What's New At Brightmont Academy Birmingham Campus

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

October 15, 2025 - Brightmont Academy staff were joined by CEO Karen Buckner in a small celebration with the Birmingham Chapter Chamber of Commerce.  Our new and welcoming two story campus is a sign of our growth over recent years nationwide. Our culture is a big part of the success! 

Future Business Leaders of America

This school year Brightmont Academy has chartered the first Birmingham chapter of Future Business Leaders of America. Over 200,000 students nationwide participate in the program to build college and career ready skills. Students meet weekly and drive service projects, build community, mentor, and gain skills with professional development activities. Be on the lookout in our newsletter for our growing membership, and ways to support student success!

Animal Shelter Service Project

The Royal Oak Animal Shelter donation drive is in full swing at Brightmont Academy - Birmingham. The program is being run by our Future Business Leaders of America Club.   

Adoption blankets for dogs have been crafted by our students of all ages.  Students have participated in community outreach and raised hundreds of dollars in supplies for the animal shelter dogs and cats. The November 15, 2025 donation dropoff will also include cash raised by the club in a bake sale and raffle ticket guided by Ms. Fisher.  

Freerice UN Food Donation Program

This is our second year participating as a group in the free rice program UN program.  The idea came from one of our very own students!  Our group practices Math, English, and Social Studies skills throughout the school year.  For each correct answer in trivia games, grains of rice and bowls of vegetables are donated, by a corporate sponsor, to feed those in desperate need for food all over the world. 

So far, in the 2025-2026 school year, Brightmont Birmingham Students have donated over 190 meals, 19,000 grains of rice, to people in need by playing educational trivia games and building skills. The number donated grows everyday, and we post data updates weekly on our data wall in the student center. The students are doing a great job!  

Our Rewards Program and School Store

In our second school year with the The Brightmont Rewards Program at our Birmingham Campus we recognize positive behavior, academic effort, and community involvement. 

Students earn “Brightmont Bucks” to use in the school store, to make success feel more rewarding!  They also maintain their account ledgers and practice life skills in the process. 

Scholastic Art and Writing Participation

The prestigious nationwide program, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, starts at the regional level. We are proud of our Brightmont students that are preparing their submissions to receive the recognition they deserve. 

Students have the opportunity to compete at the national level, win scholarships, and creative study summer programs at College for Creative Studies.  Work will be displayed at the College of Creative Studies in Detroit January through March 2026.

The Art ceremony will take place at the Detroit Institute of Art on February 10, 2026.  Brightmont is proud to share that we had a talented Birmingham student honored at the 2025 ceremony which included having their work displayed.

National competitions will take place June 10, 2026 at Carnegie Hall!  

Looking ahead: Fitness Club and Future Business Leaders of America 5k Series Collaboration

Starting soon our Fitness Club and Future Business Leaders of America are collaborating and will be participating in a 5k series throughout the spring. The 5ks can be completed all at once or broken into shorter distances while walking or running. A portion of  proceeds for participation of the first three races go directly to standup2cancer.  Fitness Club Leaders are here to support and encourage throughout the year. 

The final race of the season is the Bob Ross Run for the Trees 5k. All proceeds benefit the Michigan DNR and include a tree being planted for each racer, on state land, to celebrate earth day  April 22, 2026. Students who register receive race bibs, medals, and tshirts for joining in on the fun! Fitness trackers and links to registration are available in the student center; friends and family are welcome to sign up and join in the fundraising activities.

Rachel Pollock is an English and Social Studies Instructor at Brightmont Academy, freelance writer, and Chapter Advisor for Future Business Leaders of America. She holds a master’s degree in Psychology from American Military University and graduated with honors for research in social-emotional learning (SEL) in K–12 schools. With over six years classroom experience working with gifted and twice-exceptional (2E) students, Rachel brings professional insight and personal insight as a parent of gifted teens. She has elevated student voice through recognition in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards reflecting her commitment to creativity, academic rigor, and authentic expression. She is dedicated to supporting learners, families, and educators in a rapidly changing world. 

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed clinical therapist and do not provide mental health counseling or therapy services. The information shared here is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as psychological diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. For personal mental health support, please consult a licensed mental health professional in your area.