Fusion Academy to offer 1-on-1 coursework for local students

The West Lake Hills board of adjustments approved a special-use permit Sept. 10 for Fusion Academy and Learning Center at 4701 Bee Caves Road.

The learning center is a one-to-one private school and tutoring facility for middle school and high school–age students. The academy tailors programs to each student to meet individual needs and learning styles with a one-on-one mentoring approach.

"This is something I think we really need in this community," Councilman Darin Walker said.

The school also offers a flexible, year-round academic schedule. There is no playground or outdoor area.

"When students complete classes, they go home," said Dan Colella, project manager for Fusion Education Group. "The atmosphere is very businesslike."

The academy provides courses in science, mathematics, history, social studies, visual and performing arts, English, foreign languages, and special areas. The arts courses are taught in the same individualized style as the other classes.

Building owner F. John Barzizza said he has had several parties interested in becoming tenants, including law firms and construction companies, but is waiting for the academy because he said he thought it was the best fit for the community.

The school would take up about 10,000 square feet of the 24,000-square-foot Hills Professional 2 building and located solely on the first floor if an agreement is reached, consisting of 29 offices—director and assistant director offices, a registrar's office, a billing office and 25 tutoring offices.

The academy runs classes Monday through Thursday between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. with Fridays reserved for students who need additional help. The approximate tuition is $35,000 annually and generally targets high-income areas and gifted students, Colella said.

The school is expected to begin classes in 2015.