Fusion Academy a unique way of learning, opens new location in The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - School is a place that stimulates the mind and helps each student reach their full potential. However, many children do not find their niche in the traditional classroom model, which is where Fusion Academy comes into play. The founder of Fusion Academy, Michelle Rose Gilman, discovered a disconnect between the one-on-one learning environment and the conventional classroom learning style, while tutoring students in Southern California. As a solution to this apparent problem, Gilman created an environment where students could have one-on-one instruction, all while equally emphasizing the social and emotional wellbeing of the students. Thus Fusion Academy was born, and while Gilman practiced this concept with a small number of students beginning in 1989, Fusion Academy opened its first official campus in Los Angeles in 2010. The idea has spread like wildfire, and today Fusion Academy has nearly thirty-three campuses, and it is now taking root in The Woodlands community.

Fusion Academy is a year-round Texas Accredited Private School that caters to grades six through twelve. They offer over 450 classes in a variety of levels, and design their curriculum to be molded around the student. Their Woodlands campus features an art studio, a professional music-recording studio, and a yoga and meditation room. While many may believe that a one-on-one environment prevents socialization amongst students, Fusion Academy combats this misconception by combining schoolwork and social activity. A typical day at Fusion Academy consists of a student sitting down with a teacher for a fifty-minute lesson in a course chosen based on the student’s interests and academic goals. When the fifty-minutes are up, the student heads to the Homework Café, where he or she will complete their homework for the specific class before heading to the next one-on-one session. This is one aspect of Fusion Academy that is completely unique; they take the “home” out of homework. Fusion Academy believes homework is the root of stress and pressure at home, and studies have shown that often time’s homework is ineffective. Thus, by blending in homework with the curriculum, students are able to ask teachers questions and have the ability to pursue other interests outside of school. Additionally, the Homework Café encourages students to socialize by shaping the atmosphere to that of a coffee shop, where students can talk amongst themselves and make friends. Fusion Academy also makes a point to organize field trips, prom, graduation, and other school events to get students together outside of the school setting.

According to Nicole Bozick, the Director of Admissions and Outreach at The Woodlands Fusion Academy, “Many students fall out of love with learning at school, however the Fusion Academy curriculum encourages students to find their passions and enjoy learning by connecting on a deeper level with the material.”

Much of Fusion Academy’s message stems from the importance of being in touch with the students' needs and desires. Therefore, many of the students who thrive at Fusion Academy come from a traditional school environment that is not fit for them. Many students have professional careers and are in need of Fusion Academy’s flexible schedule, others struggle with emotional issues and learning differences, but these students find success in an atmosphere that moves at their pace and is taught in a way that resonates with the child to create a well-rounded and excited student.

Fusion Academy’s truly unique style of learning is encapsulated by one image hanging in every Fusion campus, a surfboard mosaic. According to Fusion, “the board is representative of Fusion’s ability to help students endure the rise and fall of life by paddling hard, balancing life and school, and catching the wave of success.” What makes Fusion special is its devotion to put the student first and its commitment to be in touch with the students and help them understand material in an environment where they can thrive. Fusion Academy is excited to start its first year in The Woodlands this summer and help The Woodlands “feel the Fusion vibe.”

Fusion Academy in The Woodlands is located at 1201 Lake Woodlands Drive, Suite 4000. If you are a prospective student or interested parent feel free to email Nicole Bozick, at nbozick@fusionacademy.com to discuss further and visit the new Woodlands campus.