Christopher Merrall Comments on One-on-One Education Ideals

PHILADELPHIA, PA, October 26, 2012

An article published by CNN profiled growing private school chain, Fusion Academy. The school offers an alternative method of learning for students in a modern world, though that flexibility comes at a price. This unique concept caught the attention of veteran educator Christopher Merrall.

According to the article, Michelle Rose Gilman established Fusion Academy as a tutoring center in 1989. As the concept grew, it evolved into a new way to educate non-traditional students between grades six through 12. Initially located only in California, the article explains students who surfed or who pursued acting could attend classes throughout the day at their leisure.

Fusion is designed to offer a personalized educational experience, notes the article. Curriculum tailored to the individual student, a one-to-one student-teacher ratio, and hours that run from early morning to late evening make up the Fusion experience.

All of these features come with an attached price tag. On average, the article reports a full-time student will spend $40,000 to $45,000 on annual tuition. At present, the for-profit organization does not offer financial aid.

In a statement to the press, Christopher Merrall commented: "CNN's Chris Boyette describes the potential benefits of one-on-one education as provided by the for-profit Fusion Academy for those students for whom a traditional public education cannot or will not work. Though the benefits of such a private education may be tangible, the $40,000+ annual tuition prices is far beyond the financial resources of the vast majority of American families. I would not want to begrudge such an opportunity to those students for whom such an individualized education is financially attainable, however, I am saddened to think about the hundreds of thousands of our nation's students that could never access such an educational alternative regardless of their pedagogical needs."

The article also reports that in September, the New York State Education Department accepted Fusion Academy's request to open in New York. Classes have already begun on Long Island and in Manhattan. According to the article, a third location is scheduled to open for operation in Westchester in January. The New York locations join 12 existing Fusion Academy locations in California.

ABOUT:

Christopher Merrall is a high school science teacher with over 15 years of experience. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Eastern Connecticut State University and a Master's degree in Education from the University of Connecticut. Christopher holds Connecticut Teacher Professional Certifications in Biology (030), Chemistry (031) and General Science (034). In 2007, he was named The Norwich Free Academy Teacher of the Year. In addition to teaching Science, Christopher also served the school as the boy's freshman and junior varsity soccer coach and music club advisor.

Website: http://christophermerrall.com