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Prenda Platform & Christian Microschool Strategy

Executive Summary​

Exploratory call with Prenda microschool specialists (Katelyn Gibson, Brittany Munk) validated that Christian church-based microschools are a viable and emerging opportunity in Texas. The convergence of Texas TIFA scholarship funding (~$10K/student), Prenda's turnkey platform, and underutilized church facilities creates a compelling model for faith-based education entrepreneurship.

Key Findings​

Texas TIFA Scholarship Program​

  • Two-Year Requirement: Schools must operate 2+ years to qualify for TIFA funds
  • Prenda Umbrella Provision: Microschools under Prenda's umbrella inherit their 2+ year operating history
  • Scholarship Amount: ~$10,000 per student annually
  • Timeline: Prenda expected on Texas vendor list by end of December 2025; formal Middle States accreditation session in April 2025
  • Practical Impact: Guides can begin setup now; students can enroll for Fall 2025 using TIFA funds

Prenda Platform Capabilities​

  • No Guide Fee: Prenda charges per-student fee; guides set their own tuition
  • Turnkey System: AI tutoring, mastery-based curriculum, I-Ready diagnostics, progress tracking
  • Invoicing Handled: Prenda invoices scholarship funds directly; guides don't collect payments
  • Faith Flexibility: Platform is religion-neutral but guides have full autonomy to incorporate faith elements (Bible study, Christian music, prayer)
  • Guide Requirements: Caring adult passionate about education; no teaching credential required; cannot homeschool only own children

Church-Based Model Advantages​

  • Location Problem Solved: Churches have free facilities that sit empty during weekdays
  • Values Problem Solved: Guide autonomy allows faith integration without platform restrictions
  • Funding Problem Solved: TIFA scholarships cover operations; parents don't pay out-of-pocket
  • Trust Network Built-In: Congregations already have trusted adults and interested families
  • Florida Proof of Concept: Church-based microschools exploded in Florida with similar scholarship program

Strategic Validation​

What Prenda Reps Confirmed​

  • "As soon as Texas opened, the first thing we said was, wow, these churches have a huge opportunity here"
  • "Florida, in the state of Florida, that's a big thing right now, is a lot of churches are doing their micro schools with their youth program"
  • "Texas is very a strong. It's going to be a really great opportunity for pastors or businesses to work through church buildings"
  • Majority of current Prenda contacts are from Texas

Recognition of Vision​

  • Brittany recognized Gary's business acumen: "You really understand business... you can take big concepts and explain it clearly"
  • Both reps expressed interest beyond typical sales call; offered CEO (Kelly Smith) connection
  • Described call as "providential"

Immediate Opportunities​

Tauren Wells / Whitestone Church (Georgetown, TX)​

  • Meeting with Tauren Wells team: January 16, 2025
  • Church has "amazing facilities" suitable for microschool
  • Educational initiatives have been "in the plans" but not prioritized
  • Prenda could provide turnkey solution to activate this vision
  • Action: Become Prenda platform expert before January meeting

Christian Micro School Alliance Concept​

  • Potential brand/community for church microschool movement
  • Content collaboration opportunities (blogs, podcasts) with Prenda
  • SXSW side event on faith and future of education
  • Conference hosting for faith-based parents and educational leaders

Prenda Team Texas Trip (February 2025)​

  • In-person events planned
  • Many clients they're meeting are church owners
  • Opportunity to meet Gary and discuss partnership
  • Could facilitate introductions to Christian guides in Florida for case studies

Platform Comparison Notes​

Prenda vs Alpha Schools​

  • Prenda: Platform-neutral, guide autonomy, turnkey system, no teaching required
  • Alpha: AI tutor thesis similar, but different organizational philosophy
  • Key Distinction: Prenda described as having "soulfulness"; school choice philosophy ("whatever is best for the kid")
  • Independence: No contract with Prenda; guides can leave anytime

This Strategy Complements (Not Replaces) Other Initiatives​

  • Ida Villavicencio's charter school vision remains supported
  • Prenda microschools could serve as faster-to-launch pilot while charter develops
  • Different models serve different community needs

Next Steps​

  1. Complete Prenda account setup at prendaworld.com
  2. Gather Prenda materials and case studies before January 16 Tauren Wells meeting
  3. Request connection to Christian guides operating at churches in Florida
  4. Explore content collaboration (blog post on church-based microschools)
  5. Plan for February in-person meeting during Prenda Texas trip
  6. Consider formal partnership or advisory relationship with Prenda

Key Contacts​

  • Katelyn Gibson: Microschool Specialist, primary Texas contact
  • Brittany Munk: Director of Sales, strategic partnership discussions
  • Kelly Smith: CEO (Arizona-based, travels to Texas frequently)