedDate":1755034160476,"projectUrl":"project/chemistry-modeling-investigating/9540461/","projectTitle":"Chemistry Modeling & Investigating","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chelsea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10111640"},{"teacherId":9495350,"projectId":8274235,"letterContent":"Thank you again for the support you have given my students at Odyssey STEM Academy. Through your donations every single student was able to receive tools they need to make their transition into college successful. Over the past 4 years through determination, grit, and positive attitudes these high school seniors had a 99% acceptance to 4 year colleges and universities. \r\n\r\nA majority of the students here used district provided tools such as computers and calculators. The technology in this project will help these students transition into college and university by reducing the upfront financial cost to access such tools. \r\n\r\nThank you again for helping me support my high school school students.","fullyFundedDate":1719532291921,"projectUrl":"project/osa-decision-day/8274235/","projectTitle":"OSA Decision Day","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Carlos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9495350_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711649146244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9495350"},{"teacherId":9974134,"projectId":9203050,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping us create calm corners in every classroom! These peaceful spaces have quickly become a valued part of our daily routine. My students and I have been using the new resources—such as fidget tools, breathing cards, soft seating, and emotion-regulation books—to take meaningful brain breaks when needed. One memorable moment happened during a particularly energetic morning; a student quietly excused herself to the calm corner, used a breathing exercise card, and returned minutes later saying, \"I just needed a reset.\" It was a beautiful sign of self-awareness and growth.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students' reactions were priceless. Their eyes lit up with curiosity and excitement as they explored the new items. Many immediately gravitated toward the sensory bottles and tactile tools, while others were drawn to the cozy seating and calming visuals. We had a thoughtful class discussion about how and when to use the calm corner, and students took great pride in helping set up the space with care and intention. The respect they show toward the area and one another continues to impress me daily.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we're building on the emotional regulation strategies introduced through the calm corners by launching a \"Feelings Journal\" project. Students are learning to identify their emotions, reflect on triggers, and express themselves through writing and drawing. The calm corner now serves as both a retreat and a reflective space where students can write quietly when they need a moment. 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About this school

Odyssey STEM Academy is a suburban public school in Lakewood, California that is part of Paramount Unified School District. It serves 580 students in grades 9 - 12. Its teachers have had 3 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades 9 - 12

580 Students

# of teachers unavailable

3701 Michelson St

Lakewood, CA 90712 View local requests

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Odyssey STEM Academy Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Odyssey STEM Academy Demographics

94%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

94%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Odyssey STEM Academy Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 4, 2025

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.