Mission: Create a fun, rewarding, world class organization that changes the life of every single student one at a time through our customized teaching and mentoring approach. With a culture of tolerance and compassion as our foundation, Fusion addresses the individual needs of each ... Read more
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Fusion Academy is a private middle and high school, but don’t be quick to envision uniforms and lecture halls. At Fusion, classes are one-to-one: just one student and one teacher per classroom. This allows for the personalization of curriculum for each individual student’s strengths, interests, and learning style. Fusion is so unique, that it has, in fact, broken many traditional school paradigms since its conception in 1989.
This education model was born of frustration with the status quo, and out of a passionate belief in the power of positive relationships to unlock academic potential. This unique, relationship-based school began when founder, Michelle Rose Gilman, began tutoring and mentoring students out of her home in Solana Beach, CA.
After demand outgrew their space, Gilman and her teachers moved into a building and expanded their offerings to be the private, accredited, one-to-one school Fusion is today. In 2010 the first campus replication opened in Los Angeles, CA, and the model has grown exponentially since to almost 50 campuses across the country. See all current and upcoming campuses here.
The educational experience at Fusion is completely customized to ignite a student’s passion for learning. Classes are self-paced, and course materials is presented in ways that suit students’ individual interest, strengths and challenges. It was modeled around the needs of students who weren’t finding their place in more traditional school environments – whether they struggled with mild learning differences, social issues, the rigid scheduling of more traditional schools, or the boredom of a classroom not geared to accelerated learners.
Along with personalized curriculum, Fusion’s one-to-one teaching model also allows for the customization of scheduling. Students may enroll at any time of the year, and take classes at a time of day that works best for them, which appeals to students who have demanding schedules outside of school because of sports or artistic involvement.
Each campus is unique but has a similar “vibe” and culture as the original Solana beach campus. Each also includes a state-of-the-art recording studio and mixed-media art studio for students to express their creativity, and two Homework Café® spaces, one silent and one social, where students complete their homework before leaving for the day.
Some students enroll full time, while others utilize Fusion’s tutoring and mentoring services. Their tutors are their teachers who are passionate about and have mastered their subject matter. Families also turn to Fusion to support their homeschooling efforts by taking classes for credit like world languages and lab sciences.
From algebra to yoga and everything in between, Fusion offers over 250 middle and high school courses, all of which meet state standards. Classes are available at three levels: essential, college prep, and honors. Fusion teachers have also created classes for students if there is something students would like to learn that isn’t available in their catalog, while still adhering to state standards.
Creative expression is at the core of Fusion, as they understand the pivotal role it plays in students’ well being. They offer a robust roster of elective classes like DJ Performing Arts, Graphic Design, Music Theory, Vocal Fundamentals, Recording Arts, Studio Art, Digital Photography, Film Studies, and more.
Fusion’s Wellness Program complements the academic experience – providing balance and offering opportunities for emotional and social growth. It consists of 20 sessions across four elements: Art Expression, Music Expression, Physical Wellness and Healthy Habits. Like everything at Fusion, it too is customized to each student. Art and music are considered pathways to healthy self-expression for Fusion students, helping them achieve more balance and deal effectively with stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, body image issues, social pressures, and substance abuse.
What makes Fusion work is the commitment to meeting each student right where they are, creating a meaningful connection and finding the very best way to unlock each student’s passion for learning and discovery. Beyond academics, Fusion partners with outside therapeutic professionals to support students’ emotional health and help foster a balanced life.
While it’s impossible to put our students into categories, we generally serve students with the following backgrounds: ADHD, accelerated/gifted learners, dyslexia, dysgraphia and learning differences, social challenges and school anxiety, or students with challenging schedules. Students who attend Fusion have one thing in common: traditional school isn’t working.
Read teacher profiles and learn more about what's happening on campus on our blog: Fusion Mosaic Journal
CULTURE
Fusion culture is as unique as the students we serve, but it doesn’t just happen. It’s the result of an intentional system of dynamics that include: the one-to-one learning model; our approach to curriculum and mastery learning; our physical space design (including lighting and aroma); our insistence on authenticity; and our positive connections with each other. Fusion teachers sincerely support each other and each student’s personal style, abilities, and goals. And they come from a place of compassion so students feel accepted and loved. Most importantly, we believe that teaching and learning should be F-U-N. If you can’t embrace a little wackiness at work, Fusion may not be for you… Our students may not always remember what they are taught, but they don’t forget how we make them feel. That’s culture.
HOW WE TEACH
You know those kids you see in other middle and high schools? That’s what our kids look like too. The only difference is our kids benefit from our personalized school environment because:
THE CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT
Imagine a room about the size of a typical office. Now imagine it with just two desks and two chairs. Add books, technology, whiteboards, soft lighting and décor chosen to reflect the academic content and the teacher’s personality. In a class of dozens, customizing instruction to each student takes a backseat to classroom management and teaching to the middle. But at Fusion, each classroom is a haven for relaxed but focused learning.
WHAT IS A FUSIONITE?
Like most good educators, “Fusionites” are passionate about the learning process and the subjects they teach.
We care A LOT about building relationships, communication, collaboration, innovation, working hard, positivity and being open-minded. You’ll find that Fusionites have a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional confidence that makes us approachable – everyone likes to talk to us! We think that teaching and learning should be fun and even a little silly.
"I have spent the last 22 years of my career in education and I have NEVER experienced a place like Fusion! The real day to day impact that the teachers and staff have in the lives of our students and families is truly magical. Being a part of a team that cares so deeply, is so inclusive, and reaches the heights of brilliance is a true gift in my life. Fusion changes lives every day and I could not be more proud than to call these fine educators a part of my family!" - Jennifer Rumack, Ed.D., Vice President of People Development
"Many educators in traditional settings don't quite know the good they're doing in the lives of their students on a daily basis. As a former public school teacher, I didn't always know the positive impact I was having on some students until years later, or not at all. I might get a an email or bump into them at the grocery store where they would share a positive memory or mention something I did or said that stuck with them many years ago. At Fusion, the impact we have on the students we work with is palpable on a daily basis. Knowing and supporting students on a deep level and watching them flourish is one of the greatest gifts for educators. It makes this work the most important work I have ever done in my career. I am incredibly proud that showing our students love and challenging them intellectually, socially and emotionally is my life's work. I am honored to do that work at Fusion." - Melissa Mayes, Head of School, Fusion Los Gatos
"After spending 13 years in public schools I was looking for a change and more of a chance to really make a difference in a child’s life. I am so lucky to have come across Fusion Academy in my search for a new home. Even after such a short period of time, Fusion has made a world of difference in my life and how I look at teaching. I feel like a new adventure awaits me every day on campus. The teachers could not have been more welcoming and the students could have not been more kind and helpful. I feel like I am a first year teacher all over again. I’m excited and happy to have such a great new family to grow with." - Scott Schraeder, Teacher, Fusion Lake Forest
"I cannot say enough wonderful things about working at Fusion. I have never had a day where I dread coming to work. I always look forward to it. I guess in that sense, I shouldn't even call it "work" then. The culture is so fun, freeing, and welcoming that it is hard to leave! That is why I haven't yet after two years, I just can't leave this incredible workplace." - Ellie Markham, Director of Admissions and Outreach, Fusion Oakbrook
"Teaching was never on my radar. Fusion was recommended to me by a friend who knew that I was stuck and unhappy in my job at the time. Working at Fusion has re-framed everything I thought I wanted out of life. I never knew that I could genuinely enjoy work so much and feel like I am truly making a difference in the world. The students, parents and teachers have all made me feel so welcome. This has really become a home and a family to me and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of it!" - Clarissa Pieper, Teacher, Fusion Evanston
"Fusion Academy is a place where growth happens! It is a community full of students and staff that embraces each person for their authentic self and encourages that. It is a community who loves their students and challenges each of them in ways they never thought were possible, helping each student reach their fullest potential. Fusion is a community that makes school a fun and engaging place!" - Sarah Hagens, Head of School, Fusion Brooklyn
About Fusion:
One-to-One Classrooms:
Campus Vibe:
Homework Café:
I have been working at Fusion Academy full-time (More than a year)
Pros
I just feel at home.. Everyone from management to fellow teachers truly love what they do and it shows. There is no negative energy, and there is always coffee!
Cons
Can't think of a single one
Advice to Management
Keep doing what you're doing!
Helpful (6)
Application
I applied online. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Fusion Academy in June 2017.
Interview
Met with the head of the school privately. Asked questions about my background. The teaching model there is unconventional and a source of pride to them. Being prepared with understanding what that is and why that sets them apart is important. I ended up declining because they couldn't offer full time hours.
Interview Questions
Pay Equality Pledge
Committed to paying equitably for equal work & experience
Social Responsibility Pledge
Formal programs or foundation to give back to communities
