Features | Apr. 2023
FUSION ACADEMY
By Contributor
WEBSITE: fusionacademy.com/campuses/chicago-lake-forest/
NUMBER OF STUDENTS: Each campus serves between 50 and 100 students
GRADES: 6th-12th
TUITION: Customized per student
DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Mark Ostap, Head of School at Fusion Lake Forest Annie Walchak, Assistant Director at Fusion Evanston Kait Mullahey, Head of School at Fusion Lincoln Park
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: N/A
ADMISSIONS: Use the following link to connect with an Admissions Consultant: fusionacademy.com/connect-with-us/
CONTACT: Jennifer Elm, 855-333-7075
EMAIL: [email protected]
ABOUT US: Our Methodology: Love, Motivate, Teach. We meet students where they are and help them thrive from their unique beginning. While the majority of students entering Fusion have academic skills at or above grade level, many report previous struggles in school for various reasons. Through our thoughtfully designed approach, we see students change their understanding of themselves and the futures they have the power to create.
ACADEMICS: Fusion Academy students benefit from a curriculum that is individualized and customized to their unique learning needs. We offer over 250 core and elective courses at various levels. They are taught one-to-one, one student and one teacher per classroom, and provide students the opportunity to not only help them meet their specific academic goals, but also explore their unique interests and prepare them for whatever their next steps may be.
CO-CURRICULAR ENRICHMENT/ARTS & ATHLETICS: We offer an array of classes in art, music, technology, and fitness. The student has a voice in the way the objectives of these classes are met. While so many schools today are cutting back on their enrichment offerings, Fusion continues to provide state-of-the-art equipment and studio spaces for students to develop their skills or explore their interests.
CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: The Homework Café has two separate areas—one designated for quiet, independent study, and one for students to socialize, work on less-focused assignments, and collaborate on projects. Our Social Homework Café® is a mixed-use space. You will often see students studying or reading independently, working collaboratively on projects, hanging out between classes, receiving support from the HC teachers, and playing games.
Our Homework Café more closely resembles a home’s living room than a typical school study area. With comfortable couches, pillows, and blankets, students can truly relax while they complete their work.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: We’ve seen over the years that homework can be the leading cause of stress in the family unit. And we know from experience that the struggle to get some kids to do homework can rip apart the emotional wellness in the family. We believe that teenagers should be able to have time to explore, play, and figure out the world around them–and not spend all their time doing busy work.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: We offer rolling enrollment so students can start any time of the year, even mid-semester. If your current school choice isn’t working and your student is struggling, connect with us. We’d love to help with supplemental tutoring/mentoring, or help you transfer schools easily.
