I don’t think I can afford the tuition.
You might be surprised at the possibilities. Because Fusion’s one-to-one classes progress more quickly than conventional classes, students can take fewer classes at a time, such as four instead of the traditional six to eight. This reduces the tuition load at any given time. In addition, tuition can be broken up into multiple payments (as long as the payments for one set of semesters are made before the next set of semesters begins). Finally, if full-time enrollment still seems out of reach, Fusion is happy to offer single classes a la carte through our class-for-credit program.

Is it ok to have middle school and high schoolers together?
In our experience, it’s not only okay, it’s one of the strengths of our program. Artificial divisions like “grade” don’t really have meaning at Fusion; most students don’t even know what grade their fellow students are in. As a result, and especially day to day in the Homework Café®, students tend to gravitate to one another based on their maturity level and their interests. In other words, students are free to form appropriate friendships in a way they aren’t at a conventional school.

Isn’t one-to-one isolating?
First, it helps to recognize that the classroom isn’t where socializing occurs (or should occur) in a conventional school. Socializing occurs outside the classroom. The same is true at Fusion. Students can chill and bond in the Homework Café, every day. Because the Homework Café is really a series of spaces, some more social and some more silent, students can select (or be guided to) the right combination of homework and socializing. Provided their homework is regularly getting completed, students are encouraged to make the Homework Café their living room, their own comfortable space.

In addition to the Homework Café, Fusion offers other socializing opportunities, including regular student meetings, student fun nights, and an annual spring break international expedition. Unsurprisingly, many Fusion students form long-lasting friendships.

How will my child learn to be independent if homework isn’t sent home?
Full-time Fusion students don’t do “homework” but that doesn’t mean they don’t do independent work. As in a conventional school, each class session includes assignment of individual work. What differs at Fusion is that the independent work occurs in an environment where students can receive immediate assistance if needed, and in which the homework is usually done within an hour or so after class, when the information is still fresh in their minds.

In other words, whatever measure of independence is taught by “homework” is also taught within Fusion’s independent work model. In addition, Fusion provides on-site support and encourages time management.

My child needs social skills, how do you deal with that?
Fusion’s small, intimate environment allows us to monitor social interactions among the students, to intervene when necessary, to work through situations with students, and even to promote helpful social situations (like a big brother-little brother arrangement).

The close mentoring relationships students develop with teachers in the one-to-one environment are a natural setting in which students have the safety and guidance to develop social skills.

Can you make my student ready for regular high school?
Let’s start with the understanding that Fusion’s mission is not to transform non-conforming kids into conforming kids who slip easily into a conventional, cookie-cutter environment. However…if your child is getting ready to transfer to a traditional school, there are many things that Fusion can offer:

• Strengthening academic skills in order to prepare them.
• Filling in any gaps they may have from prior unsuccessful years.
• Building their self-esteem so that they are more prepared to tackle the traditional environment.
• Begin assigning homework to be done at home.
• Working with the family to make sure the transition is smooth.
• Being available in the after-school hours for tutoring and support.

Do other schools accept credits from Fusion?
Fusion credits are accepted as transferable units by most high schools. We encourage all parents to communicate with their public or private school in advance of taking any classes at Fusion. We are happy to assist with this process.

Do you offer scholarships?
Fusion does not presently offer scholarships. We have investigated the means by which we might set up a foundation to dispense scholarships, and are continuing in that effort. Because we are fully private, the process is complicated and slow-moving. Stay tuned.

Are your teachers qualified?
Yes, all Fusion teachers are qualified to teach in their field of expertise. They are required to have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, but many of our teachers have Master’s and higher degrees. All Fusion teachers receive an intensive training process prior to teaching at our school. We also have some credentialed teachers and some educational therapists on staff.

The hiring process ensures that we hire only the brightest people with approachable, happy, engaging, and optimistic personalities.

My student needs to catch up and then return to another school. Can you do that?
Yes. Fusion’s curriculum is structured in such a way that if a student is behind in credits they can easily catch up to their peers (depending, of course, on how behind they are).

We are able to accelerate some students on a case-by-case basis.

Our curriculum is also created so that if a student chooses to come to school continuously throughout a two-year time frame, they have the potential to graduate in approximately those two years.

What is the therapeutic component?

• MFT on campus
• On-site substance abuse specialist
• Services are always available to the entire population
• The mentoring relationship between teacher and student
• Weekly student population meetings
• Wellness program requirement for graduation
• Life Skills class required for graduation
• Daily charting for all students, similar to a residential setting

Is Fusion a college prep school?
Fusion has three divisions to choose from: basic, standard, and honors.

For our college-bound students, Fusion prepares our students for a successful college experience. Those students are kept on a standard or honors track while at Fusion.

Can I take my student out of classes for vacations?
Yes. Because each class is one-to-one, a student will not fall behind at all if they leave for a vacation (or for any other reason). Obviously, this benefit of Fusion’s model should be used with restraint; long or frequent absences impede progress through the course, and could result in the need for additional sessions.

Finally, it’s important to understand that tuition reserves time for the student with an individual teacher. Although Fusion offers the academic luxury of flexible attendance, it is a luxury, and may result in additional cost due to the need for additional sessions. Although the official policy is that an absence automatically results in an additional session, in practice teachers can typically find “wiggle room” enough to accommodate one or two missed sessions per semester.

Do you give tests and finals?
Yes, Fusion assesses all of our students frequently. Tests and final exams are given. However, Fusion assesses students using various methods ranging from traditional paper and pencil tests, project-based assessments, and creative exams in order to assess progress. Every student is assessed individually, based on the needs of that unique student.

All students undertake the NWEA's MAP testing annually to determine progress.

How do you know what level my child is?
Many prospective Fusion students come to us with a testing history, and we eagerly consume any such testing data.

In addition, incoming full-time students are given the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT), which gives us a first-pass estimate of their level in reading, spelling, and math.

Finally, classes in math and sometimes science begin with a pre-test to diagnose the ability of the student to take on the material of the course.

Do you use standardized tests?
Yes, all students receive the Wide Range Achievement Test upon enrolling. Also, Fusion students take the standardized MAP assessment two times a year. This is an outstanding tool in measuring the student’s progress during the course of the year.

The MAP assessment allows Fusion to see how every student is progressing individually. It is also a great tool for planning and curriculum modification during the school year. The MAP test is given in the fall and spring of every year.

Do you issue report cards?
Fusion issues progress reports every three weeks and IROC reports once per quarter. We do not issue formal report cards, as every class starts and stops at different times of the year.

Transcripts are always available upon request.

How will I be informed on my child’s progress?
Fusion takes informing parents of their child’s progress very seriously. The reporting processes are:

• Progress reports every three weeks
• A thorough IROC evaluation every quarter
• Daily written communication from every teacher
• Lead teacher communication as often as necessary or requested
• Head of school available at all times for parent conferences
• Teachers available during lunch for parent meetings

How do you individualize the curriculum?
Every student at Fusion has an individualized program. In order for Fusion to create a program around a student, we must first understand the needs and levels of the student. Every student is administered a WRAT upon enrolling and all pertinent history and testing is reviewed. We also take into consideration what classes the students requires, who their lead teacher should be, what their unique scheduling requirements are, and what remediation and counseling should be added to their program.

Fusion also has the ability to modify the teaching techniques for each student’s unique learning style. Teachers are free to modify how they present material and how they assess comprehension and mastery.

My child is behind in credits; can they catch up?
It all depends on how far behind a student is when they enroll at Fusion. Since Fusion's classes can be accelerated, it is possible for students who are credit deficient to catch up to their peers and graduate on time. A thorough review of the student's transcripts will determine if this can done.

If a student enrolls at Fusion and takes limited time off from school, it is possible for a student to complete four full academic years of high school in approximately two to two and a half years.

Can we arrange a payment plan?
Fusion prefers that all semesters are paid in full in advance. If this causes a financial hardship for the family, we can arrange a payment plan. However, the total amount of the semester must be paid in full prior to the end of that semester. Typically, this means that the semester tuition can be broken up into two or three payments over the course of approximately three months.

How did Fusion get its start?
Fusion began in 1989 when Michelle Rose Gilman began offering one-to-one tutoring services out of her home. The program was expanded to a full-time academy in 2002. In December 2008, Fusion teamed up with American Education Group, which saw the opportunity to open campuses all across the country, bringing an individualized education to thousands of students. More about Fusion's story »