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.

A woman is writing on a piece of paper with a pen.

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.

A person pointing at a piece of paper with a pencil on it

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.

A woman with short hair is smiling in a black and white photo.

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.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

More Blog Posts + News

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.”

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

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

Brightmont Academy Relocates to Serve More Students in Growing Community

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

A Smooth Transition into the New School Year

By Rachel Pollock • August 6, 2025

A Smooth Transition into the New School Year

Brightmont Academy Shines a Spotlight on Outstanding Teacher Gillian Buckardt

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

Corporate office