November News
Tiffany Samson • November 10, 2020
Read our latest news at Brightmont Academy! Last month many of our students dressed up for Halloween and enjoyed treats on campus. Several students completed their courses and received certificates for their achievements. In November we have more activities planned including a food drive and personal reflections on gratitude. We continue to offer both in-person and online instruction to students, and are now offering scheduled sessions of homework assistance on campus and via Google Meet.
Social Events
Students at our Birmingham campus are having a "What Are You Thankful For" activity, and will be enjoying a hot cocoa bar this month.
Last month, students enjoyed celebrating Halloween, cider and donut day, and a nacho bar. Some of our students and teachers had a fun time dressing up both on campus and during remote learning! Student Emberly won the costume contest at the Deer Valley campus. Several of our teachers collaborated on a theme and dressed as Crayola crayons.
Students at our Broomfield campus dressed up for Halloween. Several of the students are also members of the film club and they reviewed Hocus Pocus.
Students at our Castle Pines campus dress up for Halloween.
Students at at Deer Valley and Redmond campuses dressed up for Halloween.
The campus director and teachers at our Deer Valley campus dressed up for Halloween.
Student Success
Jack had attended multiple public and private schools before finding the perfect fit at Brightmont. His mom Michelle says he likes going to school again! If you would like to hear directly from a Brightmont parent or guardian about their experience at Brightmont, please contact us.
The Chandler campus passed out over 30 certificates, recognizing students who had completed a course during the last couple of months!
Homework Studio
Brightmont offers Homework Studio to provide structured time that is built into a student's school day during which the student may work on their homework assignments. Homework Studio sessions are scheduled at a specific time on specific days, like course sessions. A teacher is present to provide support, including helping students with their assignments and reminding them to update their Homework Trackers. It is a group setting so there may be multiple students present for the same session.
Homework Studio is now available via Google Meet for students whose current instruction preference is via Google Meet instead of on campus. It is available during specific hours within the school day. Families who are interested in this option can contact the Campus Director for more information.
Teacher Peggy helps students in Homework Studio both on campus and via Google Meet.
Campus Improvements
At our Redmond campus, we are re-doing our Homework Studio and have added 13 more classrooms to provide one-to-one instruction to more students.
Health and Safety Guidelines
Our families, students and teachers have been respecting and following the COVID-19 safety guidelines to maintain health and safety on our campuses. Students who need to stay at home temporarily may still attend their scheduled sessions via Google Meet. Parents and visitors need to make an appointment to come onto the campus.
November Food Drive
Brightmont Scottsdale's Annual Michael Johnson Memorial Food Drive began November 9th and runs through November 20th. Food donations will benefit St. Mary's Food Bank and be distributed to various programs throughout Arizona in time for the holidays.
Advanced Placement Exams
The College Board recommends that students should find a school and register in the fall for May 2021 exams.
Advanced Placement Deadlines
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.
Holidays
In observance of Veterans Day, the campus will be closed on Wednesday, November 11. We will also be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27.
More Blog Posts + News
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.
Private School in Naperville Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Naperville, IL — Brightmont Academy, a private school offering one-to-one instruction for students in grades 1–12, is expanding its Naperville campus to include a new, larger location just over a mile from its current downtown site. The expansion comes in response to rapidly growing demand from local families seeking flexible, personalized education. Brightmont’s one-to-one model pairs each student with a dedicated teacher for every course, allowing for a truly customized approach to learning. This individualized format has drawn growing interest from families who want to see their children thrive academically and socially. Over the last two years, enrollment has grown quickly, prompting the need for more space. “We’re growing faster than our current space can hold!” said Lindsay Morales, Campus Director of Brightmont Academy Naperville. “The new campus gives us the space to keep up with demand and continue the amazing momentum of the last two years.” The new campus will feature double the number of classrooms compared to the current location, allowing Brightmont to welcome even more students into its supportive learning environment. With more classrooms and expanded facilities, Brightmont will be able to enrich its offerings and create more opportunities for student connection. “The new space opens the door to growing our enrollment and creating even more opportunities for student culture, social activities, and community connections,” Morales added. This expansion represents an exciting milestone for Brightmont Naperville. “Families are looking for a flexible, personalized school environment, and demand keeps rising! Expanding means we can welcome more students into the vibrant, supportive culture we’ve already built at Brightmont Naperville,” said Morales. “We couldn’t be more excited! With more classrooms, more opportunities, and more growth ahead, this is a huge step forward for our students, families, and teachers.” Brightmont Academy is located at 445 Jackson Ave in Naperville 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 5:00 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
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.
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
