March News

Brightmont Team • March 18, 2021

Spring is in the air! We're enrolling for summer and fall, graduating students, organizing physically distanced social events on campus, and making improvements to the interiors of our campus buildings.

Summer and Fall Scheduling

Enrollment for summer and the 2021-22 school year has begun! Contact the Campus Director to discuss enrolling your student. Schedule and teacher preferences are first-come, first-served.



The summer months are a great time to complete skill building curriculum or knock out a class or two that would make the 2021-22 school year a little easier

COVID-19 Protocols

We are appreciative of our families for cooperating with COVID-19 protocols this year. We certainly thank our students for coming into campus with their face covering on, hand sanitizing and maintaining distance. Teachers, staff, students and parents have complied with other specific protocols as well.



Due to our safety precautions during COVID-19, our campuses are currently open to scheduled students and teachers and appointments only. All other visitors need to call before coming in.

Student Highlights

Jordyn K. has completed all her high school course requirements at our Brightmont Birmingham campus! Jordyn will be heading to Oakland University this fall to study Elementary Education.



Makayla R. completed high school at our Brightmont Chandler campus!

Campus Events and Photos

Students and teachers at our Redmond campus celebrated Pi day with a pizza lunch! Teachers at our Birmingham campus participated in a math competition.


March 17th was St. Patrick's Day with rainbows, shamrocks, lucky charms, pot of gold and a pinch of green! Students were invited to wear their favorite shade of green and they received special treats!



At our Scottsdale campus, we have re-started lunchtime activities. Recently, our students and staff enjoyed Spanish and French Bingo games, and a multi-day painting activity.

Above: Scottsdale students play Spanish and French Bingo games

A woman wearing a mask is dancing in front of a door.

Above: Redmond students dressed in their color of choice for Favorite Colors Day

Above: Birmingham students and staff celebrated Donut day


Our Mendota Heights and Plymouth campuses are celebrating Earth Day this spring by participating in the 12th Annual Neighborhood Forest free tree program, whose aim is to provide free trees to students every Earth Day.


Since 2010, Neighborhood Forest has reached over 60,000 families and planted over 30,000 (mostly urban and residential) trees through the hands of children and parents across North America.



We endorse this project and are excited to be participating in this wonderful program that teaches students stewardship through the magic and wonder of planting and watching trees grow.


Trees are being delivered to the school and we will arrange to get the trees in the hands of our students on or around Earth Day (April 22).

A young boy wearing a mask is sitting at a table reading a book.

Above: Elijah works the circuit board to create a radio.

Ms. Kathy works with Aleksa; Ms. Tisa works with KJ

Above: Ms. Audrey and Kai work on English; Ms. Heather works with Emberly

Student Testimonials

Two Brightmont students recently commented about their Brightmont experience:

Campus Updates

The Chandler campus is expanding and we are so excited! Currently we have both of the end suites and we are now adding the middle suite to have the entire building. Once construction is completed, all three spaces will be connected on the inside, so students will not need to exit the building to get to their next class.

A building with a lot of cars parked in front of it

Check out our new and improved displays at our Scottsdale campus with information about post-high school planning and SAT/ACT preparation. We've also featured past Scottsdale campus graduates!

A bulletin board for brightmont graduates hangs on a blue wall

Students helped create a "List of Luck" on the campus tree by Homework Studio. Students wrote about something they feel brings them luck and posted it on the tree.

Student Artwork

A black and white drawing of a man with long hair and a beard.

Drawing by student John R., Art Appreciation final project

A black and white drawing of a woman 's face with earrings.

Drawing by student Joanna E.

Community Giving

We had generous contributions for our UMOM book drive!

A table with a box of books and a sign that says umom book drive thank you

ACT® and SAT® Test and Registration Dates

Brightmont Academy offers Test Prep services. Click here to learn more about preparing for your test.



Parents need to register their student for the ACT and SAT tests on the ACT and SAT websites.

Check the ACT website for registration informationFAQs, and important updates.

ACT Test Dates

SAT Test Dates

Public health restrictions and high demand will result in limited seating capacity for students in certain areas. Check the SAT® website for more information.

More Blog Posts + News


September 9, 2025
Private School Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students National — Recent studies show that 85% of educators report having students who struggle with executive functioning — the skills that help students manage their time, stay organized, and complete tasks. In response to this growing need, Brightmont Academy, a private accredited school offering one-to-one instruction, offers a specialized program called ECHO, which stands for Executive Function Coaching and Homework Organization. The program was developed to meet families where they are — often overwhelmed, frustrated, and seeking genuine solutions to their daily academic struggles. Karen Buckner, CEO of Brightmont Academy, explained that ECHO was created based on conversations with families. “The ECHO program came out of what parents were asking for,” said Buckner. “Parents have homework battles at home, and they’re looking for those to disappear. And it’s something beyond just tutoring.” For many students, particularly those entering high school for the first time, the transition to more complex schedules, shifting classroom routines, and digital assignment tracking systems can quickly become overwhelming. Brightmont’s ECHO program pairs students with experienced coaches who help them navigate their school’s learning platforms and build personalized systems that work. Buckner emphasized how hands-on the support can be. “I’ve done things where I take out the backpack and find 20 loose pieces of paper, and I’ve done everything to establish the six folders that represent each class. While we’re talking through some of that, I’m sorting all the papers into folders, so they are a little more organized.” Part of the ECHO process includes logging into systems like PowerSchool, Canvas, or Google Classroom alongside the student to identify outstanding assignments, organize a to-do list, and develop sustainable habits. Buckner noted this level of support is often what families can’t provide on their own, especially when each teacher uses a different system. “If you’re a child with executive function challenges and you have to go to three different places to figure out what to do when, it’s just not going to get done,” she said. “And we can help be someone who helps solve that problem and take it off the parents’ hands.” 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 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
By Barbara Farland September 3, 2025
It’s 8:15 a.m. on a Monday morning, and Teresa makes her way into her classroom at Brightmont Academy in Phoenix . The school is one of 20 campuses located throughout the country.  Unlike teachers in other school systems, Teresa will only have to manage one student during each hour of her day. Boring? Repetitive? Hardly! A day in the life of Teresa proves her time at Brightmont is just as dynamic and interesting—if not more so—for teachers and students alike… 8:30 a.m. - English 12 with Natalie Teresa’s first class of the morning is English 12 with a high schooler named Natalie. Natalie is a full-time student at Brightmont who has been attending since seventh grade. Large groups and noise trigger Natalie’s anxiety, so Brightmont is the perfect solution to help her demonstrate her full potential. A straight-A student, Natalie is enjoying her current English unit on Frankenstein through which she and Teresa are discussing the characteristics of sympathetic characters and the nuances of what makes a monster. Natalie is so engaged in the curriculum that she is using Frankenstein as inspiration for penning some poetry outside of class.
By 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.”
adult and
August 25, 2025
Private School in Georgia Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA — Nearly 12% of K–12 students in Georgia have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or formally identified disability. Yet many families remain unaware of the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program (SB10), which provides financial support for students who need a different kind of learning environment. Brightmont Academy, an accredited private school offering one-to-one instruction, is working to change that by making its personalized model more accessible to students who need it most. With campuses in Alpharetta and Atlanta, Brightmont uses SB10 to help students who haven’t thrived in traditional classrooms get the individualized attention they deserve. “SB10 is a valuable resource for students who need education tailored to their individual needs,” said Aisha Walker, Vice President of School Development. “It allows Brightmont to live out its mission in Georgia—providing one-to-one education for students who haven’t succeeded in traditional settings. SB10 helps relieve the financial burden, making our life-changing approach more accessible.” Brightmont’s one-to-one model pairs each student with a dedicated teacher for every class, allowing for highly individualized learning plans. It’s particularly effective for students with learning differences, emotional challenges, or other needs addressed in IEPs or 504 plans. “The potential impact of SB10 across Atlanta and the surrounding counties is enormous,” said Robyn Brunson, Campus Director at Brightmont’s Atlanta location. “With hundreds of thousands of students in Georgia qualifying for IEPs or 504 plans, the number of eligible families is significant. Unfortunately, awareness remains low. Brightmont is uniquely positioned to serve this demographic: we receive calls weekly from families who qualify but don’t realize SB10 can help them.” Over time, Brightmont expects SB10 to fuel consistent growth at its Georgia campuses. “We envision both the Alpharetta and Atlanta campuses having a consistent and growing enrollment of SB10-funded students,” said Kim Exford, Campus Director at Brightmont Alpharetta. “This would deepen our relationships with local professionals, advocacy networks, and educational consultants. Ultimately, SB10 would be a vehicle through which Brightmont becomes a household name in Georgia for families seeking a personalized and transformational education.” Brightmont Academy is located at 1161 Concord Rd SE Suite 100 in Atlanta, and at 1230 Upper Hembree Road, Suite 101 in Alpharetta, 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
student and teacher working at a desk
August 18, 2025
Private School Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students National — An estimated 31.9% of adolescents have experienced an anxiety disorder in their lifetime, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. For many students, anxiety shows up most clearly in the classroom—when expectations are high, the workload feels overwhelming, and it seems impossible to catch up or keep up. Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school offering one-to-one instruction, has become a trusted option for families whose children are experiencing academic anxiety. Whether students are dealing with perfectionism, school-related burnout, or falling behind in core subjects, Brightmont provides a flexible and supportive environment to help them reset and succeed. “Academic anxiety can rear its head in many different ways, sometimes requiring medical or therapeutic professionals as well as a change in the school environment,” said Karen Buckner, CEO of Brightmont Academy. “If a student is struggling, Brightmont steps in and says, ‘Here’s a plan. Here’s a solution. Here’s how we move forward.” Brightmont’s one-to-one model means each student works with one teacher at a time, in a quiet, distraction-free setting tailored to their learning pace and style. Rolling admissions allow students to enroll at any time during the year, so they don’t have to wait for a new semester to make a change. “We had a student come to us feeling defeated,” Buckner recalled. “They didn’t want to return to school, and their parents knew something had to change. We created a plan to make up missed credits, start fresh, and stay on track for graduation. That’s the kind of support families are looking for when everything else feels overwhelming.” Brightmont’s approach is beneficial for students whose anxiety is tied to academic performance or the educational environment. Instead of letting poor grades, missed deadlines, or pressure to perform define a student’s experience, Brightmont helps them regain confidence and control. “As a parent, one of the best things we can do when a student is spiraling downward is to provide a ladder out of the hole—not just stand on the surface with our kids,” Buckner added. “And I think that’s exactly what Brightmont does. We help students climb out and move to the next level.” Brightmont Academy has helped thousands of students succeed in a setting where they feel seen, supported, and capable of thriving. 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
By Barbara Farland August 13, 2025
Beyond Good Grades: Strategies for Mastery
August 12, 2025
Private School in Birmingham Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Birmingham, MI — Brightmont Academy’s Birmingham campus has officially relocated to a larger and more modern facility to meet the growing demand for its one-to-one instructional model. Brightmont Academy, a private accredited school offering one-to-one instruction, outgrew its previous location on Woodward Avenue and has moved into a significantly expanded space designed to support more students and educators. The new campus features double the number of classrooms compared to the former building, creating a more spacious and serene environment for learning. According to Annette Looser, Campus Director at Brightmont Birmingham, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. “Every new family who has visited us so far has loved the space,” said Looser. “It is a very calm and welcoming environment with twice as many classrooms as our former location. We have had a lot of new families from the area enroll their students in our summer programs, and we expect to keep up with the demand we are receiving so far for full-time students this fall.” The additional square footage not only allows Brightmont to serve more families but also to hire more educators from the surrounding area. The school’s nationally accredited one-to-one instruction model has proven especially effective for students who need individualized attention, including those who have struggled in traditional classroom settings. “The increase in square footage will allow us to help more families that want to enroll their students for the fall,” Looser said. “It will also allow us to employ more teachers from the area.” Brightmont has served thousands of students nationwide through its unique approach to learning, which pairs each student with a dedicated teacher in every subject. With this new location, the school reaffirms its commitment to making education personal, flexible, and successful for every learner. “I thrive on helping people succeed, so my dream for the new location is to help as many families as possible who need a new school environment for their child, especially parents who feel desperate or who have students who are avoiding school,” Looser added. Brightmont Academy is located at 746 E Maple Rd. in Birmingham and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, August 21, 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
A group of students. Image credit: Adobe Stock Free Collection
By Rachel Pollock August 6, 2025
A Smooth Transition into the New School Year
August 4, 2025
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
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