PASADENA, Calif.—Officials at Fusion Academy & Learning Center Pasadena, a new, college-prep alternative private school offering students in grades 6-12 a unique one-to-one learning experience, announced today that Francisco Ayala will serve as the head of school when doors open this March.
A part of American Education Group’s network of customized private schools, the new school is modeled after Fusion Academy & Learning Center in San Diego. Founded 20 years ago with the understanding that traditional school is not the best option for every child, Fusion Academy & Learning Center utilizes a “personalized learning” model to help individual students through a dynamic, one-to-one method of teaching and mentoring.
A resident of Monrovia, Ayala joins Fusion Academy with nearly a decade of experience as an administrator and educator. Most recently, he served as a regional supervisor for Options for Youth, Inc., and its network of 31 public charter schools across California.
“Having worked in public schools and charter schools, Francisco brings a diverse educational background to our Pasadena campus,” said Michelle Rose Gilman, founder and president of Fusion Academy. “Additionally, his leadership experience in opening new schools will be a major asset as we continue to recruit teachers and prepare to welcome students in March.”
A graduate of Dartmouth College, where he received a Bachelor of Arts, Ayala went on to receive a Master of Science in Administration from Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching from Bennington College.
“As educators, it is crucial that we understand our students’ needs and individual learning styles so that we can tailor our instructional programs to support each student in meeting their goals,” said Ayala. “For the past two decades, Fusion Academy has done a remarkable job in successfully meeting this objective. I look forward to bringing the schools’ unique vision and learning model to Pasadena.”
To learn more about Fusion Academy, parents are welcome to attend an information meeting on Tuesday, January 25th, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Café Santorini’s Rococo Room (64 West Union Street in Old Pasadena). To enroll your child, please call 866-311-7495.
About Fusion Academy and Learning Center
Fusion Academy and Learning Center offers students an alternative to the traditional classroom setting through one-to-one teaching and customized academic programs. Fusion Academy is a WASC accredited private school for grades six through twelve. Through individual mentoring, teaching and custom-tailored programs, each student's unique talents are both recognized and encouraged in a positive environment. Fusion Learning Center offers one-to-one tutoring, mentoring, independent studies and test preparation, as well as a rich music and art program.