Brightmont Academy Addresses Learning Gaps with Skill Building Programs

January 5, 2025

Private School in Birmingham Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students


Birmingham, MI — According to a national survey, public school leaders estimate that 44% of students are behind grade level in at least one subject. Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school renowned for its one-to-one instruction and flexible approach to learning, addresses this challenge through its Skill Building programs—customized sessions designed to close academic gaps and build student confidence.


Skill Building programs are a cornerstone of Brightmont’s mission to provide customized education that meets students where they are. “Skill Building programs are customized programs that help students focus directly on gaps in their learning,” says Annette Looser, Campus Director of Brightmont’s Birmingham location. “Students take an assessment at Brightmont, and our curriculum team does a deep dive into the results to determine the best use of their time in a 1:1 environment—either to catch up to grade level or to move ahead.”


Brightmont’s one-to-one instructional model ensures every student receives individualized attention and a program tailored to their unique learning needs. The duration of the program is flexible, depending on the student’s goals. “Students attend for a specific number of sessions to close the biggest gaps in their learning or to advance in their learning. Some students attend for 20 sessions, some attend for 40, some attend all year for 120 sessions,” Looser explained.


In addition to academic progress, Skill Building programs emphasize building confidence in areas where students may struggle. “The best thing about Skill Building is that the programs always build student confidence in areas where they may not have felt the best in school—areas like math, writing, grammar, and reading,” Looser shared. “Many students who were way behind grade level have worked on their skills all year and have caught up to their peers. Some students attend in the summer months to prevent the summer slide, and they return to their school environment ahead of grade level, making the school year much more comfortable in math and reading.”


Contact Annette Looser to schedule a pre-assessment and see what program might be right for your student.


Brightmont Academy is located at 33483 Woodward Avenue in Birmingham and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, January 16th, 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

More Blog Posts + News


Student with teacher
March 11, 2026
Learn how sleep affects student success and how Brightmont Academy can help with flexible schedules.
Teacher and student
March 5, 2026
Summer learning loss threatens many students’ academic progress. Learn how one-to-one summer learning programs help students sustain momentum year-round.
By Rachel Pollock March 4, 2026
The Top Questions Families in Birmingham ask about Brightmont Academy
March 2, 2026
Brightmont Academy is part of a growing national conversation about how personalized education can better support student success.
Brightmont Academy Expands Chandler Campus to Meet Growing Student Demand
February 27, 2026
Brightmont Academy announces expansion for Chandler campus to continue supporting students in the area.
Brightmont  Academy opens new location in Tempe, AZ
February 26, 2026
Brightmont Academy, specializing in one-to-one instruction for 1st-12th grade students, announces its grand opening in Tempe, AZ.
#NoLimits
February 17, 2026
Illinois Private School Highlights One-to-One Instruction for Grades 1-12 St. Charles & Naperville, IL — Brightmont Academy, an accredited private school offering fully individualized, one-to-one instruction for students in grades 1–12, announces that Meredith Hale, Campus Director of the St. Charles campus, and Lindsay Morales, Campus Director of the Naperville campus, were recently featured guests on the #NoLimits podcast. The podcast is hosted by educator, advocate, and author Shelley Kenow and is rooted in the belief that no one can fully predict a person’s potential or future—and that opportunities should never be limited by labels or assumptions. Hale and Morales connected with Kenow at the Dynamics of Dyslexia conference in Illinois, where they discovered a shared passion for supporting neurodiverse learners and the families who advocate for them. “Meredith and I met Shelley at the conference and quickly connected around our mutual commitment to helping students access education that truly meets their needs,” said Morales. Kenow’s mission to spotlight individuals and organizations that help others reach their fullest potential closely aligns with Brightmont Academy’s educational philosophy. Brightmont partners with families to create individualized learning environments that remove barriers and empower students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. “We were honored to be guests on Shelley’s podcast,” Morales said. “Her work centers on helping students and families navigate—and ultimately break through—the limits society often places on them.” For both campus leaders, participating in the podcast reflects their shared commitment to advocacy, connection, and reimagining what education can look like for students who need a more personalized approach. “Being part of Shelley’s community allows us to share how Brightmont supports students in meaningful, individualized ways, and to contribute to a broader conversation about reimagining education for learners who need something different,” Morales added. The #NoLimits podcast is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Facebook, and YouTube. Brightmont Academy is located at 620 E Main St. in St. Charles and at 1528 Aurora Ave. in Naperville and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, February 19, 2026, between 9:00 AM to 3:00 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 24 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
By Tony Beals February 11, 2026
When we talk about learning differences, vision is often treated as one of the simplest variables to address. The solutions we reach for are familiar in recommending glasses, larger print, or a seat closer to the board. These supports can be helpful, but they are often built on an assumption that vision is primarily about clarity. In my work with neurodivergent and vision-challenged students at Brightmont Academy , I’ve learned that vision is rarely that simple. I’ve worked with learners who have Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), neurological vision challenges, and progressive vision loss. One student I worked with began losing her sight in 10th grade and is now legally blind. What stood out most was not only how her vision changed, but how quickly expectations around her learning shifted alongside it. The challenge was never her ability. It was her access.  For many learners, vision is not just about what the eyes detect, but how the brain processes, organizes, and sustains visual information. When that distinction is misunderstood, even well-intentioned accommodations can easily miss the mark.
Nadine Ritchotte
February 9, 2026
Private School in Cherry Creek Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Cherry Creek, CO — Brightmont Academy has named Nadine Ritchotte as Campus Director of its Cherry Creek campus, bringing more than 30 years of experience in public education to the role. Ritchotte will lead the new campus as Brightmont continues to expand its individualized, one-to-one learning model for students in grades 1–12 across the Denver metro area. After decades in traditional public education, Ritchotte was drawn to Brightmont’s mission of meeting students where they are academically, socially, and emotionally. After 30 years in public education, I finally realized the limits on what I could change,” Ritchotte said. “Brightmont Academy represents the kind of alternative model I believe in, one that individualizes learning and helps students thrive in a supportive, safe environment.” Located in the heart of the Denver metropolitan area, Cherry Creek is uniquely positioned to serve families across multiple school districts. The area is surrounded by at least five public school systems, each with students who may struggle in traditional classroom environments for a variety of reasons — from learning differences to social challenges or the need for greater flexibility. Ritchotte sees Brightmont’s one-to-one instructional approach as an ideal solution for students who may feel overlooked or unsupported elsewhere. “Brightmont Academy can help those students find their potential and love for learning through one-to-one learning,” she said. Looking ahead, Ritchotte’s vision extends beyond academic progress to help students rebuild confidence and rediscover joy in learning. “I want the Brightmont Academy Cherry Creek Campus to help students rediscover their potential,” Ritchotte said. “Success for our campus looks like a place where students who once struggled feel capable, engaged, and proud to be who they are.” Brightmont Academy is located at 3773 E Cherry Creek North Dr., Suite 145, in Cherry Creek 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 23 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
More Posts