Beyond Good Grades: Strategies for Mastery

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

Private School Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students National — Brightmont Academy, a private accredited school offering one-to-one instruction, is helping students continue their education while receiving care for mental health, substance use, eating disorders, and other personal challenges. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 5 children have been diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral health condition by the time they turn 17. For some, the best step forward includes time away from a traditional school environment in a treatment facility. Brightmont provides a path to recovery that doesn’t derail academic progress. For many families, that diagnosis can feel overwhelming, especially when it disrupts a student’s academic journey. Brightmont understands these moments and offers a path forward that puts both mental wellness and education at the center. “I think for some kids, it's very hard to deal with the pressures of life when they come at you all the time,” said Karen Buckner, CEO of Brightmont. “Compartmentalizing things is probably a skill we learn over time. Many kids, 12 to 20, don't have that capability but need it. And so, there are kids who, to deal with challenges—whether it be substance abuse, mental health issues, eating disorders, whatever it is—may need to leave a different environment and just focus on that for a little while.” Students can take a break when needed and resume school with one-to-one instruction tailored to their pace, schedule, and emotional readiness. “In the back of their minds and their parents' minds, for many of them, they never thought they'd be in this situation,” Buckner added. “And all they can think about is, ‘Oh my gosh, there goes their sophomore year in high school, their seventh grade, half of their sixth grade.’ With Brightmont, we can help them get back to where they need to be and on pace for their age group.” Brightmont’s flexible structure—with year-round enrollment, rolling admissions, and personalized pacing—makes it an ideal option for students transitioning out of treatment. “We're not on a traditional schedule because we're flexible, because we're open year-round, because we have rolling admissions,” Buckner said. “The kids can start at any time. We are a wonderful place to come and look at. If you need to take 30 days, 60 days, six months out of your year to take care of yourself, Brightmont will be there when you are ready—and we can help.” 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

Understanding Neurodivergence in a New Light

Private School in Deer Valley Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Deer Valley, AZ — In response to growing enrollment and increased interest in its one-to-one education model, Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school offering one-to-one instruction, has officially expanded its Deer Valley campus, for a second time in a year and a half by adding additional classroom space and a new high school suite to better serve its student population. The campus has experienced remarkable growth in just the past two years, prompting the need for more room to accommodate students and staff. “In the last two years, our campus has exploded with new students!” said Janie Rosenthal, Campus Director of the Deer Valley location. “With a very small main campus that has only ten classrooms, we recognized the need for more space in our office building. Thus, we embarked on a quest to find available suites. We became friendly with our neighbors across the hall and inquired if they would be willing to move so that we could take over their suite.” What began as a creative space-saving solution has now become a full expansion that is already making a difference for students and staff alike. “Our increasing enrollments quickly made it clear that we needed more space to accommodate all our students and teachers,” Rosenthal said. “By expanding our campus, we can hire more teachers and increase the number of available classrooms. This will enhance our scheduling options. Additionally, with the extra space, we can provide larger break areas for students to interact and socialize between classes.” The latest addition includes a newly opened suite dedicated solely to high school students. According to Rosenthal, students are already using the new space, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. As more families seek personalized education options, Brightmont Academy’s unique one-to-one instructional model is becoming increasingly popular nationwide. “Our one-on-one model is gaining traction through social media and word of mouth, leading more families to recognize how our unique learning plan can benefit their children,” Rosenthal explained. “Public schools often lack the resources to accommodate students with unique needs. In a one-on-one setting, students can focus better.” Brightmont Academy is located at 2222 W Pinnacle Peak Road, Suite 110, in Deer Valley 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 Broomfield Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Broomfield, CO — Socialization plays a vital role in a child’s growth, building communication skills, emotional awareness, and the ability to collaborate with others. When students feel connected and supported, it enhances not only their social development but also their academic success and overall well-being. At Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school offering one-to-one instruction, social growth is nurtured in creative, low-pressure ways that meet students where they are. Brightmont’s model is unique in that students have opportunities to connect with others throughout the day, in both structured and casual ways. With one teacher dedicated to each student, children are constantly engaged in meaningful conversation, unlike in traditional classrooms where it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. But it’s not just one-to-one instruction that supports social development. At the Broomfield campus, students also enjoy peer interactions during supervised lunch breaks, passing periods, and creative group activities. From painting mushrooms and knitting to crafting paper moths and cacti, these lunchtime projects provide a relaxed, low-pressure environment for students of all ages to connect. “Students are presented with opportunities to participate in social activities, but they aren't obligated,” said Cale Dunlap, Campus Director of the Broomfield campus. “This allows students to feel comfortable in a low-pressure social environment, even if they don't enjoy social situations.” One of the most unique aspects of Brightmont is how students from 1st grade through high school often spend time together. “It’s great to see older kids mentoring younger kids and learning how to be leaders,” Dunlap added. The mixed-age setting allows students to build empathy, practice leadership, and form supportive relationships across grade levels. Brightmont Academy’s one-to-one instructional model makes space for personalized academic support and thoughtful, flexible social opportunities like these. At the Broomfield campus, that means giving students a chance to express themselves, connect meaningfully, and grow into confident, compassionate individuals. Brightmont Academy is located at 549 Flatiron Blvd, Suite C in Broomfield 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 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 Alpharetta Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Alpharetta, GA — Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school offering one-to-one instruction, is proud to celebrate the graduation of senior Jolie Levy, whose resilience and determination have led her to not only complete high school but also prepare for her next chapter at Kennesaw State University. Jolie enrolled at Brightmont after experiencing challenges both academically and socially. “I came to Brightmont because I was struggling with school and friendships,” she said. “Brightmont helped me succeed academically and socially. If I had not found Brightmont, I would’ve gone back to North Springs and struggled in school.” Thanks to Brightmont’s one-to-one instruction model and supportive environment, Jolie found the space and support she needed to thrive. “Brightmont is a great school,” she added. Her parents shared that mental health concerns led them to seek out a new educational path midway through high school. “Jolie was pulled out of her private school at the start of her junior year due to significant mental health challenges,” they said. “After finishing a wilderness program and then a partial hospitalization program, we found that Brightmont was the best option to help her graduate and get back on track.” Today, they couldn’t be more proud. “We are incredibly proud of what she has accomplished, and she is going to college on time! We are amazed! We are super grateful to all the teachers and staff at her school. Kimberly Exford has been a crucial part of Jolie’s journey, and her communication with us has been fantastic. We couldn’t be more pleased.” After graduation, Jolie will attend Kennesaw State University, where she plans to continue building on the academic and personal growth she achieved at Brightmont. Brightmont Academy congratulates Jolie and all graduating students who have shown perseverance, courage, and growth during their time at the school. Brightmont Academy is located at 1230 Upper Hembree Road, Suite 101 in Alpharetta 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 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