The logo for brightmont academy is the one-to-one school.
Request Information Student Portal Login
Corporate office

400 E. Main St. Barrington, IL 60010

1-888-521-0887

inquiry@brightmontacademy.com

The logo for brightmont academy is the one-to-one school.

Graduation: Getting Through Grief & Embracing Change

Barbara Farland • May 22, 2024

Caps, gowns, and diplomas. Parties, pomp, and circumstance. A joyous, pride-filled milestone for parents and students alike. To graduate from high school is indeed a cause for great celebration, even relief, as well as hopeful anticipation of the months and years ahead. However, as with any major life change, there is loss—and where there is loss, there is grief. 

Cindy Engelkes spent 25 years in children and youth ministry, and now works as a licensed marriage and family therapist. When it comes to helping high school graduates through change and the possibility of grief, Cindy offers the following tips for students and those who love them…

Two women wearing graduation caps and gowns are posing for a picture

Prepare for the Possibility of Grief “The key is to acknowledge it before it happens,” says Cindy, “and to get ahead of the kind of grief that doesn’t recognize itself.”

Without knowing that grief is a possibility, students may act out unconsciously in a variety of ways. They may procrastinate the necessary tasks to move on: to apply for jobs, to pack for college, etc. They may disengage from and avoid the people with whom they’ve been close. They may get irritable, angry, depressed, etc. 

“Make sure to take some time to talk about some of the changes that come with graduating,” recommends Cindy. “Ask good questions. Empathize.” 

A few solid conversation starters include: “Have you thought about…?” “I remember when I graduated and felt…” “What do you imagine it will feel like to…?” In other words, help students bring their grief to the surface in order to deal with it more openly and planfully. 

Make a Plan

The losses related to graduating may be numerous. Friendships and familiar surroundings. Teachers and sports teams. Identity and status. Change in one facet of life is hard. In combination, it makes sense that it could feel devastating. 

“A plan can make a big difference in processing grief in a healthier way,” says Cindy. 

Encourage graduates to brainstorm with their friends on creative ways to stay in touch. Research options for places to go and things to do. Help them plot out drafts of a weekly schedule. 

“It’s really a matter of removing some of the mystery—and, in turn, confronting some of the fear—around the months ahead,” says Cindy. 

Remember Changes Past  

“Sadness and fear go hand in hand,” adds Cindy. “These emotions are valid, of course, but it’s important to move through and past them versus adopting them for the long run.”

With the right mindset, memories can serve as confidence boosters, inspiration, and sources of hope. Personal memories become even more powerful when paired with other people’s success stories regarding change and navigating it well. 

“As graduates begin to cross over into new territory as adults, it’s important to remember to remember,” says Cindy. “With positive stories front of mind, they are more likely to see the days ahead as positive, too.” 

It’s not uncommon for families with graduates to get out all kinds of mementos from the past 18 years. It’s natural to get sentimental. But photos and keepsakes can also help families remember and honor past successes, as well as anticipate the future with hope and optimism. 

“Graduates are asking themselves a lot of questions during this season of their lives: ‘Will I make new friends? Will I be able to take care of myself? Will I succeed?’” says Cindy. “It’s important to assure them of our support and how we will continue to walk alongside them. It’s also important to be honest about what independence looks like, but nobody—child or adult—is meant to bear life alone.” 

A group of graduates are throwing their caps in the air.

The Brightmont Difference

Grief is real and can be really serious for high school graduates, especially for students with learning differences and all the challenges that come with them. Brightmont Academy , however, is well known for helping students grow in independence and look forward to the years ahead. 

Through its unique one-to-one private school model, Brightmont has prepared students like Erica  to move with greater ease into adulthood. After graduating from high school, Erica attended the University of Puget Sound to study History and German. Not only did Erica face the transition between high school and college with confidence. She also earned her degree with Summa Cum Laude honors!

“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,” says Erica. “I always felt I had a very real advantage from day one because of Brightmont!”

In other words, Brightmont offered Erica a holistic solution not only for the short term, but also to help her meet her future with great anticipation and the right tools. For graduates, change is hard and grief may come, but Brightmont students are equipped to go far!

A woman with short hair is smiling in a black and white photo.

Barbara Farland is an English & Social Studies instructor at Brightmont Academy in Plymouth, Minn. She holds a master’s degree in Business Communication from the University of St. Thomas and, prior to pursuing a second career in education, worked as an award-winning public relations and communications professional in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. As a “storyteller by nature and teacher at heart,” Barbara continues to contribute to various anthologies, among other writing projects.  

More Blog Posts + News


Tutor working with a student
By Barbara Farland April 2, 2025
When You Need a Tutor: Competence Is Key
March 25, 2025
Private School in Naperville Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Naperville, IL — Socialization is essential for student growth, fostering communication, empathy, and teamwork. Engaging with peers broadens perspectives, strengthens emotional intelligence, and builds real-world skills. Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school specializing in one-to-one instruction, values both academic success and social development. At the Naperville campus, students form meaningful connections while excelling academically. Brightmont Naperville understands that a strong sense of community enhances student success. “At Brightmont, building a strong school community and fostering meaningful relationships are at the heart of what we do,” said Lindsay Morales, Campus Director of Brightmont Naperville. “While our one-to-one model supports students academically and improves school engagement, we recognize the importance of socialization and peer connections.” To cultivate a sense of belonging, Brightmont Naperville offers a variety of social opportunities. “We offer weekly clubs, spirit weeks, holiday events, and family nights, as well as school challenges and collaborative activities during Homework Studio time,” Morales explained. “Lunchtime and the brief time between classes on campus are also lively and social periods where students naturally interact. These opportunities not only encourage friendships among same-age peers but also allow for meaningful interactions across age groups, with older students often stepping into mentorship roles. Our goal is to provide structured, supportive social environments where students can build relationships, develop confidence, and feel a sense of belonging.” Morales also encourages families to consider their child’s unique needs when evaluating social opportunities. “I encourage families to think about their priorities in the current moment. If Brightmont supports your child’s academic needs and addresses challenges like anxiety, is it essential for them to be exposed to large groups of peers? Would structured, optional social activities—where your child can engage comfortably—be more beneficial? It’s about finding the right balance to help your child thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.” 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, April 17th, 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 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
March 17, 2025
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
By Keith Jackson March 12, 2025
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.
March 10, 2025
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
By Barbara Farland March 5, 2025
Homeschooling: From Going It Alone to Getting the Support You Need
March 3, 2025
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
February 23, 2025
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
By Barbara Farland February 19, 2025
2E Students: Who They Are & What They Need
More Posts
Share by: