Prenda
A platform that equips local adults, called guides, to run small K–8 microschools of about 5–10 students. Prenda supplies the learning software, curriculum structure, coaching and billing; families usually pay with state ESA or scholarship funds and often stay legally homeschoolers.
What is Prenda?
Prenda is a company that helps local adults run tiny schools. These adults, called guides, host 5 to 10 kids in grades K–8, often in a home or rented space. Prenda gives them the software, learning plan, coaching and billing tools. Guides are independent business owners, not Prenda employees.
For families, the appeal is a small, steady group with one caring adult, usually paid for with state ESA or scholarship money.
How it works
The Prenda day has four modes:
- Connect: group time to start the day and build relationships.
- Conquer: self-paced math and reading practice, guided by adaptive diagnostics.
- Collaborate: group projects and discussion.
- Create: hands-on projects and making things.
Kids also get live 24-hour math tutoring. The schedule is built for about 16 hours a week for K–2 (four 4-hour days) and 20 hours a week for grades 3–8 (four 5-hour days), though guides can adjust it.
Parents don't teach day to day, but they choose the guide and stay responsible for any state homeschool rules that apply.
What it covers
| Grades | Weekly hours | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| K–2 | About 16 | Early reading and math, play, projects |
| 3–8 | About 20 | Adaptive math and reading, writing, group projects |
Prenda doesn't offer high school.
Who it's best for
Prenda fits ESA families who want small-group learning close to home, and kids who do better with a consistent adult and a few peers. It's not a fit if you need an accredited school, special education services or a five-day schedule. For more on the model, read our guide to microschools.
Pricing at a glance
The Prenda platform fee is $2,199 a year for ESA or scholarship families or $219.90 a month for direct pay, plus the guide's own fee. Prenda's state pages give typical family totals of about $7,200 a year in Florida and $5,700–$6,200 in Utah.
Can a scholarship or ESA pay for it?
Usually, that's the point. Prenda is built around state ESA and scholarship programs and handles the invoicing. In Arizona, ESA families need no homeschool affidavit; in Florida, Step Up For Students scholarships apply; Utah families use the state scholarship. Some states are direct pay only. Each program decides what it covers. Save Prenda to your wishlist and apply once on Edulist to the programs in your state.
How it compares
- Acton Academy is a full-day, learner-driven private microschool with higher tuition.
- Primer runs teacher-led K–8 microschools with income-based tuition in Florida, Arizona, Alabama and Texas.
- Alpha School is a software-heavy private school with premium tuition.
- Time4Learning or Miacademy work if you'd rather homeschool on your own.
Browse more online schools and microschools.
Who Prenda is for (and who it isn’t)
Best for
- ESA families in Arizona, Florida, Utah and similar states
- K–8 kids who do better in a small group than a big classroom
- Homeschool families who want structure and peers a few days a week
- Teachers or parents who want to start their own microschool
Look elsewhere if
- Families who need an accredited school or official diploma track
- Children who need special education services (Prenda doesn't provide them)
- High school students; Prenda is K–8 only
- Families who want a five-day, full-day school schedule
Prenda pros and cons
Pros
- Very small groups with a consistent adult
- Often little to no out-of-pocket cost with ESA funds
- Structured day mixing self-paced skills and group projects
- Prenda handles billing and ESA invoicing
- Four-day weeks leave room for other activities
Cons
- Guides aren't required to be certified teachers
- Prenda does not approve or certify guides or locations
- Not accredited; students are usually legally homeschoolers
- Availability depends on whether a guide runs a microschool near you
- Total cost varies because each guide sets their own fee
What’s included
- Microschools of about 5–10 learners led by a local guide
- Four-mode day: connect, conquer, collaborate, create
- Adaptive math and reading diagnostics plus project work
- Live 24-hour math tutoring
- Enrollment, progress tracking and payment tools for guides
- Single-family option for homeschoolers
How much does Prenda cost?
Families pay two parts. Prenda's platform fee is $2,199 a year per student for families using state scholarship or ESA funds, or $219.90 a month for direct-pay families. In Arizona, ESA kindergarten is discounted to $1,499 a year. On top of that, each guide sets their own fee for running the microschool. Prenda collects the full amount, keeps its share and passes the rest to the guide.
| Plan | Price | Billed | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform fee, ESA/scholarship students | $2,199/yr | Yearly | $183.25/mo |
| Platform fee, Arizona ESA kindergarten | $1,499/yr | Yearly | $124.92/mo |
| Platform fee, direct pay | $219.90/mo | Monthly | $219.90/mo |
Prices from the provider, checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site.
Future opening updates
Applications are not open on Edulist. Saving a product does not subscribe you or establish eligibility. Visit your wishlist to opt in for updates.
View wishlistPrenda family reviews
Be the first to review
Loading…
Prenda FAQs
How much does Prenda cost?
Prenda's platform fee is $2,199 a year per student for ESA or scholarship families, or $219.90 a month for direct pay. Each guide adds their own fee. Prenda's state pages give typical totals of about $7,200 a year in Florida and $5,700–$6,200 in Utah before scholarships.
Is Prenda accredited?
Prenda does not publish an accreditation, and it isn't a school in the traditional sense. In most states its students are legally homeschoolers or ESA students, and families handle any state homeschool requirements.
Can I use Arizona ESA for Prenda?
Yes. Prenda's Arizona page says ESA families pay the $2,199 platform fee (or $1,499 for kindergarten) plus the guide's fee, invoiced quarterly as ESA funds are released. No homeschool affidavit is needed for ESA students.
Do Prenda guides need to be teachers?
No. Prenda says no teaching credential is required, though roughly half of guides are certified teachers. Prenda pays for background checks but does not certify guides or locations.
What grades does Prenda serve?
Kindergarten through 8th grade. The model is designed for 16 hours a week for K–2 and 20 hours a week for grades 3–8, usually over four days.
Which states is Prenda in?
Prenda lists state pages including Arizona, Florida, Utah, Colorado, Tennessee and New Jersey. Funding and legal setup differ by state, so check Prenda's state map and your state's homeschool rules.
Sources and last checked
Checked 2026-10-13 against these sources: