August News
Tiffany Samson • August 13, 2020
Brightmont Academy is excited to welcome students as they start the '20-21 academic year! With our mission of serving students in a one-on-one environment, we are uniquely positioned to serve students and their families during this time. Please note the following:
- See the '20-21 Academic Year Calendar.
- Our campuses are open for in-person instruction.
- Students who are sick or are not able to attend in person can do remote learning via Google Meet.
- We have campus safety guidelines in response to COVID-19. Our staff and students are well versed in the safety protocols and have been very cooperative.
- All parents and students have online access to the student's schedule and curriculum.
- Curriculum updates: We are now offering Probability and Statistics as a two-semester course. Additional honors courses will be available later in the school year.
COVID-19 Updates
We implemented new COVID-19 safety procedures in the summer and have made adjustments to benefit all those on campus. These include:
- Physical Distancing - Safe distancing (6 feet apart) has been implemented. Homework Studio desks are appropriately spaced. Hallways and stairways are for passing, not for mingling. There are floor markers in several campuses to indicate direction of travel and serve as reminders for safe distancing. Some campuses have enter-only and exit-only doors.
- Face Coverings - Masks are required prior to students entering the campus. Brightmont Academy will provide a face covering for those who have forgotten to bring their own. For now, face coverings will be worn throughout the campus, including in the classroom. All teachers and staff members are also masked.
- Hygiene - Students should frequently wash their hands. Sanitizer is available in many areas of our campuses including entrances, classrooms, and common areas. Students should avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Illness - Students should stay home if they are sick. Each campus will have a touchless thermometer on hand. Brightmont Academy reserves the right to use a touchless thermometer. If a child tests positive for a fever, they will be sent home and may not return to campus without a doctor's note.
- Visitors/Parents on Campus - An appointment is either mandatory or preferred to come into our campuses. Students are encouraged to enter and exit the facilities on their own. Parents who are waiting outside to pick up their child can call the campus.
- Cleaning - Each campus has been and will continue to be cleaned by a 3rd party on a regular basis. All soft, porous surfaces that could come in contact with skin have been removed. All classrooms and classroom devices are disinfected after each student session.
- Kitchen Use - There is restricted us of the kitchen. The water fountain/dispenser is out of service. Staff and students need to bring their own food and drink, go off campus for meals, or get delivery. Students who choose to order lunch for delivery will be responsible for meeting the delivery driver outside the campus. We have added a sanitizing station in the entryway.
Google Meet Practice Sessions
Students who are enrolled at Brightmont can get a Google Meet practice session by request. Whether the student will be attending Google Meet on a regular basis or only as needed, it is important students are prepared so that any sessions conducted via Google Meet will be as effective and productive as possible. Students may bring the computer they intend to use for Google Meet to the campus and practice connecting with a teacher via the email invite, using their camera and microphone, sharing their computer desktop in Google Meet, opening and editing Google Docs, and using Google Chat messages to communicate with their teachers. This proactive step provides an opportunity to solve technical issues and learn how to effectively use Google Meet prior to the student's first scheduled class session. Practice sessions may also take place at home, if needed.
Skill-Building Programs
Parents and students have been really grateful for our skill-building programs! This summer we have had many students enrolled to build their skills in math, reading, and writing. This is setting them up for success in their upcoming classes. Some students will continue their programs in the fall. Contact us if you'd like to enhance your child's education with one of our customized skill-building programs!
Student Highlight
We are proud to recognize our most recent graduate! Jessica N. graduated from Brightmont Academy - Broomfield on July 29th!
ACT® and SAT® Test and Registration Dates
Brightmont Academy offers Test Prep services. Click here to learn more about preparing for your test.
Parents need to register their student for the ACT and SAT tests on the ACT and SAT websites.
ACT Test Dates
Check the ACT website for registration information, FAQs, and important updates.
SAT Test Dates
Public health restrictions and high demand will result in limited seating capacity for students in certain areas. Check the SAT® website for more information.
More Blog Posts + News
Perfectly Imperfect
It’s a Monday morning and, as usual, Nora awakens to the chime of her phone alarm. It’s time to get ready for school, but Nora’s parents have a hard time remembering a drama-free morning when she didn’t dawdle, complain of a stomach ache, become really emotional, etc. In fact, Nora hasn’t ridden the bus in two months and has been marked tardy a whopping 21 times. Pair these incidents with six full-day absences this semester, and Nora’s parents feel more than frustrated. They’re legitimately concerned about Nora’s mental health and overall well-being. And they should be. Nora is among the 2-5 percent of students nationwide who struggle with school refusal—and it’s not to be taken lightly. What is school refusal? What does it look like? And how can families address the issue of school refusal and overcome its characteristic behaviors and consequences? This is what we know…
Flexible Schooling Options for Competitive Athletes and Performers
Private School Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students National — As Thanksgiving approaches, Brightmont Academy, a private accredited school offering one-to-one instruction, is taking a moment to reflect on a year filled with growth, gratitude, and student success. With multiple new campus openings in 2025 and plans to open several more soon, Brightmont continues to expand its mission of transforming education through individualized instruction that empowers each student to reach their full potential. Keith Jackson, Marketing Director at Brightmont Academy, shared his appreciation for the families who have made this mission possible. “This Thanksgiving, we’re especially grateful for the families who trust Brightmont Academy to provide a one-to-one education that helps their children thrive,” Jackson said. “Every student’s success story is a reminder of why we do what we do.” Brightmont’s unique model of personalized learning has helped countless students rediscover confidence and joy in the classroom. This season of gratitude serves as a reminder of the small victories that make a big difference in each student’s educational journey. “At Brightmont Academy, gratitude comes from seeing students who once struggled now finding confidence and joy in learning,” Jackson explained. “Thanksgiving reminds us how important it is to celebrate progress, big and small.” The spirit of Thanksgiving also reflects Brightmont’s core values of connection and collaboration. Just as families gather around the table to share gratitude, Brightmont brings together teachers, students, and parents as partners in each child’s education. “Just as Thanksgiving brings families together, Brightmont Academy brings teachers, students, and parents together as a team to create an individualized education plan that truly fits each child,” Jackson said. As families give thanks and look ahead to the new year, Brightmont Academy invites prospective parents to visit a campus and experience firsthand how personalized education can transform a child’s life. With four new locations opening this year, Brightmont continues to offer more families the opportunity to discover a learning environment where students flourish both academically and emotionally. Families interested in learning more are encouraged to schedule a campus tour and see how Brightmont’s one-to-one instruction is changing lives across the country. 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
Is there support for your student if they are struggling? What are the class sizes? Do the teachers personalize learning and know their students? Does the school schedule work for your family? Is the school accredited? Does the school offer academic rigor for your child? Does the school have a good reputation and location? Are students college and career ready after graduation?
Private School in Mendota Heights Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Mendota Heights, MN — Brightmont Academy, a private accredited school offering one-to-one instruction, is helping families stay informed and connected through its Speaker Series, a free monthly webinar designed to support parents and students. Hosted by Minnesota Campus Directors Michelle Platt of Mendota Heights and Jenny Sorenson of Plymouth, the virtual sessions feature expert speakers discussing topics that matter most to families—ranging from ADHD and adolescent anxiety to sleep issues and school transitions. The Speaker Series began as a way to make professional insight more accessible to Brightmont families. “A big part of my job is networking, and I’m constantly meeting trusted professionals through events, referrals, and outreach,” explained Platt. “The Speaker Series gives families direct access to these experts and helps parents feel connected while learning more about Brightmont Academy and the many resources available to them.” Each hour-long session allows parents to engage in real time with speakers and ask questions through a live chat. Topics have included ADHD, adolescent anxiety, evaluations, sleep, and school avoidance—issues that often impact students’ academic and emotional well-being. “Each speaker shares actionable tips for parents while also giving families a chance to learn more about Brightmont’s unique strengths, such as open enrollment, flexible scheduling, part-time and full-time options, skill building, and executive function programs,” said Platt. The response to the Speaker Series has been overwhelmingly positive. Families can RSVP for upcoming sessions on Brightmont’s website, and recordings are available afterward on Brightmont’s YouTube channel and social media platforms. “For me, the series has strengthened relationships with families and professionals, given me new insights as a director and parent, and expanded the network of resources I can confidently recommend,” Platt said. “Most importantly, it ensures Brightmont families feel supported not just by our school, but by a wider community of experts.” See our webinar recordings and RSVP to upcoming webinars. Brightmont Academy is located at 720 Main Street, Suite 101, in Mendota Heights and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, November 20th, 2025, between 10:00 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 Boy, The Horse, and The Lesson We Forget in Teaching
Private School in Raleigh Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Raleigh, NC — Brightmont Academy, a private accredited school offering one-to-one instruction, is pleased to announce the appointment of Alesia Stevenson as the new Campus Director of its Raleigh campus. Stevenson brings a rich background in education, business, leadership, and community engagement, along with a passion for helping students discover their strengths and succeed through personalized learning. Stevenson has spent her career fostering environments where both students and teams can thrive. She has worked extensively in education and organizational leadership, focusing on expanding access to resources and tailoring support to meet individual needs. As both an educator and a parent, Stevenson has experienced first-hand the life-changing impact of individualized instruction. “My background spans education and program development, often in environments where meeting students and families ‘where they are’ is essential,” said Stevenson. “That experience translates directly into Brightmont’s model, which focuses on tailoring instruction to each student’s unique strengths, challenges, and goals.” Stevenson first learned about Brightmont while researching alternative education models centered on the student learning experience. Brightmont’s one-to-one instruction stood out as both innovative and aligned with her vision of student success. “I was drawn to Brightmont because the role allows me to bring together my experience in education, leadership, and community engagement to create meaningful impact,” Stevenson said. “The opportunity to lead a campus where every student receives personalized support felt like a natural extension of my passion for helping young people succeed.” At Brightmont, Stevenson is eager to establish the Raleigh campus as a trusted resource for families seeking alternatives to the traditional classroom. She envisions a school community where students build confidence and resilience alongside academic progress. “My vision is to see our Raleigh campus grow into a trusted educational home for students and families seeking a more personalized path,” Stevenson said. “I believe Brightmont’s individualized approach will resonate in Raleigh, a dynamic city where families value strong, innovative educational options.” Brightmont Academy is located at 6070 Six Forks Rd in Raleigh 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
Vanessa seems to dawdle when her teacher asks her to begin her math assignment. Marcus has read the directions four times and still has no idea what to do. Shamanth opens his desk to try to find a pencil, which is buried under mounds of crumpled papers. Belinda raises her hand and, in sobs and tears, demands to go to the school counselor’s office. What’s up with these students? Are they being lazy, giving their teacher a hard time, and/or just having a bad day? Perhaps, but there’s also another strong possibility. All of these behaviors may indicate challenges in executive functioning. About Executive Function Executive functioning has very little to do with academic prowess and much more to do with the general operation of the brain. Healthcare and child development professionals typically identify eight important skills related to executive functioning: Initiation - The ability to begin a task Impulse control - The ability not to give in to temptation and behave accordingly Flexibility - The ability to shift from one task to the next Emotional control - The ability to behave appropriately despite contrary emotions Working memory - The ability to remember and apply instructions and other concepts Organization - The ability to create and abide by a system of tidiness Planning - The ability to understand the sequence of necessary steps to accomplish goals and tasks Self-monitoring - The ability to assess one’s own emotions, thoughts, physical condition, etc. Why are these specific capabilities so important? It’s all about what happens as a result. Executive functioning skills lead to effective decision-making, for example, thus poor executive functions could lead to choices that are unwise, emotionally driven, rash, etc., in relationships, physical health, and other areas of life.
