2E Students: Who They Are & What They Need
Barbara Farland • February 19, 2025
2E Students: Who They Are & What They Need
Though the terms “twice exceptional” and “2E” are relatively new to the educational scene, all of us can probably think of a 2E student we encountered in our youth once we know what 2E means. Remember the kid who knew a ton about history and literature, but had a hard time relating to their classmates? Or how about the one who made amazing art projects, but couldn’t get their head around math, science, and other highly conceptual subjects? It’s possible both of these students were twice exceptional.
What is 2E? It’s when a child exemplifies incredible intelligence or talent, while also being diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder, which may manifest either academically or socially. In other words, the student is exceptional in two areas—they deserve special attention when it comes to their extraordinary competencies and require special support when it comes to advancing in their studies and socialization.
In other words, there’s much to learn about and consider in serving 2E students well. The following offers further insight into who they are and what they need to cope and progress.
Who They Are
Psychology Today reports that about 17 percent of students enrolled in gifted and talented programs are 2E. The International Dyslexia Association says that as many as 2-5 percent of all school-age kids—if not more—fit the 2E profile.
The exceptionality of giftedness may be demonstrated in countless ways. Though the list of such manifestations is endless, the U.S. has developed a system of categorization, which is made up of five main areas of giftedness:
- General Intellectual Ability - A student tests high in IQ and/or exhibits extraordinary cognitive abilities in problem-solving and other intellectual reasoning.
- Specific Academic Aptitude - A student demonstrates exceptional aptitude in one school subject, such as math or science, but shows fairly average marks in other coursework.
- Creative or Productive Thinking - A student is known for their inventiveness, connecting seemingly unrelated ideas to generate unique insights, solutions, etc.
- Leadership Ability - A student stands out for their charisma and/or emotional intelligence, which have a marked effect on their relationships with others and their ability to persuade, resolve conflict, maintain peace, etc.
- Visual and Performing Arts - A student either shows great artistic skill in drawing, sculpting, singing, dancing, etc., or possesses a sophisticated appreciation and understanding of art forms.
Giftedness is one aspect of the 2E life—learning or social concerns are the other. Though learning differences also run the gamut, the following are a few common diagnoses:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - As its name implies, ADHD is characterized by inattentiveness, as well as the tendency to be restless and impulsive. Though all people exhibit these behaviors from time to time, they become commonplace among those with ADHD.
- Dyslexia - Dyslexia is one of the “Four Ds” (see the next bullet points for the other three) that affect specific areas of learning. Those with dyslexia find it difficult to process written and/or verbal language-related material.
- Dysgraphia - Those with dysgraphia are compromised in their ability to write. Thus, their written work might appear quite askew, even completely illegible.
- Dyscalculia - While dyslexia and dysgraphia affect students’ performance in Language Arts, dyscalculia is related to Mathematics. In addition to struggling with mathematical operations such as adding and multiplication, those with dyscalculia might have compromised abilities in counting and categorizing.
- Dyspraxia - Learning involves some physical abilities in addition to cognitive. For those with dyspraxia, their limitations in physical coordination affect their learning (e.g., trouble grasping a pencil properly and forming letters/symbols).
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - As the name implies, people who are diagnosed with ASD may fall anywhere on the spectrum between very functional and not very functional at all. Autistic symptoms typically present relationally, be it in social situations or when any outside stimulus triggers unusual behaviors, such as stimming (atypical hand movements, eye fluttering, spinning, etc.). In other words, those with ASD experience disconnection between their interior and exterior world.
What They Need
More often than not, there’s a great imbalance when it comes to meeting the needs of 2E students. Their teachers and caregivers tend to focus on their giftedness over their learning/social issues, or vice versa. What such students actually need is a solution that takes their whole stories into account—a solution that nurtures their giftedness and helps them overcome their learning differences.
Most traditional schools rarely recognize the need for 2E students to experience both special academic challenges and support—it’s either/or in those environments. Such schools do not have the human capital and other educational resources to provide a uniquely tailored curriculum for every student. In short, it’s impossible to serve 2E students well.
But 2E students enjoy endless possibilities when they attend Brightmont Academy, otherwise known as “the one-to-one school.” Brightmont’s mission is all about customization for each and every student according to their specific needs. Rigorous coursework across all subject areas, along with a wide range of electives and advanced placement courses, offers challenging and dynamic learning experiences. At the same time, Brightmont’s one-to-one teaching model means learning differences are addressed with great compassion and strategy.
All together, this equates to a place where 2E students feel they really belong and can succeed. At Brightmont, they are considered both exceptional and extraordinary—unquestionably capable of contributing to the world in unique and meaningful ways. It’s through the unique strengths and needs of 2E students that Brightmont has the privilege to make a difference, too.
Sources:
- https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/articles/how-to-support-your-twice-exceptional-child
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/much-more-common-core/202007/equity-twice-exceptional-students
- https://dyslexiaida.org/gifted-and-dyslexic-identifying-and-instructing-the-twice-exceptional-student-fact-sheet/
- https://www.yourtherapysource.com/blog1/2023/08/23/types-of-giftedness-2/
- https://childmind.org/article/twice-exceptional-kids-both-gifted-and-challenged/#:~:text=What%20are%20twice%20exceptional%2C%20or,ADHD%2C%20dyslexia%2C%20or%20autism.
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd
Barbara Farland is an English & Social Studies instructor at Brightmont Academy in Plymouth, Minn. She holds a master’s degree in Business Communication from the University of St. Thomas and, prior to pursuing a second career in education, worked as an award-winning public relations and communications professional in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. As a “storyteller by nature and teacher at heart,” Barbara continues to contribute to various anthologies, among other writing projects.
More Blog Posts + News
Private School Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students National — Recent studies show that 85% of educators report having students who struggle with executive functioning — the skills that help students manage their time, stay organized, and complete tasks. In response to this growing need, Brightmont Academy, a private accredited school offering one-to-one instruction, offers a specialized program called ECHO, which stands for Executive Function Coaching and Homework Organization. The program was developed to meet families where they are — often overwhelmed, frustrated, and seeking genuine solutions to their daily academic struggles. Karen Buckner, CEO of Brightmont Academy, explained that ECHO was created based on conversations with families. “The ECHO program came out of what parents were asking for,” said Buckner. “Parents have homework battles at home, and they’re looking for those to disappear. And it’s something beyond just tutoring.” For many students, particularly those entering high school for the first time, the transition to more complex schedules, shifting classroom routines, and digital assignment tracking systems can quickly become overwhelming. Brightmont’s ECHO program pairs students with experienced coaches who help them navigate their school’s learning platforms and build personalized systems that work. Buckner emphasized how hands-on the support can be. “I’ve done things where I take out the backpack and find 20 loose pieces of paper, and I’ve done everything to establish the six folders that represent each class. While we’re talking through some of that, I’m sorting all the papers into folders, so they are a little more organized.” Part of the ECHO process includes logging into systems like PowerSchool, Canvas, or Google Classroom alongside the student to identify outstanding assignments, organize a to-do list, and develop sustainable habits. Buckner noted this level of support is often what families can’t provide on their own, especially when each teacher uses a different system. “If you’re a child with executive function challenges and you have to go to three different places to figure out what to do when, it’s just not going to get done,” she said. “And we can help be someone who helps solve that problem and take it off the parents’ hands.” Brightmont Academy is located in nine states and is currently accepting enrollments. Brightmont Academy is an accredited private school that provides one-to-one instruction. One experienced teacher works with one student throughout every learning session. Customized full-time programs and individual courses are offered for grades 1-12. Students can also receive individualized tutoring for all 1-12 subjects, study skills, and test prep. Brightmont Academy has served thousands of students since 1999 and has 20 campuses in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington. For more information call 1-888-521-0887 or visit: www.brightmontacademy.com . Watch our video: Brightmont Academy - The One-to-One Flexible school - 1st through 12th
It’s 8:15 a.m. on a Monday morning, and Teresa makes her way into her classroom at Brightmont Academy in Phoenix . The school is one of 20 campuses located throughout the country. Unlike teachers in other school systems, Teresa will only have to manage one student during each hour of her day. Boring? Repetitive? Hardly! A day in the life of Teresa proves her time at Brightmont is just as dynamic and interesting—if not more so—for teachers and students alike… 8:30 a.m. - English 12 with Natalie Teresa’s first class of the morning is English 12 with a high schooler named Natalie. Natalie is a full-time student at Brightmont who has been attending since seventh grade. Large groups and noise trigger Natalie’s anxiety, so Brightmont is the perfect solution to help her demonstrate her full potential. A straight-A student, Natalie is enjoying her current English unit on Frankenstein through which she and Teresa are discussing the characteristics of sympathetic characters and the nuances of what makes a monster. Natalie is so engaged in the curriculum that she is using Frankenstein as inspiration for penning some poetry outside of class.
When I think back to elementary, middle, and high school, one word comes to mind: survival . I was impulsive, unfocused, forgetful. I often missed assignments—not because I didn’t care, but because I literally couldn’t keep track. I struggled socially, too. I had a few close friends, but for some reason, I always felt like I was on the outside looking in—trying to fit in, but never quite belonging. I got bullied between classes, especially in middle school, and many mornings I was too sick with anxiety to move. I had to fake being sick just to stay home. At the time (this was the 70's and 80's) there wasn’t language like “neurodivergent” to help me make sense of it all. ADHD was the only word people used—and it came with stigma, side-eyes, and medication warnings. I didn’t want to be that kid, so I put on the mask. No one wants to be that kid—the one who's too much, too loud, too forgetful, too weird. It’s a lonely place, and over time, you start to lose your own sense of self—becoming what you think everyone needs instead of who you actually are and end up being a “social chameleon.”
Private School in Georgia Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA — Nearly 12% of K–12 students in Georgia have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or formally identified disability. Yet many families remain unaware of the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program (SB10), which provides financial support for students who need a different kind of learning environment. Brightmont Academy, an accredited private school offering one-to-one instruction, is working to change that by making its personalized model more accessible to students who need it most. With campuses in Alpharetta and Atlanta, Brightmont uses SB10 to help students who haven’t thrived in traditional classrooms get the individualized attention they deserve. “SB10 is a valuable resource for students who need education tailored to their individual needs,” said Aisha Walker, Vice President of School Development. “It allows Brightmont to live out its mission in Georgia—providing one-to-one education for students who haven’t succeeded in traditional settings. SB10 helps relieve the financial burden, making our life-changing approach more accessible.” Brightmont’s one-to-one model pairs each student with a dedicated teacher for every class, allowing for highly individualized learning plans. It’s particularly effective for students with learning differences, emotional challenges, or other needs addressed in IEPs or 504 plans. “The potential impact of SB10 across Atlanta and the surrounding counties is enormous,” said Robyn Brunson, Campus Director at Brightmont’s Atlanta location. “With hundreds of thousands of students in Georgia qualifying for IEPs or 504 plans, the number of eligible families is significant. Unfortunately, awareness remains low. Brightmont is uniquely positioned to serve this demographic: we receive calls weekly from families who qualify but don’t realize SB10 can help them.” Over time, Brightmont expects SB10 to fuel consistent growth at its Georgia campuses. “We envision both the Alpharetta and Atlanta campuses having a consistent and growing enrollment of SB10-funded students,” said Kim Exford, Campus Director at Brightmont Alpharetta. “This would deepen our relationships with local professionals, advocacy networks, and educational consultants. Ultimately, SB10 would be a vehicle through which Brightmont becomes a household name in Georgia for families seeking a personalized and transformational education.” Brightmont Academy is located at 1161 Concord Rd SE Suite 100 in Atlanta, and at 1230 Upper Hembree Road, Suite 101 in Alpharetta, and is currently accepting enrollments. Brightmont Academy is an accredited private school that provides one-to-one instruction. One experienced teacher works with one student throughout every learning session. Customized full-time programs and individual courses are offered for grades 1-12. Students can also receive individualized tutoring for all 1-12 subjects, study skills, and test prep. Brightmont Academy has served thousands of students since 1999 and has 20 campuses in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington. For more information call 1-888-521-0887 or visit: www.brightmontacademy.com . Watch our video: Brightmont Academy - The One-to-One Flexible school - 1st through 12th
Private School Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students National — An estimated 31.9% of adolescents have experienced an anxiety disorder in their lifetime, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. For many students, anxiety shows up most clearly in the classroom—when expectations are high, the workload feels overwhelming, and it seems impossible to catch up or keep up. Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school offering one-to-one instruction, has become a trusted option for families whose children are experiencing academic anxiety. Whether students are dealing with perfectionism, school-related burnout, or falling behind in core subjects, Brightmont provides a flexible and supportive environment to help them reset and succeed. “Academic anxiety can rear its head in many different ways, sometimes requiring medical or therapeutic professionals as well as a change in the school environment,” said Karen Buckner, CEO of Brightmont Academy. “If a student is struggling, Brightmont steps in and says, ‘Here’s a plan. Here’s a solution. Here’s how we move forward.” Brightmont’s one-to-one model means each student works with one teacher at a time, in a quiet, distraction-free setting tailored to their learning pace and style. Rolling admissions allow students to enroll at any time during the year, so they don’t have to wait for a new semester to make a change. “We had a student come to us feeling defeated,” Buckner recalled. “They didn’t want to return to school, and their parents knew something had to change. We created a plan to make up missed credits, start fresh, and stay on track for graduation. That’s the kind of support families are looking for when everything else feels overwhelming.” Brightmont’s approach is beneficial for students whose anxiety is tied to academic performance or the educational environment. Instead of letting poor grades, missed deadlines, or pressure to perform define a student’s experience, Brightmont helps them regain confidence and control. “As a parent, one of the best things we can do when a student is spiraling downward is to provide a ladder out of the hole—not just stand on the surface with our kids,” Buckner added. “And I think that’s exactly what Brightmont does. We help students climb out and move to the next level.” Brightmont Academy has helped thousands of students succeed in a setting where they feel seen, supported, and capable of thriving. Brightmont Academy is located in eight states and is currently accepting enrollments. Brightmont Academy is an accredited private school that provides one-to-one instruction. One experienced teacher works with one student throughout every learning session. Customized full-time programs and individual courses are offered for grades 1-12. Students can also receive individualized tutoring for all 1-12 subjects, study skills, and test prep. Brightmont Academy has served thousands of students since 1999 and has 20 campuses in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington. For more information call 1-888-521-0887 or visit: www.brightmontacademy.com . Watch our video: Brightmont Academy - The One-to-One Flexible school - 1st through 12th
Beyond Good Grades: Strategies for Mastery
Private School in Birmingham Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Birmingham, MI — Brightmont Academy’s Birmingham campus has officially relocated to a larger and more modern facility to meet the growing demand for its one-to-one instructional model. Brightmont Academy, a private accredited school offering one-to-one instruction, outgrew its previous location on Woodward Avenue and has moved into a significantly expanded space designed to support more students and educators. The new campus features double the number of classrooms compared to the former building, creating a more spacious and serene environment for learning. According to Annette Looser, Campus Director at Brightmont Birmingham, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. “Every new family who has visited us so far has loved the space,” said Looser. “It is a very calm and welcoming environment with twice as many classrooms as our former location. We have had a lot of new families from the area enroll their students in our summer programs, and we expect to keep up with the demand we are receiving so far for full-time students this fall.” The additional square footage not only allows Brightmont to serve more families but also to hire more educators from the surrounding area. The school’s nationally accredited one-to-one instruction model has proven especially effective for students who need individualized attention, including those who have struggled in traditional classroom settings. “The increase in square footage will allow us to help more families that want to enroll their students for the fall,” Looser said. “It will also allow us to employ more teachers from the area.” Brightmont has served thousands of students nationwide through its unique approach to learning, which pairs each student with a dedicated teacher in every subject. With this new location, the school reaffirms its commitment to making education personal, flexible, and successful for every learner. “I thrive on helping people succeed, so my dream for the new location is to help as many families as possible who need a new school environment for their child, especially parents who feel desperate or who have students who are avoiding school,” Looser added. Brightmont Academy is located at 746 E Maple Rd. in Birmingham and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, August 21, 2025, between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Brightmont Academy is an accredited private school that provides one-to-one instruction. One experienced teacher works with one student throughout every learning session. Customized full-time programs and individual courses are offered for grades 1-12. Students can also receive individualized tutoring for all 1-12 subjects, study skills, and test prep. Brightmont Academy has served thousands of students since 1999 and has 20 campuses in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington. For more information call 1-888-521-0887 or visit: www.brightmontacademy.com . Watch our video: Brightmont Academy - The One-to-One Flexible school - 1st through 12th
A Smooth Transition into the New School Year
Private School in Northfield Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Northfield, IL — Brightmont Academy, a private accredited school offering one-to-one instruction, is proud to recognize science and math instructor Gillian Buckardt, who has been with the school for the past two and a half years. Known for her compassion, dedication, and belief in the power of one-to-one education, Gillian has become a vital part of the Brightmont community. She first discovered Brightmont through a recruiter who encouraged her to apply. “I was a recent graduate at the time, and the role called to me—when I was in high school, I attended a similar one-to-one school that helped me tremendously during a difficult time. I wanted to give that positive experience back to other young people,” she shared. Brightmont’s one-to-one approach allows teachers like Gillian to meet students exactly where they are, both academically and emotionally. “The one-to-one learning method truly lets the student shine and thrive in a classroom built just for them. It removes so many barriers from effective teaching, and I’m able to meet the student directly where they're at in their life,” she explained. For Gillian, the impact of this method is best reflected in her students’ growth. One of her first students came to Brightmont after struggling to get accommodations following a disabling injury. “She had an abounding passion for science, and we nurtured that spark in an environment where she could heal at her own pace,” Gillian shared. “After a year of excelling, she moved to a new school and confidently presented her research at a science fair. Even now, she still returns to Brightmont for tutoring and stays in close touch—it’s been an honor to see her grow.” What makes Brightmont special, Gillian says, is the sense of connection. “I simply love the community of Brightmont. There is something wonderful that grows from working on a small campus and being able to build such strong relationships between staff and students.” Brightmont Academy is honored to have educators like Gillian Buckardt, who go above and beyond to ensure every student has the support, attention, and encouragement they need to thrive. Brightmont Academy is located at 1799 Willow Road in Northfield and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, August 21, 2025, between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Brightmont Academy is an accredited private school that provides one-to-one instruction. One experienced teacher works with one student throughout every learning session. Customized full-time programs and individual courses are offered for grades 1-12. Students can also receive individualized tutoring for all 1-12 subjects, study skills, and test prep. Brightmont Academy has served thousands of students since 1999 and has 20 campuses in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington. For more information call 1-888-521-0887 or visit: www.brightmontacademy.com . Watch our video: Brightmont Academy - The One-to-One Flexible school - 1st through 12th
