Empower Learners
We built Prenda to help kids love learning again. With our research-driven learning model, we equip inspiring grownups (like you!) with everything you need to start an amazing microschool.
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Prenda means that learning is a gift! We strive to kindle curiosity and ignite a passion for life-long learning in every student.
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Our Journey
From a grassroots after-school program to a comprehensive K-8th learning solution designed to help kids rediscover their love of learning
How it all started
Prenda founder, Kelly Smith, started volunteering at the public library to teach kids computer programming after school.
Soon, the library was packed with kids working on coding projects they were truly interested in— collaborating, solving problems, and having a blast. Prenda Code Club spread from library to library all over the country.
The "aha" moment
Seeing Prenda Code Club students deeply engaged each week and truly loving learning, Kelly had a lightbulb moment:
What if all of school was like this?
The first Prenda Microschool
This “aha” moment inspired Kelly to consider the future of education and create the first Prenda Microschool in his home with seven neighborhood students.
Prenda has since grown into a full K-8 learning experience.
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Empowered to guide
As the word spread about Kelly and his students' learning journey, interest grew.
This idea inspired many parents and community members to open Prenda microschools of their own.
Expanding access
After seeing so many students thrive, Kelly established partnerships with local schools and ESA programs to make Prenda accessible to more kids.
As more and more states expand school choice funding across the country, even more students are able to participate!
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A growing community
Since 2018, Prenda has helped over 1,000 inspiring adults start microschools, and nearly 10,000 students step up to lead their learning.
We’re carrying out our mission to empower learners, one microschool at a time. We are thrilled to continue on this incredible journey with you.
Good idea, Kelly!
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Our Core Values
Prenda’s core values are the foundation of our culture.
Start with heart
We see others as human beings with infinite value and unlimited potential. We reject labels and categories, focusing instead on humans who deserve empathy and belonging.
Dare Greatly
We discover our gifts and purpose, set big goals, then take small steps to achieve them. We hold ourselves to a high standard and bravely continue when we hit a roadblock.
Figure it out
We see ourselves as capable problem solvers who do whatever it takes to learn. We fearlessly question, curiously tinker, and stubbornly persist in our efforts to learn.
Foundation of trust
We generously extend trust to others and work hard to earn their trust in us. We assume good intentions and approach others with empathy, curiosity, and compassion.
Learning > Comfort
We choose to keep learning, even when it’s hard. It may be tempting to avoid taking risks, but we know that meaningful learning and growth happen outside of our comfort zone.
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Microschools help kids love learning again
A microschool is a tight-knit community of 5-10 students designed to help every learner find their purpose and master skills at their own level and pace.
Conventional education |  |
One-size-fits-all generic exposure to curriculum | Customized curriculum to meet every kid at their personal pace and skill level |
Controlling top-down culture designed for conformity | Autonomy-supportive culture aimed at empowering each student |
Extrinsic motivation encourages bare-minimum learning and avoidance | Personal goal setting helps kids take ownership and find their internal drive |
Pre-determined subject matter decreases engagement and curiosity | Inquiry-led problem solving to help kids pursue their passions |
If you believe kids deserve to love school, Prenda is for you!
Whatever your background, we equip you with everything you need–training, materials, mentorship–to start and run a microschool with confidence.
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