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Graduation rates increasing for students with disabilities.
Jamie Bachmann • November 13, 2024
As debates rage over the importance of a university education and the need for a specific degree to achieve success in life, the need for completion of high school, whether it be via a traditional diploma or through a school equivalency diploma from the General Educational Development (GED) test remains important, if not essential.
According to a May 10, 2022 article by Douglas N. Harris and Feng Chen at Brookings.edu, despite most assumptions and the documented learning loss during the COVID online learning process, high school graduation rates initially increased (likely due to the relaxing of standards at the time), and they quickly leveled off. Further,
“High school graduation rates actually increased for students with
disabilities, English-language learners, and Black students. However,
college entry declined most in colleges serving large proportions of people of color.”
(https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-has-the-pandemic-affected-high-school-
graduation-and-college-entry/)
A cursory search on the computer for jobs that do not necessitate having a high school diploma yields many more options than one might assume in this day and age. But the fact remains: the more education one attains, the more likely they are to earn more income, and have a life that is more easily manageable, than one who does not.
“Not completing high school is linked to a variety of factors that can negatively impact health, including limited employment prospects, low wages, and poverty.”
So, what are some of the causes of students not completing their high school courses and obtaining their diploma? Wanting/needing to work to earn money taking precedence over completing high school, severe health issues during junior or senior year of high school that challenge students’ abilities to recover, intense family issues that got in the way at the last minute, school phobias, and lack of parental oversight of student attendance all contribute to a lack of graduation.
In many cases, school districts can and do work with students and their families who find themselves in tricky graduation situations. However, State and Federal requirements can still leave students without attainment of that coveted piece of paper. So, what to do?
There are a few decent options available to those who search. Sometimes free or low-cost GED courses are available through local libraries or community colleges. Some school districts have night school options available for students to wrap things up. One of the best options that I know of is through a private school, which can be costly, but one’s home district may entirely pay for it, or supplement the cost.
At the private, one-to-one school at which I work, Brightmont Academy, cleaning up those few remaining requirements can be fairly quick work for a determined student. At Brightmont, students work one-to-one with an instructor on only those courses essential to graduation. Each course is “taught,” and all coursework is completed, via computer software, and is directed by the student’s own pace. If a student is motivated and focused, they can move quickly and efficiently through each unit and their required assessments and projects. If students are particularly challenged by a lesson or unit here or there, one can easily slow down or repeat the information to successfully learn the requisite material.
In today’s world, a university education seems astronomical in expense and, in
many cases, questionable in purpose. A high school diploma, however, can still
be attainable for those students who may have suffered setbacks in their
academic careers, but who are intent on achieving that milestone. All it takes is a
little investigation, some planning, and maybe a little thinking outside the box.
Jamie Bachmann is a former high school special education
teacher of over 20 years. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in
Communication Management from The University of Dayton,
and his Master of Arts in Teaching from National-Louis
University. He is also a lifelong writer, artist and musician.
Jamie, his wife, and their numerous rescued felines live in
Chicago’s North Shore.
Private School in Castle Pines Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Castle Pines, CO — One-to-one education is proving to be a game-changer for student success, with 75% of students reporting increased motivation in personalized learning environments compared to just 30% in traditional classrooms. In response to the growing demand for individualized instruction, Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school specializing in one-to-one instruction, is expanding its Castle Pines campus with a 7,000-square-foot addition designed to enhance learning opportunities for students of all ages. Matthew Sanders, Campus Director of Brightmont Academy Castle Pines, shared the excitement of this expansion: “We are happy to announce a 7,000 sq/ft expansion to our school! This expansion will include designated electives and science lab areas. We will also have an expanded lunchroom and 12 additional classrooms.” The expansion comes as the campus experiences significant enrollment growth, fueled by word of mouth and strong community engagement. “Word of mouth and community outreach about our positive culture and superstar teachers have led to a tremendous amount of growth. We are excited that our student population is increasing to include more grade levels and different students from all over Colorado,” Sanders added. With the addition of an elementary school program, Brightmont has implemented a mentorship initiative that pairs 6th to 12th-grade students with younger learners to build a strong, inclusive environment. “With the addition of our elementary school program, we knew we had to create a community that cherished all ages. To address this, we created a mentor program for our 6th to 12th-grade students. These mentors are tasked with joining the school community together. Our mentors set up social opportunities for our younger students to interact with the older students. This includes board games, video game tournaments, art sessions, and many other activities,” Sanders explained. The school’s one-to-one instructional model continues to meet the needs of students seeking an individualized approach to education, and the Castle Pines campus is excited to welcome more learners into its growing community. 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, March 20th, 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
For parents seeking an educational environment where their children can thrive, especially when traditional public schools may not meet their unique needs, Brightmont Academy offers a compelling alternative. Specializing in one-to-one instruction, Brightmont tailors its educational approach to each student's individual learning style, ensuring personalized attention and support.
Private School Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students National — Only 1% of twice-exceptional students in the United States have access to gifted and talented programs, leaving many bright yet neurodivergent learners without the support they need to thrive. Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school specializing in one-to-one instruction, is bridging this gap by offering a personalized learning environment where these students can excel at their own pace. Brightmont’s individualized approach allows students to progress at their own pace while receiving the support they need. “We serve a variety of kids, from ADHD, autistic, and other populations, but there is a whole other population that we do a really good job with, which is twice-exceptional or gifted and talented,” says Karen Buckner, CEO of Brightmont. “Brightmont is perfectly designed for these students. Because we're one-to-one, we meet the students where they're at, and that means a second grader can be taking sixth or seventh-grade work. At the same time, if they need to take breaks while they do it, there’s no problem.” Twice-exceptional students often face unique challenges in traditional classrooms, where rigid structures may not accommodate their advanced abilities. “Here we allow them to be as accelerated as they want to be. We have honors, we have AP courses—there’s no limit on you,” Buckner explains. “Parents are often frustrated because they see their kid is bored in their school curriculum. Maybe they didn’t make it into the gifted classes because they were spinning in their chair, and no one gave them the credit for being gifted when they are. The parent knows they’re capable of more and says, ‘The reason they’re spinning in their chair is because they’re bored.’” Buckner shares the story of a young student who thrived in their personalized program. “We have a student enrolled with us right now who started with us last year,” Buckner shares. “He came from a gifted school but wasn’t being challenged. I sat with the young man as he took his STAR test. He was a second grader, so seven years old, and was scoring at the 11th-grade level in math. That’s a big step, and he would never have seen that curriculum in a traditional setting. We enrolled him in Algebra Two, but it said we should be introducing pre-algebra way sooner than he would have been exposed to. We were thrilled to be able to do that, and he’s back here this year, taking a new math course as he enters third grade.” 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
Homeschooling: From Going It Alone to Getting the Support You Need
Private School Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Deer Valley, AZ — Social interaction is a fundamental part of overall well-being, especially for children as they develop the unspoken rules of communication and connection. Learning how to collaborate, express themselves, and form friendships is essential for long-term emotional and social success. At Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school specializing in one-to-one instruction, students at the Deer Valley campus are given ample opportunities to engage with peers in a supportive and structured environment, ensuring they build essential social skills while receiving individualized instruction. One of the ways Brightmont Academy promotes socialization is through lunchtime activities and special events. "We have monthly birthday celebrations during lunchtime to promote staff and students of all ages socializing. We encourage art class four days a week at lunchtime," says Janie Rosenthal, Campus Director of the Deer Valley campus. "If we know that students are bonding, I call the parents to arrange outside-of-school playdates." Brightmont Academy also designs schedules that foster natural social interactions. "Besides the above options, we encourage schedules to allow students to stay over at lunchtime. It's a good way to encourage the students to meet new students and form friendships," Rosenthal explains. For many families considering a one-to-one learning model, socialization is a top concern. "Most parents feel that a one-to-one environment excludes the opportunity to meet other students," Rosenthal adds. "We go above and beyond to help our kids form friendships." To address these concerns, Brightmont Academy integrates social experiences into the academic journey, proving that a personalized approach to education can still cultivate strong peer connections. Through structured activities, thoughtful scheduling, and an emphasis on community building, Brightmont Academy’s Deer Valley campus ensures that students thrive academically while also forming lasting friendships. The school remains committed to providing a balanced educational experience that nurtures both intellectual growth and meaningful social interactions. 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 — Recent studies show that 85% of educators report having students who struggle with executive functioning, which refers to the cognitive skills necessary for managing daily tasks, setting goals, staying organized, and controlling impulses. These skills—such as time management, focus, memory, and the ability to plan and prioritize—are essential for success both academically and in personal life. At Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school specializing in one-to-one instruction, students are building these critical skills through innovative programs tailored to meet individual needs. One of the key programs offered at Brightmont Academy is the ECHO (Executive Functioning Coaching and Homework Organization) program. "Brightmont Academy offers the ECHO program which teaches the basic principles of EF while applying EF skills to managing schoolwork," says Cale Dunlap, Campus Director of the Broomfield location. "This program is an important step in the long journey of building EF skills over time." Building EF skills is an ongoing process, which is why Brightmont Academy encourages its students to incorporate these skills into their daily routines. "Brightmont Academy in Broomfield, CO proactively encourages a culture of executive function development," Dunlap explains. "Since EF skills take a long time to build, it is critical to integrate EF development into daily routines." In addition to the ECHO program, Brightmont Academy uses the Socratic Method to foster independent thinking and support EF development. “On our campus, teachers are encouraged to consistently use the Socratic Method to promote independent thinking and EF skills," Dunlap says. "For example, a teacher could simply say, 'Open your book, and let's start reading on page 22.' Instead, a teacher could ask a series of questions prompting the student to figure out what needs to be done. 'What should we work on today?', 'How can we figure out what needs to be done?', 'Where should we start?', 'What steps will we need to take to finish?'" 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, March 20th, 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
2E Students: Who They Are & What They Need
Private School in Barrington Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Barrington, IL — With just a little over 50% of parents considering or having considered choosing a new school for their child, Brightmont Academy’s Barrington campus stands out as a trusted solution for personalized education. As a nationally accredited private school specializing in one-to-one instruction, Brightmont provides a supportive and targeted learning environment that fosters both academic achievement and personal development. The Barrington campus has experienced remarkable growth, further solidifying its reputation as a top choice for families seeking individualized education. Brightmont Academy’s distinctive one-to-one model allows students to progress at their own pace, receiving individualized attention from dedicated instructors. “The Brightmont structure is different. It's very targeted. It's that one-to-one experience,” says Barb Sitkiewicz, Campus Director of the Barrington campus. “Students can go through coursework and gain much with that one-to-one.” In addition to academic support, Brightmont creates a welcoming environment where students feel valued. “Once they get to Brightmont and are appreciated and welcomed and feel part of our community, it makes it easier for them to show up consistently,” Sitkiewicz explains. This sense of belonging plays a crucial role in helping students thrive. At Brightmont, transformation extends beyond academics. Many students arrive facing significant challenges but leave with newfound confidence and capability. “You wouldn't recognize them from the first day they walked into Brightmont to now,” Sitkiewicz shares, highlighting the profound personal growth experienced by students. Parents seeking an alternative to traditional education find that Brightmont’s personalized model offers an ideal solution for students who need individualized attention to succeed. By combining flexibility, rigorous academics, and emotional support, Brightmont Academy continues to change lives and prepare students for a brighter future. 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, February 20th, 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 in Birmingham Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Birmingham, MI — Roughly 6 percent of students with disabilities are considered "twice-exceptional" (2E)—students who are gifted but also face challenges like ADHD, autism, or dyslexia. In traditional school settings, their intelligence often masks their disabilities, leaving them unsupported, or they are placed in programs that address their challenges but fail to nurture their advanced abilities. Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school specializing in one-to-one instruction, is transforming education for 2E students by unlocking their full potential. With its innovative blend of support and challenge, Brightmont provides an environment that fosters both academic achievement and personal growth for twice-exceptional students. "Brightmont is a supportive, one-to-one learning environment that helps 2E students reach their full potential," says Annette Looser, Campus Director of the Birmingham location. "At Brightmont, we address the students' giftedness and disability at the same time in a nurturing, challenging environment." With one-to-one instruction, students progress at their own pace, mastering foundational skills while excelling in advanced areas. "At Brightmont, it is common for a second-grade 2E student to have the ability to work up to completing fifth-grade math," Looser explains. "Brightmont teachers focus on building a strong foundation in basic math concepts using visual aids and manipulatives, gradually progressing to more complex topics at a pace that matches their understanding. It is easy at Brightmont for students to closely collaborate with their teachers." Parents of twice-exceptional children often face a unique set of challenges, from ensuring their child's talents are nurtured to addressing their learning disabilities effectively. Brightmont offers a solution that addresses both needs, helping families create a path for success. "Parents who have highly intelligent students who struggle in their current school environment due to a learning disability, ADHD, or sensory integration disorder have gifted children who often fly under the radar," Looser adds. "Parents who feel that their child's full potential is not being recognized may benefit greatly from Brightmont's program." Brightmont Academy is located at 33483 Woodward Avenue in Birmingham and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, February 20th, 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
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