Fusion Global Academy Brochure

Experience the Life-changing Power of a Experience the Life-Changing Power of a

Personalized One-to-One Online Education Online Education Grades6-12 6-12 Grades

03

A Letter from the President

04

What is Fusion Global Academy?

11

One-to-One Learning

13

How We Personalize

16

Who Attends Fusion?

20

Our Team

25

Our Programs

28

Course Offerings

30

Customized Schedules

33

School Experience

34

Parent Communication

36

Life After Fusion

38

College Acceptances

41

Frequently Asked Questions

42

Fusion Stories

47

Next Steps

“We’re able to do such incredible things for our students and their families by personalizing the entire education experience. It’s such a joy to see their lives changed for the better.”

Darby Carr President

A Revolutionary New Way of Learning Virtually Fusion Academy has been the leader in relationships-based, one-to-one education for over a decade.

I first heard about Fusion when the Philadelphia Metro area campuses opened near my home. The same day I drove by a Fusion campus for the first time I received a call from Pete Ruppert, CEO of Fusion Education Group, about leading the launch of a fully virtual Fusion school. I’ve worked at the intersection of education and technology for over 20 years and was excited to bring my experience to expand the reach of Fusion’s high-quality, life-changing education.

After much hard work, Fusion Global Academy is live and serving students across the world. We have a solid team filled with long-term Fusion staff and virtual learning experts. Building this team has been one of the highlights of my career. They are all passionate leaders who truly care about their students’ success.

As you read through this magazine I hope you are inspired to see school differently. The way it’s always been done doesn’t work for all students, which is likely why you’re reading this. Please know that our top priority is personalizing a program that works best for your student.

Choosing a school is an important decision that we don’t take lightly. We’re here for you every step of the way to ensure you find the right fit.

With Gratitude,

Darby Carr President Fusion Global Academy

A Letter from the President | 3

Our Mosaic The Fusion Mosaic represents who we are: a collage of distinctive, creative individuals who come together as a one-of-a-kind community. Each of our students and team members are unique, and no matter how different, when we all work together, we make something beautiful. You’ll see the Mosaic throughout our website, and even in our logo. It’s that important.

Our Mission Guided by a fundamental belief in the immense potential within every person, our mission is to help each Fusion student flourish – emotionally, socially, and academically – through positive mentoring relationships and a personalized education experience.

4 | What is Fusion Global Academy?

“I am very happy to see the change in my son. He was not doing well at his previous school, and now he is a great student who loves to go to Fusion. Previously, it was a ‘chore’ every day to get him to go to school.

I am very thankful for Fusion.”

Guy Allen Fusion Parent

“Fusion has given our daughter the chance to shine and be the student and person we always knew she was. She has made so many friends. She connects with her teachers and has demonstrated herself to be an amazing student, so creative and outgoing.”

Meg Bennett Fusion parent

About Fusion Global Academy Fusion Global Academy (FGA) provides a complete, accredited middle and high school program in a live, one-to-one virtual environment. Our 100% virtual school is open to students nationwide and those outside of the United States who would like to graduate with a U.S. diploma.

Unlike many other virtual schools that rely on self-directed online content or remote group instruction, all FGA virtual classes are taught live and one-to-one by the teacher. This means when virtual students are participating in tutoring sessions or in class, a teacher is always present, working individually with the student for the entire session.

Beyond instruction, FGA provides programs such as the Global Homework Café®, Global Getaways, and online clubs to create a dynamic community where students connect with peers to build lifelong friendships through shared passions.

•

One-to-one instruction, taught live with a teacher

•

Fully accredited

•

250+ courses available

•

Full-time or part-time

•

Flexible scheduling

•

Global Homework Café®

•

Social opportunities

Accreditation Accreditation validates our unique education model and measures it against standards of educational quality.

This recognition also enables a smooth transition for students seeking educational opportunities after their time at Fusion. Fusion Global Academy is nationally accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED), which includes NCA CASI, SACS CASI, and NWAC.

What is Fusion Global Academy? | 7

An education that inspires a

bright

future

“The teachers accept each child for who they are and meet each child wherever they are in their journey. The individual one-to-one teaching approach is exactly what our son needed. Since attending Fusion, he has transformed into a successful student who is thriving and loves school once again.”

Danyne Senft Fusion Parent

Why One-to-One? Dr. Benjamin Bloom was an Educational Psychologist, Instructor and University Examiner at the University of Chicago, and an Educational Adviser to numerous nations.

He conducted a groundbreaking study1 demonstrating that the average student receiving

one-to-one instruction will outperform 98 percent of all other students in traditional group instruction.

This is why Fusion Global Academy classes are taught one-to-one: one student and one teacher in a virtual classroom. We meet students where they are and personalize the entire educational experience according to their strengths, goals, and learning preferences.

Because of this, not only do our students achieve academic growth and success, but they also develop socially and emotionally as well. We have a Mastery Learning model where students do not advance to the next subject until they have reached a level of 70% mastery.

Scheduling, pacing, and instruction are all customized to meet your child’s and family’s needs. Fusion offers open enrollment so that students can start with us at any time of the year.

Academic Support

Emotional Support

Social Connection

Getting the academic support they need to be successful

Felt they were receiving the emotional support they needed

Felt they were respected by other students

After 3 Months at Fusion

After 3 Months at Fusion

After 3 Months at Fusion

Before Fusion

95% 42%

Before Fusion

86% 48%

Before Fusion

90% 57%

Data from the 2019 Fusion Academy Student Survey

1 Bloom, Benjamin S. “The 2 Sigma Problem: The Search for Methods of Group Instruction as Effective as One-to-One Tutoring.” Educational Researcher, vol. 13, no. 6, 1984, pp. 4–16., doi:10.2307/1175554.

One-to-One Learning | 11

Our approach is a key differentiator from other online schools that claim to be individualized but do not continue personalization past the first assessment.

How We Personalize Initial Assessments and Ongoing Individualization After your student enrolls full-time at Fusion, we typically provide two assessments: Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) and Mindprint.

The MAP® assessment is an independent assessment developed by NWEA and used worldwide. Through its computer adaptive approach, MAP® creates a personalized and accessible testing experience by adjusting questions based on a student’s ongoing performance. It covers three areas: Language Usage, Mathematics, and Reading. Fusion teachers utilize the results of this assessment to gain a more accurate sense of the content a student has mastered and what they are ready to begin learning.

Mindprint is a cognitive assessment that reveals why a student is performing at a certain level.

This tool helps teachers understand a student’s cognitive process while working to identify where challenges might occur due to processing speed, memory, executive functions, or complex reasoning.

Both of these assessments help to inform instruction and serve as a basis for developing a Formal Education plan. This unique Fusion plan focuses on leveraging a student’s strengths and supporting growth areas. As teachers get to know their students better, they have the opportunity to further personalize the virtual classroom experience.

How We Personalize | 13

Goals and Growth The Individual Reassessment of Commitment (IROC) process is one of the primary tools used to track student growth and goal attainment with full-time Fusion students. Students are encouraged to create goals for themselves at the beginning of the year that align with our School-Wide Learner Outcomes: Resourcefulness, Critical Thinking, Self-Awareness, and Inclusivity.

Throughout the year, students are supported by their teachers as they reflect on these goals and demonstrate their progress. Additionally, each student’s team of teachers can actively address goals with their students to create multiple opportunities for application and to strengthen student growth.

2018-2019 Fusion Academy Student Engagement Likely to ask questions or offer thoughts in class What they’re learning is related to their interests Frequently excited or curious about something new Able to explore creative interests

Had fun in school

53% 95% 41% 87% 40% 85% 38% 90% 66% 85% Before Fusion

After Fusion

For more student data, please visit: FusionGlobalAcademy.com/student-outcomes

14 | How We Personalize

“This was the place where our daughter leaped the chasm between failure and anxiety to success and self-esteem. Highly motivated teachers listened to her and provided a unique environment that tapped into the way she learns. The results of this are a delight to see.”

Henry Sopher Fusion Parent

Who Attends Fusion?

Each student joins Fusion Global Academy for their own unique reason. Here are a few profiles that highlight the various paths of our students:

Charles is a professional snowboarder. He travels the country and even competes internationally on occasion. He and his family appreciate the flexibility of Fusion Global Academy because he can take his school with him wherever he goes.

Olivia got bored in her large private high school because she was more advanced than the material that was being taught to her. Her grades dropped, though her parents knew she was smart. At Fusion Global, she’s able to interact directly with her teacher and move at a more accelerated pace.

Asher took an online class over the summer to make up a failed English grade and found that he learned better in this environment. Now, he is more engaged in his learning and gets involved with clubs.

In the Global Homework Café®, he’s made close friends, which had been a struggle in the past.

Vanessa felt lost in school and had trouble focusing due to ADHD. She was smart, but her grades weren’t showing it. The one-to-one virtual classes helped her stay organized and has increased her confidence. She shows that confidence not only in her classes, but in her community and home as well.

To see why people choose Fusion Global Academy, visit: FusionGlobalAcademy.com/why-fusion-global/ Who Attends Fusion? | 17

International Students Earn a U.S. Diploma from anywhere in the world!

For international students who wish to graduate with a United States diploma, Fusion Global Academy is the best option for live, virtual, one-to-one education.

Our teachers work with students one-to-one and can prepare them for a U.S. college or university, not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well. In this personalized space, our teachers act as mentors and can answer questions for students about life in the U.S.

Benefits for International Students: •

Fully accredited middle and high school

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Earn a U.S. high school diploma

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Post-secondary and college counseling

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Online social opportunities

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100% virtual instruction

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Flexible scheduling

18 | Who Attends Fusion?

Our Team

Fusion Teacher/Mentors are... passionate educators who are experts in the subjects they teach. Their title is Teacher/Mentor because in the one-to-one environment they’re more than a teacher; they’re someone a student can count on to be there for them, guide them, and mentor them. Our

Knowledgeable educators passionate about personalized learning.

20 | Our Team

teacher training is focused on how to best serve each individual student to help them grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Some of our teachers have come from other private school environments, public schools, or were professionals in their field of study.

Justin Talkington Director of Global Community “As the Director of Global Community at Fusion Global Academy, I have the opportunity to dedicate my time and energy to meeting each student where they are.

Above all else, I hope to instill a deep knowledge in each young mind that no matter their circumstance, they are enough, they are heard, and they have a meaningful place in this world.”

Janet Meinke Fusion Global Teacher “Working with students on a one-to-one basis provides amazing insight into how each student thinks and problem-solves not only in mathematics, but in life. Working at Fusion Global Academy allows me to help students prepare to utilize these critical thinking skills in every aspect of their lives.”

Jill Schwartzman Fusion Global Teacher “Fusion Global Academy fosters a truly novel culture of learning. The one-to-one model provides teachers with the opportunity to tailor curriculum to meet each student’s specific needs. This produces a unique experience for both teacher and student cultivating true mentorship. Learning takes place on a level playing field regardless of where the student is academically, emotionally, or physically. I am so fortunate to have to opportunity to love, motivate and teach at Fusion Global Academy!”

Adam Decaulp Fusion Global Teacher “When an adult recounts a story of the teacher or, hopefully, teachers who impacted them as students, without fail, there was a meaningful, human connection created between them. Fusion’s model of one-to-one teaching allows time and opportunity to establish an honest and natural connection with the students. As my father loves to remind me, ‘nobody cares about what you know until they know you care about them.’ Sharing a love of knowledge and learning with a student is profoundly empowered by Fusion’s model and philosophy.”

When teachers can personalize content so students feel a personal connection to the subject, learning is more effective.

We make

learning personal

Our Programs At Fusion Global Academy we are able to create a completely customized program for your student. Some students join us full-time for middle or high school, while others utilize our part-time options in addition to their current school. We even have homeschooling families utilize our virtual classes for credit to fill gaps in their expertise like science, languages, music, and more. Whatever you’re looking for, we’ll work with you to create a program that helps you reach your goals.

Full-Time Middle and High School Students in grades 6-12 can attend Fusion full-time for middle and high school. This includes one-to-one personalized instruction, a customized schedule, and time in the Global Homework Café® to complete coursework. Students can start full-time at any point in the year and work toward their education goals.

Fusion Global Academy is an accredited school and awards diplomas to students who meet graduation requirements. Part of our graduation requirements are Wellness and Post-Secondary Exploration, two unique Fusion courses that equip graduates to thrive after high school. Learn more about these and other unique courses at FusionGlobalAcademy.com/academics.

Classes for Credit There are over 250 course options for middle and high school students to build a path to their future. Courses are taught one-to-one (one student and one teacher) and personalized for the student’s strengths, interests, and learning preferences. Students may take a single class for credit to catch up, remediate, or get ahead in their education.

Tutoring and Mentoring Some subjects don’t come easily and can become a barrier to moving forward – academically and emotionally.

That’s why we offer tutoring across all required subject areas and for many electives as well. The Fusion approach to tutoring mirrors our teaching approach: always one-to-one, with one student and one teacher per virtual classroom for the entire session.

Our tutors are our Fusion Global teachers. They are subject matter experts and are passionate about the courses they teach. Our one-to-one approach and emphasis on positive relationships allow our teachers to have a mentoring role in their students’ lives, resulting in not only academic, but social and emotional growth as well.

Our Programs | 25

Global Homework Café® Coursework can be completed in our Global Homework Café®, which is hosted by teachers who are available to provide support and mentorship. This virtual social space is also where clubs meet, student meetings are held, and where students can interact with their peers between classes. This allows socialization to happen where it should: outside the classroom.

College and Post-Secondary Counseling To help students prepare for the future, we offer College and Post-Secondary Counseling. We match your student with one of our trained Fusion counselors based on their needs and goals. With our counseling team, your student can work on the following:

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Interest, major, and school exploration

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Summer program applications/support

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Essay writing and personal statement support

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Letter of recommendation support

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Scholarship and financial aid support

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In-person interview preparation

•

Executive functioning/soft skill development

•

And more!

Our College and Post-Secondary Counselors can also support students after graduating as they begin their college journey. This includes career planning, gap year support, and time management techniques.

ACT/SAT Test Prep With a customized approach to standardized tests, our teachers can support with subject matter tutoring and test-taking strategies. Sessions are one-to-one and are personalized for your child. Students will have access to practice tests, online resources, and workbooks­­—all with the support of a teacher/mentor.

Summer Many students attend Fusion Global during the summer to catch up, get ahead, or try something new. All of our programs are available year-round and offer the same personalized approach. Students can take a class for credit, work through a tough subject with tutoring, or prepare for their future with college counseling—all with a customized schedule. Families can take vacation without having to worry about a rigid summer school schedule.

26 | Our Programs

Wherever your child is on their education journey, we’re ready to meet them where they are and customize a program just for them.

Course Offerings Course Levels: Essential, College Prep, and Honors Fusion offers core classes and unique electives for our middle and high school students. All courses are customized in our one-to-one virtual classrooms for the strengths, interests, and learning preferences of every individual student. Courses can be taken at essential and college prep levels, and certain courses have honors levels available. Each year more courses are added by our team of curriculum writers.

More than 250 Course Options!

28 | Course Offerings

English (English 6-8) (Language Arts 6-8) Creative Writing English 9* English 10* English 11* English 12* Journalism Personal Narrative Poetry Research and Technical Writing Speech

Electives (Computer 6-8) (Community Minds) Anthropology Authentic Research and Inquiry* Building Electronics: Systems and Games Building Mechanics: Design and Create Business Entrepreneurship Community Minds Computer Programming 1-3 Computer Science Controversies in American Politics Deaf Studies Economics* Film Studies Global Perspectives Humanities Invention and Design Leadership Life Skills 1-2 Personal Finance Philosophy Positive Psychology Psychology Roadtrip Nation Robotics Screenwriting Social Entrepreneurship Social Justice Sociology Study Skills Science and Practice of Mindfulness Work Experience Yearbook

Fitness (Group PE 6-8) (Health) (Independent PE 6-8) (Physical Education 6-8) (Yoga 6-8) Dance

Foundations of Personal Fitness 1-4 Health Independent PE 1-4 Wellness Yoga 1-4

History and Social Studies (Ancient Civilizations) (Civics, Geography, and Economics) (Early U.S. History) (Early World Cultures) (Medieval and Early Modern History) (Modern U.S. History) (Modern World Geography) Ancient Civilizations* Big History Project - World History Cultural Geography* Government* U.S. History* World History*

Math (Algebra 1) (Math Course 1-2) (Pre-Algebra) Algebra 1, 2* Algebra 1 A/B Business Calculus Business Math Calculus* Consumer Math Geometry* Integrated Math 1-3* Math Analysis with Pre-Algebra Pre-Calculus* Statistics* Trigonometry Other Advanced Math Courses

Music and Arts (Art 6-8) (Digital Photography 6-8) (Music 6-8) Acting Advanced Digital Photography Advanced Recording Arts Advanced Studio Art Animation Production Art History Bass 1,2 Digital Photography 1-4 DJ Performing Arts Drama Drums 1,2 Fiber Arts

Form and Space Graphic Design Guitar 1,2 Introduction to Film and Media Music Appreciation Music Theory 1-4* On Camera Acting 1 Portfolio Development Piano Recording Arts 1-4 Studio Art 1-5 Theatre Appreciation Vocal Fundamentals 1,2

Science (Earth Science) (Integrated Science 1-3) (Life Science) (Physical Science) Anatomy and Physiology* Astronomy* Biology* Chemistry* Conceptual Chemistry Conceptual Physics Earth Space Science Engineering Environmental Science Forensic Science Integrated Chemistry and Physics Integrated Science 1-3* Marine Biology Physics*

World Languages (American Sign Language) (French 1-3) (Japanese) (Latin) (Mandarin) (Spanish 1-3) American Sign Language 1-5* French 1-5* German 1-4 Hebrew 1-4* Italian 1-3* Japanese 1-3* Latin 1-4* Mandarin 1-5* Spanish 1-5* World Language Conversation

*Available at the honors level (Brackets indicate Middle School)

For a detailed description of each course, visit FusionGlobalAcademy.com/academics

Customized Schedules

Each Fusion student’s schedule is unique. We are able to customize for peak learning times and around outside commitments (acting, sports, other schooling, etc.).

Students are considered full-time when they are taking four or more classes per term. Our Directors of Student Development will work with your family to create a schedule and course load that makes sense for your student while still meeting credit requirements to advance in grade level. Below are a few examples of customized course schedules:

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

7:30

English

Science

English

Science

8:30

Homework Café

Homework Café

Homework Café

Homework Café

9:30

Math

Spanish

Math

Spanish

10:30

Homework Café

Homework Café

Homework Café

Homework Café

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Friday

11:30 12:30

1

Mike is a hockey player who plays on a travel team. He likes to have his classes done before lunch so he can go to practice and have time to get a workout in.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

8:30

Graphic Design

Graphic Design

Chemistry

9:30

Homework Café

Homework Café

Chemistry

10:30

English

History

English

History

Homework Café

11:30

Homework Café

Homework Café

Homework Café

Homework Café

Homework Café

12:30

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

1:30

Calculus

Calculus

2:30

Homework Café

Homework Café

2

Sam is taking a class at the local community college while finishing up her senior year at Fusion. The college class meets Monday and Wednesday mornings, so she schedules her Fusion classes at times that don’t conflict.

Rolling Enrollment Students can start at Fusion at any point in the year.

Classes are one-to-one, so the course starts whenever the student does.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

9:30

English

History

English

History

10:30

Math

Photography

Math

Photography

11:30

Yoga

Physics

Yoga

Physics

12:30

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

1:30

Homework Café

Homework Café

Homework Café

Homework Café

2:30

Homework Café

Homework Café

Homework Café

Homework Café

3:30

Homework Café

Homework Café

Homework Café

Homework Café

3

Friday

Asher didn’t like the pressure of his big private school but did well with the schedule.

Fusion mirrored his schedule from his previous school to make the transition easier.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

12:30

Lunch*

Lunch*

Lunch*

Lunch*

1:30

US History

Homework Café

US History

Homework Café

Spanish

2:30

Homework Café

Physics

Homework Café

Physics

Spanish

3:30

Algebra

Homework Café

Algebra

Homework Café

Homework Café

4:30

Homework Café

5:30

Drums

6:30

4

Homework Café English Homework Café

Drums

Friday

Homework Café English Homework Café

Victoria had a season of health issues where she missed a lot of school. Now she’s on a medication that makes it difficult for her to get up early in the morning. She takes her classes in the afternoon and is catching up from what she missed at her previous school.

Customized Schedules | 31

32 | School Experience

School Experience: Global Neighborhood Along with our full-time and part-time academic program, our virtual school was established so that students still have access to a full-school experience. The foundation of all we do is positive relationships, and we have grown a strong social community through our Global Neighborhood. The Global Neighborhood is a passwordprotected website that exists to be a resource to all Fusion Global Academy students and their families and is treated as our virtual school building. The story of our Global Community can be seen on the digital walls, and we’re adding new resources all the time. Here are some of the things you can find in our Global Neighborhood:

Student Connection

Safe Spaces of Support

At FGA we’re all about our Global Community. The

For our students who prefer to socialize off-

Global Neighborhood has all sorts of options for

camera, we have various forums for students

connection. In the Student Life section, you’ll find fun

to connect. This is also a great opportunity

opportunities for students to engage with peers. Here

for students to make friends and connections

are a few examples:

if they’re on different sides of the globe.

•

Weekly Gaming Hours

•

Global Pet Parties

•

Community Boards

•

Virtual Chess

•

And more!

Clubs, Groups, and Events Everything we do at Fusion Global Academy is personalized. This includes our clubs, groups, and social events. Clubs and groups are formed based on student interests and planned by our student life team. Students can suggest a new club at any time.

Here are some examples of our current clubs, groups, and events: •

Baking Club

•

Open Mic Night

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Fashion Club

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Senior Trip

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FGA Amazing Race

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Speech and Debate

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Fusion Fitness Team

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Student Council

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Gaming Club

•

Winter Showcase

•

Holiday Parties

See what life is like at Fusion Global Academy, follow us on Instagram @FusionGlobalAcademy

Our Parent Communication Daily Communication Fusion parents receive daily communication from each teacher their child had a class with that day. This includes a brief rundown of content covered, successes, concerns, and questions.

MyFusion Parent Portal Each parent also gets a MyFusion account. This Parent Portal includes their student’s schedule, class information, billing logins, and places to update contact information.

Global Guardian Events We regularly host events for parents and families, who we call our Global Guardians. These might include virtual education nights, breakfasts with the Head of School, coffee chats, school celebrations, art festivals and more.

The purpose of these events is to connect our global community and talk about topics that are important to our Fusion Global family.

34 | Parent Communication

“I never knew what happened in my child’s day before this year. It wasn’t like I didn’t ask the question each day for the last 10 years. Now when I ask, he tells me and I know it happened because it gets confirmed here every night.

With some subjects I get lots of information out of him. However, when I read that he wrote a letter to an author, or in a journal, shared what he loves about our pets, or enjoyed using his hands to create something—you not only bring me to tears, you lift a burden.”

Nancy L. Harty Fusion Parent

Life After Fusion How Fusion Prepares Students for the Future Our goal is to help students forge a path toward the future that is the best fit for them. For many, that means a four-year college, while for others, it means attending a trade school or community college, taking a gap year, enlisting in military service, entering the workforce, or following another opportunity that’s right for them.

Fusion Global Academy is new, so we haven’t had a graduating class yet, but Fusion Academy students have a proven record of success after graduating from their program.

“Fusion was a lifesaver for me. If it wasn’t for Fusion I wouldn’t have gotten through high school, wouldn’t know what the definition of a true friend is, and wouldn’t have found my passion for music. I’d like to thank everyone who had an impact on me. It was the only school experience I could tolerate. Fusion will always have the most special place in my heart because I wouldn’t be the person I am today without it.”

Jonny B. FUSION ALUMNUS 36 | Life After Fusion

Rebecca Penner Fusion San Diego Alumna “Fusion was the perfect high school experience for me. It allowed me to move at a faster speed than my previous school and allowed me to go far more in depth with my studies. The classes were personalized for me and what I was interested in. I also have teachers who will be lifelong mentors. My calc teacher and I still communicate while I’m at college. The teachers at Fusion are genuinely interested in what they are teaching, and they inspire you to be excited about it as well. I would recommend Fusion to anyone. It is like nothing else.

I currently go to Johns Hopkins University and am majoring in chemistry. Fusion has prepared me so well to thrive in this very high-stress and difficult academic environment. I am excelling in my studies, and I owe so much of that to Fusion. Fusion taught me how to advocate for myself, which has helped me land a prestigious research position in an inorganic chemistry lab in my first semester at Johns Hopkins. I am so grateful for what Fusion has allowed me to accomplish, like graduating high school in three years and attending my dream university.”

Alumni Paths Olivia Valkenburg Fusion Englewood Alumna “Fusion Academy provided me with a high school experience better than I could have imagined in my wildest dreams. The oneto-one classes allowed me to work at my own pace and learn about things I was truly interested in. Every teacher I had at Fusion was incredible. They were all so experienced in the topics they taught and incredibly enthusiastic, which made learning fun.

Without Fusion Academy, I never would have gotten into my dream school that I now attend, Fordham University in New York City. A lot of people wonder if I had difficulty making friends when I tell them I went to such a unique and small school, but for me that was not the case. I made lifelong friends at Fusion Academy. I really related to my fellow Fusion students because we all had reasons to be in a non-traditional school setting, which was a uniting factor.

The Homework Cafés® and lunch periods allowed me to interact with my peers even though our classes were isolated. Overall, Fusion Academy was absolutely the right choice for me, and I am so grateful for the time I spent there.”

While the vast majority of our students go directly to college, some students pursue different post-high school routes, including: • starting and running a business that was inspired by their work in Fusion’s Business Entrepreneurship course • a gap year with AmeriCorps with a goal to enter the Peace Corps after graduating college • attending a cosmetology school in Los Angeles with a goal of being a special effects makeup artist

The following lists of college acceptances are just a sampling of where Fusion

College Acceptances

Academy graduates have been accepted. Fusion Global Academy holds the same national accreditation and offers the same curriculum, only virtually. Both schools are committed to helping students find and follow their dream, whether that be a four-year college, starting their own business, taking a gap year, attending an art or trade school, or going straight into the work force.

Sampling of 2019 College Acceptances: Top National Universities: * Stanford University Northwestern University Vanderbilt University University of California Los Angeles University of Southern California Georgetown University Wake Forest University New York University Tufts University University of California San Diego Whitman College Lehigh University Pepperdine University Syracuse University Pennsylvania State University University of Washington Loyola Marymount University University of Maryland Southern Methodist University University of Connecticut George Washington University American University Brigham Young University Binghamton University Gonzaga University Indiana University Michigan State University

Top Liberal Arts Colleges: * Colby College Kenyon College Mount Holyoke College Occidental College Union College Bard College Reed College Sarah Lawrence College

Willamette University St. John’s College Earlham College Bennington College Southwestern University St. John’s University

Visual and Performing Arts Schools: Berklee College of Music Savannah College of Art and Design Parson’s School of Art and Design Pratt Institute New School for Performing Arts Boston Conservatory School of the Art Institute of Chicago School of Visual Arts (NYC)

Specialized Programs/Schools: Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Stevens Institute of Technology Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Los Angeles Recording School

2019 graduates also chose international schooling options in: Tokyo Osaka Paris Rome Vancouver Switzerland Israel *in order of U.S. News and World Report 2020 Ranking

Sampling of Other College Acceptances in Recent Years: Amherst College Arizona State University Art Institute of California Averett University Baylor University Becker College Belmont University Boise State University Boston University Bowdoin College Brown University California College of the Arts California Institute of Arts California Institute of Technology California Polytechnic State University California State University, Monterey Bay California State University, San Bernadino Carnegie Mellon University Chapman University Claremont McKenna College Clark University Colgate University College of Mount Saint Vincent College of William and Mary Colorado State University Colorado University Boulder Concordia College-Selma Cornell University CUNY New York College of Technology Dartmouth College Davidson College DePaul University Dickinson College Digipen Institute of Technology Drake University Drexel University Drexel University Duke University Emerson College Emory University Fordham University George Mason University Hamilton College Hampshire College

Harvard University Hofstra University Ithaca College Johns Hopkins University Johnson & Wales University Kalamazoo College Lake Erie College Lake Forest College Lawrence University Lesley University Macalester College Marist College Maryland Institute College of Arts Menlo College Mills College Montana State University Naropa University North Carolina State University North Park University, Chicago Notre Dame de Namur University Pace University Point Loma Nazarene University Pomona College Princeton University Purdue University Queens University of Charlotte Regis University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhode Island School of Design Rice University Saint Edward’s University Sam Houston State University San Diego State University San Francisco Art Institute San Francisco State University San Jose State University Santa Clara University Seattle University Smith College Stony Brook University SUNY at Purchase College SUNY Binghamton University SUNY College at Buffalo Temple University

Texas Tech University The College of Wooster The Evergreen State College The Juilliard School The New School The Ohio State University Towson University Trinity University Tulane University University of Alabama University of Arizona University of California at Berkeley University of California Santa Barbara University of California Santa Cruz University of California, Irvine University of Chicago University of Colorado Boulder University of Denver University of Georgia University of Hawaii University of La Verne University of Liverpool (UK) University of Miami University of Michigan University of Minnesota University of Mississippi University of Nevada, Las Vegas University of North Texas University of Notre Dame University of Oregon University of Pennsylvania University of Rhode Island University of Rochester University of San Diego University of Sciences University of Tampa University of Texas at Dallas University of the Pacific University of Vermont Wagner College Washington University of St. Louis Whittier College Xavier University Yale University College Acceptances | 39

Frequently Asked Questions Since Fusion Global Academy is a oneto-one school, how do students interact socially?

We want to try FGA; can we start with just one class?

Though classes are one-to-one, there are many

us, even while attending their current school. We

options for socialization where it should happen:

schedule classes outside of traditional school hours

outside of the classroom. Students spend time in

to accommodate for this type of situation. With

the Global Homework Café® doing homework, but

FGA’s rolling enrollment, students can start any time

this is also where students can socialize, play games,

of the year. This allows students to try a class during

participate in club meetings, and more. New types

the summer, or even starting mid-semester before

of communities are formed based not on geography

completely transferring to FGA.

Absolutely! Students can take a class for credit with

but on shared interests. Students can also join a wide variety of clubs covering a myriad of topics connecting them to their peers around the nation

Are FGA online courses NCAA-approved?

and across the globe.

College-bound student-athletes who want the option to play sports during their first year at an NCAA

How do you assign homework?

Division I or II college are required to take specific core courses that are approved by the NCAA to prepare

Global Homework Café® time is built into each full-

them for academic expectations in college. Fusion has

time student’s schedule. During this time, they can

a robust NCAA core course list for students to choose

complete coursework from the classes they took

from when looking to establish eligibility. Speak with

that day. If they are struggling with assignments,

the Director of Student Development if your student

there are teachers available to support and help

will be seeking NCAA eligibility. Early planning is best

ensure it is completed before the student is finished

due to strict course completion timelines from the

for the day. Doing “homework” throughout the

NCAA.

day ensures that students can reinforce learning shortly after class and develop executive functioning skills such as time management, organization, and prioritization.

Do you have University of California a-g approved courses?

Yes. For Fusion Global high school students in

How does tuition work?

California who wish to attend a University of California

Like everything at Fusion Global Academy, tuition is

Connect with us to request a copy of our course

unique for each student. It is based on the number

catalog with all the details.

(UC) school, we offer courses approved by UC.

of courses a student takes during the term. Full-time tuition covers one-to-one instruction and Global Homework Café® time and support. FGA has a

Does FGA accept international students?

Director of Student Development who will walk you

Yes. Fusion Global Academy does accept non-U.S.

through the entire scheduling process. They are

students. As an online school, students can attend

your go-to for any questions on how scheduling and

Fusion Global Academy from their home country. We

tuition work. They will be able to best answer your

do not require attendance in person.

questions based on your student’s customized plan.

FAQs | 41

“

“She went from a sullen, sad child who was

“Our daughter could not face the prospect of returning to her public middle school for 8th grade. She craved being pushed to her academic limits, and public school couldn’t challenge her enough.

convinced that school

After much evaluation and conversation, it was clear that Fusion

would always bore her to

Global Academy suited her in every way—the independence of

a smiling, excited child who is confident she

will be pushed to her potential.”

learning from home while the chance to be pushed to her unique limits. She opted to attend year-round so that her schedule would be consistent and she could take more courses than 8th grade required.

She is off to an amazing start and the experience has even exceeded our expectations (which were high). Her instant rapport with her teachers has led to her embracing her class time with them as well as her homework assignments. She went from a sullen, sad child who was convinced that school would always bore her to a smiling, excited child who is confident she will be pushed to her potential.”

Caren Larkey Fusion Parent

“The teachers at Fusion have offered my son the highest content classes with the perfect amount of purposeful homework for reinforcement. Accelerated learning and inspiration happens in the classroom. This has allowed for unique extracurricular activities and family time to enrich his life after school.

Fusion provides balance between high academics and nurturing the childhood years. Everyone in our family is less stressed with this approach to learning.”

Antigone Fusion Parent

42 | Fusion Stories

“Fusion provides balance between high academics and nurturing the childhood years.”

“The Fusion model allows teachers to truly understand my child, both

“The Fusion model

academically and emotionally. The teachers not only are teaching

allows teachers to

her the course content, but they also make adjustments as needed

truly understand

to fill in gaps in her prior learning or to move ahead when she already has mastered something. My daughter is flourishing in the Fusion environment.”

my child, both academically and emotionally.”

Marge Wilcox Fusion Parent

“I have never

“I have worked in education for 25 years and I have never met a group

met a group of

of teachers more willing to put children first. My son has blossomed

teachers more

into a young man I only dreamed I might someday meet.”

willing to put children first.”

Melissa Sadin Fusion Parent

“It’s a joy to see the lack of constant stress on my daughter’s face.

“I can see her being

She’s an elite athlete, and since coming to Fusion I can see her

able to enjoy life and

being able to enjoy life and her beloved soccer without being

her beloved soccer

judged and constantly feeling like she is falling behind. She can

without being judged

finally be herself.”

and constantly feeling

Maurizio Cascapera Fusion Parent

like she is falling behind.”

“

“It has shaped me

“I left my old high school with zero confidence in my scholastic abilities and no desire to go to school. My grades were horrible, I neglected to do any work, my chances of getting into any colleges were slowly slipping away, and I couldn’t have cared less. I am in my second semester of 12th grade now, and I have recently just

into the person I

received my first college acceptance letter—something I thought I

am today and the

would never see. Fusion has shown me the importance of education,

man I will be in

but most importantly, it has shaped me into the person I am today

the future”

and the man I will be in the future. I would strongly recommend Fusion to anyone who is struggling to find an interest in high school, or anyone who thinks that they are in need of an alternate style of learning.”

Evan H. Fusion Student

“Fusion has helped me have a better understanding of myself and my ability to learn. At my previous school, I was never taught how to go about different assignments and situations. Fusion has helped me learn things in a more creative and independent way. The teachers and staff have helped me become a more confident person. If I hadn’t transferred

“Fusion has helped

to Fusion, I don’t think I would be in the place I am today, and I

me learn things

couldn’t be more thankful.”

Eric M. Fusion Student

44 | Fusion Stories

in a more creative and independent way.”

“The Fusion experience is more than just school. It gives you the confidence to excel and a family-like community to support you through it.

Everyone is so accepting and welcoming. The teachers actually care about what they are teaching and the students’ understanding of the material. You can cultivate the material to fit your needs and interests. Fusion has reminded me that school isn’t just about grades. It helps you realize that there are still wholesome schools

“Fusion has reminded me that school isn’t just about grades”

and students out there.”

Dalia N. Fusion Student

“I got into my

The minute I came to Fusion I knew I wanted to be here. I have better grades, I met my best friend, and all of the teachers are super

top college

sweet. I don’t think I would be able to graduate without going to

because of

Fusion, and I got into my top college because of Fusion!”

Fusion.”

Winter H. Fusion Student

“I love Fusion because it allows me to really enjoy my time on Broadway! Fusion helps me manage all of my school work as well as having a full-time job. This school is way more fun than

“I love Fusion

any other school because of the one-on-one teaching, which

because it allows me

makes it easier and not stressful!”

Cory L. Fusion Student

to really enjoy my time on Broadway!”

“Getting to work at Fusion is truly a gift. There is nothing more special than getting to talk with a family on the phone who is feeling helpless and watch their kid blossom in a matter of days. I feel so blessed to be able to change the lives of our students and families on a daily basis.”

Geanne Weaver-Hepler Director of Outreach - Dallas Region

Join Fusion Global Academy Choosing a school is an important decision, and we’re here for you every step of the way. Here’s what Fusion Global’s admissions process looks like:

1

Initial Connection: When you connect with us, you’ll first talk to a member of our admissions team to ask any questions you may have about enrollment, courses, or Fusion Global Academy in general.

2

Meet the Enrollment Team: Our team meets with every prospective student and family.

During this meeting, we will learn more about what brings your family to Fusion and discuss individual goals, expectations, and education history.

3

Registration and Scheduling: If your family and the Head of School agree Fusion Global Academy is the right fit for your student, you’ll begin the registration process. You’ll then connect with our Director of Student Development to build your child’s personalized schedule and determine a start date.

Ready to connect?

Fill out a form: FusionGlobalAcademy.com/Lets-Talk Give us a call: 888.342.1861

Next Steps | 47

FusionGlobalAcademy.com 888-342-1861 @FusionGlobalAcademy @FusionGlobalAcademy