Prenda

About Prenda

Prenda operates within the alternative education sector, providing a platform and services for the creation and management of K-8 microschools. The company was conceived in 2013 when founder Kelly Smith initiated a volunteer coding club at a local public library in Mesa, Arizona. This experience, observing children engaged in self-directed learning, inspired him to establish the first Prenda microschool around his kitchen table in 2018 with seven students. Smith, who holds degrees in physics from Brigham Young University and nuclear science from MIT, leveraged his background to formally found the company in 2015 with a mission to empower learners.

The business model centers on enabling adults, referred to as "Guides," to lead small learning groups of 5-10 students, often in homes or community centers. Prenda provides these guides with a comprehensive toolkit, including curriculum, operational support, management software, and ongoing training. The curriculum combines third-party online tools like Khan Academy and Lexia with proprietary learning platforms developed by Prenda. The learning model is structured around four daily modes: connect, conquer, collaborate, and create, which incorporates project-based learning across various subjects.

Revenue is generated through partnerships with state-credentialed educational institutions and state scholarship programs, such as Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), making the experience tuition-free for many families. In cases where public funding isn't available, Prenda offers a private-pay option. The company collects fees and distributes a portion to the guides. This model allows guides, who are not required to be accredited teachers, to earn an income while facilitating the microschools. Since its inception, Prenda has facilitated the creation of over 1,000 microschools, reaching nearly 10,000 students. The company has secured significant venture capital, including a $20 million Series B round in June 2022, to support its expansion into more states and enhance its program offerings.