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Prenda

Last updated: January 7, 2026

Website: prenda.com
Headquarters: Mesa, Arizona
Founded: ~2013/2015 by Kelly Smith
Funding: $20M Series B led by 776 (Alexis Ohanian's firm) in 2022

What Is Prenda?​

Prenda is an education technology platform (and support system) that enables individuals to create and run microschools—small learning groups of 5-10 students (K-8). The adult running the microschool is called a "Guide."

Think of it as a "business-in-a-box" for education. Prenda provides:

  • Curriculum and learning tools
  • Software platform (Prenda World)
  • Training for Guides
  • Liability insurance
  • Administrative backend (invoicing, enrollment, etc.)

The Guide provides:

  • A physical space (home, church, community center)
  • Daily facilitation and mentorship
  • Relationship with families

Texas TEFA Eligibility​

Texas legislation requires schools to be in operation for at least two years to qualify for the TEFA scholarship program. However, December 2025 rules clarified that microschools working with entities like Prenda that have 2+ years of operation meet this requirement.

✅ CONFIRMED: Prenda Approved for TEFA (January 2026)​

Prenda microschools are officially approved for TEFA funding. On January 7, 2026, Odyssey (the TEFA program administrator) confirmed that Prenda's approach is approved, meaning Prenda microschools automatically satisfy:

  • ✅ Accreditation requirement - Prenda's structure meets Texas accreditation standards
  • ✅ Two-year operation requirement - Prenda's 7+ years of operation qualifies all new microschools under the umbrella provision

This means any new Prenda microschool in Texas can accept TEFA funds from day one. No waiting period.

Texas Launch Plans​

Prenda is marketing statewide in January 2026 with the goal of launching approximately 50 microschools in Texas by Fall 2026.

[Source: Direct communication from Prenda, January 7, 2026]

Practical Timeline​

  • Now: Guides can begin setup in prendaworld.com and add students
  • January 2026: Prenda marketing statewide, connecting with churches and potential Guides
  • February 4, 2026: TEFA applications open for families
  • March 17, 2026: TEFA application window closes
  • Fall 2026: First semester for new Texas Prenda microschools accepting TEFA funds

Scholarship Amount​

Private school students (like those enrolled in a Prenda microschool) will receive 85% of the statewide funding per student, estimated at approximately $10,474 per student (updated from earlier $10,000 estimates).

Students with disabilities who have an individualized education plan (IEP) on file with their school district may receive more in funding, depending on their IEP, up to $30,000 per year.

Home-schooled students will receive up to $2,000 per year.

Prenda handles all invoicing directly with scholarship funds—Guides don't collect payments themselves. TEFA funds arrive in three disbursements (July 25%, October 50%, April 25%), and Prenda aims to pay Guides promptly after each disbursement. (Source: Direct communication from Prenda, January 2026)

TEFA Program Manager​

The TEFA program is overseen by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Scholarship funds are managed by Odyssey, which serves as the program manager. Prenda works with the Comptroller and Odyssey to provide the Prenda experience to students in Texas.

[Sources: Prenda Texas TEFA Details PDF, Prenda Texas State Page, Prenda informational call, December 2025]

The Learning Model​

Prenda's learning model has four modes, typically completed daily:

1. Connect Mode (15-20 min)​

Social-emotional learning focused on four components (spelling "CAMP"):

  • Community
  • Autonomy
  • Mindset
  • Purpose

Activities include discussions, videos, quotes, stories, games, and journal prompts.

2. Conquer Mode (75-120 min)​

Core academics (Math, Reading, Language Arts) done individually using adaptive digital tools. Students work at their own pace—a 2nd grader and 8th grader can sit at the same table working on different levels.

Available curriculum includes:

  • i-Ready diagnostics and instruction
  • Mathseeds, Zearn Math, CTC Math
  • Khan Academy, Khanmigo AI tutor
  • Lexia Core5, Power Up
  • NoRedInk Grammar, CommonLit
  • Treasure Hunt Reading
  • Cursive and manuscript practice
  • Writer's Guild, Writer's Clubhouse, Writer's League

Printed workbooks included when applicable.

3. Collaborate Mode​

Group-based science and social studies through:

  • Research presentations
  • Experiments
  • Socratic discussions
  • Debates
  • Problem solving

Resources include:

  • BrainPop, Britannica Kids
  • Kids Discover, World Book Online
  • Core Knowledge, Mystery Science
  • Generation Genius
  • Squid books, Brilliant.org, 3 Act Math

Older students (3rd-8th) lead activities. Younger students (K-2) have more Guide involvement.

4. Create Mode​

Project-based learning focused on:

  • Solving meaningful problems
  • Creating something meaningful
  • Developing talents
  • Design thinking (ideate → design → research → create → iterate)

Philosophy: "Empowering Learners"​

Prenda's stated mission is to "empower learners." Three core priorities:

Connection​

Modern neuroscience shows the brain cannot problem-solve, learn, or focus when the stress response is activated. Safe, supportive relationships allow the prefrontal cortex to stay engaged for learning.

Personalization​

  • Mastery-based learning: No group timeline. Students work at their own pace. "It's never too late to learn anything."
  • Inquiry-based learning: Student curiosity drives exploration. No fixed topic bank.

Ownership​

Students make meaningful decisions about their learning. Research shows that lacking control over one's life increases anxiety. Even young children (kindergarteners) are invited to set goals and adjust their learning.

Core Values​

  1. Start with heart - See each person as a whole human deserving respect
  2. Dare greatly - Make big goals, strive for excellence even when scary
  3. Figure it out - Use resources creatively, don't rely passively on others
  4. Foundation of trust - Build relationships, assume the best in others
  5. Learning over comfort - Admit what you don't know; growth requires discomfort

Roles in a Prenda Microschool​

The Learner​

  • Attempt, struggle, persist
  • Manage learning independently
  • Make ambitious goals without needing to be bribed
  • Take responsibility for time, self-care, and curiosity

The Parent/Guardian​

  • Create home environment where effort and curiosity are celebrated
  • Model learning, reading, discussing big ideas
  • Be vulnerable about not knowing things
  • Communicate frequently with Guide

The Guide​

Not traditional teaching. From Prenda:

"These are true guides. So the child, each child is on that customized learning path, so they're doing their work. The guide just kind of goes around."

"That's why they're able to do, like, 10 kids on different levels. Because the system and the software we provide is like a turnkey system."

Key responsibilities:

  • Inspire, coach, nurture (not lecture, assign, grade)
  • Ally to the student's future self
  • Monitor progress, help students stay motivated
  • Support learning, ask questions, point to resources
  • Not expected to provide one-on-one instruction—technology handles that
  • No lesson planning required—system handles core instruction

Minimum requirements: Caring adult passionate about education. Cannot homeschool only own children (must include non-custodial students).

The Prenda Team​

  • Educators, designers, software engineers, support staff
  • Academic support specialists available to Guides
  • 24/7 live math tutoring for students

Church-Based Microschools​

Prenda sees church-based microschools as a major emerging opportunity, particularly in Texas.

The Florida Model​

Churches in Florida have extensively adopted microschools through their youth programs. A similar scholarship program exists there, providing proof of concept for the Texas opportunity.

Why Churches?​

Churches solve three key problems for microschool viability:

  1. Location: Free facility usage (no rent)
  2. Values: Built-in trust with congregation, natural alignment on faith formation
  3. Funding: TEFA scholarships now solve the financial barrier

Two Models​

  1. Church-run: Pastor or church staff member serves as Guide, microschool becomes church ministry and income stream
  2. Church-hosted: Non-church member approaches church to rent space, pays commission to church

Prenda's Texas Focus​

From a December 2025 call with Prenda sales team:

"As soon as Texas opened, the first thing we said was, wow, these churches have a huge opportunity here."

"Texas is very strong. It's going to be a really great opportunity for pastors or businesses to work through church buildings."

Prenda is experiencing a surge in Texas inquiries. The team is planning extensive Texas travel in February 2025 to meet clients, many of whom own churches.

[Source: Prenda sales call, December 2025]

Faith Integration​

Prenda is not an explicitly religious platform. It is values-neutral by design.

However, Guides have full autonomy to incorporate faith elements:

  • Bible study during Connect Mode (morning community time)
  • Faith-based discussions during Collaborate Mode
  • Prayer as part of daily rhythm
  • Values setting aligned with Christian worldview

"You as the guide really get to set what you want for that."

Guides can also offer additional programming (coding, Bible study, etc.) and charge separate fees for after-school activities.

[Source: Prenda informational call, December 2025]

Charter School Partnerships​

In some states, a charter school can operate as a network of Prenda pods. The charter school is the "school of record" and Prenda is treated as a service provider.

How It Works​

  • Charter enrolls students and receives state per-pupil funding
  • Prenda runs the microschool experience in pods of 5-10 learners
  • Students are legally charter students, but attend Prenda-powered microschools in homes or community spaces
  • Charter handles compliance, accountability, and reporting

Arizona Example​

In Arizona, Prenda has formal agreements with charter operators like EdKey. Public funds (charter dollars, ESAs, etc.) can be used by the school to pay Prenda's per-student platform fee.

Key Constraint​

You cannot declare a standalone Prenda cluster to be a charter school. You must first have or partner with an authorized charter that serves as the official school and contracts with Prenda.

[Sources: AZ Central, TechCrunch, Prenda Press]

Scaling Beyond One Guide​

Prenda's platform is designed around a 1 Guide : ~10 Students ratio, but there are several ways to scale larger.

1. Multiple Microschools in One Location (Most Common)​

Operate a larger "school" by running multiple Prenda microschools under one roof.

  • Structure: 20-30 students with 2-3 Guides in the same building (church, community center, etc.)
  • Platform: Each Guide is responsible for their own roster of 5-10 students
  • Collaboration: Guides often collaborate, rotate subjects, or host joint activities
  • Examples: Micah Studios (Newport, NH) and Haven Learning operate with multiple Guides

2. Guide + Assistant Guide​

For a single pod (5-10 students) with extra support:

  • One person is the designated Guide (signs contract, receives payments, manages platform)
  • Second person is an official "Assistant"
  • Every adult present during school hours must pass a Prenda background check
  • Primary Guide pays the Assistant privately from their own earnings

3. Rotating Homes/Guides​

Co-op style where students meet at different locations on different days:

  • Example: Wildcat Microschool (NH) rotated between two Guides' houses during the week

Platform Constraints​

  • Prenda World is built for one primary Guide per roster
  • Does not support two co-Guides with equal admin access to the same 10 students
  • If creating a multi-Guide setup, you are effectively creating a small private school that uses Prenda's curriculum and software

[Sources: Prenda Become a Guide, Josiah Bartlett Center, Valley News]

Business Model​

For Guides​

  • No fee to use Prenda: Platform charges per-student fee, Guides set their own tuition on top
  • Platform fee: $2,199 per student/year for state scholarship students or $219.90/month for direct pay students
  • Guide fee: Set by the Guide on top of platform fee
  • Prenda handles all invoicing and payment processing
  • Billing schedule: For TEFA students, Prenda invoices aligned with state disbursements (July 25%, October 50%, April 25%); monthly for direct pay students
  • Guides are paid promptly after TEFA disbursements arrive (for state scholarship) or monthly (for direct pay)
  • No contract: Guides can leave anytime and operate independently

For Families​

  • In states with school choice (like Texas with TEFA), families may use ESA funds
  • In other states, direct-pay tuition model
  • Families receive invoices from Prenda, pay Prenda directly

What Families Get​

  • Unlimited access to K-8 learning system
  • 16-20 hour school week, 10-month school year
  • Small class size, individual attention
  • Built-in friends and a Guide who supports them
  • National student community activities
  • Discounts on additional education resources

Progress Tracking (No Letter Grades)​

Prenda does not use letter grades. Their research suggests grades lead to "bare minimum thinking" and fixed mindset.

Instead:

Weekly Reflection​

Students reflect on their experiences. Results shared with parents, Guides, and students.

Progress Mountain​

Visual goal tracking:

  • Blue: Above expectation
  • Green: On track
  • Yellow: 5-10% behind
  • Red: More than 10% behind

Empowerment Report Card​

Holistic view including:

  • Conquer goals progress
  • Empowerment metrics (from weekly reflections)
  • Guide comments on growth
  • Portfolio of work
  • Interests emerging through inquiry

Diagnostic Testing​

Adaptive benchmark testing in math and reading:

  • Beginning of year
  • End of first semester
  • End of year

Fulfills parental accountability requirements in some states.

Additional Features​

Virtual Expeditions​

Live weekly webinars introducing students to topics like:

  • Hands-on baking, coding challenges
  • Musical/cultural explorations
  • Author visits, writing challenges
  • Tours and other experiences

Community Quests​

National challenges encouraging students to try new things and show work to authentic audiences:

  • Poem contests
  • Math challenges
  • Game design quests
  • Writing quests

Math Tutoring​

24/7 live math tutoring accessible with one click in Prenda World. Students connect with a tutor in about one minute.

Logistics to Know​

Safety​

  • All adults routinely present are background checked
  • Parents should communicate about pets, pools, safety concerns
  • Allergies, medications, medical conditions must be documented

Practical Matters​

  • Guides do not have a principal's office, cafeteria, or nurse
  • Be prompt at drop-off and pickup
  • Guides not compensated for before/after care (unless arranged privately)
  • No free lunch—send food and water
  • School cancellations may happen on short notice (no sub hotline)
  • Maintain up-to-date emergency contacts

Behavior​

  • Guides establish community agreements (often co-created with students)
  • Parents should work with Guides when behavior is off track
  • If behaviors can't be resolved, students may be dismissed (can join different microschool or continue at home with parent as Guide)

Initial Impressions​

From the maintainer of this playbook (December 2025):

After a 45-minute exploratory call with Prenda microschool specialists Katelyn Gibson and Brittany Munk, plus reviewing their resources:

What I Like​

  • Feels soulful. Not overly hyped. The team has been doing this for seven years with genuine passion.
  • Feels trustworthy. "We are all on the same team. We are not anti any type of group. Whatever is best for the kid."
  • Church opportunity is validated. Brittany previously worked in Texas helping churches find income streams. She said: "I believe strongly this is going to be a big path for these churches and their youth programs."
  • Turnkey system. Guides don't need to be trained teachers. Software grades work, advances students, provides AI tutoring assistance.
  • No lock-in. No contract—Guides can leave anytime.
  • Texas momentum. "It's crazy how we've gotten so many. I think majority of the contacts that I have right now are from Texas."

Current Assessment​

Looking like my default recommendation for churches wanting an affordable, turnkey microschool platform. The platform handles the hard parts (curriculum, invoicing, compliance, insurance) while leaving Guides free to focus on relationships and faith formation.

Open Questions​

  • How does the experience compare to other platforms (Alpha Schools, etc.)?
  • What do existing Christian Guides say about integrating faith?
  • How smooth is the TEFA reimbursement process once vendor approval is finalized?

Next Steps​

  • Meeting with Prenda team more
  • Connecting with Christian Guides operating at churches for case studies
  • Potential content collaboration (blog posts, podcasts about church-based microschools)

Sources​

Primary Sources​

Secondary Sources​

Last updated: January 7, 2026