Approve A New Public School Choice for Jefferson Parish Children

Blended Learning for Louisiana, a Louisiana non-profit organization is proposing two Type 1 charter schools: a middle school and a high school to serve students within Jefferson Parish.

(1) Fusion Bridge Middle School is a proposed public charter school whose mission is to maximize academic achievement for students in grades 6th-8th throughout Jefferson Parish who need an alternative to the traditional classroom. Fusion Bridge Middle School believes reaching students through a cutting-edge blended education guided by a philosophy of individualized and flexible instruction provides the best pathway to school success. This unique, mastery-based blended-learning middle school allows Jefferson Parish middle school students regardless of age to complete the foundational coursework necessary to pass the 8th grade LEAP test and successfully enter high school. Students are not grouped by traditional grade level but instead follow an individualized path through across the bridge from elementary to high school.

The school values its ability to provide these students with everything they need to thrive in a blended learning environment: top-quality curriculum; specially trained, highly qualified teachers; a powerful digital education platform; essential technology tools; and very real connections linking school, family and community.

(2)Jefferson Fusion High School is a proposed public charter school whose mission is to provide students with an innovative, inspirational, and individualized learning option that combines the very best in face-to-face and online learning. Jefferson Fusion’s blended learning approach is flexible in time and place but unyielding in its high expectations and laser focus on optimizing achievement and producing college- and career-ready graduates.

The school’s belief is that all students can thrive through a standards-aligned, individualized learning program that combines the best in virtual education with unique technology-based teacher productivity tools and very real connections among students, family, teachers, and the community. Jefferson Fusion students take an individualized, focused program of courses that provides what they personally need for graduation and beyond. They report in person to the school facility to meet with their teachers and collaborate with their peers on a flexible schedule that includes evening hours, but they can also work on their courses any time and anywhere there is an Internet connection. Students benefit from the attention of both face-to-face and online educators who carefully track their progress and provide the real-time feedback.