Non-Speaking Autistic High School Student Excels at Brightmont After Public School Rejections

August 6, 2024

Private School in Seattle Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Provides Essential Accommodations That Allows Student First-Ever Access to Age-Appropriate Curriculum


Seattle, WA – According to the CDC, one in 36 children is now diagnosed with autism, and many of these children will enroll in public schools. However, autistic students often face significant challenges in public classrooms, such as fixation on specific topics, difficulty with social interactions, processing information, sensory issues, and communication difficulties. Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school renowned for its personalized, one-on-one education, is proud to highlight the achievements of Stone Kaufer, a non-speaking autistic student who has found a supportive and accommodating educational environment at Brightmont.


Stone’s journey to academic success is a testament to the individualized approach that Brightmont Academy offers to its students. Stone’s father, David Kaufer, shared their experience of transitioning to Brightmont Academy. "We were referred to Brightmont by our attorney. We had pulled Stone out of his public high school when they refused to accommodate him using letter boards in his class. Our attorney specializes in education law and was familiar with Brightmont," said David Kaufer. Stone's use of a letter board has been integral to his communication and learning process, and Brightmont’s willingness to integrate this tool into his education has been crucial to his success.


Since starting at Brightmont in June 2023, Stone has thrived in the school’s flexible and personalized learning environment. "He started Brightmont last June. He is planning to go to college and aspires to attend Harvard," David shared. The academy’s commitment to recognizing and nurturing Stone’s academic potential has been a key factor in his achievements. "This was the best fit for him because of the flexibility of the school and willingness to let him use the letter board in classes. In addition, Brightmont saw his academic potential and matched him with age-appropriate curriculum, something his previous school and district refused to do," David Kaufer added. Brightmont’s tailored approach ensures that each student receives an education that caters to their unique needs and abilities.


Stone expressed his appreciation for the personalized attention he receives at Brightmont. "I think Brightmont is a great fit for me because of the 1:1 focus. I think other spellers would excel in this environment too," Stone shared.


Brightmont remains dedicated to providing a supportive and adaptive learning environment for all students. Stone’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that a specialized educational approach can have on a student’s life.


Brightmont Academy is located at 115 NE 100th St, Ste 200 in Seattle, 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 in a private classroom. 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 who are both neurotypical and neurodivergent since 1999 and has 18 campuses in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington. For more information call 1-888-521-0887 or visit: www.brightmontacademy.com.


Brightmont Academy - The One-to-One Flexible school - 1st through 12th

More Blog Posts + News


Map of colleges Brightmont students have been accepted at
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Private School Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students National — 93% of Brightmont Academy students say Brightmont helped them achieve their academic goals, a testament to the school’s personalized one-to-one instruction. With a 25-year legacy of academic excellence, Brightmont, a nationally accredited private school specializing in one-to-one instruction, has empowered students to achieve success through individualized learning. This unique approach prepares students academically and instills the confidence and self-advocacy skills necessary to navigate the college admissions process successfully. As students receive their college acceptance letters, Brightmont reflects on the profound impact of its one-to-one instruction. “We know we can prepare our students with very strong courses, so their transcripts look great,” said Karen Buckner, CEO of Brightmont. “They also can tell a different story about what they've learned by having such great one-on-one interactions with their teachers—how they've been able to learn, advocate for themselves, and gain a deeper understanding of their strengths.” This year’s list of college acceptances shows the diverse opportunities available to Brightmont graduates. From state universities to prestigious private institutions, Brightmont students are earning spots at top schools across the country. The new college acceptance map highlights this success, demonstrating that Brightmont students stand out in the competitive admissions process. “If colleges take the time to truly look at their students, we're going to stand out,” Buckner continued. “I think that's a direct result of what we're seeing in this new college map we have with all these great colleges on there.” For many students, Brightmont is more than just a school, it’s a place where they rediscover their confidence and realize that higher education is within reach. Through personalized instruction and supportive learning environments, these students have gained the skills and self-assurance needed to take the next step in their education by applying to colleges and pursuing their academic aspirations. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a student build their self-esteem through academics and their Brightmont experience,” Buckner added. “The part we play in helping them grow and then having a third party validate that through a college acceptance is just super exciting.” 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
By Barb Farland April 16, 2025
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teacher and student working at a desk
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Private School in Mendota Heights Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Mendota Heights, MN — Between 32% and 35% of teens with ADHD will drop out of school before graduation, a stark statistic that highlights the challenges these students face in traditional learning environments. Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school, offers a proven alternative: a one-to-one instructional model tailored to each student's learning needs, helping them build confidence and excel academically. Brightmont creates a structured yet adaptable environment that minimizes distractions and fosters engagement, providing students with the tools they need to succeed. This method is especially beneficial for students with ADHD, who often struggle with traditional classroom settings and benefit from customized learning experiences. "Brightmont’s one-to-one instructional model is designed to reduce distractions and meet each student’s unique needs," says Michelle Platt, Campus Director of Brightmont Mendota Heights. "Our teachers form strong bonds with their students and make accommodations throughout the day to strengthen their learning, whether it’s providing short breaks, using text-to-speech tools, offering audiobooks, or creating quiet spaces.” Brightmont also prioritizes collaboration with parents to develop personalized education plans. "I reassure parents that our teachers have extensive experience working with children with various learning differences, including those diagnosed with ADHD," explains Platt. "In our first meeting, we discuss academic goals and how Brightmont can help achieve them. As a campus director, I collaborate with our academic team and teachers to create an optimized schedule, curriculum, course load, pacing, and roadmap customized to each student’s goals and needs." The positive impact of Brightmont is evident not just in academic success but also in students’ enthusiasm for learning. "I measure success by the happiness of our students, and the gratitude of the families," says Platt. "Many of these students felt misunderstood, inadequate, or avoided school in the past. These same kids come to school excited, feel cared for, and safe. So many of my students tell me the same thing, ‘I like it here.’” 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, April 17th, 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 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
By Tony Beals April 9, 2025
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Private School in Atlanta Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Atlanta, GA — With 52% of parents now seeking a more personalized and flexible education for their children, many are looking for options that cater to their individual learning needs. Recognizing this growing demand, Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school specializing in one-to-one instruction, offers rolling admissions, enabling students to enroll at any time throughout the year. Unlike traditional schools with set application deadlines, Brightmont Academy provides families with the flexibility to start when they are ready. “Rolling admissions is the process where a school accepts applications and enrolls students continuously throughout the year, rather than having a set application deadline,” explains Robyn Brunson, Campus Director of Brightmont Academy’s Atlanta location. This flexible approach ensures that students do not have to wait months to begin their education. “Rolling admissions gives parents the flexibility to enroll their child at Brightmont at any time,” Brunson continues. “Since we offer rolling admissions, enrollment decisions are made quickly, so parents don’t have to wait months for their child to start school. Once the enrollment process is complete, a student can begin classes right away. This allows families to start as soon as they’re ready.” Enrolling mid-semester can also be beneficial for students who need a personalized approach to learning. Brightmont Academy’s one-to-one instruction model allows students to progress at their own pace and receive tailored support from experienced educators. “Starting mid-semester can actually be a great opportunity for your child because we can meet them where they are right now and adjust the pace of our classes to fit their needs,” says Brunson. “Additionally, I will work closely with you to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible, from offering flexible schedules to scheduling parent check-ins to discuss your child's progression.” Whether transitioning from a traditional school setting, seeking a fresh start, or needing a customized academic plan, Brightmont Academy is ready to support students at any point in the year. Brightmont Academy is located at 1161 Concord Rd SE Suite 100 in Atlanta and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, April 17th, 2025, between 10:00 AM and 3:30 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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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
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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.
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