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The Future of Education and What It Might Look Like

Jamie Bachmann • February 5, 2025

The Future of Education and What It Might Look Like

In the past, the American Educational System was much easier to understand and navigate. Your choices were public schools or private/parochial schools, and those private schools could be either in your general vicinity, or outside of your area to the degree at which your students moved in and stayed there. This was the case for prep schools and military academies. In situations in which students had major infractions against their schools’ policies and had been removed from the traditional educational environment, “alternative” schools were available.


Today, depending on a family’s financial capabilities and the laws of the state in which they live, parents might be able to have their students bussed to successful area public schools, pay for area parochial schools for every conceivable religion, or move away to prep or military academies, just like in the past. Alternative schools still exist for those students who have been removed from the traditional environment for one reason or another. However, now, students might also score their way into a private academic school or “magnet school” that specializes in a particular academic subject, or they may pay to send their children to a charter school that is a privately owned company. Still another new option would be to send a student to a private online school. Brightmont Academy (https://www.brightmontacademy.com/) is one such example. With their one-to-one model, they are a standout.

Sadly, some of these newer educational options have had some… issues. According to a Washington Post article from August 6, 2020,


“...charter school failure rates between 1999 and 2017 found that more than one-quarter of the schools closed after operating for five years, and about half closed after 15 years, displacing a total of more than 867,000 students.”

(https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2020/08/06/new-report-finds-high-closure-rates-charter-schools-over-time/)


In the recent past, along with numerous hands-on industrial arts courses, “night school” programs have been completely cut from district budgets throughout the country. These students are high school upper-classmen who may be semi-professional or olympic level athletes in training, professional performers, or students challenged with any variety of learning and/or emotional diagnoses. They could also have an important day job that brings them necessary income, which outweighs their desire to succumb to the tight structures and time constraints of the typical school day.



In this Post-COVID world of today, we now know that some students benefited from the lack of school extras like assemblies, pep rallies, and activities that do not pertain to them, as well as from the smaller environment provided by the online school experience. Additionally, parental concerns about educational biases have led many to pull their children from public schools and create their own home-school environments.

When pro-traditional schooling parents express concerns for non-traditionally schooled children’s socialization, they fail to remember the number of private and park district sports clubs and leagues, as well as trainers, and gyms available to them. There also exist myriad art and academic interest clubs and classes available to community members.


With all of these changes and options available, coupled with the programs, courses, and clubs that have been cut from school budgets, the educator in myself tends to want to look through my own crystal ball to hypothesize as to what the future holds for education. And I’m not talking about just five or ten years in the future, but in a distant enough future in which the entire education system would have changed. For this, I turn to the online, one-to-one model of education.


In my vision, I could potentially see smaller educational communities sprouting up in neighborhoods in much the same way that churches have done. They could deliver a neutral, unbiased, general curriculum under the tutelage of certified, trained teachers that would allow students to move at their own pace and in their own choice of times. These schools could operate on much closer to a 24-hour availability and provide everything from 1st grade through Senior year courses to the courses that are currently covered by community colleges, and they could even train people for things like citizenship, childcare, and essential life skills and job training. Elderly-specific education could also be a possibility.


For school-age students, this concept could allow for more free time and a more flexible schedule. Gone might be some of the early morning fights to wake up growing young people to force them to get to school before they are marked tardy. In an article published by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) titled simply “Schools Start Too Early,” it opens by stating

“Not getting enough sleep is common among high school students and is associated with several health risks including being overweight, drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco, and using drugs, as well as poor academic performance.”

(https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/features/schools-start-too-early.html)


For adult students, the flexibility could allow those with jobs the ability to advance themselves either in their careers, or into other careers, at the pace and at the times that make most sense for them and their schedules. Additionally, retirees and adults on disability leave could pursue their educational interests in their own neighborhoods.


And these ideas are not so far-fetched. As I said, I believe the online one-to-one format for education, like that exemplified by Brightmont Academy, is already sort of handling these roles. With a little vision and expansion of their curricula, my crystal ball vision may be a lot closer than we may think. 

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.
By Barbara Farland February 19, 2025
2E Students: Who They Are & What They Need
teacher helps young student on ipad
February 17, 2025
Private School in Birmingham 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
high school aged boy and teacher looking at a notebook while standing
February 5, 2025
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
student looking at a book, adult looking up at child
February 2, 2025
Private School Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students National — Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school specializing in one-to-one instruction, continues to build its reputation for providing personalized education and exceptional support for students and families. With a mission to help students reach their full academic potential and prepare for college and career, Brightmont is proud to have already helped more than 4,000 students succeed. Brightmont remains dedicated to offering customized education that caters to each student’s unique learning needs. Many families initially seek to make their original school work, but years later, they return to Brightmont after realizing the difference it could have made earlier. “We often have families who came to us two or three years after their initial tour. One of the first things they say is, ‘I wish I had done this a few years ago.’ They knew something was off, but they wanted to give their school another try,” says Karen Buckner, CEO of Brightmont. Brightmont’s one-to-one instructional model has received widespread acclaim for its engaging, interactive approach. “I think people would be really surprised at what they see when they visit one of our campuses,” says Buckner. “They often envision a cold, impersonal environment when they hear ‘one-to-one,’ but what they find is a vibrant, interactive space where students are engaging with their teachers and peers. It’s not just about sitting at a computer—it’s about learning, socializing, and growing in a supportive environment.” On the third Thursday of each month, Brightmont hosts an Open House, providing a scheduled opportunity for families to meet with campus directors, tour the school, and ask questions about Brightmont’s one-to-one approach to learning. “The third Thursday of every month is a scheduled opportunity where the campus director, who is the leader of that school, has kind of cleared their calendar to make themselves available to meet with families who are interested in learning more about Brightmont and how we can support their child’s academic journey,” explained Buckner. For those who need assistance outside of these events, Brightmont is always available to provide support. “If you are in need of Brightmont services before then, we always will make time to make that happen,” adds Buckner. Brightmont Academy is located in eight states and is currently accepting enrollments. Brightmont Academy is hosting a nationwide Open House on Thursday, February 20th. 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
January 25, 2025
Private School in Atlanta and Alpharetta Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA — Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school specializing in one-to-one instruction, is celebrating the remarkable growth of its Georgia campuses. With the established success of the Alpharetta Campus and the recent opening of the Atlanta Campus, Brightmont continues to solidify its reputation as a trusted resource for families and professionals seeking individualized learning solutions. The new Atlanta Campus recently hosted its Grand Opening & Open House, drawing an enthusiastic crowd. “The Grand Opening & Open House event was a tremendous success!” said Aisha Walker, Vice President of School Development. “Families and local professionals had the opportunity to tour our beautiful new Atlanta Campus and meet Campus Director Robyn Brunson, CEO Karen Buckner, and myself. Parents were particularly excited about our personalized, one-to-one approach to learning. Additionally, local professionals—including psychologists, neurologists, educational consultants, and mental health providers—were thrilled to welcome our new campus as a resource for their clients seeking alternative and individualized learning solutions.” Brightmont’s one-to-one instructional model, coupled with rolling admissions and flexible scheduling, has quickly made its Georgia campuses stand out as inclusive, accessible options for students of all learning needs. “We have been delighted to see a strong response from families since opening our doors a couple of months ago,” said Walker. “With rolling admissions and flexible scheduling being two of our standout options, we have already begun enrolling new students. These unique offerings make our program accessible and adaptable to a wide range of student needs, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to thrive.” The success of the Atlanta Campus is supported by the leadership of Robyn Brunson, whose dedication to personalized education has been instrumental. “Robyn Brunson brings an unwavering passion for differentiated learning and a deep commitment to helping families discover the best solutions for their children’s academic journeys,” said Walker. “Her drive to connect with the community ensures that families and local professionals alike have access to the transformative education Brightmont provides.” Brightmont Academy is located at 1161 Concord Rd SE Suite 100 in Atlanta and 1230 Upper Hembree Road, Suite 101 in Alpharetta, 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
January 19, 2025
Private School Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students National — Brightmont Academy recently completed its accreditation review with Cognia, a globally respected organization that evaluates schools on rigorous standards on academic excellence and student engagement. The review highlighted Brightmont’s exceptional performance, with scores significantly exceeding national averages. Brightmont achieved perfect scores of 4.0 across multiple key metrics, compared to a national average of 3.0 to 3.1. “We just came up on our annual review, and I could not be more proud of our organization and how well we scored,” said Karen Buckner, CEO of Brightmont Academy. “A third-party organization, reviewing thousands of schools across the country, and saying, ‘Yes, Brightmont, you are educating students the way we would want a school to do it’—is very validating.” Cognia’s accreditation process evaluates schools worldwide on factors such as student engagement, academic outcomes, and instructional quality. This ensures families can trust the quality of education provided and the credits earned at Brightmont. “When parents ask if we’re accredited, they typically expect a ‘yes or no’ answer,” Buckner explained. “What I think most parents mean by that is, ‘If my student earns a credit here, will that credit mean anything to another school?’ The answer is yes, but it’s important to know that accreditation goes deeper than that. You can be accredited but still have lots of areas to improve on. One of the factors that sets Brightmont apart is that we scored significantly higher than the national average in key metrics that matter to parents.” Brightmont’s unique one-to-one instructional model allows for a personalized education that prepares students for long-term success. The school’s commitment to high standards and adaptability ensures that students thrive while families gain peace of mind knowing their child’s education is prioritized. “Our mission is to prepare students for whatever the next chapter brings,” Buckner said. “Should a 10th-grade Brightmont student choose to transfer to a large public school to play the trumpet in a school band, they should be able to do that. We ensure that what students learn at Brightmont is aligned with state standards and prepares them for whatever comes next. Parents appreciate that Brightmont is not just accredited but that their child is learning something meaningful and earning grades that reflect real achievement.” Brightmont’s remarkable accreditation scores underscore its dedication to preparing students for success in every stage of life. Brightmont Academy has 20 locations across 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
January 15, 2025
Private School in Miami and Boca Raton Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Miami and Boca Raton, FL — Tens of thousands of students in the Southeast face major disruptions due to hurricanes, with severe storms causing damage to homes, campuses, and infrastructure. Public schools often experience prolonged closures after these events, but Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school, ensures that students stay on track with its one-to-one instructional model and flexible learning options. Brightmont’s personalized learning model enables students and families to navigate Florida’s unpredictable weather with ease. “At Brightmont, we’re fully prepared to adapt to Florida’s unpredictable weather,” says Monica Torres, Campus Director of the Miami location. “Our one-to-one model enables us to move seamlessly between in-person and online instruction. If online classes aren’t an option due to power outages, or if a specific student isn’t suited to virtual learning, we can pause classes. Once it’s safe to return to campus, students pick up right where they left off, ensuring no loss in progress.” Brightmont’s ability to tailor learning plans guarantees students don’t fall behind during weather-related closures. “Public schools often follow a fixed schedule, so when closures happen, students miss class time and may need to rush or skip content,” Torres explained. “Brightmont offers flexibility. Our students can switch to online instruction or pause learning, depending on what’s best for them. This ensures no learning is sacrificed, and families can focus on safety, knowing their child’s education won’t be disrupted.” Brightmont Academy is located at 6101 SW 76th Street in Miami and 19102 S State Road 7 in Boca Raton and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, January 16th, 2025, between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM at the Miami location and between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM at the Boca Raton location. 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 January 15, 2025
It’s clear that students benefit immensely from a one-to-one teaching model. Students receive undivided attention, experience less distraction, and enjoy an approach that meets their precise needs. But how do teachers feel about it? Do they benefit from it, too? At Brightmont Academy , the resounding reply is “yes!” — and for many reasons. For the most part, those reasons can be summed up in three key words: customization, efficiency, and connection. Customization Many people envision education as a teacher at a blackboard explaining a concept to a classroom full of students—relying on one approach and one technique to serve the masses. But that scenario is quite different at Brightmont.  “You can adjust your teaching to how the student learns,” says Kate Doan, a Science and Math teacher at Brightmont in Mendota Heights, Minn. In other words, it’s always student first, concept second, in devising a teaching method. “For example, today I was covering how to solve a problem in math with one of my students,” adds Kate. “I was able to ask about her preferred method to work through a math problem, then I showed her how to do it in her preferred way.”
January 5, 2025
Private School in Birmingham Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Birmingham, MI — According to a national survey, public school leaders estimate that 44% of students are behind grade level in at least one subject. Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school renowned for its one-to-one instruction and flexible approach to learning, addresses this challenge through its Skill Building programs—customized sessions designed to close academic gaps and build student confidence. Skill Building programs are a cornerstone of Brightmont’s mission to provide customized education that meets students where they are. “Skill Building programs are customized programs that help students focus directly on gaps in their learning,” says Annette Looser, Campus Director of Brightmont’s Birmingham location. “Students take an assessment at Brightmont, and our curriculum team does a deep dive into the results to determine the best use of their time in a 1:1 environment—either to catch up to grade level or to move ahead.” Brightmont’s one-to-one instructional model ensures every student receives individualized attention and a program tailored to their unique learning needs. The duration of the program is flexible, depending on the student’s goals. “Students attend for a specific number of sessions to close the biggest gaps in their learning or to advance in their learning. Some students attend for 20 sessions, some attend for 40, some attend all year for 120 sessions,” Looser explained. In addition to academic progress, Skill Building programs emphasize building confidence in areas where students may struggle. “The best thing about Skill Building is that the programs always build student confidence in areas where they may not have felt the best in school—areas like math, writing, grammar, and reading,” Looser shared. “Many students who were way behind grade level have worked on their skills all year and have caught up to their peers. Some students attend in the summer months to prevent the summer slide, and they return to their school environment ahead of grade level, making the school year much more comfortable in math and reading.” Contact Annette Looser to schedule a pre-assessment and see what program might be right for your student. 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, January 16th, 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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