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.

More Blog Posts + News

The Invisible Load of Teachers

By Tony Beals • September 24, 2025
The Invisible Load of Teachers

Brightmont Academy’s Barrington Campus Expands to Meet Growing Demand

September 22, 2025
Private School in Barrington Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Barrington, IL — Brightmont Academy, a private accredited school offering one-to-one instruction, is growing again in Barrington — adding nine new classrooms and 2,200 square feet in its second expansion since opening. The move underscores the school’s ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of a growing student population and providing an environment where every learner receives individualized attention. This expansion reflects the continued confidence families in Barrington and surrounding communities have in Brightmont’s proven approach to education, which pairs each student with a dedicated teacher and customizes lessons to fit their unique learning style, pace, and goals. Over the past two years, enrollment growth has been steady, fueled by families seeking a more personalized alternative to traditional classroom settings. This surge in interest led to the creative use of every available space on campus. “We eventually ran out of classrooms,” said Barbara Sitkiewicz, Campus Director of Brightmont Academy Barrington. “To accommodate students, we created makeshift classrooms in the atrium and Homework Studio areas—and at times, even held classes in the lunchroom. We also used dividers to split two larger classrooms into four smaller spaces. While these solutions were creative, they did not provide the most effective learning environment for our students.” The additional classrooms will not only open up much-needed space but also create opportunities to refine how learning is delivered. “The expansion will not only increase our overall capacity but also allow us to tailor student schedules to align with the times of day when they learn most effectively.” The expansion will also allow for new student-focused amenities, designed to support both academic and emotional well-being. “In addition to the new classrooms, we plan to create a Recharge Room where students can take a break by lounging on a giant bean bag chair, using a walking pad, or riding a stationary bike,” Sitkiewicz said. Brightmont Academy is located at 400 E. Main St. in Barrington and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, October 16th, 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 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

Brightmont Academy Student Gallops Ahead in Both Academics and Athletics

September 16, 2025
Private School in Sammamish Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Sammamish, WA — Approximately 36% of student-athletes experience failing grades in at least one class. For Brielle, a high school student who travels the country to compete in horse riding events, maintaining strong grades used to feel out of reach. But Brightmont Academy’s one-to-one instructional model and flexible scheduling changed that, allowing her to balance academics with national-level competition. Brielle said she struggled to keep up in a traditional school, where missed days due to competitions quickly turned into falling behind in class. But since joining Brightmont, that pressure has lifted. “Public school didn’t recognize that I was missing school for my sport, and I would be left behind, and my grades suffered,” said Brielle. “At Brightmont, I can still compete on a national level and travel for my sport, and also get good grades and not miss any lessons. The teachers are nice, and we just pick up where we left off when I get home. We move at my pace in each lesson, and I get good grades now and like school. I feel like the teachers care about me.” Brielle’s mom shared that the family discovered Brightmont somewhat unexpectedly while searching for better school options online. What they found was a school that not only supported Brielle academically but also embraced her unique lifestyle as an elite athlete. “The wonderful thing about Brightmont is that it accommodates Brielle’s unique and individual academic needs and also her schedule needs being an athlete that travels and competes at a national level,” she said. “We are so happy to have finally found the school that meets all our needs in one place—and it’s close by. It is very individually focused and accommodating with great teachers. We couldn’t be happier.” On campus, Brielle has also impressed staff with her maturity and initiative. Campus Director Derek has seen firsthand how Brielle has grown since arriving last fall. “Brielle is also extremely self-aware about her learning, interests outside of school, goals, etc. I do not know to what extent this might be related to her experiences with horses, but having heard her talk about the bonds she has with them, I think it's safe to say that these experiences have at least played a part.” Brightmont Academy is located at 4588 Klahanie Dr. SE, Suite 401 in Sammamish and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, September 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 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

Brightmont Academy Addresses Executive Functioning Challenges Through ECHO

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

What One-to-One Schooling Looks Like: A Day at Brightmont Academy

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.

I Was Smart. I Just Didn’t Seem to Fit. A personal journey beyond the label

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

Brightmont Academy Expands Access Through Georgia’s Special Needs Scholarship

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

Brightmont Academy Offers Lifeline for Students Facing Academic Anxiety

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

Mastery

By Barbara Farland • August 13, 2025
Beyond Good Grades: Strategies for Mastery
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