The 2022 school year has begun and Noozhawk’s Private & Independent School Guide is sure to make things easy when planning for your child’s education! Our school guide provides you and your child with all the necessary information about private schools in Santa Barbara County.
To give parents the tools to help make informed decisions about which school is the best fit for their kids in Santa Barbara, Noozhawk has conducted a series of interviews with representatives of local private & independent schools for this year’s school guide.
In this interview, Noozhawk talked with Melissa Kersjes, Marketing Content Manager at Fusion Academy Santa Barbara to learn more about what they offer at their school.
Fusion Academy Santa Barbara
Question: What is the name of your school and what grade levels do you offer?
Answer: Fusion Academy, Grades 6-12
Q: How is your school operated or governed?
A: Fusion Academy offers a customized mix of one-to-one instruction, asynchronous digital learning, and group project-based experiences. Our agile learning model flexes to the needs of your student. They are also paired with a Success Coach to mentor and guide their Fusion journey.
As a result of this personalized experience, students are prepared academically, socially, and emotionally for their future.
Students who thrive in our Flex Learning Model are self-driven learners, are currently learning at or above their grade level, and enjoy a balance of independent and group work
Q: What curriculum is available and taught at your school?
A: Our curriculum meets or exceeds state standards and includes over 250 courses that are available at varying levels depending on each student’s academic goals.
(Fusion Academy Santa Barbara photo)
At Fusion Academy, our teachers are guided by the methodology of Love, Motivate, Teach. After learning about who our students are, we personalize each course curriculum to build on their strengths.
All Fusion Academy courses are taught by subject experts. Our instructors identify learning preferences and adapt their approach for each student.
We offer core courses for middle and high school students in English, Math, Science, History, Social Studies, Health & Wellness, Visual & Performing Arts, and World Languages.
Courses can be taken at essential, and college prep levels and many courses have honors levels available. We offer electives in art, music, technology, and more.
If your middle or high school child is looking to fulfill elective credits while exploring something they’re passionate about, we have many unique choices for them.
Q: What is your student to teacher ratio?
A: 1:1
Q: Can you describe a typical day for a student at your school.
A: Every student’s schedule is completely customized to them. Full-time students will take between 4-6 classes per semester. We work with each student to create a personalized mix of one-to-one classes, asynchronous digital learning, and group project-based learning.
For each class session, students spend an equal amount of time in our Homework Café, where they are able to complete their class work.
Outside of their classes, students have ample social opportunities to make friends and interact with their peers. Our Homework Café is where they finish their coursework, but when they’ve done that, they’re able to socialize in the Social Homework Café space.
Students also can join clubs, go on field trips, and attend events for their enrichment. Our Director of Homework Café plans and facilitates activities around social-emotional learning themes so students get a well-rounded experience.
Q: How does your school select/hire teachers, and how does it invest in their continuing education?
A: Teachers are the bedrock of our personalized learning model. Our education and people development teams partner to ensure that courses are accompanied by generous training and supported by a plethora of teaching resources, as well as ongoing professional development opportunities are part of teachers’ growth trajectory.
Q: How does your school measure student progress?
A: We use multiple measures of success to build a holistic understanding of each student, from academic outcomes to well-being and life satisfaction, and empower each student through multiple opportunities for self-reflection and evaluation of progress.
At Fusion, success is when students gain the confidence, foundational knowledge, and skills to take on new academic challenges and pursue their dreams; the curiosity to explore; a sense of their own creativity; self-awareness; a commitment to physical, social, and emotional health; and a passion for engaging with the community.
After a student enrolls at Fusion, we typically provide two assessments Measures of Academy Progress (MAP®) and Mindprint. 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 classroom experience.
Q: What sports or extracurricular activities does your school offer?
A: Clubs and groups are formed on campus around topics of student interest. Some are student-led while others are headed by teachers or staff.
Q: How does your school address special education needs?
A: We believe that positive relationships are the key to unlocking the incredible potential every student has. In order to learn, students must first feel safe and understood. That’s why our approach is Love, Motivate, Teach.
We first seek to understand the student and see them as an individual with the capacity to learn, which allows them to be a motivated learner. When students feel that level of care and attention, they have the space to be motivated, and that’s when real teaching can begin.
Q: What opportunities do you provide for parent involvement?
A: Parents are an integral part of our Fusion community. We strive to have open communication to provide the best experience not only for your student, but your whole family.
Daily Communication
Fusion parents and guardians 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.
Parent Portal
Each parent/guardian gets an account to the MyFusion Parent Portal. It includes their student’s schedule, class information, billing logins, and places to update contact information.
National and Campus Events
Fusion hosts national webinars and events on topics valuable to our community. Our campus will also host events on and off campus to connect our community members and to talk about subjects that are important to Fusion families.
Q: What is the cost or tuition to attend your school? Do you offer scholarships?
A: Every Fusion student’s education is personalized, which makes tuition unique for each student. We customize pricing based on each student’s education plan. Whether your child needs a new full-time school, supplemental classes for credit, or tutoring, we’re ready to build a program to meet their educational goals.
Total tuition is calculated on a per-course basis and will depend on the specific classes your student chooses to take at Fusion. We’d love to connect with you to determine which courses are best for your child and to help you customize your education.
Q: Is there anything you would like to share that was not mentioned above?
A: Fusion is such a unique school, there’s nothing like seeing it in-person. Connect with us to set up a personalized tour.
Click here for more information about Fusion Academy Santa Barbara.