Prenda + PEP Information

One reason I am choosing to go with Prenda is because of their proven track record of increasing student autonomy, motivation, and academic growth. This link explains what you get when you choose a Prenda powered micro school. 

P.S. Having access to the library of information and the different websites for student research is an incredible source!

1. Connection: The Foundation for Learning

We don’t just "teach"—we build relationships. Science shows that when a child feels stressed or disconnected, their Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)—the part of the brain responsible for problem-solving and focus—effectively "goes offline."

• The Goal: Create a warm, "stress-free" environment.

• The Result: By prioritizing supportive relationships, we keep the brain in a state where it is actually ready to learn and process information.

2. Personalization: Mastery Over Speed

The traditional "one-size-fits-all" model is outdated. We use Mastery-Based Learning, ensuring every student truly understands a concept before moving to the next.

• The Goal: Meet every child at their unique "Zone of Proximal Development."

• The Result: Using adaptive tools and flexible pacing, students build a rock-solid academic foundation without the gaps that lead to future frustration.

3. Ownership: Raising Self-Driven Learners

When children have a say in their education, they aren't just "jumping through hoops"—they are building self-efficacy. We trade extrinsic rewards (like stickers or grades) for intrinsic motivation.

• The Goal: Provide an autonomy-supportive environment where students lead the way.

• The Result: Students develop "grit" and take personal responsibility for their progress, preparing them for the real world, not just a test.

Here is the scientific breakdown of the Prenda model. 

To make sure your child starts exactly where they need to be, we use the i-Ready Diagnostic assessment. This is not a traditional "pass/fail" test; instead, it is an adaptive tool that helps us build a personalized learning map for Math and Reading.

1. How the Placement Works

• It Adapts in Real-Time: As your student answers questions, the test gets harder or easier based on their performance. This pinpoint accuracy helps identify their "just right" challenge level.

• Domain-Specific Results: i-Ready doesn't just give one score. It looks at specific areas (like Phonics or Comprehension in Reading, and Algebraic Thinking or Geometry in Math) to see exactly where a student excels or needs a boost.

• The Goal: The test is designed for students to get about 50% of the questions correct. This helps us find the "frontier" of their knowledge—the exact spot where new learning should begin.

2. Matching Curriculum to the Student

Once we have the i-Ready results, we use that data to select and set up the curriculum:

• Math Placement: The diagnostic score translates directly into a starting point in our math programs, ensuring the student is working on concepts they are ready to master.

• Reading Placement: We use the results to choose the appropriate reading path, whether they need foundational phonics or advanced literary analysis.

3. Continuous Growth

The i-Ready diagnostic is typically taken at the beginning, middle, and end of the year. This allows us to:

• Celebrate Progress: See exactly how many "points" of growth your child has achieved.

• Adjust on the Fly: If a student is moving faster than expected, we can adjust their curriculum level so they never stop growing.

Note for Parents: Because the test is adaptive, it is perfectly normal for students to see questions they don't know yet! We encourage them to just do their best so we can get an honest look at how to support them.

Check out some of the curriculum! 

While every Prenda partnership is unique, this video captures the energy we strive for at Haven Learning Pod. This link shows a current student at a Prenda powered micro school and how they go about their day. 

Prenda created a YouTube playlist for parents to help answer any questions! 

The PEP scholarship can often cover 100% of your tuition at Haven. If you haven't applied yet, I recommned starting here.