May News

Tiffany Samson • May 12, 2020

Online Instruction Updates

Brightmont Academy has surpassed 18,000 online sessions across all our campuses! We appreciate all of our students' effort in the last few weeks. We are getting through this! While stay-at-home orders are still in effect, we are looking forward to when the governors announce it is safe to re-open schools. We will communicate plans to return to campus when more information becomes available.

Teacher Appreciation Week

May 4-8th was Teacher Appreciation Week! We're sad we didn't get to have our annual celebrations during Teacher Appreciation Week this year. Our students expressed "thanks" to their teachers during their online instruction sessions. We are so fortunate and grateful for our team of dedicated teachers!

New Students

We are pleased to welcome our new students that have enrolled! Our new students include 2 6th graders at our Northville campus, a 6th grader at our Deer Valley campus, an 8th grader at our Seattle campus, a 9th grader and 10th grader at our Castle Pines campus, a 10th grader at our Sammamish campus, a 7th grader at our Redmond campus, and new students at our Scottsdale campus.

Student Highlights

Congratulations to our seniors who are rounding the final bend of high school! We have 34 seniors graduating! We are adapting and postponing our graduation celebrations to stay aligned with stay-at-home orders. Here are a few of our graduates and their college acceptances.

A group of young people are standing next to each other and smiling.

Pictured (left to right): Carter, Noah, Robby, Nolan


Carter is planning to study Data Science at University of Michigan Ann Arbor this fall.


Noah was recently accepted to Oakland University Honors College - School of Engineering and Computer Science. He also received the Oakland University Academic Achievement Award. His scholarship totals $10,000.


Robby is planning to attend Oakland Community College this fall, and then he plans to transfer to Michigan State University in the future. His goal is to work for the Department of Natural Resources to help conserve the environment.


Nolan has been accepted and is going to attend The New School in NYC, studying Jazz and Contemporary Music at their College of Performing Arts!


We are thrilled to share news about a very distinguished award received by one of our students in Birmingham, MI. Haleigh earned the President's Volunteer Service Award for over 200 hours of community service while she was in China last summer! Her letter from the President says, "Each generation of hardworking and kindhearted volunteers helps to write a new chapter of American greatness, and our Nation is proud for your commitment to this honorable tradition."

A woman is holding a piece of paper with chinese writing on it.
A woman and a little boy are posing for a picture on a sidewalk.

Pictured: Haleigh, Volunteer Service Award letter from the President, Haleigh and student


Students are still getting hands on in their science classes. Our Deer Valley students have become resourceful and are using their backyards to creatively participate in their science projects - collecting soil, rocks, bugs, and more!

Scheduling

Take advantage of Brightmont's year-round offerings. Schedule a course this summer to get ahead and have a lighter course load next year or consider a skill-building program to strengthen key skills before the new school year begins. Enrollment for the 2020-21 academic year has also begun! Schedule and teacher requests are first-come first-served. Please contact a campus director to talk about enrollment.

Teacher Training Improves Student Learning

Brightmont provides training and professional development to our teachers to optimize your student's learning experience. Every week, teachers are given a new strategy or tool to apply to instructional sessions. Implementing these into one-to-one sessions helps students in areas such as motivation, focus, memory, pacing and comprehension. We have seen students become more empowered and engaged.



One of our latest tips for teachers was using a digital whiteboard which enhances collaboration and supports real-time visual learning needs. Our math teachers have been using this tool and have found it to be very helpful in our remote learning environment.

NEW! Reading Intervention Program

A book icon in an orange circle on a white background.

We are excited to announce our new Reading Intervention Program for students in K-12. This program is specially designed for students who struggle with reading and/or dyslexia. We help students improve as readers by using a multi-sensory curriculum based on the Orton-Gillingham approach. Learn more on our website and contact us if are interested in adding this program to your child's schedule.

College and Career Readiness

College Changes in Response to COVID-19

Application deadlines and requirements have changed for some colleges. Check the admissions department of the college you are interested in for specific details. A few changes include:



  • extension of application deadlines
  • allowance of unofficial transcripts
  • elimination of ACT/SAT test score requirements


Sophomores, juniors and seniors can take advantage of these opportunities and resources:


  • Online College Courses: Colleges across the nation are now offering more online courses in response to school closures. High school students can get ahead by taking college credit courses at their school of choice.
  • Virtual Tours: Colleges are now offering virtual tours in lieu of campus visits during social distancing.
  • Scholarships: Deadlines for some scholarships have been extended.


ACT® and SAT® Testing Dates


The June 6th SAT test date has been cancelled. The next anticipated test date is August 29, 2020. Get updates.

ACT is offering test dates on June 13th and July 18th at testing centers. If testing centers are not open, a makeup test date will be scheduled one week later. ACT test at home proctoring will begin late fall of 2020/early winter. Check the ACT website for more testing options and important updates.


AP® Exams


The College Board has scheduled AP exams from May 11-22 and students can take them at home. These are online, free-response exams that require all students worldwide to test at the same time. The exams will only cover topics that most teachers covered in class by early March. Learn more.

Upcoming Holiday

In observance of Memorial Day, students will not have class sessions on May 25.

Productivity Tips for Students

1. Create a designated area in your home for school work. Keep it functional but not too comfortable. Only use this area for classes and school work.


2. Create a daily schedule and stick to it.



3. Be on time and mentally ready for class sessions.

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Flexible Schooling Options for Competitive Athletes and Performers

By Barb Farland • November 19, 2025
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teacher and student smiling

Brightmont Academy Gives Thanks for a Year of Growth and Student Success

November 17, 2025
Private School Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students National — As Thanksgiving approaches, Brightmont Academy, a private accredited school offering one-to-one instruction, is taking a moment to reflect on a year filled with growth, gratitude, and student success. With multiple new campus openings in 2025 and plans to open several more soon, Brightmont continues to expand its mission of transforming education through individualized instruction that empowers each student to reach their full potential. Keith Jackson, Marketing Director at Brightmont Academy, shared his appreciation for the families who have made this mission possible. “This Thanksgiving, we’re especially grateful for the families who trust Brightmont Academy to provide a one-to-one education that helps their children thrive,” Jackson said. “Every student’s success story is a reminder of why we do what we do.” Brightmont’s unique model of personalized learning has helped countless students rediscover confidence and joy in the classroom. This season of gratitude serves as a reminder of the small victories that make a big difference in each student’s educational journey. “At Brightmont Academy, gratitude comes from seeing students who once struggled now finding confidence and joy in learning,” Jackson explained. “Thanksgiving reminds us how important it is to celebrate progress, big and small.” The spirit of Thanksgiving also reflects Brightmont’s core values of connection and collaboration. Just as families gather around the table to share gratitude, Brightmont brings together teachers, students, and parents as partners in each child’s education. “Just as Thanksgiving brings families together, Brightmont Academy brings teachers, students, and parents together as a team to create an individualized education plan that truly fits each child,” Jackson said. As families give thanks and look ahead to the new year, Brightmont Academy invites prospective parents to visit a campus and experience firsthand how personalized education can transform a child’s life. With four new locations opening this year, Brightmont continues to offer more families the opportunity to discover a learning environment where students flourish both academically and emotionally. Families interested in learning more are encouraged to schedule a campus tour and see how Brightmont’s one-to-one instruction is changing lives across the country. 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 21 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

What Makes a Good Fit School? A Checklist for Parents

By Rachel Pollock • November 12, 2025
Is there support for your student if they are struggling? What are the class sizes? Do the teachers personalize learning and know their students? Does the school schedule work for your family? Is the school accredited? Does the school offer academic rigor for your child? Does the school have a good reputation and location? Are students college and career ready after graduation? 
Reluctant Teen

Brightmont Academy Builds Community Through Monthly Speaker Series

November 10, 2025
Private School in Mendota Heights Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Mendota Heights, MN — Brightmont Academy, a private accredited school offering one-to-one instruction, is helping families stay informed and connected through its Speaker Series, a free monthly webinar designed to support parents and students. Hosted by Minnesota Campus Directors Michelle Platt of Mendota Heights and Jenny Sorenson of Plymouth, the virtual sessions feature expert speakers discussing topics that matter most to families—ranging from ADHD and adolescent anxiety to sleep issues and school transitions. The Speaker Series began as a way to make professional insight more accessible to Brightmont families. “A big part of my job is networking, and I’m constantly meeting trusted professionals through events, referrals, and outreach,” explained Platt. “The Speaker Series gives families direct access to these experts and helps parents feel connected while learning more about Brightmont Academy and the many resources available to them.” Each hour-long session allows parents to engage in real time with speakers and ask questions through a live chat. Topics have included ADHD, adolescent anxiety, evaluations, sleep, and school avoidance—issues that often impact students’ academic and emotional well-being. “Each speaker shares actionable tips for parents while also giving families a chance to learn more about Brightmont’s unique strengths, such as open enrollment, flexible scheduling, part-time and full-time options, skill building, and executive function programs,” said Platt. The response to the Speaker Series has been overwhelmingly positive. Families can RSVP for upcoming sessions on Brightmont’s website, and recordings are available afterward on Brightmont’s YouTube channel and social media platforms. “For me, the series has strengthened relationships with families and professionals, given me new insights as a director and parent, and expanded the network of resources I can confidently recommend,” Platt said. “Most importantly, it ensures Brightmont families feel supported not just by our school, but by a wider community of experts.” See our webinar recordings and RSVP to upcoming webinars. Brightmont Academy is located at 720 Main Street, Suite 101, in Mendota Heights and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, November 20th, 2025, between 10:00 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 21 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

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By Tony Beals • November 5, 2025
The Boy, The Horse, and The Lesson We Forget in Teaching
Alesia Stevenson

Brightmont Academy Raleigh Welcomes New Campus Director Alesia Stevenson

November 3, 2025
Private School in Raleigh Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Raleigh, NC — Brightmont Academy, a private accredited school offering one-to-one instruction, is pleased to announce the appointment of Alesia Stevenson as the new Campus Director of its Raleigh campus. Stevenson brings a rich background in education, business, leadership, and community engagement, along with a passion for helping students discover their strengths and succeed through personalized learning. Stevenson has spent her career fostering environments where both students and teams can thrive. She has worked extensively in education and organizational leadership, focusing on expanding access to resources and tailoring support to meet individual needs. As both an educator and a parent, Stevenson has experienced first-hand the life-changing impact of individualized instruction. “My background spans education and program development, often in environments where meeting students and families ‘where they are’ is essential,” said Stevenson. “That experience translates directly into Brightmont’s model, which focuses on tailoring instruction to each student’s unique strengths, challenges, and goals.” Stevenson first learned about Brightmont while researching alternative education models centered on the student learning experience. Brightmont’s one-to-one instruction stood out as both innovative and aligned with her vision of student success. “I was drawn to Brightmont because the role allows me to bring together my experience in education, leadership, and community engagement to create meaningful impact,” Stevenson said. “The opportunity to lead a campus where every student receives personalized support felt like a natural extension of my passion for helping young people succeed.” At Brightmont, Stevenson is eager to establish the Raleigh campus as a trusted resource for families seeking alternatives to the traditional classroom. She envisions a school community where students build confidence and resilience alongside academic progress. “My vision is to see our Raleigh campus grow into a trusted educational home for students and families seeking a more personalized path,” Stevenson said. “I believe Brightmont’s individualized approach will resonate in Raleigh, a dynamic city where families value strong, innovative educational options.” Brightmont Academy is located at 6070 Six Forks Rd in Raleigh 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 21 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
Executive functioning student sitting at a desk

How Brightmont Supports Students with Executive Function Challenges

By Barb Farland • October 29, 2025
Vanessa seems to dawdle when her teacher asks her to begin her math assignment. Marcus has read the directions four times and still has no idea what to do. Shamanth opens his desk to try to find a pencil, which is buried under mounds of crumpled papers. Belinda raises her hand and, in sobs and tears, demands to go to the school counselor’s office. What’s up with these students? Are they being lazy, giving their teacher a hard time, and/or just having a bad day? Perhaps, but there’s also another strong possibility. All of these behaviors may indicate challenges in executive functioning. About Executive Function Executive functioning has very little to do with academic prowess and much more to do with the general operation of the brain. Healthcare and child development professionals typically identify eight important skills related to executive functioning: Initiation - The ability to begin a task Impulse control - The ability not to give in to temptation and behave accordingly Flexibility - The ability to shift from one task to the next Emotional control - The ability to behave appropriately despite contrary emotions Working memory - The ability to remember and apply instructions and other concepts Organization - The ability to create and abide by a system of tidiness Planning - The ability to understand the sequence of necessary steps to accomplish goals and tasks Self-monitoring - The ability to assess one’s own emotions, thoughts, physical condition, etc. Why are these specific capabilities so important? It’s all about what happens as a result. Executive functioning skills lead to effective decision-making, for example, thus poor executive functions could lead to choices that are unwise, emotionally driven, rash, etc., in relationships, physical health, and other areas of life.
Naperville building

Brightmont Academy Naperville Expands to Meet Rising Demand

October 27, 2025
Private School in Naperville Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Naperville, IL — Brightmont Academy, a private school offering one-to-one instruction for students in grades 1–12, is expanding its Naperville campus to include a new, larger location just over a mile from its current downtown site. The expansion comes in response to rapidly growing demand from local families seeking flexible, personalized education. Brightmont’s one-to-one model pairs each student with a dedicated teacher for every course, allowing for a truly customized approach to learning. This individualized format has drawn growing interest from families who want to see their children thrive academically and socially. Over the last two years, enrollment has grown quickly, prompting the need for more space. “We’re growing faster than our current space can hold!” said Lindsay Morales, Campus Director of Brightmont Academy Naperville. “The new campus gives us the space to keep up with demand and continue the amazing momentum of the last two years.” The new campus will feature double the number of classrooms compared to the current location, allowing Brightmont to welcome even more students into its supportive learning environment. With more classrooms and expanded facilities, Brightmont will be able to enrich its offerings and create more opportunities for student connection. “The new space opens the door to growing our enrollment and creating even more opportunities for student culture, social activities, and community connections,” Morales added. This expansion represents an exciting milestone for Brightmont Naperville. “Families are looking for a flexible, personalized school environment, and demand keeps rising! Expanding means we can welcome more students into the vibrant, supportive culture we’ve already built at Brightmont Naperville,” said Morales. “We couldn’t be more excited! With more classrooms, more opportunities, and more growth ahead, this is a huge step forward for our students, families, and teachers.” Brightmont Academy is located at 445 Jackson Ave in Naperville and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, November 20th, 2025, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 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 21 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
Tony Bs

The Many Faces of Masking and The Hidden Cost of “Fitting In”

By Tony Beals • October 22, 2025
Masking is one of the most exhausting parts of living with ADHD (and other forms of neurodivergence). On the surface, it looks like we’re “functioning.” Underneath, it feels like running a marathon in a costume that doesn’t fit.
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