An academic solution for twice exceptional children from 5th-12th grade

What is twice exceptional (2e)?

The term “twice exceptional” or “2e” refers to gifted children who have one or more learning disabilities such as dyslexia, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorder. Twice-exceptional children think and process information differently.

Twice exceptional students are among the most underidentified and underserved in our school population and while they are among the most at-risk for failure, they are also the group with the most to gain. They are underidentified because schools do not have procedures in place to identify 2e students. They are underserved because twice exceptional students are not recognized as students who should receive appropriate educational accommodations or services. When twice exceptional students are appropriately identified and served, they thrive not only in school but in life beyond school as well.

At Brighthouse, we serve 2e students who are exceptionally gifted and have one or more of the following neurodiverse conditions:

ADHD

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.

Anxiety

Anxiety may present as fear or worry, but can also make children irritable and angry. Anxiety symptoms can also include trouble sleeping, as well as physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or stomachaches. Some anxious children keep their worries to themselves and, thus, the symptoms can be missed.

Asperger Syndrome

Asperger syndrome is a condition on the autism spectrum, with generally higher functioning. People with this condition may be socially awkward and have an all-absorbing interest in specific topics. Communication training and behavioral therapy can help people with the syndrome learn to socialize more successfully.

Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.

Chronic Migraine in Children

Migraine is not just a headache; it’s a disabling neurological disease that affects people of all ages. Although migraine in children is the same disease that affects adults, it can impact children in different ways.

Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is a math learning disability that impairs an individual's ability to learn number-related concepts, perform accurate math calculations, reason and problem solve, and perform other basic math skills. Dyscalculia is sometimes called “number dyslexia” or “math dyslexia.”

Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a neurological disorder characterized by writing disabilities. Specifically, the disorder causes a person's writing to be distorted or incorrect. In children, the disorder generally emerges when they are first introduced to writing.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words (decoding). Also called a reading disability, dyslexia is a result of individual differences in areas of the brain that process language.

Selective Mutism

Selective Mutism is a complex childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a child’s inability to speak and communicate effectively in select social settings, such as school. These children are able to speak and communicate in settings where they are comfortable, secure, and relaxed.

testimonials

Dan and Jennifer Spiak

Michele Tinker is a wonderful teacher in every way! She knows each student on a personal level and meets them where they are when it comes to learning. She recognizes that not every child learns in the same way and caters the learning environment to optimize the success of each of her students. When we first enrolled our son in Brighthouse Learning, he had already been in two schools. Neither of them was able to meet his unique educational needs as a person with Asperger’s/Autism Spectrum Disorder. Now, as an 8th grader he is getting the challenge that he needs in a warm, nurturing environment. He is so happy to go to school each day which is a huge celebration for our family! He is thriving in school and his love of learning is stronger than it has ever been! He has enjoyed getting to know his fellow students and has practiced interacting in a positive way, socializing and manners. This is an important life skill for a person with Asperger’s Syndrome. We are so grateful for Mrs. Tinker and look forward to many more years of success at Brighthouse Learning!

Parents, 2019

Troy Spencer

My son was struggling with school due to the distant learning and constant quarantining at his public school. We decided to look for alternative options, such as home school, but my son needs to be in school to learn. We found Brighthouse Learning Center and took a tour to find out how it operated. My son liked it but still wanted to go visit another option before making a decision. We toured another center and my son told me in the car afterwards, “I want to go to Brighthouse”. Well, I can tell you that I am very satisfied and my son it doing very well at Brighthouse Learning Center. The relaxing/calming learning environment and personalized attention given to my son has made a world of difference in his learning. Brighthouse Learning Center has given my son great self-esteem and confidence with his learning. He calls me every time he gets a good grade on a test. I would highly recommend Brighthouse Learning Center to anyone looking for a great place for their children to learn.

Parent, 2021

Dan and Jennifer Spiak

Brighthouse Learning has changed our son’s life for the better. This is his third year with Mrs. Tinker. She truly understands him, how he learns, his Autism/Asperger’s and how to bring out the best in him. She challenges him to work to his potential. She encourages him and accepts him just as he is, without trying to make him fit into a mold or trying to change him. Mrs. Simon has gone out of her way to get to know our son and to help him to understand and express his feelings. She helps to provide him with valuable social skills that he definitely needs to be successful in the world. Mr. Jonnie has made school fun for our son by taking him for bike rides and assisting with projects. He is patient and kind. Brighthouse Learning has given our son a safe and supportive environment for learning and will be our choice for the rest of his high school career. We are beyond grateful to have found this wonderful place.

Parents, 2021

Jason and Griselle Collins

Our son has been attending Brighthouse Learning Center with Mrs. Tinker for a short period of time and we have already seen a huge difference both academically and behaviorally. Mrs. Tinker and Mrs. Simon are not only highly qualified, but have applied their knowledge and expertise in such a way that your child will not only benefit from an educational standpoint, but will also thrive socially and emotionally as they navigate through basic life skills that are equally important in today’s world. Both Mrs. Tinker and Mrs. Simon are extremely passionate about the work they’re doing and we are thrilled to have found Brighthouse!

Parents, 2020

Ann Satterlee

Michele Tinker is a beautiful lady inside and out! She is kind, soft spoken, and very patient, yet means what she says. She makes learning fun using creative “hands on” projects to promote understanding the lesson better. She integrates the subjects to teach “real life” concepts. The children love her and blossom under her hand. While teaching 4th grade in California, she received the PTA “Teacher of the Year” award. Quite an honor! My granddaughter has been with Mrs. Tinker for two grade levels and we have seen such tremendous growth in academics and maturity. We are so blessed to have found Mrs. Tinker and Brighthouse Learning Center!

Parent, 2019

Melissa Markiewicz

My niece moved in with me in November of 2020 and has been attending Brighthouse school since January 2021 and the transformation I’ve seen in her has been truly remarkable! Prior to Brighthouse, my niece was in an alternative school, and was having lots of issues at home, and it was just not a healthy environment. For years, she was bullied and made fun for her stutter at school and developed a low self-esteem and seemed to be very immature for her age. In just a few months, she has grown in maturity, she is making straight A’s and is THRIVING, not just surviving! Thanks to Mrs. Tinker, Mrs. Simon, and Mr. Johnny, Hannah has a new outlook on life and her self-esteem is better than ever before! She feels loved and not forgotten! I am so happy I found this school. It’s been truly life changing for my niece.

Parent, 2021

Rand and Michael Rutledge

Brighthouse Learning Center has been a true blessing for my daughter. She has only been there a few months and already has made significant academic progress. The small group atmosphere, 1:1 attention, and leveled learning has increased her confidence in her learning abilities and the feeling of being an equal to her peers. The staff are committed to guiding each individual student to reach their full potential and optimal growth. They are truly invested in my daughter as a student and a person. Brighthouse has made a positive difference in my daughter’s life.

Parents, 2021