ACT/SAT Prep: The One-to-One Difference
Barbara Farland • March 7, 2024
There are numerous resources out there that promise ACT/SAT success. From in-person cohorts to self-paced on-demand courses to textbook-driven intensives, ACT/SAT prep has become a massive and diverse industry. But there’s one option that stands out from the rest: the one-to-one private school model of Brightmont Academy.
Here’s why…
Dedicated Practice Time
What’s special about Brightmont’s ACT prep package is the inclusion of supervised practice time. The first thing students do when they arrive on campus is attend Homework Studio, a quiet, fully equipped classroom for the purpose of independent study. And when we say “quiet,” we mean it—there are never more than four students in Homework Studio at one time.
Despite the independent nature of Homework Studio, a Brightmont teacher is always at the ready to assist with whatever comes up. That is the sole purpose of the teacher who oversees Homework Studio during each period of the school day. In other words, though students are “on their own” during practice time, they are always in close reach of expert instruction and coaching.
Immediate Feedback
The next stop is a one-to-one hour-long instructional session led by a teaching specialist in college testing. ACT students get 20 of these sessions in their package, and SAT students receive 16. For ACT students, this means hearing immediate feedback on the practice work they just completed in Homework Studio.
Why is immediate feedback important? For one thing, the material is fresh to the students, and any concerns or questions are front of mind. Furthermore, research shows that immediate feedback increases the likelihood that students will absorb the material in meaningful and lasting ways; lags between practice and feedback make it more difficult to connect the dots between the students’ misconceptions and the right answers.
Similarly, when students are corrected quickly, there’s less time for them to adopt and retain inaccurate information. Put another way, the longer a false idea stews, the more likely it will stick. At Brightmont, what does stick is legitimate learning and not just for the sake of test taking.
Personalized Coaching
Brightmont is known for creating highly personalized learning plans for all kinds of students. It’s no different when it comes to ACT/SAT prep. Our teachers are fully committed to respond to the unique needs of each and every individual.
Everyone comes into Brightmont with different benchmarks and goals. The first step is to gather that information (including results from pre-tests already taken) and to talk frankly about where they’re at and what they want to achieve. Some students need help with their pacing and managing their time in addressing all of the test questions. Others need help developing strategies for discerning the correct answers and eliminating the incorrect ones. Still others need help with how to use all of the equipment and other tools available to them. More often than not, students need help with all of these and other test-taking concerns—and Brightmont is able to respond with holistic, comprehensive coaching.
SAT students experience two full-length practice tests at Brightmont—one before any instructional sessions take place and another between their 15th and 16th sessions. With extensive data in hand, Brightmont instructors know exactly what areas of study need the most attention. Furthermore, the data reveals how the students can best perform “triage” during their actual tests: which questions can be completed right away with ease, which ones need the most work, and which ones might require “the bubble of the day”—picking a random but consistent answer just for the sake of submitting a completed test.
Likewise, ACT students take a full-length practice test in addition to their 20 hour-long practice sessions. The ultimate goal is to make sure students feel as confident as possible when the big day arrives—and that’s precisely why families rely on Brightmont time and time again. ACT/SAT tests are important, there’s no doubt about that. But perhaps the greatest outcome of Brightmont’s prep process is a confident, can-do spirit that will last a lifetime. That’s the Brightmont difference. Every day. With every student.
Barbara Farland is an English & Social Studies instructor at Brightmont Academy in Plymouth, Minn. She holds a master’s degree in Business Communication from the University of St. Thomas and, prior to pursuing a second career in education, worked as an award-winning public relations and communications professional in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. As a “storyteller by nature and teacher at heart,” Barbara continues to contribute to various anthologies, among other writing projects.
More Blog Posts + News
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
Beyond Good Grades: Strategies for Mastery
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 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
