Tony Beals is the VP of Admissions and Enrollment Solutions at Brightmont Academy. Tony has extensive experience as both a parent and an educator working with students from an array of backgrounds including those with anxiety, depression, ASD, ADHD, and ODD. He has been in the education industry for over 25 years and has been involved as a teacher, consultant, manager, and leader.
I Was Smart. I Just Didn’t Seem to Fit. A personal journey beyond the label
Tony Beals • August 27, 2025
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.”
I tried to blend in, to stay quiet, to avoid the kind of attention that felt more like judgment than help. But the impulsivity still crept out from behind the mask—and I paid the price for it. Shame. Frustration. Disappointment. Every time I slipped, it just reinforced the idea that I wasn’t enough.
In 7th grade, Instead of taking Latin, I ended up in remediation—grouped into reading class alongside students whose challenges were different from mine (mostly behavioral). We didn’t share the same needs, but we were treated the same. It was a wake-up call. I didn’t belong there, but no one was asking why. No one was helping me figure out how I learned best. I was just trying to survive in a system that didn’t know what to do with me.
So, I had to figure it out myself. No help. No roadmap. No diagnosis that made sense. No Neuropsych. No Therapist. No IEP.
I learned to adjust. I paid close attention to what worked. I taught myself how to work with my brain, not against it. One thing I found was when I talked to myself while I worked and talked through my writing even, it created a happy place between the speed of my brain and the slowness of my mechanics.
I went from remedial English to Grade level English to AP Literature in my senior year—and scored very high on the exam. I discovered that resilience, self-awareness, and determination could carry me where others said I couldn’t go.
College? Some people had told me I probably wouldn't go (my closest friends knew though). Sometimes by people I trusted. But I knew better by then.
I had learned how to fight for myself, how to advocate, how to plan, how to bounce back when things didn’t go right the first time. I stopped trying to earn my worth by being like everyone else and started building a path that worked for me. I still got knocked down, still experienced struggle, but knew how to bounce back. I always bounced back.
I still had challenges. But now I had tools. Now I had hope. And for the first time, I wasn’t just surviving—I was growing.
And I wasn’t alone. I remember the people who believed in me—especially Ms. St. Claire, my English teacher. She always encouraged me. She worked with me patiently to help organize my thoughts and strengthen my voice. She saw something in me I couldn’t yet see in myself. She told me I was a good writer, and more than that—she meant it.
She believed it before I ever did. And that changed everything.
💡 3 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me
If you’re supporting a student like I once was, here are three things that would’ve made all the difference:
- Ask how they learn best — not just how they're doing. Most struggling students have strengths—they just don’t fit the mold.
- Don’t mistake anxiety or withdrawal for laziness. Shame and fear often hide behind missed assignments.
- Praise effort and strategy, not just results. Executive functioning takes work. Reward the work.
🧠 A Note to Educators & Parents
To the adults in the room: You may be the only person who sees the hidden brilliance in a kid who’s struggling. Your patience, your curiosity, and your belief in them might be the thing they remember ten years from now—when they finally start to believe in themselves.
✍️ Reflection Prompt
Think back to when you were in school— Was there a time you felt misunderstood? How might that experience help you show up differently for a young person today?
Why I’m Writing This Newsletter
I’m sharing this because I know I’m not the only one. I work with students every day at Brightmont Academy who are walking versions of my younger self—intelligent, anxious, misunderstood. And I want this space to be a place of encouragement, insight, and strategy for those who are helping students like I once was.
Each issue of this newsletter will dive into something different—whether you’re an educator, a parent, or a student yourself. I’ll share research, practical advice, and personal stories. I will explain, empathize, and advocate. Sometimes I may talk about what’s happening at Brightmont. And sometimes I’ll share pieces from my upcoming book, where I go even deeper into this journey.
I wore the mask for a long time. But I’ve learned there’s strength in unmasking—when it’s safe, when you’re supported, and when someone finally sees you for who you are. That’s what I want this space to be: a place where the mask can come off. Where brilliance doesn’t have to come at the cost of belonging.
Because if I’ve learned anything, it’s that the problem was never my intelligence. It was the system’s lack of imagination. And that’s where you come in.
Let’s change that—together.
Written by Tony Beals, VP at Brightmont Academy and author of the “Table Topics with Tony” newsletter and the upcoming book, The Education Paradox.© 2025 Tony Beals.
Thanks for reading 𝗧𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗼𝗻𝘆. This article reflects my original writing and lived experience. Feel free to share the link, but please don’t republish or copy the content without permission.
© 2025 Tony Beals. All rights reserved.
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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.
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
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Private School in Northfield Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Northfield, IL — While 92% of Brightmont Academy graduates are accepted into their first-choice college, the school recognizes that success doesn’t look the same for every student. From students heading to prestigious universities to those entering the workforce, Brightmont’s fully individualized, one-to-one instruction for grades 1–12 ensures every student has the support they need to thrive. Each year, students enroll in colleges and universities across the country, prepared academically and emotionally for the next step — but the school also understands that the right path is different for every student. For Brightmont graduate Shayna Taplin, the traditional college route was never the goal. After struggling to feel comfortable in her previous high school environment, Shayna transferred to Brightmont and quickly discovered a community where she belonged. The school’s one-to-one learning model allowed her to learn at her own pace, while the supportive culture helped her build confidence and form meaningful friendships. “As soon as I walked in, it felt like home,” Shayna said. “I immediately wanted to go there.” Shayna’s time at Brightmont was transformative. She regained her love of learning and discovered what she wanted for her future — a path that didn’t involve college. Brightmont’s flexible scheduling allowed her to gain real-world experience while completing her high school education. “I never really considered going to college,” she shared. “I like working hands-on, and Brightmont made it possible for me to start that while I was still in school.” Today, she works as a caregiver at an assisted living facility, a role that reflects her passion for helping others and making a positive impact in her community. Shayna’s experience reflects Brightmont Academy’s commitment to meeting students where they are. Whether graduates pursue college, trade programs, or full-time careers, Brightmont equips them with the confidence, skills, and support to succeed. “It was such a good experience for me,” Shayna said. “I actually miss it, and I’ve recommended it to so many people.” 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, February 19th, 2026, 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 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
