One-to-One Private School in Mendota Heights, MN


Learn how personal instruction helps students thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.

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Attend an Open House

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Dates: October 16th, November 20th, December 18th

Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

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Days: Monday - Friday

Times: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Book a Call

Schedule Call

Days: Monday - Friday

Times: 10:00am-4:00pm

Give your child an education that’s as unique as they are. As the leading private school in Mendota Heights, MN, Brightmont’s specialized educational approach is based on over 25 years of experience helping students in grades K-12 succeed academically. We recognize and support the needs of every student, including students with learning differences, students living with anxiety and/or depression, high-aptitude students, and student-athletes or performers with demanding schedules.

Brightmont’s educational model is mastery-based, empowering students to actively engage in their studies at their own pace while feeling challenged and supported throughout the learning process.

Traditional classrooms are insufficient or even impossible for many students; rigid schedules, inadequate attention from instructors, and an overwhelming environment can impede your child’s success. Brightmont’s personalized instruction helps students progress toward their goals and gain the self-confidence necessary to fuel a lifelong love of learning.

We offer a range of programs throughout the year to serve the diverse needs of families in Mendota Heights, including full-time school, individual courses, tutoring, and skill-building programs. We also offer open enrollment and rolling admissions, so your child can start right away.

When you join the Brightmont family, we’ll work with you and your child to design the most effective, personalized instructional plan possible and select experienced teachers who understand your child’s academic needs and learning style.



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Percentages of students reporting positive experiences with Brightmont, a private school in Mendota Heights, MN

As an accredited private school, our curriculum includes math, language arts, science, social studies, foreign language, and electives for 1st through 12th grade. For high schoolers, we offer both Advanced Placement® and Honors courses.


When students complete course requirements, they earn a high school diploma from Brightmont Academy, which is recognized by colleges and universities. Our students receive acceptances from colleges and universities across the country; check out the prestigious colleges our students have attended.

Meet some of our instructors

Wayne Ratzlaff

Meet Wayne

Tommy Lokkesmoe

Meet Tommy

Steph Hagen

Meet Steph

Ryan Ketchmark

Meet Ryan

Rachel King

Meet Rachel

Kate Doan

Meet Kate

Latosha Portillo

Meet Latosha

Jesse Moen

Meet Jesse

Carly Sisterman

Meet Carly

Wayne Ratzlaff

Years Teaching

15 Years


Degree

PHD in History, M.A in History, B.S in Secondary Education in Social Studies


What inspired you to become a teacher?

I was inspired to become a teacher when I sought a career change and began taking college classes. Due in large part from the encouragement I received from professors, I set my sights on becoming a history educator and eventually earned a Ph.D. in History."

Tommy Lokkesmoe

Years Teaching

6 Years


Degree

Bachelors of Science in Aerospace Engineering and Physics


What’s one piece of advice you would give to parents about supporting their child’s education?

Let your kid *safely* make mistakes. It's the best way to learn.

Steph Hagen

Years Teaching

11 years


Degree

Masters of Arts in Religion,

Bachelors of Arts in Philosophy.

MN PELSB Tier III Communication and Language Arts 5-12 Certification


What is your favorite success story from working with a student?

I live for the moments when students realize that their own writing is more interesting, intelligent, and sophisticated than anything ChatGPT could ever produce.


Ryan Ketchmark

Years Teaching

6 Years


Degree

Bachelor degree in elementary education


How do you help students develop confidence in their learning?

Once students understand that being wrong is ok and mistakes are how we learn, it opens the door for confident learning. If a student is afraid of failure they may not genuinely try. If you knew everything already, what would be the point in going to class? I repeat frequently the sentiment that “your best is enough.”

Rachel King

Years Teaching

20 Years


Degree

Bachelor degree in Mathematics and Physics


What do you think makes Brightmont Academy unique?

I think Brightmont is unique because we are able to provide each student with the environment and support that they need to be successful and feel good about themselves.

Kate Doan

Years Teaching

25 Years


Degree

BA in Chemistry and Math

MS and PHD in Inorganic Chemistry

Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education for Math and Chemistry 


What inspired you to become a teacher?

"I had a History Teacher in High School who always pushed us to think about what we were reading. He had high expectations of his students, he would walk into class and every day begin the day with the following, "Questions Scholars." He knew so much, not simply about history, but also science. I remember he would come into class and discuss what book he was reading on his own time. I specifically remember when he told us he was reading The Panda's Thumb, by the paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould. I wanted to be like him, someone who was curious outside of his own field, and would inspire others."

Latosha Portillo

Years Teaching

13 Years


Degree

BS in Biology, Masters in Urban Education

Certifications: Elementary Education Degree


How do you personalize learning to meet each student’s needs?

By not only looking at their level from their test scores but also making accommodations for learning styles, like movement, or visuals or using games to help with learning.



Jesse Moen

Years Teaching

25 Years


Degree

Masters of Education

Bachelors of Arts in Education and Psychology. MN K-6 teaching certification


What is your favorite success story from working with a student?

"Running into past students, fully grown, in public and having them share how inspiring I was for them, or share about all their successes now. As a teacher you don’t always see how influential you are or know the impact you may have on a student."

Carly Sisterman

Years Teaching

5 years


Degree

Bachelors in Elementary Education

Minor Communication and Sciences Disorders

Licensure MN and WI - Grades 1-6


Tuition Rates for Our One-to-One Private School in Mendota Heights, MN

High School Program

A comprehensive college preparatory program for one academic year of 9th-12th grade.

$31,350


Middle School Program

A program designed to prepare 6th-8th grade students for high school.

$26,600


Elementary School Program

A program designed to prepare K-5th grade students for middle school.
$28,800


Individual Semester Courses

Semester courses for 1st-12th grade students. We offer core courses as well as honors and AP courses.

Starting at $3,135


Additional Programs and Services

We also offer tutoring, Kindergarten readiness programs, skill-building programs, a reading intervention program, summer school, and test prep.

Starting at $800

Get more details

Parent Testimonials

“Our son's time at Brightmont has forever changed his view of learning and school in general. He is now a motivated student who has confidence in his abilities.”

“One of the best moments I've had parenting is when my daughter, out of the blue, teary-eyed, thanked me for helping her graduate. She said she knew she couldn't have done it without Brightmont...Brightmont was the start of new beginnings for both of us. Thank you for giving her confidence!”

- Kelly K.

“My daughter was not thriving in a traditional school and arrived at Brightmont significantly behind grade level…The Brightmont teachers were excellent and incredibly supportive. With their help, she graduated from high school at Brightmont, feeling proud of all she accomplished.”

- Jane M.

“[My son] loves learning once again due to engaging teachers. I am so grateful!”

“Teachers and staff understand my son and his needs. When we need to take a break due to health concerns, they work with us to keep my son making progress.”

Student testimonials

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    “Teachers at Brightmont understand me and my needs to achieve success in life, and they help me with my problems that I have in and outside of school.” 

    - David, Grade 12
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    “I like being able to have teachers with me every step of the way to help me, and everyone is really nice.”

    - Selena, Grade 7
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    “I feel that my academic honors are due largely to the skills and habits I learned at Brightmont, especially critical thinking and independent learning skills.”

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    “To all the staff at Brightmont, thank you for making this one of the best school years that I have ever had.”

    - Seb, Grade 8

Campus highlights

At Brightmont, your child will receive the specialized attention that isn’t possible anywhere else while still having plenty of opportunities to socialize with their peers. Some of our students’ favorite community-building activities include:

  • Spirit Week
  • Baseball snackathon
  • Pi Day celebration
  • Giant Jenga games
  • Family luncheons
candy bar with legend
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Connect with us on social media!

Check out more Brightmont stories and announcements on:

Mendota Heights Campus

Address and Phone

(952) 564-2164

The Village at Mendota Heights

720 Main Street, Suite 101

Mendota Heights, MN 55118


Campus Hours

Regular opening hours:

Monday - Thursday: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm

Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm


Accreditation

Accredited by Cognia.

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Meet Michelle Platt

Mendota Heights Campus Director

As the Campus Director for the Mendota Heights campus, Michelle Platt has experience as both an educator and an attorney. She taught language arts and history in the New York City school district, wrote curriculum, and led professional development workshops for teachers throughout the Northeast region. She previously worked for several years as a litigator.

With a passion for writing, Michelle launched a successful website focusing on health and wellness where she built a strong digital marketing brand and active online community. Her work has been referenced in major publications including The New York Times, WSJ, BuzzFeed, and Self Magazine. 

After years of visiting her husband’s hometown of Edina, they made the decision to move and raise their family there. She has served on the local PTO for the last four years and has been an active voice and volunteer in the schools. 

Michelle graduated magna cum laude from Binghamton University with a BA in Literature & Rhetoric and received her law degree from the University of Miami. 

She enjoys traveling, writing, and keeping active; she recently completed her personal training certification. Most of all, she loves spending time with her two teenagers and husband.

Call Michelle at (952) 564-2164 or send her a message at michelle.platt@brightmontacademy.com.

Michelle Platt