Olympia High School (Florida)

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Olympia High School
Location
4301 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd.
Orlando, Florida
Information
School district Orange County Public Schools
Principal Jenny Gibson-Linkh
Enrollment

3202
Type Public
Grades 9-12
Motto Where Our Core Business is Teaching and Learning
Mascot Titan
Color(s) Black and Silver
Established 2001
Information 407.905.6400
Homepage Olympia High School

Olympia High School was opened in the fall of 2001 in Orlando, Florida to relieve the high number of students at Dr. Phillips High School. The first principal was Dr. Janice Pratt, the second was Robert Avossa, and the current principal is Ms. Jenny Gibson-Linkh. Olympia serves Windermere, Metro West, Pine Hills areas as well as some Dr. Phillips area students.

Contents

[edit] Additional programs

[edit] APEX Academy

The Advanced Placement Experience Scholars Academy (APEX) at Olympia High School offers a rigorous, comprehensive four-year curriculum to a select group of academically talented students. Students are selected at the end of the eighth grade. Selection is based on student application, teacher recommendation, standardized testing, student essay, and interview. This application process must be completed prior to July 1 so that appropriate summer reading can be assigned and completed. Required APEX courses are designed to help students reach their academic goals, to facilitate interdisciplinary learning, and to encourage a cohort approach. With these requirements, students are still able to exercise considerable freedom to emphasize course work of their own choosing.

[edit] Economic Leadership Academy

The Economics Leadership Academy (ELA) provides students with the skills, knowledge, and strategies to make quality economic decisions. Present 9th graders at OHS will be eligible for the academy. Contact a guidance counselor for an application and more information. The introductory course for the academy is the American Economic Experience which is offered at the regular and honors level. In the summer between the junior and senior year, students have the opportunity to apply for a summer internship with a university to study economics.

[edit] Graduation Prep

Graduation Prep allows students who are at risk of not graduating to earn credits and improve GPA by attending classes on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. during the second semester. The curriculum is designed to improve reading and Mathematics skills as well as study skills.

[edit] FCAT Prep

The FCAT prep program is designed to provide Olympia High students with additional FCAT preparation. The classes are taught by highly qualified Olympia teachers. These teachers deliver assistance in both Mathematics and reading. They utilize the computer based FCAT explorer program in addition to Princeton Review FCAT workbooks. The teachers guide the students through the specific activities and strategies found in the two sources. This program is an excellent opportunity for students to obtain additional assistance as they prepare for the FCAT. Beginning in the 2007-2008 school year, Olympia plans to offer FCAT Prep classes during the day for credit.

[edit] SAT Prep

The SAT prep program is designed to provide free assistance to Olympia High students as they prepare for the SAT. Students are required to purchase a copy of Cracking the New SAT by Princeton Review. They are also required to attend every class during the five-week time frame. The instructors are trained in all of the latest strategies in increasing SAT scores. This program is a superb way to gain a better grasp of SAT testing skills. Beginning with the 2007-2008 school year Olympia plans to offer SAT /ACT Prep classes during the day for credit.

[edit] AVID

AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination is an “untracking” program designed to help underachieving students with high academic potential prepare for entrance to colleges and universities. The AVID approach to untracking places previously underachieving students (primarily from low income and ethnic or linguistic minority backgrounds) in the same college preparation academic program as high-achieving students. AVID features a rigorous academic elective course with a sequential curriculum for grades 7 through 12 which focuses on writing, inquiry, and collaboration as methodologies to accelerate student progress.

[edit] Administration

[edit] Assistant Principals

Guy Swenson, Ava Green, Heather Medve, Trevor Thomas, John Meinecke

[edit] Administrative Deans

Nathalie Cumbie, Ryan Barth, Dr. Dori Haggerty, Michele Browne

[edit] Athletic Directors

Tom Curran, Jason Robinson, Theresa Fennesey

[edit] Media Specialists

Charlotte Barber, Nancy Bardoe, Kelly Kelly, Tammie Travis


[edit] Clubs

A list of the clubs offered at Olympia High School can be found here: Clubs/Activities Information

[edit] Smaller Learning Communities

In 2004, Olympia was awarded a federal SLC grant which enabled the school to effectively begin the SLC transformation. In the fall of 2006, a second SLC grant was awarded to further the efforts and perfect the process. Olympia’s SLCs are encompassed within five Colleges of Learning which are related to the state required Major Areas of interest. These colleges are:

  • College of Advanced Studies
  • College of Business
  • College of Liberal Arts
  • College of Science and Technology
  • College of Visual and Performing Arts

Freshmen and sophomores are assigned to communities which share the same English, Science, Social Studies, and Reading teacher. These communities foster connectedness and a relevant curriculum through interdisciplinary units and personalization. Beginning in their Freshman year, all students must declare a major area of interest. Juniors and seniors continue to focus within their major area of interest while exploring college and career options. Depending on the College of Learning, core classes may be linked to electives. All students participate in a weekly advisory period which helps students feel connected and involved with Olympia by promoting a sense of family, group cohesiveness, and life skills.