Rachel Pollock is an instructor at Brightmont Academy, specializing in English and Social Studies, with a master’s degree in Psychology from American Military University. With over six years of experience working with gifted and twice-exceptional students, she also advocates for creativity and student voice, earning recognition in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Rachel is passionate about supporting learners, families, and educators in a dynamic world, while maintaining a commitment to academic rigor and social-emotional learning.
A Smooth Transition into the New School Year
Rachel Pollock • August 6, 2025
A Smooth Transition into the New School Year
When Back-to-School Feels Like a Struggle
Have you ever been met with hesitation starting a new school year? You have a full day of activities ahead of you and school drop-off is on your way, however; your child feels hesitant or anxious. Establishing a routine to promote predictability is essential for all learners and supports the diverse needs of gifted and twice-exceptional students as they transition into the new school year.
Routines: The Recipe for a Calm Start
Think of a new routine like a recipe for your diverse family’s needs. Easing into task
management through compensation, as suggested by neurodiverse psychologist Ilse Gevaert of SENG, with visual aids supports collaboration and emotional needs. You’ll start by making a checklist. Gather your materials: schedule, lunch, backpack, clothing, shoes, and student handbook. Then, you’ll plan your routine for school drop off. Lastly, discuss and practice, practice, practice.
https://www.sengifted.org/post/bridging-two-worlds-a-guide-to-supporting-twice-exceptional-children
Preparation is key whether you’re talking about the day to come, gathering materials, or checking off the checklist. One key to success is making lunch together the evening before the school day. Another idea to ease stress is to lay out clothes and shoes for the next day before bedtime as part of a nightly selfcare routine. Review the school day schedule together and get the backpack and water bottle ready. Students gain confidence when they know what to expect.
Practice Makes Progress
Practice the routine a few times in advance based on your child’s needs. Turn in devices at least an hour before bed, set your alarm, and practice your morning routine. In Twice-Exceptional Children: From Struggling to Thriving (Laningham, Lim & Wilson, 2023), the authors emphasize the importance of pairing predictable structure with responsive emotional support, noting that daily transitions work best when families and schools coordinate around student strengths and
stressors. Additionally, driving to the school on practice days before the year begins can help ease fears in students. Pre-visit routines empower students and give them a sense of control.
https://brightchildbooks.com/collections/gifted-struggling_twice-exceptional
Preparing for the Unexpected
Even with preparation there can still be tough mornings. Overstimulation from travel, competitions, or digital devices can cause struggle within students. Sometimes it’s just a bad night's rest that causes hesitation to go to school. Parents often feel the pressure around attendance, knowing it is crucial to achievement. Flexible scheduling and partnering with your school in advance can help relieve some of this pressure.
How Brightmont Academy Supports Your Student
The staff at Brightmont Academy have been preparing all summer for new and returning students. The directors, instructors, and administrative assistants at Brightmont Academy are here to help with smooth transitions coming into the new school year. Our supportive staff meet students and families with empathy and optimism.
A Welcoming Start to Every Day
At Brightmont Academy we start the day with meeting the student at the door. Next, we review the students schedule with them on the school calendar displayed at reception. Another perk of flexible scheduling is that if students need a moment of calm or time to socialize before class, we offer a quiet homework studio, and a gathering area in the student center. Throughout the school day instructors and support staff coordinate to supervise student transitions between classes. At the end of the day, which is timed differently for many students, staff prepare students for pickup in the reception area.
A Model Designed for All Learners
Brightmont Academy’s one-to-one model, combined with flexible scheduling and custom curriculum, is designed to meet the needs of all learners -– including those with diverse learning profiles and abilities. Our model prepares students for a bright future!
Sources:
Gevaert, I. (2024, April). Bridging two worlds: A guide to supporting twice‐exceptional children. SENGifted. Retrieved from
https://www.sengifted.org/post/bridging-two-worlds-a-guide-to-supporting-twice-exceptional-children
Laningham, J., Lim, A., & Wilson, K. (2023). Twice-Exceptional Children: From Struggling to Thriving. Bright Child Books.
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Private School in Naperville Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Naperville, IL — Brightmont Academy, a private school offering one-to-one instruction for students in grades 1–12, is expanding its Naperville campus to include a new, larger location just over a mile from its current downtown site. The expansion comes in response to rapidly growing demand from local families seeking flexible, personalized education. Brightmont’s one-to-one model pairs each student with a dedicated teacher for every course, allowing for a truly customized approach to learning. This individualized format has drawn growing interest from families who want to see their children thrive academically and socially. Over the last two years, enrollment has grown quickly, prompting the need for more space. “We’re growing faster than our current space can hold!” said Lindsay Morales, Campus Director of Brightmont Academy Naperville. “The new campus gives us the space to keep up with demand and continue the amazing momentum of the last two years.” The new campus will feature double the number of classrooms compared to the current location, allowing Brightmont to welcome even more students into its supportive learning environment. With more classrooms and expanded facilities, Brightmont will be able to enrich its offerings and create more opportunities for student connection. “The new space opens the door to growing our enrollment and creating even more opportunities for student culture, social activities, and community connections,” Morales added. This expansion represents an exciting milestone for Brightmont Naperville. “Families are looking for a flexible, personalized school environment, and demand keeps rising! Expanding means we can welcome more students into the vibrant, supportive culture we’ve already built at Brightmont Naperville,” said Morales. “We couldn’t be more excited! With more classrooms, more opportunities, and more growth ahead, this is a huge step forward for our students, families, and teachers.” Brightmont Academy is located at 445 Jackson Ave in Naperville and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, November 20th, 2025, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 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 21 campuses in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, 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
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The Top Benefits of One-to-One Education for Middle and High School Students
Private School Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students National — Students who remain in an unsuitable learning environment can experience declines in GPA, increased absenteeism, and higher stress levels. Brightmont Academy, a fully accredited private school offering one-to-one instruction, reminds families that they don’t have to wait until the next school year to make a change. Thanks to rolling admissions, students can transfer to Brightmont at nearly any point and continue their education without falling behind. According to Karen Buckner, CEO of Brightmont Academy, one of the most common times families make the switch is in October. “October is one of Brightmont’s largest enrollment months,” Buckner said. “Why? Because we’re rolling admissions, which means if it’s not going well for your child in the first semester—whether they’re in freshman year, sophomore year, eighth grade, or sixth grade—don’t make them stick it out until the end. Make the change now and know that Brightmont is here to help you in making that change.” Buckner explained that the timing of a transfer doesn’t have to set a student back academically. “Students who come in October have ample time to take care of the first semester of whatever year they’re in, perhaps even stay for the second semester, but they will not lose pace with their peers,” Buckner said. Buckner also emphasized that many parents are unaware that mid-year enrollment is an option. “I think that’s a big concern kids have, and frankly, parents don’t always know that there’s an option,” she explained. “They think, ‘Oh, maybe next year we’ll change schools,’ or ‘maybe we’ll look at doing something different for the second semester.’ The best thing you can do is make the change earlier—before it hits the transcript if you’re in high school, or the report card if you’re in middle school. You can enroll at Brightmont and find a better, more personalized solution.” Brightmont Academy has served more than 4,000 students since its founding in 1999, helping children succeed academically through its unique one-to-one instruction model. The school offers open enrollment throughout the year, ensuring families can make the right decision for their child when it matters most. 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 21 campuses in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, 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
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Private School in Redmond Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Redmond, WA — Brightmont Academy, a private accredited school offering one-to-one instruction, is proud to announce the appointment of Ann Vinson as the new Campus Director of its Redmond campus. Vinson steps into the role following the tenure of Kerri Resing, who did an amazing job while she was there. Resing will continue to support the Redmond team by helping the campus strengthen its connections with local school districts. Vinson joins Brightmont with over two decades of experience in education and a deep passion for personalized learning. “The mission of Brightmont is to provide customized one-to-one instruction to help as many students as possible reach their full academic potential and prepare for college and future careers,” said Vinson. “I have been in education for 20+ years, and my goal has always been to reach each student where they are to help elevate them to new heights. Brightmont is my goal in action, helping each student achieve success through one-to-one instruction based on their starting point and mastery of each topic, while allowing my teachers to teach to their passions!” Before joining Brightmont, Vinson spent nearly 20 years teaching elementary and middle school before moving into school administration. “Having been in a classroom for so many years, I truly understand what students and teachers need to be successful,” she explained. “I have 5+ years of experience as a director in a school, and I understand the business aspect of our schools as well. I can use my experience to create a well-rounded learning environment where our students can reach mastery and further their education.” Vinson’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Saint Mary’s College of California, a Juris Doctor from Southwestern University School of Law, and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Loyola Marymount University. Looking ahead, Vinson is excited to build a thriving, engaging campus environment. “I want a school filled all day with students enjoying the learning process! I love the ‘buzz’ of a busy campus with teachers engaged and students embracing new things.” Brightmont Academy looks forward to Ann Vinson’s leadership in continuing its mission to help every student reach their full potential through individualized education. Brightmont Academy is located at 7345 164th Ave NE, Ste I-135 in Redmond and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, October 16th, 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 21 campuses in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, 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
