How is Prenda tuition-free? Tuition-free learning pods in New Hampshire are made available through our partnership with the New Hampshire Department of Education in the Recovering Bright Futures program. Prenda is also an approved NH Education Freedom Account (EFA) vendor for families who qualify. 

2022-2023 New Student Enrollment

Enrollment for the 22-23 school year in New Hampshire is open from March 8th 2022-May 1st 2023. Your child can enroll at any time between August 1st, 2022 and May 1st, 2023. Due to the fact that learning pods fill up quickly, we recommend that parents start the enrollment process as soon as possible. ‍

How do I enroll my child? Simply create an account in Prenda’s enrollment portal and start the four-step enrollment process for each child. We will let you know via email when your registration is complete or if we need any additional information. Typically, it takes 1-2 weeks to process and finalize. ‍

Note: If the school year that you are enrolling for has not started yet, you may not receive a final confirmation until closer to the start of the school year.

1. Confirm that your child is new to Prenda

2. Select your program and funding source

• Prenda Microschool (learning pod), Prenda Familyschool (EFA), or Prenda Platform
• NH DOE, EFA, or monthly subscription

3. Choose your learning pod Guide. You can come back to this later if you don’t have a Guide picked out yet, but your student’s enrollment cannot be finalized without it. Many new Guides will start to become available in May and throughout the summer. 

4. Submit the online enrollment form. Be sure to have all of your student’s documents ready!

2022-2023 Returning Student Enrollment

Enrollment for returning students for the 22-23 school year in New Hampshire is open from May 2022 to June 30th, 2022. Due to the fact that learning pods fill up quickly, we recommend that parents start the enrollment process as soon as possible.

‍Any students who have not completed returning student enrollment by June 30th, 2022 will be withdrawn from the Prenda program. A new student enrollment form can be submitted anytime after that if you decide to enroll in Prenda again.

How do I enroll my child to continue attending Prenda? Simply create an account in Prenda’s enrollment portal and start the four-step enrollment process for each child. We will let you know via email when your registration is complete or if we need any additional information. Typically, it takes 1-2 weeks to process and finalize.

‍Note: If the school year that you are enrolling for has not started yet, you may not receive a final confirmation until closer to the start of the school year.

1. Confirm that your child is currently enrolled with Prenda

2. Select your program and funding source (link to tab)

• Prenda Microschool (learning pod), Prenda Familyschool (EFA), or Prenda Platform
• NH DOE, EFA, or monthly subscription

3. Choose your learning pod Guide

You can come back to this later if you don’t have a Guide picked out yet, but your student’s enrollment cannot be finalized without it. Many new Guides will start to become available in April and throughout the summer. 

4. Submit the online enrollment form

You may need to have some/all of your student’s documents available depending on what may be changing from last school year to 22-23. Some examples:

• If you change funding sources, for example from NH DOE to EFA
• If your family moved, you may need to provide a new proof of residence
  

Enrollment FAQs

When can I select a learning pod? You can start exploring the microschool/learning pod map whenever you’d like. You’ll receive a link to the map via email after you start the enrollment process or by filling out the request for information form. ‍

Learning pods for the 2022-2023 school year will begin showing up on the map in May 2022 and in the following summer months as new learning pods open. Before this time, you can get a headstart on your student’s enrollment, but will need to come back to finish the enrollment process. 

When will school start? Prenda Guides set their own first day of school, so this is a great question to ask as you are connecting with Guides on the microschool/learning pod map. Learning pods will open for learning anytime after August 1, 2022.  ‍

Do I need to complete a separate enrollment form for each of my children? Yes, but you will only need to create one account in the enrollment portal. You’ll add basic information and upload documents for each child you are enrolling. ‍

What documents will I need for enrollment? Enrollment looks a little different depending on the type of learning pod your child joins. In district learning pods, students register with Prenda and remain enrolled in their public school district. With community learning pods, students are considered to be home educated so a letter of intent to homeschool will need to be submitted by their parents. 

District learning pod documents: If you would like to enroll your child in a district learning pod, you will need to provide Prenda with the following documents. Note that district learning pod students remain enrolled in their local school district as well. 

• Online enrollment form
• Proof of age, such as a state-issued birth certificate 
• Proof of residence, such as a utility bill
• IEP or 504 plan, if applicable (optional)
• Custody documentation, if applicable
  

Community learning pod documents: If you are enrolling your child in a community learning pod you will need to submit a letter of intent to home educate to your local district, the department of education, or a private school in order to withdraw your child from their current school district. You will also be asked to provide Prenda with the following documents.

• Online enrollment form
• Proof of age, such as a state-issued birth certificate 
• Proof of residence, such as a utility bill
• IEP or 504 plan, if applicable 
• Custody documentation, if applicable
  

Note: Parents of kindergarten students should not submit the notice of intent to home educate unless they turn six years old prior to September 30 of the current year.

EFA documents

• Prenda enrollment form
• Child’s proof of age, such as a state-issued birth certificate
• Signed EFA contract
• IEP or 504 plan, if applicable (optional)
• Custody documentation, if applicable

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What is the cut-off date for Kindergarten? Kindergarten students must turn five before September 30 of the current school year in order to be enrolled in Prenda. Kindergarten is not a state requirement, but towns that offer it provide a tuition-free, full-day kindergarten program.

District learning pod schedules 

Many of these learning pods will be held on a campus and follow the district school calendar, so they typically will meet for five days a week. There are slightly different hour requirements, depending on grade level as well. District learning pods follow the calendar and hours requirements of their partner school district.

Community learning pod schedules 

Typically, community learning pods observe a four-day school week from Monday through Thursday. Schedules are set by each Guide and can vary, but generally follow local district calendars. Since these students are technically home educated, and not enrolled with the district, they do not have to adhere to the hour and day requirements that district learning pod students do. Community learning pod Guides must provide an annual minimum of 720 hours for Grades K-8.

Tip for parents: When you visit learning pods, ask each Guide what school hours and days they have set. You can also ask if they follow a particular school district’s calendar, or if they have set their own. 

Do community learning pod students participate in statewide assessments? While community learning pod students are considered home educated learners, it is still expected and encouraged that they take the New Hampshire state assessments, as part of their participation in the Recovering Bright Futures program.

Do district learning pod students participate in statewide assessments? Yes, district learning pod students are required to participate in statewide assessments. The New Hampshire Statewide Assessment System (NHSAS) measures students’ progress at the end of the school year in English language arts, math, and science. These assessments are developed collaboratively by the New Hampshire Department of Education, American Institutes for Research (the assessment contractor) and New Hampshire educators. Additional state testing details can be found here.

Does Prenda give any additional assessments? Yes, students participate in i-Ready, an assessment that measures what they know and what they need to learn next. This information is used to help Guides determine a learning plan that best meets the needs of each child. See Student progress for more information about iReady. 

Students participate in i-Ready, an adaptive online assessment tool that measures what they know and what they need to learn next. This information is used to help Guides determine a learning plan that best meets the needs of each child. 

Guides are also able to stay highly tuned into student progress because of the small and personalized learning environment. They regularly communicate with parents to share successes, challenges, and plans for continued progress. Every Guide is supported by a certified teacher and a team of individuals at Prenda that help monitor student progress and create learning plans to meet the needs of every child. ‍

What is an adaptive online assessment tool? Rather than presenting all students with the same set of questions, this tool adjusts based on responses entered. When a student demonstrates understanding of a particular topic, the questions become more challenging. Conversely, if a student is struggling with a concept the questions adapt to help determine what they do know. At the end of the day, the goal is for students to always be working at their learning frontier—that sweet spot between too easy and too difficult. This tool helps students do just that. 

What is a district learning pod? District learning pods are made up of 5-10 students, led by a Prenda Guide. Students will be enrolled in their school district and Prenda. Learning will take place in school buildings when possible. Alternative locations will be used if there is no space in the traditional school facility, and may include a local non-profit like the Boys and Girls Club, a library, a child care facility, or other suitable locations. 

Learning programs in district learning pods are aligned with New Hampshire Academic Standards and adapted to individual students. District learning pod students will also have access to many student services, such as meals and special education. 

What is a community learning pod? In places where a district learning pod is not available or when parents simply choose to participate in a community learning pod instead, the NHDOE will cover the cost so it is tuition-free. Community learning pods are made up of 5-10 students, led by a Prenda Guide. Parents who choose to have their child participate in a community learning pod will be required to submit a letter of intent to home educate. Community learning pods can take place at a Guide’s home or other location, such as a library, local business, or other suitable space. 

Learning programs in community learning pods are aligned with New Hampshire Academic Standards and adapted to individual students. As home educated students, special services for children enrolled in community learning pods will not be provided by the district. 

Can I open a district or community learning pod? Yes, you or someone you know can apply to become a Guide and open a community learning pod. Guides go through a comprehensive onboarding process which provides an overview of Prenda, the curriculum, learning model, and more to set them up for success! Guiding is a paid, part-time, and contract-based position with approximately 20-25 hours of work per week.

You can learn more about becoming a Guide by going to www.prenda.com/become-a-guide. After you or someone you know submits an application, Prenda will be in touch with next steps.

Guides are focused on getting to know each child, identifying their learning needs, implementing accommodations/modifications, and working with certified teachers and a team at Prenda to ensure that they continue to progress as learners. 

Does Prenda provide special education services? Students enrolled in a district learning pod have access to special education services that will be provided by the district. These include any services that public schools are required to provide students. Community learning pod students are not enrolled in the district, therefore special services that a student may require will need to be privately funded by the parent. 

What additional support are Guides responsible for providing? When a student has an IEP or 504 and is enrolled in a district learning pod, the Guide will attend IEP/504 meetings, take direction from specialists the child may be seeing outside of learning pod hours, and communicate with the child’s parents and support team throughout the school year. Most Guides are not certified teachers and do not hold special education certifications, however, they do work closely with the service providers that specialize in these areas. 

Are EFA students provided with special education services? Prenda does not provide special education services, but our partners often do. Since EFA students are not enrolled in the school district, they do not receive those services. Many parents utilize their EFA funding to pay for such services. You can learn more about the EFA program in Arizona and apply by going to https://nh.scholarshipfund.org/. 

Microschool Student Minimum

Each microschool is required to have a minimum of three (3) students from at least two (2) families to begin school. A Guide’s own children or dependents qualify as one family in the microschool setting. Qualifying students must be officially enrolled with Prenda as described in Prenda’s Student Enrollment Policy, whether the funding is through a charter partner or an alternate source, and it is your responsibility to recruit enough students to fill the microschool. Once three (3) students are officially enrolled in the microschool, you can start operating the microschool.  

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Microschool Student Maximum

Each microschool can have a maximum of ten (10) students enrolled.

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Additional Details

Guides are completely autonomous in how they go about building their community and recruiting for their microschool, though they must keep the branding of their microschool within the boundaries established by Prenda and may only use the Prenda name and logo as authorized by Prenda. It is the Guide’s responsibility to maintain an accurate Guide profile. 

If a student withdraws from your microschool leaving the microschool with either fewer than three students or less than two families, you have a two (2) month grace period from the date of the last student’s withdrawal to enroll another student to get back up to the three (3) student/two (2) family minimum. If the student/family minimum has not been met after two months, you will either have to close your school or switch to Prenda Family.

The application process: 

1. After reading through the Guide requirements, you’re ready to submit your application. You’ll set up a virtual interview then too. 
2. Next, we’ll chat with you, review your application, and let you know if you will be moving forward. 
3. If you do, we’ll help you get started on the necessary paperwork so you can begin onboarding. That’s where the real fun begins! You’ll learn all about our learning model, curriculum, and core values, and prepare to open your learning pod. 
4. Finally, you’ll begin what we call the First 20 Days, in which you get step-by-step support during your first 20 days as a Guide and put the learning from onboarding into practice. 
   

How long does it take to go through the application and onboarding process? It depends on how quickly you attend your virtual interview and submit the required documents, including fingerprint clearance for district learning pod applicants. On average, it takes someone about two to three weeks to become a Guide. 

What is the state fingerprinting process, and how long does it take? It generally takes about two weeks for new Guides to receive their fingerprint clearance cards. This step only applies to district learning pod Guides. 

What is the difference between a district learning pod and a community learning pod Guide? District learning pod Guides will be guiding in district schools or locations coordinated by the district. Community learning pod Guides will be responsible for finding their own students and typically Guide in their homes or another suitable location. 

Can I apply to become a district or community learning pod Guide? Yes! The application process is generally the same for community and district learning pod Guides. Simply submit your application to get started. When you get to the interview stage of the application process, you will have an opportunity to ask questions and indicate your learning pod preference.

• Experience (paid or unpaid) working with children or home educating children of your own.
• Moderate technology skills; with the ability to pick up new systems quickly.
• Basic understanding of Prenda’s learning model and core values.
• Ability to recruit students from at least two different families after becoming an approved Guide. We can help you with this too! 
• High level of professionalism; including strong communication skills and prioritization of confidentiality.
• Ever-curious, resourceful, creative, and problem-solving nature—a lover of learning that strives for a growth mindset.
• Top-notch organizational skills in order to monitor student progress and oversee day-to-day learning pod operations.
• Open to learning about student autonomy, motivation, and connective discipline.
• Ability to arrange a learning pod location (home or other suitable space) that meets the location requirements.
• Obtain fingerprint clearance, clear background check, and CPR & first aid certifications. Fingerprint clearance is only required for district learning pod Guides. 
• Reliable internet access with high-speed streaming.
• 18 years or older, and authorized to work in the U.S.

Guides are paid per student per year, which amounts up to $10,200 - $34,000 per year for a learning pod. Keep in mind that this is based on a nine-month schedule with about 20 learning pod hours a week.

How many hours are required for district learning pod Guides? District learning pod Guides in New Hampshire work approximately 20-27.5 hours per week, for a total of 180 days per school year. District learning pods meet five days per week and follow the calendar and hours requirements of their partner school district.

How many hours are required for community learning pod Guides? Community learning pod Guides in New Hampshire typically meet with students four days per week and work 20-25 hours, plus additional hours required for SPED services, meetings, and preparation. 

Will I be paid to Guide my own child in a learning pod? If you are a district learning pod Guide and your child is one of your students, you will be compensated for guiding your own child, as well as the other students in your learning pod. While district learning pod students are enrolled in the district, community learning pod students are classified as home educated. If you are a community learning pod Guide, you will be compensated for each child that you guide with the exception of your own child(ren). 

How many students can enroll in my learning pod? Each learning pod needs to have at least three students enrolled from two or more families to begin. Each learning pod can have a maximum of 10 students enrolled.

Will I get help from Prenda to find students? Yes! Oftentimes, when new Guides share with their network that they are opening a microschool, they have no trouble filling the 5-10 spaces for students. If you need help though, we have a team of people that can connect you with interested parents in your area. 

Is there a deadline for enrolling students in New Hampshire? No, enrollment will remain open throughout the year. If space is available, students can join a learning pod at any time during the school year. Pay will be prorated for any student who enrolls after September 30th.

All Guides undergo learning pod site inspections and background checks, submit character references, obtain fingerprint clearance cards*, and complete onboarding with Prenda to set them up for success. 

*Although the district coordinates fingerprint clearance for district learning pod Guides, community learning pod Guides are not required to. ‍

During onboarding, Guides get a deep dive into our learning model, curriculum, and core values. They get support at every step of the way from Prenda as they prepare to open their learning pods and enroll students. Throughout the school year, they can reach out to a team of certified teachers to ask questions, navigate challenges, and feel confident that their students are getting what they need to thrive. 

New Hampshire Department of Education: Recovering Bright Futures Program

For more information, visit https://www.education.nh.gov/who-we-are/commissioner/recovering-bright-futures

Prenda District Learning Pods

Funding type and eligibility

• For districts participating in the Recovering Bright Futures program, district learning pods are tuition-free learning options for students in K-8th Grade. (Please contact your district if you're interested in a district learning pod and they are not yet participating in this program). 
  

Special education services

• Special education services are provided through the student’s district of residence.
  

Grades and Report cards

• Prenda will maintain and track student academic grades and progress. For district learning pods, this information will be sent to both the district partner and the DOE on a monthly basis.
  

Assessments

• Students are required to participate in Prenda’s benchmark assessments at the beginning, middle and end of the year.
• District learning pod students are required to participate in state testing (NHSAS) which is the common measurement of students’ progress at the end of the school year in English language arts, math, and science. 
  

Attendance

• Students participating in district learning pods will adhere to the Prenda Attendance Policy as well as the applicable district-specific attendance requirements.

Prenda Community Learning Pods

Funding type and eligibility

• Tuition-free enrollment is available for any student Kindergarten through 8th Grade residing in NH, through the Recovering Bright Futures program.
• Students participating in Prenda in a community learning pod are considered homeschool students by the New Hampshire Department of Education. You are required to submit an Intent to Homeschool notice in New Hampshire.
  

Special education services

• Special education services are not provided to homeschool students through Prenda or our partner schools. If your student requires services, you will need to arrange them independently.
  

Grades and Report cards

• Prenda will maintain and track student academic progress. This is not a state requirement, however the data will remain on hand for state reporting purposes as requested by the NHDOE.
  

Assessments

• Students are required to participate in Prenda’s benchmark assessments at the beginning, middle and end of the year.
• Prenda is asked to provide the opportunity to family guides to administer state assessments to their child(ren), however students are not required to take them.
  

Attendance

• Students participating in community learning pods will adhere to the Prenda Attendance Policy.

EFA (Education Freedom Account)

For more information, visit https://nh.scholarshipfund.org/

Funding type and eligibility

• Invoices are sent by Prenda quarterly. 
• Enrollment is available for any student Kindergarten through 8th Grade residing in NH who has a current, signed EFA contract. 
• EFA students are not enrolled through one of our partner schools, and Prenda is a program/education provider and not a school. 
• Students can participate in Prenda Familyschool using EFA funds (but not district or community Learning pods).
  

Special education services

• No special education services are provided to EFA-enrolled students through Prenda or our partner schools. If your student requires services, you must arrange them independently. 
  

Grades and Report cards

• No educational records (report cards, transcripts, etc) are kept for EFA-enrolled students by Prenda.
  

Assessments

• Students are encouraged to participate in beginning, middle, and end of year benchmark assessments.
• Students are not required to participate in any state mandated assessments.
  

Attendance

• Students must adhere to the Prenda Attendance Policy.

Prenda Platform (monthly subscription)

For more information, visit https://www.prenda.com/state-offerings/prenda-platform

Funding type and eligibility

• Monthly subscription to the Prenda Platform.
• Prenda Platform students are not enrolled through one of our partner schools, and Prenda is a program/education provider and not a school. 
• Prenda Platform students are strictly given the ability to access the Prenda learning platform.
  

Special education services

• No special education services are provided to Prenda Platform students through Prenda or our partner schools. If your student requires services, you must arrange them independently. 
  

Grades and Report cards

• No educational records (report cards, transcripts, etc) are kept for Prenda Platform students by Prenda.
  

Assessments

• Students are not required by Prenda to participate in beginning, middle, and end of year benchmark assessments.
• Students are not required by Prenda to participate in any state mandated assessments.
  

Attendance

• Students are not required by Prenda to adhere to an attendance policy.