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

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. 

9:30 a.m. - Social Studies 7 with Noah

Noah is Teresa’s next student. Noah attends Brightmont just a couple of hours a week for seventh-grade Social Studies. He is a full-time student at a local public middle school, but it was determined that Noah needs some extra one-to-one support to cover the complicated mechanics of the U.S. government. Even though Noah is taking Social Studies at Brightmont, he will receive the same credit for the course as he would at his usual school. Today, Noah is working on a writing assignment about gerrymandering, a topic that has piqued his interest in recent days. In the process, Teresa is coaching Noah through the best practices of essay writing.


10:30 a.m. - Entrepreneurship with Kevin

In her third hour, Teresa meets with Kevin, who, like Natalie, is a full-time student at Brightmont. Kevin is an 11th grader; thus, he has visited the school’s long list of elective courses to enhance his core studies. With the approval of his parents and under the guidance of the school’s director, Kevin chose to take a couple semesters of Entrepreneurship, given his inventive spirit. Both Teresa and Kevin enjoy conversations that not only address the many challenges of starting a business but also tap into creative strategies for success.


11:30 a.m. - Homework Studio 

Teresa’s morning schedule ends with Homework Studio, where up to four Brightmont students have an hour to work on their assignments. Though Teresa is primarily an English and Social Studies instructor, she enjoys getting a glimpse of what’s happening all around Brightmont and supporting students in all of their studies. Today, she is overseeing three students in Homework Studio and referring to a campuswide “Assignment Tracker” to help them make progress on their most pressing tasks. 

1 p.m. - Test Prep Part 1 with Saanvi (Homework Studio)

After lunch, Teresa returns to the Homework Studio after lunch, but this time it’s a bit different. Saanvi is working through several ACT test questions while Teresa grades other students’ homework and prepares for upcoming class sessions. With aspirations to go to a very competitive private college, Saanvi is enrolled in Brightmont’s ACT Test Prep program to help bolster her ACT score. Right after Homework Studio, Saanvi will visit another teacher’s classroom to explore what she got right, what she got wrong, and how to apply various study skills and memorization techniques in further test prep. 



2 p.m. - AP English Literature and Composition with Henry

At the end of 10th grade, Henry took an AP (advanced placement) exam through his school; the test confirmed that he could benefit from an accelerated academic plan. That’s when Brightmont came into the picture, and today, Teresa and Henry are dissecting Act 4 of Twelfth Night as part of a Shakespearean Comedy unit. In addition to reading and discussing the play with Teresa, Henry will be graded on various interpretive essays. In its entirety, this AP English Literature and Composition course will count toward Henry’s college credits.

3 p.m. - Skill-building with Aria

Aria, a third grader, attends a local public elementary school. When Aria’s self-confidence started to plummet in reading, her parents looked to Brightmont to administer an assessment to gauge her reading level. The results showed that Aria was reading about a year behind her peers. In response, Aria’s parents signed her up for two hours a week of Reading Skill-building at Brightmont. Aria and Teresa have a set routine each time they meet: 25 minutes of phonics, five minutes of drills or word games, and 25 minutes of reading comprehension. Teresa also assigns activities to practice at home to ensure Aria’s reading skills gain momentum. 



4 p.m. - Tutoring with Connor

Connor, a sixth grader, was diagnosed with ADHD when he was eight years old. Not surprisingly, as a new middle schooler, he is struggling with the greater independence that middle school requires. Teresa, however, meets with Connor three times a week not only to help him devise a system for keeping track of and prioritizing his assignments, but also to tutor him in essay writing, which really challenges his ability to focus. Connor has already experienced an uptick in his grades due in large part to his tutoring sessions with Teresa.

And, just like that, Teresa’s day is done. As demonstrated in Teresa’s Brightmont experience, one-to-one schooling is rich with engaging teacher/student interactions, challenging coursework, and diversity. Needless to say, time and time again, it has proven to be the best solution for students of all ages and with all kinds of academic needs. As Teresa waves goodbye to her co-workers—some of whom are just settling in for their evening teaching and tutoring sessions—she looks forward to the rest of the week when she will continue to make an important difference in the lives of so many young people.

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


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.
Sarah Hermann portrait

Brightmont Academy Welcomes New Northville Campus Director, Sarah Hermann

October 20, 2025
Private School in Northville Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Northville, MI — Brightmont Academy, a fully accredited private school specializing in one-to-one instruction, is proud to announce the appointment of Sarah Hermann as the new Campus Director of its Northville location. Hermann brings a diverse and dynamic background in athletics, education, and student development, with a passion for helping students reach their full potential. Hermann’s path to Brightmont is uniquely inspiring. Growing up, she played elite-level hockey and, at just 22, became the youngest NCAA lacrosse coach in the country. Beyond athletics, she has built a robust career in education, college admissions, and working with gifted and twice-exceptional students. “I was drawn to Brightmont because of its unique one-to-one model and commitment to truly personalized education,” said Hermann. “It’s a place where I can help students thrive in a way that’s tailored to who they are and where they want to go.” Hermann holds a Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management, a Master’s in Higher Education, and an Education Specialist degree, and is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Education in Innovation and Leadership. Her advanced education, combined with her experience across athletics and admissions, gives her a comprehensive perspective on student growth. “My experience in college admissions, athletics, and working with gifted and twice-exceptional students allows me to support students from multiple angles,” Hermann explained. “I’m passionate about helping each student discover their strengths and choose a path that fits their individual goals.” As she steps into her new role, Hermann is eager to strengthen the Northville campus community. “My goal is to grow the Northville campus into a strong, supportive community where every student feels empowered, challenged, and confident in their journey forward both academically and personally,” she said. Brightmont Academy looks forward to the innovation and energy Hermann will bring to the Northville campus, continuing the school’s mission to provide exceptional, individualized education that helps students succeed both in and beyond the classroom. Brightmont Academy is located at 15374 N. Haggerty Road in Northville 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 4:00 PM.cademy 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

The Top Benefits of One-to-One Education for Middle and High School Students

By Barb Farland • October 15, 2025
The Top Benefits of One-to-One Education for Middle and High School Students
student and teacher sitting together

Brightmont Academy Offers Year-Round Enrollment to Support Student Success

October 13, 2025
Private School Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students National — Students who remain in an unsuitable learning environment can experience declines in GPA, increased absenteeism, and higher stress levels. Brightmont Academy, a fully accredited private school offering one-to-one instruction, reminds families that they don’t have to wait until the next school year to make a change. Thanks to rolling admissions, students can transfer to Brightmont at nearly any point and continue their education without falling behind. According to Karen Buckner, CEO of Brightmont Academy, one of the most common times families make the switch is in October. “October is one of Brightmont’s largest enrollment months,” Buckner said. “Why? Because we’re rolling admissions, which means if it’s not going well for your child in the first semester—whether they’re in freshman year, sophomore year, eighth grade, or sixth grade—don’t make them stick it out until the end. Make the change now and know that Brightmont is here to help you in making that change.” Buckner explained that the timing of a transfer doesn’t have to set a student back academically. “Students who come in October have ample time to take care of the first semester of whatever year they’re in, perhaps even stay for the second semester, but they will not lose pace with their peers,” Buckner said. Buckner also emphasized that many parents are unaware that mid-year enrollment is an option. “I think that’s a big concern kids have, and frankly, parents don’t always know that there’s an option,” she explained. “They think, ‘Oh, maybe next year we’ll change schools,’ or ‘maybe we’ll look at doing something different for the second semester.’ The best thing you can do is make the change earlier—before it hits the transcript if you’re in high school, or the report card if you’re in middle school. You can enroll at Brightmont and find a better, more personalized solution.” Brightmont Academy has served more than 4,000 students since its founding in 1999, helping children succeed academically through its unique one-to-one instruction model. The school offers open enrollment throughout the year, ensuring families can make the right decision for their child when it matters most. 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

The Top 5 Benefits of One-to-One Education for Middle and High School Students

By Rachel Pollock • October 8, 2025
One-to-one instruction is custom, flexible, and supportive for middle school and high school students. Since success looks different for every family, understanding how quality educational support can impact outcomes is essential. In this article, I’ll explore the top five benefits of one-to-one instruction and how it supports long-term student success. One: Immediate Feedback and Support Teens are diverse learners with individual personalities; they need feedback and support. Wins are celebrated and mistakes become opportunities to grow. The latest research compiled, for The International Journal of Technology and Higher Education, with over a century of data states “Additionally, effective feedback should be personalized to meet individual learners’ needs and formative, delivered while students can still act on it to improve their performance.”(Weidlich et. al., 2025). Achievement becomes attainable through discussion, questions, and reteaching strategies.  Highly informative feedback using learning analytics: how feedback literacy moderates student perceptions of feedback | International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education Two: Mastery-Based Progression
Ann Vinson portrait

Brightmont Academy Welcomes New Campus Director at Redmond Location

October 6, 2025
Private School in Redmond Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Redmond, WA — Brightmont Academy, a private accredited school offering one-to-one instruction, is proud to announce the appointment of Ann Vinson as the new Campus Director of its Redmond campus. Vinson steps into the role following the tenure of Kerri Resing, who did an amazing job while she was there. Resing will continue to support the Redmond team by helping the campus strengthen its connections with local school districts. Vinson joins Brightmont with over two decades of experience in education and a deep passion for personalized learning. “The mission of Brightmont is to provide customized one-to-one instruction to help as many students as possible reach their full academic potential and prepare for college and future careers,” said Vinson. “I have been in education for 20+ years, and my goal has always been to reach each student where they are to help elevate them to new heights. Brightmont is my goal in action, helping each student achieve success through one-to-one instruction based on their starting point and mastery of each topic, while allowing my teachers to teach to their passions!” Before joining Brightmont, Vinson spent nearly 20 years teaching elementary and middle school before moving into school administration. “Having been in a classroom for so many years, I truly understand what students and teachers need to be successful,” she explained. “I have 5+ years of experience as a director in a school, and I understand the business aspect of our schools as well. I can use my experience to create a well-rounded learning environment where our students can reach mastery and further their education.” Vinson’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Saint Mary’s College of California, a Juris Doctor from Southwestern University School of Law, and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Loyola Marymount University. Looking ahead, Vinson is excited to build a thriving, engaging campus environment. “I want a school filled all day with students enjoying the learning process! I love the ‘buzz’ of a busy campus with teachers engaged and students embracing new things.” Brightmont Academy looks forward to Ann Vinson’s leadership in continuing its mission to help every student reach their full potential through individualized education. Brightmont Academy is located at 7345 164th Ave NE, Ste I-135 in Redmond 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
teacher working with students on a science experiment

Brightmont Academy Castle Pines Expands to Enhance Student Opportunities

September 29, 2025
Private School in Castle Pines Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Castle Pines, CO — Brightmont Academy, a private accredited school offering one-to-one instruction, has completed a 2,290-square-foot expansion at its Castle Pines campus. This significant addition was driven by a surge in enrollment and growing interest in individualized education across Colorado. Families are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional classroom settings, prioritizing personalized instruction that meets each student’s unique needs. The expanded campus reflects Brightmont’s commitment to providing flexible, customized learning environments while introducing innovative spaces that support both academic achievement and creative expression. The Castle Pines campus has experienced steady growth in recent years, leading to the need for additional space to accommodate more students. “The campus needed to expand in response to an overall increase in enrollment over the years,” said Matthew Sanders, Campus Director of Brightmont Castle Pines. The expansion provides a variety of new areas dedicated to both academic and creative pursuits. “With the extra space, we are focused on expanding learning opportunities in all academic subjects, as well as creating spaces that allow students to show their creative sides,” explained Sanders. “This includes designated spaces for science labs, engineering, and more social areas.” Students, families, and teachers have already expressed enthusiasm for the updates. “As the word gets out about the designated spaces, students and teachers are becoming very excited for the new expansion,” said Sanders. “I’ve even had a few parents and students reach out about their ideas for the space.” For prospective families considering Brightmont Academy, Sanders emphasized that this project reflects the school’s ongoing mission to provide individualized education. “I would inform them that we are never done growing and expanding opportunities to our students,” Sanders said. “This new expansion has given us even more tools to create a customized school for everyone.” Brightmont Academy is located at 858 W. Happy Canyon Rd. Ste. 170 in Castle Pines 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

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
More Posts