Fusion Mission Viejo Takes the "Home" Out of Homework

School Introduces On-Site Homework Café®

Orange County – Aug. 18, 2010 – After spending hours at school, the last thing students want to do when they get home is spend more time doing homework. However, research indicates that the average time spent on homework is 2.1 hours. At Fusion Academy Mission Viejo, a new, college-prep alternative private school offering students in grades 6-12 a unique one-to-one learning experience, educators are taking the “home” out of homework.

For many households, too much homework can be stressful – for both children and parents – partly because of the sheer volume of work and partly because there is no way for children to easily obtain guidance and assistance when they have questions or run into problems. To alleviate the stress of too much homework, Fusion Mission Viejo has created Homework Café®, a relaxed, fully staffed learning environment on the school’s campus where students can go for guidance, supervision and help with their school work.

Using the Homework Café®, which is furnished with colorful plush chairs and couches, students complete all of their work for the day in a warm and comfortable environment. Questions are answered by instructors on the spot, so there is no need to bring any work home. To ensure work is complete, students are required to sign out with their instructors prior to leaving the Café, which gives teachers an opportunity to review and discuss the work immediately with students.

“Homework Café® puts the focus back on ‘family time’ at home by taking away the stress homework often causes for families,” said Tyeler Viel, a licensed marital family therapist and director of communications and outreach for Fusion Mission Viejo. “Students that attend Fusion end their day with all their homework finished because Homework Café® is built into their schedule. Now, time parents’ previously spent agonizing on homework problems with their children can be spent on fun family activities.”

Homework Café® is open from 8am to 8pm, Monday through Thursday, giving students ample time to complete their daily assignments before heading home. The Café was first introduced at Fusion Academy San Diego, the school Fusion Mission Viejo is modeled after, several years ago with great success.

“We think it is important to have students do independent work, but to be done with all homework before they leave campus allows them to go home, be with family, be involved with extracurricular activities, and have fun with the rest of their evening,” said Dr. Peter Mikulecky, head of school.

About Fusion Academy and Learning Center:
Fusion Academy and Learning Center offers students an alternative to the traditional classroom setting through one-to-one teaching and customized academic programs. Fusion Academy is a WASC accredited private school for grades 6-12. Through individual mentoring, teaching and custom-tailored programs, each student's unique talents are both recognized and encouraged in a positive environment. Fusion Learning Center offers one-to-one tutoring, mentoring, independent studies and test preparation, as well as a rich music and art program.