Primer
A network of small, teacher-led K–8 private microschools in Florida, Arizona, Alabama and Texas. Primer focuses on reading, writing and math mastery in mixed-grade classes and uses state scholarships so most families pay between $0 and a few thousand dollars a year.
What is Primer?
Primer is a network of small private schools for kindergarten through 8th grade. It started in Miami and, as of October 2026, lists about ten Florida locations plus schools in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Alabama, with three San Antonio, Texas campuses opening in August 2026.
Primer calls its classrooms a modern one-room schoolhouse. Kids learn in small, mixed-grade groups with a teacher who knows them well. The school sums up its focus as alphabet, arithmetic and agency.
How it works
Children attend a local Primer campus in person. Teachers lead instruction, with a strong emphasis on mastering reading, writing and math before moving on. Classes mix grades in three bands, so younger kids learn from older ones and older kids practice explaining.
Students also take on Pursuits, self-directed projects built around their interests. Primer says it uses technology selectively, as tools that support learning and build healthy digital habits.
Parents don't teach. Their main jobs are choosing the school, handling scholarship paperwork and supporting learning at home.
What it covers
| Grade band | Focus |
|---|---|
| K–2 | Foundational reading, writing and arithmetic |
| 3–5 | Fluency, written expression, multi-step math |
| 6–8 | Deeper math and writing, more independent Pursuits |
Who it's best for
Primer fits scholarship-eligible families near a campus who want a teacher-led, small-school experience for K–8. It's not the right choice for high schoolers, families outside its states, or homeschoolers who want curriculum to use at home. Learn more in our guide to microschools.
Pricing at a glance
Most families pay between $0 and a few thousand dollars a year after scholarships. In Florida and Arizona, out-of-pocket tuition runs from $0 to $6,752 depending on household income; Alabama is a flat $500; Texas is $0 to $10,710. Applying is free, enrollment is $20, and paying upfront saves 15%.
Can a scholarship or ESA pay for it?
Yes, that's how Primer is designed. It accepts Florida's Step Up For Students FES and FTC scholarships, Arizona's ESA, Texas TEFA and Alabama's scholarship program. Each program sets its own eligibility. You can save Primer to your wishlist and apply once on Edulist to the scholarships in your state.
How it compares
- Acton Academy is learner-driven, with guides instead of teachers and higher sticker tuition.
- Prenda supports even smaller K–8 microschools run by independent guides, usually as homeschool groups.
- Alpha School is a software-heavy private model with premium tuition.
- Florida Virtual School is a free public online option for Florida families.
Browse more online schools and microschools.
Who Primer is for (and who it isn’t)
Best for
- Florida, Arizona, Alabama and Texas families eligible for state scholarships
- Parents who want a teacher-led classroom, not a self-directed model
- K–8 kids who need a strong reading, writing and math foundation
- Families priced out of traditional private schools
Look elsewhere if
- Families outside Primer's campus areas
- High school students
- Families who require a named regional accreditor
- Homeschoolers looking for a curriculum to use at home
Primer pros and cons
Pros
- Transparent, income-based out-of-pocket tuition table
- Teacher-led instruction in small, mixed-grade classes
- Many lower-income families pay $0 after scholarships
- Materials and technology included in tuition
Cons
- Only available in a few states and cities
- K–8 only
- No published accreditation
- Higher-income families can pay several thousand dollars a year even with scholarships
- Few independent parent reviews so far
What’s included
- Small campuses described as a modern one-room schoolhouse
- Mixed-grade classes in K–2, 3–5 and 6–8 bands
- Focus on reading, writing and math mastery
- Self-directed student projects called Pursuits
- Income-based out-of-pocket tuition after state scholarships
- Free application; $20 enrollment fee
How much does Primer cost?
Primer doesn't publish a single sticker price. Instead it lists what families pay after state scholarships. In Florida (Step Up For Students FES and FTC) and Arizona (ESA), out-of-pocket tuition is $0 for household income up to $50K, $957 for $50–75K, $2,006 for $75–100K, $3,915 for $100–130K, $4,800 for $130–150K and $6,752 above $150K. In Alabama, tuition is a flat $500 a year for families who apply for the state scholarship, even if not awarded. In Texas, households at $75K or less pay $0 with TEFA, and others may pay up to $10,710. Tuition can vary by campus.
| Plan | Price | Billed | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-pocket, FL/AZ, $50–75K income | $957/yr | Yearly | $79.75/mo |
| Out-of-pocket, FL/AZ, $100–130K income | $3,915/yr | Yearly | $326.25/mo |
| Out-of-pocket, FL/AZ, $150K+ income | $6,752/yr | Yearly | $562.67/mo |
| Alabama (flat) | $500/yr | Yearly | $41.67/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.
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Primer FAQs
How much does Primer cost?
Primer lists out-of-pocket tuition after state scholarships. In Florida and Arizona it ranges from $0 for households under $50K to $6,752 for households over $150K. Alabama is a flat $500 a year, and Texas ranges from $0 to $10,710.
Where are Primer schools located?
As of October 2026, Primer lists about ten Florida locations (it started in Miami), a school in Scottsdale, Arizona, schools in Alabama including Birmingham, and three San Antonio, Texas campuses opening in August 2026.
Is Primer accredited?
Primer does not name an accreditor on its website. Its campuses operate as private schools; ask admissions about accreditation and how records transfer if that matters to you.
Is Primer homeschool or private school?
Primer is an in-person private school, not a homeschool program. Children attend a local campus with Primer teachers.
Does Primer accept Step Up For Students?
Yes. Primer says it accepts Florida's FES and FTC scholarships through Step Up For Students. Primer's out-of-pocket table assumes families apply those funds.
What grades does Primer teach?
Kindergarten through 8th grade, grouped in mixed-grade bands of K–2, 3–5 and 6–8.
Sources and last checked
Checked 2026-10-13 against these sources: