AOL (AOS/AET) Preparation
The Academy of Loudoun (AOL) offers STEM based programs for high school students enrolled in Loudoun County Public Schools. Applications to join the Academy of Loudoun begin in student’s final year of middle school. Applicants are judged based on STEM test scores, a writing section, and grades. The Academies have a large amount of scientific instrumentation that would not be available at most high schools.
BrightNup academy helps students to be fully AOL admission ready (for both AOS and AET) with highly effective course structure that focuses on math/STEM problem solving, logic and analytical, reading and essay writing skills. The program is broken into multiple stages:
Phase I – AOL preparation for 7th graders:
It is difficult for students with weak critical reading and analytical reasoning skills to do well in AOL exam because such students get easily confused and are unable to properly analyze and interpret the problem-solving essay question. It is critical to quickly analyze and properly interpret the question to correctly address the problem. Hence students are encouraged to start with English (reading and essay writing) and math problem solving sessions. For students who are already enrolled in algebra 1 in their 7th grade can enroll into English (reading and essay writing) and algebra 1 honors at BrightNup. Both Algebra 1 and math problem solving class are another option. The session typically runs from September through May (9 months).
Phase II – AOL preparation for rising 8th graders:
Students enroll into the summer program (2 and half months) where essay writing and STEM problem solving are taught. Achieving a good score in AOL exam is extremely difficult for anyone who is not proficient in STEM and logic-based problems. Hence the focus is on STEM and logic-based problems and all aspects of essay writing are taught in the summer program. Students attend 2-3 classes every week during this phase of the training.
Phase III – AOL preparation for 8th graders:
In the third phase (September through the actual test day), focus is given on STEM problem solving skills and more AOL specific essay writing prompts. Six to seven full length mock tests are administered in this phase of the training. Students attend 2-3 classes every week during this phase of the training. This phase continues until the actual AOL admission tests in early November.
BrightNup Academy ensures that each class is limited to 10-12 students only. The small class helps students collaborate and communicate effectively with other fellow students in the class and the teacher. Students can enroll in all or individual phases. However, attending all phases is desired as it produces more success in the AOL exam.
Both online and in-person classes are offered.
TJ Preparation
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (often called “TJ”) is a Governor’s School in Virginia that focuses and excels in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). TJ offers many opportunities for students to delve into these four fields and works to help students excel in both academics and life skills. Believe it or not, TJ is a place with lots of freedoms and activities that not all high schools have, and if you enjoy learning, then TJ is a fun place to be.
BrightNup academy helps students to be fully TJ admission ready with highly effective course structure that focuses on math problem solving, reading and essay writing skills. The program is broken into multiple stages:
Phase I – TJ preparation for 7th graders:
It is difficult for students with weak critical reading and analytical reasoning skills to do well in TJ exam because such students get easily confused and are unable to properly analyze and interpret the problem-solving essay question. It is critical to quickly analyze and properly interpret the question to correctly address the problem. Hence students are encouraged to start with English (reading and essay writing) and math problem solving sessions. For students who are already enrolled in algebra 1 in their 7th grade can enroll into English (reading and essay writing) and algebra 1 honors at BrightNup. Both Algebra 1 and math problem solving class are another option. The session typically runs from September through May (9 months).
Phase II – TJ preparation for rising 8th graders:
Students enroll into the summer program (2 and half months) where essay writing and math problem solving are taught. Achieving a good score in TJ exam is extremely difficult for anyone who is not proficient in solving multi-step word problems. Hence the focus is on math problem solving and all aspects of essay writing are taught in the summer program.
Phase III – TJ preparation for 8th graders:
In the third phase, focus is on Problem Solving Essays (PSE) and Student Portrait Sheet (SPS). All aspects of the Portrait of a Graduate attributes and 21st Century Skills are mastered in this phase of the training. Students attend the classes to practice many Problem-Solving Essays and get effective guidance. Five full length mock tests are administered in this phase of the training. This phase continues until the actual TJ admission tests in the end of January or early February.
BrightNup Academy ensures that each class is limited to 10-12 students only. The small class helps students collaborate and communicate effectively with other fellow students in the class and the teacher. Students can enroll in all or individual phases. However, attending all phases is desired as it produces more success in the TJ exam.
Both online and in-person classes are offered.
