The Model
Small school. Big learning.
We pair the warmth of a small, faith-based classroom with Prenda’s proven microschool learning model.
What is a microschool?
Exactly what it sounds like: school, made small. A handful of students, one caring guide, and learning that fits each child, like a modern one-room schoolhouse.
Small numbers mean fewer distractions, deeper relationships, and a pace that matches your child, not the other way around.
What is a guide?
In a microschool, the adult in the room is a guide, not a lecturer. Guides mentor, encourage, and empower kids to own their learning, coaching through challenges and celebrating every step.
At Bright Starr’s, your child’s guides are led by a registered nurse with 20+ years of experience caring for children.
A school day has four modes
The Prenda model organizes learning into rhythms kids love and understand:
1
Connect
Values-driven personal development: reading, discussion, and journaling that build character, gratitude, and kindness.
2
Conquer
Mastery-focused personalized academics: math, reading, and writing at each child's own level and pace.
3
Collaborate
Inquiry-led discovery together: discussions, debates, and group challenges that build social skills and critical thinking.
4
Create
Hands-on, project-based learning where kids build, make, and experiment, then proudly share what they've created.
What your child learns
A complete education, personalized to your child, and grounded in our values.
Reading, writing & math
Mastery-based, adaptive programs meet your child exactly where they are, filling gaps and moving ahead only when a skill truly sticks.
Big ideas, together
Science, history, and big questions come alive through read-alouds, research, debates, and group challenges.
Character & life skills
Daily Connect time builds habits and hearts: goal-setting, journaling, gratitude, and kindness, grounded in our Christian faith.
Across Prenda’s national microschool network: learner survey and mastery-data results.
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.
Good to know
- Grades K–4 · 2026–2027 school year
- Casa Grande, Arizona
- Small class size, by design
- ESA accepted
- Background checks passed for all adults in the household
- First aid certified guide
Questions families ask
Who is Bright Starr’s a good fit for?
Children in grades K–4 who thrive with individualized attention and fewer distractions, including kids with autism spectrum disorder, learning differences, and other unique needs. It is also a great fit for any family looking for a small, faith-based alternative to a big classroom.
How do families pay for a microschool?
Bright Starr’s Academy accepts Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funding. If you’re new to ESA, we’re happy to walk you through how it works. Just reach out.
What does a school day look like?
We meet Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. Days move through Conquer, Collaborate, and Create modes, with time for recess and outdoor play, and Fridays are free for families.
How do I get started?
Start with a hello! Send us a note, come visit the school, and we’ll walk you through enrollment together. See Enrollment for the three simple steps.
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.