By Michelle Moskowitz
Sentinel Correspondent
Imagine a classroom where the curriculum is fully customized to adhere to the learning style and capabilities of each student.
This is the approach at Fusion Academy, a fully accredited private middle and high school (for grades 6-12) where all classes are taught one-to-one: one student, one teacher.
Located at 66 Gatehouse Road within Soundview Farms Corporate Center in Stamford, the two-story edifice features a setting that is bright yet tranquil, with breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound.
Inside the school, individual offices stocked with whiteboards, computers and school supplies are the classroom for each student.
Throughout the school, comfy beanbags and teepees for lounging are offered for a quiet respite between classes.
The cafeteria and homework group spaces create a calming environment for all, as the abundance of windows draws in natural light.
Fusion Academy Greenwich opened its doors in 2015. It has 35 full-time students, and 17 teachers who undergo a comprehensive vetting process, since each teacher also serves as a mentor, charged with inspiring a passion for learning in each student.
As stated in their school brochure, “Those who can, teach. Those with the capacity to be a friend, confidant & mentor, teach at Fusion.”
The overarching mission at Fusion Academy is to provide a nurturing place where kids can learn to the very best of their abilities, without distraction.
The curriculum adheres to state standards and is fully accredited, but offers three course levels per subject that will allow each student to find their own success.
In addition to a vast academic program, the curriculum consists of comprehensive art, music and wellness programs, designed to ignite the creative spirit in kids and provide kids with a creative outlet that will help them to overcome the stressors that come along with adolescence.
Fusion’s underlying philosophy is that these creative programs offer therapeutic benefits designed to stimulate brain cells, increase focus, promote sound sleep, reduce anxiety and improve self-esteem.
“Our school is truly a nurturing, learning center and a safe-space for students to be their best selves,” says Margaret Roche, Fusion Greenwich’s head of school.
The school has a state-of-the-art recording studio where students can learn to play a variety of instruments, create their own songs, learn how to record music and do video-editing utilizing pro-tools.
The mixed-media art program is designed to foster the positive effects of the creative process where each student gets a designated wall of their own to showcase their artistic pursuits.
Fusion Greenwich also features a “Healthy Habits Program,” which incorporates yoga and meditation classes, equipping students with the tools to help to navigate challenges such as how to solve problems creatively and calmly and how to achieve a physical, mental and emotional balance overall.
Other core components contributing to a successful experience for Fusion students include that of flexible scheduling for kids who are either late risers or have other curricular commitments with demanding schedules (such as for kids pursuing singing or athletic career paths).
They also have mandated a “no homework at home policy” designed to foster peaceful evenings at home with parents, as all students are required to complete all their work in the Homework Café before they leave at the end of the day. Teacher supervision is provided as well for questions that may arise during the process.
The school was founded in California in 1989 by Michelle Rose Gilman, an innovative educator and mentor who focused on special education.
After working with many students, Gilman soon realized that even with her guidance and training, many were still struggling in the classroom; whether it was the result of a learning disability, a social issue, a lack of inspiration, or a typically distracting classroom environment.
Gilman’s theory, which inspired her to create Fusion Academy, is that there are many contributing aspects to a child’s academic success, and that the relationship between a teacher and a student is critical to the growth and development of each student.
Today Fusion Academy has more than 30 campuses across the country in states such as California (with 14 campuses), New York, New Jersey, Texas, and Illinois.
Fusion Academy Greenwich is the first campus to open in New England and the first campus to occupy its own private space.
Fusion Academy’s newest edition in Connecticut is the recently opened Fairfield location.
When asked about balancing individual instruction with socialization at school, Roche offered several ways that the student body comes together.
“Every day, students have lunch at 12:30 p.m. in our cafeteria and catch up with one another,” says Roche.
“In addition, students often have Friday afternoon field trips and many students participate in either our debate club and/or the anime club as well.”
Tuition fees vary, since as each student has a customized academic program, but according to Roche, pricing is quite competitive considering that while other private schools do have smaller class sizes than public schools, the Fusion offers a one-to-one ratio.
Roche adds that while the Greenwich campus is new as far as it pertains to graduation statistics, graduates from their other schools have attended great colleges of their choice.
Fusion Academy Greenwich also offers after-school tutoring, classes for credit, summer programs, homeschool support, and transitional programs.
For more information on Fusion’s programs, visit fusionacademy.com or call (203) 323-2191.
