A faith-based microschool · Powered by Prenda
Let your light shine.
Bright Starr’s Academy is a small, supportive learning environment in Casa Grande, Arizona — where children in grades K–4 get the individualized attention they need to grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually.
“Let your light shine before others.” — Matthew 5:16
A school built around your child
Big classrooms aren’t the right fit for every child — and that’s okay. Bright Starr’s is small on purpose.
Individualized attention
Our small class is designed for children who thrive with fewer distractions and more one-on-one support — including kids with autism spectrum disorder, learning differences, and other unique needs.
Confidence for life
We focus on more than academics: life skills, social skills, and the quiet confidence that comes from real success in learning.
Rooted in faith
Christian values of kindness, grace, and love shape our days, so children grow in character while they grow in knowledge.
Powered by Prenda
Bright Starr’s runs on the Prenda learning model, trusted by microschools across the country. Kids set goals, master skills at their own pace, and fall in love with learning — in four modes:
Connect
Values-driven personal development — reading, discussion, and journaling that build character, gratitude, and kindness.
Conquer
Mastery-focused personalized academics: math, reading, and writing at each child's own level and pace.
Collaborate
Inquiry-led discovery together — discussions, debates, and group challenges that build social skills and critical thinking.
Create
Hands-on, project-based learning where kids build, make, and experiment — then proudly share what they've created.
The results speak for themselves
Across Prenda’s national network of microschools, kids don’t just go to school — they learn to love it. Here’s what learners report before and after switching:
How kids feel about school
“I feel happy about learning”
“School moves at the right speed for me”
“I feel in control of my learning”
working at or above grade level in math
and 65% in reading — powered by mastery-based learning
of Prenda learners beat expected growth in reading
37% beat expectations in math
Source: Prenda network learner surveys & assessment results — read the full report.
Our week
| Monday | 8:30 am – 1:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8:30 am – 1:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am – 1:00 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am – 1:00 pm |
| Friday | No school |
A focused four-day school week — with Fridays free for families.
Life at Bright Starr’s
Learning happens beyond the desk, too — with room to run, play, and explore.
- Backyard & recess
- Swimming pool
- Classroom pets
- Nearby park
- Field trips
- Small class family
Meet your guides
Three caring adults, one small class — every child known by name.
Starr McTighe, RN
Founder · Head Guide
A registered nurse with 20+ years of caring for children and families.
Dillon Lindberg
Guide
Business owner, dad of three, and encourager-in-chief.
Judy Jackson
Guide
Warmth and steadiness that help every learner feel at home.
Come see learning come alive.
We’d love to meet your family, show you our space, and talk about whether Bright Starr’s is the right fit for your child.