10 Questions With Jessica Eckert Of Fusion Academy Ardmore

One classroom. One student. One teacher. That's what you get when you send your child to Fusion Academy, the revolutionary school where students can completely customize their school journey and experience. Classes are specifically designed to ignite their passions and foster their strengths, helping them to thrive socially, emotionally and academically.

Fusion Academy's students have one thing in common: traditional school isn’t working. They often feel that they don't fit in or they might be experiencing a disconnect with a conventional learning environment. Therefore, Fusion offers specialized programs to serve students with ADHD, Dyslexia, social challenges and several other learning differences.

Jessica Eckert, head of school at Fusion Academy Ardmore, firmly believes in the school's "one-to-one" philosophy, and takes pride in transforming the lives of children and their families for the better. Read on to learn more about the academy's new campus and how to sign up for their teacher meet-and-greet on April 25:

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?

Eckert: Fusion Academy has recently come to the Greater Philadelphia region, as its first campus in Pennsylvania opened its doors on April 2 for classes.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?

Eckert: I have always wanted to be a part of a school that changes the lives of its students. I started working at a summer camp for dyslexic students when I was 18, and from that moment, I knew I would always work at a school where we had the ability to help students in creative ways.

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in a few words, what would those words be?

Eckert: Every day, we change children's lives.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

Eckert: The biggest challenge of our work is to reach the people who need us. Families are out there every single day, frustrated, worried, and struggling to find the next step. We can be that next step, but we can also be an excellent resource for families who aren't sure where to turn. So please spread the word! If you know of a family who is looking for something different for their child, or who has questions they aren't sure where to find the answers, please don't hesitate to direct them to Fusion Academy Ardmore!

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Eckert: The most satisfying part of my job has two parts. First, it is that moment when a student realizes they found their second home at Fusion. You can see it happen in many different ways, such as a group of kids being silly in the Homework Café or a student telling you about how different they feel since coming to Fusion, but it always comes with huge grins and a relief that they found a school that understands them. Secondly, the most satisfying part of my job is when parents of our students reach out to tell us that they feel like they have their son or daughter back. The frustration of the nightly fight about homework, or the hopelessness of watching your child anxious or depressed, or any combination of concerns about finding your son or daughter a school where they can be happy— when parents have the opportunity to shed those feelings, there is a feeling of overwhelming relief, and I live for those phone calls, emails, and visits from parents!

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?

Eckert: Our school is different from any other school you have seen. We can transform your child's experience with school and help them build confidence and chase their passions in ways no other school can provide.

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?

Eckert: The biggest piece of advice I've ever received about success came in the form of an Eleanor Roosevelt quote from a mentor who encouraged me to become a school leader: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." We have to believe in ourselves before someone else can believe in us.

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you’re working on that you’re extra excited about?

Eckert: We are excited to open our soft launch campus this year, and we are really excited about our permanent location that is being built off Suburban Square in Ardmore. It will be ready in the Spring of 2019, and it is going to be just as beautiful but larger than our current campus on Lancaster Ave.

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community?

Eckert: If you want to see our campus or hear more about Fusion Academy, come meet our teachers on April 25, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. This is a great opportunity for you to hear their stories, spend some talking with them about your child, and why teaching one-to-one is so powerful. RSVP here.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Eckert: You can hear more about Fusion Academy Ardmore by visiting our website or following us on Facebook.

This Patch article is sponsored by Fusion Academy.

Image Credit: Fusion Academy