Message to Dr. Katherine Williams: Prenda Microschool Opportunity
Date: 2025-12-15 To: Dr. Katherine Williams From: Gary Sheng Subject: Exciting Educational Opportunity for Kingdom Kids
Dr. Katherine,
I wanted to share something that came out of a call I had today with the sales team at Prenda, an education platform that powers microschools across the country.
I've been researching ways to create an Encounter-based school. One that teaches the spiritual gifts and the Way of Fire alongside practical skills like coding with AI. Your brother and I have talked about this vision.
Prenda looks like it could be the vehicle.
The short version: Prenda provides a turnkey system for running K-8 microschools. They handle curriculum, software, insurance, invoicing. The "Guide" (the adult running it) provides the space, the relationships, and the daily facilitation. You don't need to be a trained teacher. The system meets students where they are and helps parents set targets.
The Texas opportunity: Texas just passed landmark scholarship legislation (TEFA). About $10,000 per student in state funding. Prenda expects to be on the approved Texas vendor list by end of December. We should know by then whether this path is viable.
Why I'm reaching out to you: You would be the natural person to lead this. As a professor, you understand education. As the Apostle's sister, you carry the spiritual authority and family connection. The Kingdom Kids who may not be thriving in their current school situations could be the first cohort.
I see this as a Christofuturist school. Standard academic building blocks powered by Prenda's adaptive learning tools. Plus faith formation, spiritual gifts training, and whatever else we want to weave in. Bible study during morning Connect time. Prayer as part of the daily rhythm. Coding and AI literacy as practical skills.
The call today felt providential. Brittany Munk on their team is a Christian mom who previously helped Texas churches find income streams. She said church-based microschools are "going to be a big path" in Texas. The Florida model has already proven this works.
Full research document attached: [Prenda Research by Gary Sheng]
I'd love to discuss this with you and get your thoughts. If there's interest, I can arrange a call with the Prenda team.
Blessings, Gary
Key Details
- Platform: Prenda (prenda.com)
- Model: 5-10 students per microschool, K-8
- Guide Role: Facilitate, mentor, coach (not lecture or lesson plan)
- Texas TIFA Status: Expected vendor approval by end of December 2025
- Scholarship Amount: ~$10,000 per student
- Faith Integration: Guides have full autonomy to incorporate Bible study, prayer, Christian values
- No Contract: Can leave anytime if it doesn't work out
Why This Makes Sense for Encounter
- Location solved: Church facility provides free space
- Values alignment: Built-in trust with congregation, Apostle's covering
- Funding solved: TIFA scholarships cover tuition
- Leadership ready: Dr. Katherine as Guide, Apostle's spiritual authority over the school
- Students ready: Kingdom Kids who need a better educational environment
Next Steps (If Interested)
- Review the full Prenda research document
- Schedule introductory call with Prenda team
- Wait for Texas vendor approval (expected late December)
- Begin setup in prendaworld.com if moving forward
- Target Fall 2025 for first cohort