In an August 2024 interview with People magazine , Minnesota governor and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz shared how his son, Gus, has a “secret power.” That is how the Walz family has come to describe Gus’s diagnosis with multiple learning challenges, including ADHD. The Walzes are not alone in seeing neurodiversity’s benefits. Many families, along with teaching and mental health professionals, are now commonly referring to these benefits as “superpowers.” In fact, neurodiversity often proves itself not only advantageous to those directly affected but also necessary to the workings of the world.

Private School in Scottsdale Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Scottsdale, AZ — One study found that 74% of students identify homework as a source of stress. At Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school offering one-to-one instruction, the Homework Studio (HWS) is turning that stress into success by offering a uniquely supportive and collaborative environment where students thrive, not just academically, but emotionally and socially. Unlike traditional study halls, the HWS at Brightmont functions as a dynamic space for academic and personal growth. Staffed by a team of four dedicated educators, the studio is active throughout the day, helping students manage assignments and much more. “They work as a team to run our campus HWS, which is a pretty busy place throughout the day,” said Sarah Horton, Campus Director of Scottsdale. “In addition to supporting our students with managing and completing their homework assignments, they help our students in a number of other ways. They provide executive functioning skills guidance, show students how to communicate effectively with their instructors, and lead social emotional learning activities.” Each teacher brings a unique perspective, but all are united by a shared passion for student success. “I have been working at Brightmont as a HWS teacher for a little over two years. The dynamics are always changing, and our team is quick to adapt to the changes,” said Madison Overholt, one of the studio’s educators. “We work well together because we come from different backgrounds, but we all have the same heart and intentions. Our students face so many challenges and barriers in education, so it is incredible to see their resilience at work in our environment.” For Jessica Kalicki, another member of the HWS team, working one-on-one with students has renewed her love for teaching. “The HWS is an amazing place to work, and I am excited to be at work every day,” Kalicki said. “Working one-on-one with the students as they need has reignited my passion for teaching. Every hour is different, with a different group and a different dynamic, but the structure, community, and positivity stay the same, and I have to say that it is thanks to the 3 other amazing HWS teachers I work with. Brightmont Academy is located at 6990 E. Shea Blvd, Suite 120 in Scottsdale and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, July 17th, 2025, between 9:00 AM and 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 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

Walking on Eggshells: Parenting a Child with Anxiety Disorder

Private School in Boca Raton Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Boca Raton, FL — As families seek more personalized alternatives to traditional classrooms, individualized instruction is proving to be one of the most effective ways to help students succeed. Research shows it can boost academic performance, motivation, and confidence, especially when tailored to each student’s needs. Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school offering one-to-one instruction, has seen that success firsthand, so much so that its Boca Raton campus is already expanding to meet demand. The response from families has been extraordinarily positive. “I am thrilled to share that Brightmont Academy has exceeded our initial enrollment expectations in just our first year!” said Debbie Bookstein, Campus Director of Brightmont’s Boca Raton campus. “As a result, we are expanding our physical space so that we will be able to meet the needs of even more students. Our new, larger building is adjacent to our current space, so this will allow students and teachers to easily go back and forth between the buildings if necessary.” Brightmont’s one-to-one model pairs each student with a dedicated teacher in every class, allowing instruction to move at the student’s pace and focus on their goals. “The overwhelming support from the community indicates that there is a strong demand for the unique educational experience we offer,” Bookstein added. “Our current space has already reached near capacity, and our expansion will allow us to continue to deliver the high-quality education and nurturing environment that our community has come to expect.” The new space will help accommodate students’ academic and social engagement. “The new building will be more than just additional classrooms,” Bookstein explained. “It will be a place where we can enhance our commitment to personalized learning and provide further opportunities for our students to thrive. Our campus is unique in that we serve a large number of elementary students, as well as those in middle and high school. The secondary building will allow us to have the flexibility of housing our younger students in a space conducive to their learning needs, while creating a separate environment for our older students.” Brightmont Academy is located at 19102 S State Road 7 in Boca Raton and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, June 18th, 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

Private School in Miami Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Miami, FL — As summer vacation approaches, most families are looking forward to some well-deserved rest, travel, and quality time together. But did you know that the long break from school can lead to serious learning loss? Studies show that students can lose up to 20% of their reading skills and a whopping 27% in math over the summer months. That’s where Brightmont Academy comes in. Our one-on-one summer tutoring programs are designed to help students stay sharp , fill learning gaps, and even get ahead —all without sacrificing summer fun. “We know families want a break from the school-year grind—but kids don’t have to fall behind in the process,” says Monica Torres , Campus Director at Brightmont Academy in Miami. “Our summer sessions are personalized, flexible, and low-stress . Whether your child needs help in reading, math, or credit recovery , we create a plan that works for your family’s schedule.” Unlike traditional summer school, Brightmont’s approach is built entirely around the student. One teacher. One student. Completely tailored learning. “Our goal is to make sure students are progressing in just a few hours a week,” Torres adds. “That way, they can boost their confidence, build skills, and still have plenty of time to enjoy the beach, pool, or whatever their summer brings!”  Brightmont starts each summer program with a quick assessment to identify your child’s strengths and learning gaps. From there, the team creates a custom plan with real academic goals —so students return to school stronger, more prepared, and ready to shine. Spots fill quickly , so parents are encouraged to reach out now to explore the best fit for their child’s needs and schedule. Brightmont Academy is located at 6101 SW 76th Street in Miami and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, May 15th, 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

Private School Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students National — Summer break is a time to recharge, but it can also lead to academic setbacks. Research shows that students in grades 1 through 8 lose 17% to 34% of the prior year’s learning over summer—a phenomenon known as the “summer slide.” To help students stay on track, Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school specializing in one-to-one instruction, offers summer enrollment options designed to reinforce learning and build confidence for the school year ahead. The effects of summer learning loss are particularly evident in subjects like mathematics, where students can fall behind without regular practice. While activities like reading and hands-on learning can help, many students benefit from structured academic support. “The important thing about summer is it's a great time to help your student go into the start of their school year feeling confident,” said Karen Buckner, CEO of Brightmont. “We have many students who come to us to take a review of a difficult course—Algebra, history, science. They're not going to do the class with us, but they might go over the first two units so that the student walks in and, rather than being overwhelmed with everything all at once, they walk into the new school year and feel like they've got the first few units under their belts. We have found that to be incredibly successful, with many students feeling less stressed and experiencing less anxiety as they start their new year.” Parents can also take proactive steps to support summer learning. Encouraging daily reading helps maintain literacy skills, while engaging activities like museum visits and creative projects keep young minds active. Math is often where students experience the most loss, so even a little daily practice can make a big difference. Another option is enrolling in summer school to maintain momentum. “At Brightmont Academy, students have the option of attending through the summer and getting extra credits while continuing to develop academic skills. Without a long summer break, students can make grade-level gains instead of falling behind,” said Buckner. Brightmont’s personalized, one-to-one instruction model ensures that students receive the individualized attention they need to strengthen their academic foundation. By continuing their education through the summer, students can avoid the summer slide and start the new school year with confidence. 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

Private School in Phoenix Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Phoenix, AZ — As several schools across Arizona close, students face significant academic and personal challenges. Research shows that school closures during a child’s K-12 education often lead to declines in test scores, attendance issues, and behavioral disruptions. Long-term effects can include lower college completion rates and reduced employment opportunities. In response, Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school specializing in one-to-one instruction, provides a stable and supportive learning environment, ensuring students have access to uninterrupted, high-quality education. Beyond academics, school closures impact students’ emotional and social development. “School closures disrupt not only academic progress but also students' social-emotional well-being,” said Shari Guerra, Campus Director of Brightmont’s newest Phoenix location off the 101 Freeway and McDowell. “For many, the relationships built within their school community are a foundation for their confidence, personal growth, and future aspirations. When these institutions suddenly become unstable or disappear altogether, families are forced to make difficult decisions with limited time and resources.” As Arizona communities navigate these closures, families seek educational solutions that provide continuity and support. Brightmont’s flexible, one-to-one instruction model ensures students stay engaged and on track. “The chaos surrounding school closures underscores the importance of flexible and innovative education models,” Guerra said. “Families should have access to options that ensure students remain engaged and academically on track, regardless of external disruptions. Brightmont Academy is a beacon of stability, offering a structured yet adaptable learning environment where students receive dedicated attention from expert educators.” Prioritizing students' academic and emotional well-being is at the core of Brightmont’s mission. “Students must remain at the heart of every educational decision made during these challenging times,” said Guerra. “Our mission is to support families and ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed in a safe and nurturing learning environment.” Brightmont Academy is located at 1850 N. 95th Ave. Suite 180 in Phoenix and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, May 15th, 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

Private School Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students National — 93% of Brightmont Academy students say Brightmont helped them achieve their academic goals, a testament to the school’s personalized one-to-one instruction. With a 25-year legacy of academic excellence, Brightmont, a nationally accredited private school specializing in one-to-one instruction, has empowered students to achieve success through individualized learning. This unique approach prepares students academically and instills the confidence and self-advocacy skills necessary to navigate the college admissions process successfully. As students receive their college acceptance letters, Brightmont reflects on the profound impact of its one-to-one instruction. “We know we can prepare our students with very strong courses, so their transcripts look great,” said Karen Buckner, CEO of Brightmont. “They also can tell a different story about what they've learned by having such great one-on-one interactions with their teachers—how they've been able to learn, advocate for themselves, and gain a deeper understanding of their strengths.” This year’s list of college acceptances shows the diverse opportunities available to Brightmont graduates. From state universities to prestigious private institutions, Brightmont students are earning spots at top schools across the country. The new college acceptance map highlights this success, demonstrating that Brightmont students stand out in the competitive admissions process. “If colleges take the time to truly look at their students, we're going to stand out,” Buckner continued. “I think that's a direct result of what we're seeing in this new college map we have with all these great colleges on there.” For many students, Brightmont is more than just a school, it’s a place where they rediscover their confidence and realize that higher education is within reach. Through personalized instruction and supportive learning environments, these students have gained the skills and self-assurance needed to take the next step in their education by applying to colleges and pursuing their academic aspirations. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a student build their self-esteem through academics and their Brightmont experience,” Buckner added. “The part we play in helping them grow and then having a third party validate that through a college acceptance is just super exciting.” 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