NewSchools Venture Fund

OurWorlds is an edutainment company creating technologies that empower communities to illuminate their narratives in immersive realities by geolocation in environments throughout the world, in order to inspire transformative new understandings of our collective histories; improve our education system; inform new approaches to environmental stewardship; and reframe a more equitable and just future.

Outline is an interactive writing platform designed to assist students and educators in producing better-structured essays more efficiently. The platform aims to alleviate writer's block, organize thoughts effectively, and enhance the pre-writing process, providing educators with valuable insights into their students' work. By streamlining the writing experience, Outline not only aids in the academic success of college and graduate school students but also supports their admission into higher education institutions and advancement in their careers. This tool emphasizes the importance of clear and concise writing, positioning itself as a vital resource in the educational landscape.

Tutored by Teachers is an e-learning platform that connects students with certified teachers to provide personalized online education. The company focuses on addressing educational disparities by offering teacher-led virtual learning tailored to the needs of high-need, underserved students. Through its platform, Tutored by Teachers aims to enhance academic outcomes while ensuring that teachers receive fair compensation and opportunities for professional growth within the education sector. By partnering directly with schools, the company seeks to close the achievement gap and promote equity in education, thereby improving access to quality learning experiences for disadvantaged communities.

TECA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the support of educators of color in Tennessee. Diarese George, a former classroom teacher in the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, founded the Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance in the fall of 2016 to provide a platform to amplify the voice and presence of educators of color.

Educators for Excellence is a non-profit dedicated to giving teachers a voice in policies that affect their students and profession. The company was founded in 2012 by Sydney Morris and Evan Stone.

Purpose Project helps both children and adults in developing skills such as self-awareness, self-direction, and community impact. The company is a non-profit organization based in San Francisco that is supported by Plussed and IDEO.

Move This World is a proactive mental health platform dedicated to enhancing the well-being of students, educators, and families in PreK-12 settings. The company offers evidence-based programs that integrate interactive social-emotional learning experiences, utilizing multimedia to foster engagement and connection. Its initiatives are designed to support social-emotional development and create a shared language within school communities, ultimately strengthening the foundation for learning both in schools and at home. With a reach extending to over 4 million students across 45 states and 9 countries, Move This World empowers communities to navigate contemporary challenges through creative arts therapy and positive psychology, contributing to healthier, more supportive educational environments.

GiveThx is a digital program that strengthens student wellbeing and social-emotional skills using gratitude science. Students and staff use digital thank you notes to recognize and reinforce positive behaviors that nurture relationships and build self-esteem. GiveThx is a powerful social-emotional learning system that schools can use on a daily basis, leveraging technology to create safe and inclusive communities. GiveThx is a nonprofit based in Oakland, CA with a mission to increase belonging and emotional wellbeing for all students.

Centervention specializes in developing game-based online programs aimed at enhancing social and emotional skills for elementary and middle school students. Their offerings incorporate an intelligent social tutoring system that evaluates behavioral readiness and social-emotional competencies, allowing for the creation of personalized avatars for each child. These avatars engage students in a variety of simulated social scenarios, providing a practical platform for skill development. The interactive nature of the programs ensures that learning is enjoyable while automatically collecting data to enable educators to monitor student progress effectively. Centervention's approach allows educators to address individual student needs in a fun and impactful manner.

EduMotion offers transformative school programs, including SEL Journeys, a digital platform that connects students all over the world to cultural dance lessons and Social-Emotional Learning activities.

Mursion, Inc. is a company that specializes in virtual reality training designed to enhance interpersonal skills in professional environments. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Mursion offers a platform that combines artificial intelligence with live actors to create immersive and personalized simulations. These simulations allow professionals across various sectors, including healthcare, education, hospitality, and finance, to engage in realistic workplace scenarios and practice navigating complex interpersonal exchanges. By providing a safe space for individuals to take risks and learn from challenging interactions, Mursion aims to improve day-to-day performance and professional development. The company was formerly known as AMITIES, INC. until it rebranded in May 2015.

Beloved Community creates regional coalitions with common goals for economic equity, sustainability, and equitable population distribution as a result of diverse schools and communities. They provide industry cohorts, equity assessments, facilitations, DEI training, consulting, and online courses.

Teton Science School is a learning organization that uses a place-based methodology to increase participation, education, and community impact. They provide programs consisting of field education, classroom education, and educator development.

NexusEdge, established in 2016 and based in Los Angeles, specializes in an AI-driven career navigation platform. It assists students in discovering their career paths and helps employers build a talent pipeline. The platform offers video mentoring, micro-credentialing, LinkedIn learning, and adaptive job board services, catering to high schools, community colleges, universities, and alumni.

ClassWallet, Inc. is a funds management and tracking platform based in Hollywood, Florida, founded in 2014. The company specializes in providing a digital wallet solution tailored for public education systems, facilitating the management of various funds, including classroom stipends, student activity funds, and grants. ClassWallet's technology streamlines the purchasing and reimbursement process, significantly reducing administrative overhead and paperwork. By integrating e-commerce capabilities with a reloadable debit card system, ClassWallet ensures that public funds are utilized effectively and in compliance with regulations. The platform serves a wide range of clients, including state government agencies and school districts across 32 states, enabling them to maximize the potential of over $2.7 billion in public funds. Additionally, ClassWallet features an integrated marketplace that connects users with major retailers and service providers, enhancing their purchasing options. In 2023, the company was recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S., reflecting its impact in the educational sector.

RaiseMe is a financial aid information and networking platform focused on improving access to higher education through innovative scholarship opportunities. The company addresses the challenges faced by millions of students in the college admissions process by allowing them to earn "micro-Scholarships" based on their individual achievements throughout high school. This approach enables students to receive financial assistance early, rather than waiting until the end of high school, thereby positively influencing their college ambitions and application decisions. Through partnerships with various universities, RaiseMe has facilitated the distribution of over $2 billion in micro-scholarships, demonstrating its commitment to transforming educational pathways and enhancing the college experience for students.

Strive for College connects aspiring college students with free, one-on-one, online mentoring through the entire college admissions and financial aid application process. Strive for College recruits and trains volunteer mentors throughout the country. Mentors work with high school students interested in attending college and provide one-on-one virtual mentoring to help them access and pay for college. From the spring semester of junior year until application deadlines are complete, Strive mentors and mentees meet for about one hour each week online. Mentoring pairs work through the year-long Strive for College curriculum, developed with college deans and admissions administrators, to cover every aspect of researching, applying to and paying for a student’s best-fit, four-year college.

Spotlight is a business intelligence company based in Davis, California, that specializes in the education sector. The company has developed proprietary software that transforms educational data into natural language, producing narrative text-based reports and personalized videos for everyday users. This innovative approach aims to make complex data more accessible and actionable. Spotlight has established paid partnerships with prominent organizations in education, including ETS, the College Board, and NWEA, as well as significant school districts such as Oakland Unified, Long Beach Unified, and Green Dot Public Schools. Through its online education data analytics platform, Spotlight enables users to gain insights and enhance their educational experiences.

Weird Enough Productions is a multimedia production company focused on creating original content and promoting media literacy education. The company aims to address media misrepresentation by developing projects that highlight the complexities of the human experience, particularly from perspectives often ignored by mainstream media. Through its initiatives, Weird Enough Productions empowers children and communities to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media content, ultimately enhancing traditional literacy and improving standardized test scores. By fostering creativity and collaboration, the company seeks to challenge stereotypes and provide valuable educational resources.

Peekapak Inc. is a Toronto-based company founded in 2013 that specializes in a digital language arts-based character education program aimed at children. The platform focuses on enhancing social-emotional learning by providing educators and parents with engaging tools to teach essential skills such as empathy, teamwork, and self-regulation. Peekapak's award-winning resources include digital stories and lessons that align with educational standards, making it easier for teachers to integrate character education into their classrooms. The program is designed to foster compassionate and empathetic behavior in children, helping them develop into successful individuals. By combining educational expertise with innovative technology, Peekapak offers a unique and effective approach to character education for both in-class and at-home learning environments.

Teachley, LLC is a New York-based company that develops educational applications grounded in cognitive science research, primarily focusing on mathematics. The company offers innovative programs such as Addimal Adventure, an iPad application aimed at teaching single-digit addition to students in grades K-2, and Mt. Multiplis, which provides instruction on complex multiplication strategies for students in grades three to five. Teachley's applications are designed to enhance students' conceptual understanding, fluency, and problem-solving skills, ensuring that educational content is aligned with standards to improve student achievement. Additionally, Teachley Analytics provides schools with tools to track student progress, identify those at risk, and customize classroom instruction according to individual learning needs.

Reasoning Mind, Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded in 2000 and based in Houston, Texas, dedicated to delivering high-quality mathematics education solutions for elementary and middle school students. As a subsidiary of Imagine Learning, the organization focuses on developing blended learning programs that integrate internet-based learning environments with classroom instruction. Reasoning Mind collaborates with schools to implement these innovative math education programs, providing resources and support to both students and teachers. With over 18 years of experience in the United States, Reasoning Mind aims to ensure that every child has access to an exceptional math education.

WriteReader is an innovative learning platform focused on enhancing children's reading and writing skills through the creation of digital books. The platform allows children to capture images of people, objects, or situations and encourages them to write about these experiences using their own language. WriteReader then translates the child's text into conventional writing, enabling them to publish their stories in a global online library. This approach not only fosters creativity but also supports literacy development by allowing children to engage in storytelling while improving their writing abilities.

Brightwheel is a software platform designed to support early education providers such as preschools, childcare centers, camps, and afterschool programs. It facilitates teachers' daily management tasks and enhances communication with parents, providing them with detailed insights into their children's educational progress. Additionally, the platform automates administrative operations, streamlining processes for administrators. This comprehensive solution aims to create a seamless and personalized learning experience while keeping parents actively involved in their child's education.

Kaymbu Inc. is a technology company that provides a cloud-based documentation and media management solution tailored for early education centers. Founded in 2012 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Kaymbu enables teachers to document classroom activities through an iPad-based application, allowing for secure communication with families. The platform facilitates the capturing of photos and videos of significant classroom events, fostering stronger connections between home and school. Additionally, it offers features that allow teachers and administrators to access content via web or mobile devices, add contextual notes, and align documentation with various assessment frameworks or accreditation criteria. Kaymbu's tools are designed to enhance engagement and visibility in the learning process, ultimately strengthening school communities.

Cognitive ToyBox, Inc. is a company focused on enhancing early childhood education through the development of evidence-based games and applications designed to assess kindergarten readiness in children. Founded by Tammy Kwan and Dr. Brenden Lake in 2014 and based in Brooklyn, New York, the company creates technology that combines game-based education with observational assessments. This hybrid platform allows teachers and schools to track children's cognitive skills and number foundations in real time, providing valuable insights to improve learning outcomes. Supported by organizations such as the National Science Foundation and the Robin Hood Foundation, Cognitive ToyBox aims to ensure that all children are prepared to succeed when they enter kindergarten. The company's solutions are accessible on both Android and iOS mobile platforms.

Learning Genie is a developer of a parent-teacher engagement platform that enhances communication between educators and families, particularly in preschool and kindergarten settings. The company provides robust tools for documenting child development, conducting assessments, and generating analytical reports, which help teachers prepare authentic evidence-based evaluations and personalized lesson plans. Its innovative daily reporting feature goes beyond simple photo sharing, fostering meaningful engagement by allowing teachers to share interactive learning materials, such as eBooks and songs, along with parenting tips. This approach aims to strengthen the home-school connection, thereby improving the quality of educational programs and enhancing early learning outcomes for children. Learning Genie is particularly well-suited for state or federally funded programs, meeting the documentation and assessment requirements set by educational authorities.

Waterford.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving universal literacy for children by promoting equity, access, and family empowerment in early education. The organization develops innovative educational tools that create adaptive, individualized learning paths, fostering fluent reading and lifelong learning. By empowering parents as primary educators and equipping teachers with the necessary resources, Waterford.org enhances the educational experience for students. The organization currently serves over 300,000 children annually across the United States. Waterford.org's initiatives have garnered support from various governmental and philanthropic entities, highlighting its commitment to improving educational outcomes through effective teaching models and technology-driven solutions.

AppleTree Institute for Education Innovation is an educational institution based in Washington, D.C., founded in 1996. It operates seven public charter preschool campuses that serve as models for effective teaching and learning. The institute emphasizes instructional quality, a standards-based curriculum, quality classroom environments, and a commitment to data-driven decision-making. In addition to its preschool operations, AppleTree includes a research and development component aimed at enhancing educational practices. Through its innovative approach, AppleTree seeks to improve early childhood education and foster positive outcomes for children.

The MIND Research Institute enables elementary and primary students to reach their full academic and career potential through developing and deploying math instructional software and systems - working closely with community leaders, school administrators and educators, and civic leaders and donors. As non-profit organization, MIND also conducts basic neuro-scientific, mathematics, and education research to improve math education and advance scientific understanding.

Family Engagement Lab, LLC is a company dedicated to enhancing student outcomes in underserved communities through a focus on family engagement. Founded in 2016 and based in San Francisco, the company has developed an online platform featuring FASTalk, a text-based program that enables teachers to connect with families. This program aligns with curriculum-driven, at-home activities that foster students' social, emotional, and academic growth. In addition to facilitating teacher-family communication, the platform offers resources for families to build critical academic skills and cultivate effective learning habits and mindsets. By collaborating with various partners, Family Engagement Lab aims to understand and address the barriers to family engagement, providing solutions that respect and honor the diversity of families and communities.

codeSpark is an educational technology company based in Pasadena, California, founded in 2014. It specializes in developing interactive learning games aimed at teaching computer science concepts to children aged five to eight. The company's flagship product, codeSpark Academy, features The Foos, a self-directed game platform that accommodates various learning styles and fosters inclusive education. With a blend of structured challenges and imaginative play, the platform enables children to master fundamental programming skills and apply them creatively by designing, coding, and sharing their own video games. codeSpark's games have reached millions of children across 201 countries, highlighting its global impact on early childhood education in technology.

Mawi Learning was founded by Mawi Asgedom, an Ethiopian refugee who persevered against all odds to successfully graduate from Harvard. Mawi chronicled his family’s journey in his best-selling autobiography Of Beetles and Angels and in speeches to over a million students and teachers worldwide.

Sparkler is a mobile application designed to enhance early childhood learning and development for parents, pediatricians, teachers, and young children. The platform provides education organizations and employers serving families with tools that harness the principles of early child and brain development. Through its enterprise solutions, Sparkler empowers parents, grandparents, and caregivers by offering personalized content, coaching, and resources aimed at improving child outcomes. The company collaborates with educational, healthcare, and social service organizations to equip families with the necessary tools to support healthy child development, ultimately preparing children for learning and life.

PowerMyLearning is a national non-profit that leverages technology to strengthen the learning relationships among students, teachers, and families so that all students can succeed. Our work fosters growth in teachers as instructional leaders; in families as support partners; and in students as learners who can meet the challenge of high academic standards.

Majorwise’s mission is to revolutionize how students find jobs out of high school. Majorwise was started by Peter Silverman and Max Robbins in December of 2015. Peter and Max were college roommates at the University of Vermont, and both were having trouble finding local jobs for the summer related to their major. Peter ended up getting a digital marketing internship in Boston, and Max was a waiter in Cape Cod. Neither of us could believe there were no local jobs we could find. So, we started investigating where all these jobs are. It turned out, most of the companies in Vermont are small, as in less than 10 employees. These businesses don’t normally hire students for internships because internships are often too big of commitments. They do need help executing marketing strategies, making graphics, and communicating with customers, but they can’t afford that for 30 hours a week. Figuring this out, Peter and Max created a simple job board called BeaconVT to help Vermont students find local jobs, internships, projects, and gigs.

Timocco is a developer of an online virtual-motion gaming platform specifically designed for children with special needs. The company's innovative platform utilizes motion-based technology to create engaging games that facilitate the development of core skills such as motor, cognitive, communication, and therapy-related abilities. By offering a safe and non-violent gaming environment, Timocco enables physical therapists and parents to assist children in improving their skills and effectively managing everyday tasks. The platform includes various fine-tuning options, allowing for tailored experiences that meet individual needs.

Enuma Inc., established in 2012 and based in Berkeley, California, specializes in designing accessible games and applications that promote independent learning for children aged preschool through second grade. The company's flagship products include Todo Math, Todo Telling Time, Kid in Story, and Todo Number Matrix, each focusing on different aspects of math and language skills development. Enuma's mission is to empower all children, including those with special needs or limited resources, to become independent learners. Notably, the company won the Global Learning XPRIZE competition in 2019 for achieving the highest learning gains in a 15-month field test.

Zyrobotics LLC is an assistive technology company based in Atlanta, Georgia, that specializes in developing educational play applications aimed at children. Founded in 2013 as a spin-off from Georgia Tech Venturelab, Zyrobotics focuses on creating accessible tools for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education. The company offers a range of products, including interactive math applications such as OctoPlus and OctoMinus, which are designed to reinforce core math skills while also improving fine motor skills and visual perception. Zyrobotics' innovative approach combines education and therapy, supporting children of all abilities in achieving their developmental milestones.

Branching Minds, Inc. is a New York-based company that offers a web-based platform designed to assist educators and parents in identifying and addressing students' learning challenges. Incorporated in 2013, the company provides tools that facilitate the collection of data on observable student behaviors through a structured Q&A process. This allows educators to pinpoint cognitive issues and strengths effectively. The platform further enhances the educational process by algorithmically matching identified challenges with research-backed supports, thereby enabling personalized interventions. Additionally, it equips learning specialists, psychologists, and special educators with the ability to track observations, systematize record-keeping, and generate reports on student progress, ultimately improving the response to intervention and multi-tier systems of support in educational settings.

ExceptionALLY is a company focused on providing personalized solutions to assist parents in navigating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process for their children. It aims to empower parents by helping them understand and organize the necessary information to advocate effectively for their child's educational needs. ExceptionALLY offers collaborative educational assistance services that include tailored recommendations for accommodations, modifications, and goals specific to each child's requirements. By facilitating better communication and understanding of the special education process, the company enables parents to ensure their children receive the appropriate support and resources needed for their academic success.

Kinems Inc, established in 2013, is a Greek-based company that develops Kinect-based learning games for children with various learning disabilities and disorders, such as autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia. These games, including River Crossing, Mathloons, and over 30 others, are designed to engage children in therapeutic body movements while learning academic content. Kinems also offers a cloud-based monitoring and reporting system, enabling professionals to customize games based on individual children's needs. The platform serves teachers, healthcare professionals, therapists, and parents, aiming to enhance special education and pre-referral interventions.

PhET provides fun, free, interactive, research-based science and mathematics simulations. They extensively test and evaluate each simulation to ensure educational effectiveness. These tests include student interviews and observation of simulation use in classrooms. The simulations are written in Java, Flash or HTML5, and can be run online or downloaded to your computer. All simulations are open source. Multiple sponsors support the PhET project, enabling these resources to be free to all students and teachers.

iTherapy is a technology company that focuses on developing innovative solutions for individuals with autism and other special needs. Founded by Matthew Guggemos and Lois Jean Brady, the company specializes in creating multi-sensory educational equipment aimed at enhancing communication skills. By integrating science, technology, and play, iTherapy's tools facilitate better teaching methods tailored for those with learning disabilities. Additionally, the company has developed an AI-powered language-learning tool that utilizes mobile technology and video self-modeling to further assist individuals with autism, ultimately aiming to improve their quality of life.

VocaliD is a company that specializes in creating custom digitized voices through its innovative text-to-speech technology. Utilizing advanced machine learning techniques and proprietary voice blending algorithms, VocaliD generates high-quality, natural-sounding voices within hours. The company's offerings include a mobile application that integrates digital voices with vocal identity software, allowing users to establish personalized digital vocal identities. This technology is particularly beneficial for individuals who rely on devices to communicate, as it enhances their ability to interact with others and engage with intelligent devices. By capturing the essence of human vocal identity, VocaliD aims to redefine communication for disabled individuals, enabling them to express themselves more authentically.

LiftEd is a continuous monitoring, intervention, and instructional support platform. It empowers teachers, related service (speech/occupational therapists, behaviorists, psychologists, etc.) and other Special Education professionals to rigorously track progress data, intelligently refine instruction/intervention strategies, and accelerate outcomes for learners with disAbilities or differences ages 3-22.

Education Modified LLC is a specialized education technology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2012. It develops the EdMod App, a research-driven platform designed to enhance educational outcomes for students with diverse needs, particularly in special education. The app offers educators easy access to evidence-based strategies, professional development resources, and workflow tools that monitor student progress. Its features include strategies tailored for ADHD, co-teaching, and Dyslexia professional development, along with a Learning Biography that supports curriculum enhancement and standards alignment. By combining insights from special educators with artificial intelligence, Education Modified aims to bridge the gap between compliance and effective classroom practices, enabling educators to better support students with varying requirements.

Education Leaders of Color is an organization that ensures young people of color have the support they need. They elevate the leadership, voices, and influence of people of color in education and promote more inclusive and sustainable efforts to improve education. They enable them to become critical thinkers, have choices, capitalize on opportunities, and secure continuing economic advancement.

Education Reform Now helps to improve outcomes for students who have been historically prohibited and underserved so that the system accrues benefits for everyone. They provide education policies that empower students and enable them to fulfil their limitless potential.

TCSC is a movement dedicated to effective policy, excellent schools, competent operators, and well-informed communities. The Tennessee Charter School Association and Tennessee Charter School Incubator merged in 2013 to form TCSC, which has a long history of providing comprehensive support to Tennessee's growing charter sector since 1998 and is critical to its continued growth.

CodeHS, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company founded in 2012 that operates a comprehensive online platform designed to facilitate the teaching of computer science in schools. The platform offers a complete K-12 curriculum focused on programming, including topics such as JavaScript, HTML/CSS, data structures, and game design. It provides educators with a variety of resources, including lesson plans, grading tools, and progress tracking features. Additionally, CodeHS offers professional development for teachers, ensuring they have the support and training necessary to effectively deliver computer science education. Schools can access a range of services for free, with more advanced features available through a premium subscription.

StoryWorld provides language learning through a range of stories. Additionally, they also offer embedded multimodal, multilingual, and multisensory tools that provide encouragement and support for a variety of learning styles.

TalkingPoints is a company dedicated to enhancing communication between teachers and parents to foster better support for students' education. It offers an AI-powered messaging platform that enables teachers to send messages to parents about school activities, while allowing parents to respond or initiate conversations in their native languages. This service is designed to facilitate meaningful engagement in education, regardless of the diverse backgrounds and languages of the families involved. By bridging communication gaps, TalkingPoints aims to build strong relationships among teachers, parents, and students, ultimately contributing to improved student learning experiences.

Speak Agent, Inc. is an educational technology company based in Rockville, Maryland, founded in 2011. It offers an audiovisual learning platform specifically designed to address the vocabulary instruction needs of English and Spanish language learners, particularly English Language Learners (ELLs). The platform enables educators to create and share customized interactive games and multimedia activities, facilitating the development of academic vocabulary across various subjects. Users can define custom vocabulary sets using a bilingual word bank, and bundle these with games and videos into tailored lessons. Speak Agent's innovative approach aims to close the academic achievement gap for special populations by providing effective tools for teaching academic English. The company has received recognition and awards from various educational institutions and organizations for its contribution to enhancing language learning outcomes.

Spotlight is a business intelligence company based in Davis, California, that specializes in the education sector. The company has developed proprietary software that transforms educational data into natural language, producing narrative text-based reports and personalized videos for everyday users. This innovative approach aims to make complex data more accessible and actionable. Spotlight has established paid partnerships with prominent organizations in education, including ETS, the College Board, and NWEA, as well as significant school districts such as Oakland Unified, Long Beach Unified, and Green Dot Public Schools. Through its online education data analytics platform, Spotlight enables users to gain insights and enhance their educational experiences.

Listenwise is an educational technology company that provides a subscription-based e-learning platform aimed at enhancing literacy and learning through listening. The company curates high-quality public radio content and transforms it into engaging academic material suitable for classrooms. By offering a collection of podcasts and stories, Listenwise helps educators bring real-world voices and non-fiction narratives into the classroom, fostering student listening skills and providing differentiated instruction to support diverse learning needs.

The World Is an Interesting Place. Math Class Should Be, Too. At Mathalicious, they think the world is an interesting place full of interesting questions. Do people with small feet pay too much for shoes? Do taller Olympic sprinters have an unfair advantage? How have video game consoles changed over time…and are they building the Matrix? They also think math class is the perfect place for students and teachers to explore questions like these, and that it can be the most interesting part of the day.

Carnegie Learning is a publisher specializing in innovative, research-based mathematics curricula tailored for middle school, high school, and post-secondary students. The company provides differentiated instruction aimed at enhancing student success in mathematics, thereby facilitating graduation and equipping learners for the demands of the 21st century. Carnegie Learning develops artificial intelligence and learning software designed for regional schools, offering a comprehensive suite of proven educational resources, including textbooks, professional development, and data analysis services. These resources support conceptual understanding and developmental learning while also incorporating project-based computer science and coding curricula, enabling K-12 and college students to receive adaptive, personalized education and achieve effective learning outcomes.

ThinkCERCA is an educational technology company that offers a personalized literacy platform aimed at enhancing students' reading, writing, and critical thinking skills through argumentative writing. The platform enables educators to design, share, deliver, and assess lessons while tracking real-time progress in reading and writing. It fosters collaborative discussions and debates in classrooms, allowing students to engage with various subjects through the process of argumentation. With a presence in all 50 states and 130 countries, ThinkCERCA has partnered with notable education leaders and has received recognition for its innovative approach, including being a finalist for the SIAA CODiE Awards and being featured by The Atlantic and EdSurge. The company has also been acknowledged by Common Sense’s Graphite as one of the best tools in educational technology.

The only curriculum top-rated by EdReports that unites hands-on instruction and immersive digital learning.

CueThink Inc. is a Boston-based company that provides a peer-to-peer platform aimed at enhancing math problem-solving skills for students in grades 4-12. Founded in 2012, CueThink's platform allows students to develop systematic problem-solving abilities, improve mathematical language, and build a repository of visual assessments. It also supports teachers by offering analytics on student progress and helping them meet Common Core standards, while providing parents with insights into their children's strengths and weaknesses. The company has developed a mobile application, Quantum, specifically for grades 4-8, which encourages collaborative learning and critical thinking. By integrating familiar social media and gaming elements, CueThink aims to engage students more effectively in their math education. The platform's development has been supported by grants and has shown promising results in classroom pilots.

Motion Math Inc. is an educational game developer based in San Francisco, California, that focuses on creating engaging mobile games to help children develop a love for math and intellectual challenges. Established in 2010, the company offers a suite of movement-based games that facilitate the understanding of fundamental math concepts, particularly fractions, through interactive visuals and adaptive content. These games connect various representations of fractions, such as numerators, denominators, percents, and pie charts, to their positions on a number line, thereby enhancing learners' perceptual skills. Motion Math's offerings include over 900 levels of adaptive content accessible via web and iPad applications, aligning with K-6 educational standards and fostering math fluency and conceptual understanding based on growth mindset research. Since November 2017, Motion Math has operated as a subsidiary of Curriculum Associates LLC.

Kaizena is a student assessment platform designed to enhance the feedback process in educational settings. The company's software allows students to request and receive constructive feedback from teachers and peers on their work. By enabling users to provide relevant feedback, record voice comments, and evaluate students' skills, Kaizena fosters an environment where learners can continuously improve their abilities. This platform supports a natural learning approach by encouraging students to try, compare, and refine their skills, making the feedback process an integral part of their educational experience.

ClassWallet, Inc. is a funds management and tracking platform based in Hollywood, Florida, founded in 2014. The company specializes in providing a digital wallet solution tailored for public education systems, facilitating the management of various funds, including classroom stipends, student activity funds, and grants. ClassWallet's technology streamlines the purchasing and reimbursement process, significantly reducing administrative overhead and paperwork. By integrating e-commerce capabilities with a reloadable debit card system, ClassWallet ensures that public funds are utilized effectively and in compliance with regulations. The platform serves a wide range of clients, including state government agencies and school districts across 32 states, enabling them to maximize the potential of over $2.7 billion in public funds. Additionally, ClassWallet features an integrated marketplace that connects users with major retailers and service providers, enhancing their purchasing options. In 2023, the company was recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S., reflecting its impact in the educational sector.

Zaption, Inc. is an online video interaction platform that transforms passive video content into engaging, interactive learning experiences. Founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, California, the company provides tools that allow educators, trainers, and instructional designers to create interactive video lessons by incorporating images, text, quiz questions, and discussions into existing videos from platforms like YouTube and Vimeo. These interactive lessons, referred to as "learning tours," can be easily shared or embedded in learning management systems. Zaption also features award-winning analytics that track learner engagement, enabling educators to access actionable data to enhance instruction and tailor learning experiences. As of June 30, 2016, Zaption operates as a subsidiary of Workday, Inc.

Tales2Go Inc., based in Bethesda, Maryland, is an audiobook subscription service that provides educators, parents, and students with on-demand access to thousands of titles from leading publishers and storytellers. Founded in 2009, the company offers a mobile and desktop streaming solution designed to enhance literacy through audiobooks, which foster listening comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary development. By integrating audiobooks into educational settings, Tales2Go supports the Common Core Standards that emphasize the importance of listening skills in early literacy. The service is particularly beneficial in classrooms equipped with laptops and mobile devices, serving as an innovative upgrade for school media centers to engage students and improve reading outcomes.

CodeHS, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company founded in 2012 that operates a comprehensive online platform designed to facilitate the teaching of computer science in schools. The platform offers a complete K-12 curriculum focused on programming, including topics such as JavaScript, HTML/CSS, data structures, and game design. It provides educators with a variety of resources, including lesson plans, grading tools, and progress tracking features. Additionally, CodeHS offers professional development for teachers, ensuring they have the support and training necessary to effectively deliver computer science education. Schools can access a range of services for free, with more advanced features available through a premium subscription.

A bit of history: back in late 2009, a group of passionate, dedicated Philadelphia area educators – most of whom who had never met in person, but were connected by social media – somehow found themselves together at an unconference called Barcamp Philly. Despite the name, there was no alcohol and no camping (“Occupy” style or otherwise). There was, however, intense excitement as the event began, the day’s conference schedule was created before our eyes, and sessions got underway. By the end of the day, we’d all attended many workshops, led a few of our own, and collectively reached a powerful conclusion:

Nepris Inc. is a cloud-based platform that connects educators with industry professionals, enhancing the relevance of curriculum topics for students from K-16 and beyond. Founded in 2013 and based in Austin, Texas, Nepris matches the expertise of industry professionals with specific learning objectives, facilitating virtual interactions that bring real-world experiences into the classroom. The platform enables professionals to engage with students through discussions, project mentoring, virtual tours, mock interviews, and workplace experiences, thereby bridging the gap between education and industry. This innovative approach allows educators to leverage industry connections effectively, fostering engagement and providing students with valuable insights into potential career paths.

Newsela is an educational technology startup based in New York that publishes online news articles daily to help students develop advanced literacy skills. Founded in 2013, the company takes real-time content from trusted sources and adapts it into learning materials tailored to different reading levels. Newsela offers a range of topics including war and peace, science, health, arts, and sports, providing digital content that enhances non-fiction fluency and critical thinking for students across various grades.

EdCast Inc. is a technology company that operates an artificial intelligence-powered knowledge cloud platform designed to enhance personalized learning and knowledge management within enterprises. The company's main offerings include the EdCast Learning Experience Platform (LXP) and the MyGuide Digital Adoption Platform, which together facilitate employee development by providing tailored learning experiences and automating repetitive tasks. EdCast serves a diverse range of industries, including banking, healthcare, hospitality, and technology, helping organizations improve workforce engagement and productivity through effective onboarding, upskilling, and knowledge sharing. The platform aggregates content from various sources, ensuring users receive relevant and contextual information, thus supporting a culture of continuous learning and career mobility. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, EdCast has garnered recognition as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum and supports a wide array of clients, from large multinational corporations to small businesses.

SchoolMint is a cloud-based platform designed to streamline student enrollment and school choice for PreK-12 educational institutions globally. Founded in 2013, the company has been adopted by over 6,000 schools, offering solutions for student registration management, application processing, lottery coordination, and digital documentation. The platform is accessible both online and via mobile devices, allowing for seamless integration with leading student information systems. By transforming the enrollment experience, SchoolMint facilitates improved communication between parents and schools throughout the admission process, making it easier for independent, charter, and district schools to manage student admissions effectively.

FreshGrade Inc. is an online education platform based in Kelowna, Canada, founded in 2011. It is designed for teachers, parents, and students, facilitating enhanced communication and assessment of learning moments through various media, including videos, pictures, audio, and notes. The platform serves as an all-inclusive tool for classroom assessment and documentation, allowing teachers to engage with students effectively while providing parents with insight into their child's academic progress. FreshGrade aims to foster personalized learning and greater parental involvement, aligning with contemporary communication methods and technology usage. By offering resources for administrators, teachers, and parents, FreshGrade strives to improve learning outcomes and support student development.

Ellevation, LLC is an educational technology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in developing a web-based software platform tailored for English learners (EL) and the educators who support them. Founded in 2006, the company offers a comprehensive EL program management solution that organizes student data, facilitates essential monitoring processes, and aids in instructional planning for multilingual students. Ellevation's platform is designed to improve teacher practices and enhance student achievement by providing research-based instructional strategies and activities. Additionally, the company offers Ellevation Math, which equips English learners with the necessary tools to access grade-level math content. By serving public school districts, EL coordinators, specialists, teachers, and students across the United States, Ellevation aims to foster a culture of accountability and support for the academic success of English language learners.

Tuva Labs provides data literacy solutions for K-12 schools, businesses, and organizations working in sustainable development. It offers Tuva, a data literacy platform that enables teachers to use interactive, visual graphing tools and curated datasets to teach problem solving, modeling, evidence-based thinking and other essential skills. The company's Tuva provides a library of modules and lessons that enables participants to learn foundational concepts in data, statistics, and analytics in various languages, such as English, Spanish, and Arabic. Tuva Labs was founded in 2012 and is based in New York.

Mystery Science is an educational company that offers multimedia science and STEM lessons designed for K-5 students. The company aims to enhance children's curiosity about scientific subjects by providing ready-to-teach lessons that can be easily integrated into classroom settings. It addresses common questions that children ask about the world, having initially focused on the 150 most frequently posed science inquiries. By equipping elementary school teachers with engaging and accessible resources, Mystery Science fosters scientific inquisitiveness and helps students effectively understand and investigate academic concepts.

ClassWallet, Inc. is a funds management and tracking platform based in Hollywood, Florida, founded in 2014. The company specializes in providing a digital wallet solution tailored for public education systems, facilitating the management of various funds, including classroom stipends, student activity funds, and grants. ClassWallet's technology streamlines the purchasing and reimbursement process, significantly reducing administrative overhead and paperwork. By integrating e-commerce capabilities with a reloadable debit card system, ClassWallet ensures that public funds are utilized effectively and in compliance with regulations. The platform serves a wide range of clients, including state government agencies and school districts across 32 states, enabling them to maximize the potential of over $2.7 billion in public funds. Additionally, ClassWallet features an integrated marketplace that connects users with major retailers and service providers, enhancing their purchasing options. In 2023, the company was recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S., reflecting its impact in the educational sector.

Mystery Science is an educational company that offers multimedia science and STEM lessons designed for K-5 students. The company aims to enhance children's curiosity about scientific subjects by providing ready-to-teach lessons that can be easily integrated into classroom settings. It addresses common questions that children ask about the world, having initially focused on the 150 most frequently posed science inquiries. By equipping elementary school teachers with engaging and accessible resources, Mystery Science fosters scientific inquisitiveness and helps students effectively understand and investigate academic concepts.

Tales2Go Inc., based in Bethesda, Maryland, is an audiobook subscription service that provides educators, parents, and students with on-demand access to thousands of titles from leading publishers and storytellers. Founded in 2009, the company offers a mobile and desktop streaming solution designed to enhance literacy through audiobooks, which foster listening comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary development. By integrating audiobooks into educational settings, Tales2Go supports the Common Core Standards that emphasize the importance of listening skills in early literacy. The service is particularly beneficial in classrooms equipped with laptops and mobile devices, serving as an innovative upgrade for school media centers to engage students and improve reading outcomes.

BrightBytes Inc. operates a data analytics platform designed to enhance education by measuring and linking technology use to student learning outcomes. Founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, California, the company provides a SaaS-based solution that equips educational leaders, including government agencies, school districts, and institutions, with the tools to analyze and improve learning outcomes. Its platform aggregates and cleanses complex data from various systems, offering insights through intuitive infographics, actionable recommendations, and targeted reports. By delivering data-driven insights and prioritizing technology programs and professional development, BrightBytes enables educational stakeholders to effectively manage technology deployment and assess its impact on student achievement. The team comprises data scientists, educational researchers, developers, and data visualization experts dedicated to fostering school-wide improvements through evidence-based frameworks and peer networks.

EdSurge, Inc., founded in 2011 and based in Burlingame, California, operates a platform dedicated to providing news and information on innovation in education technology. It serves a diverse audience comprising educators, entrepreneurs, and investors, helping them navigate the edtech landscape. EdSurge offers a comprehensive database of educational technology products, facilitating access to independent reviews that enable schools and colleges to select appropriate tools for their needs. The organization publishes a weekly newsletter, hosts an array of events including summits and meetups, and manages a jobs board tailored for the education sector. Additionally, it runs the Edtech Concierge service to assist education leaders in making informed technology choices. By blending technology and journalism, EdSurge aims to promote the effective adoption of educational technology through impartial reporting and community engagement.

Kidaptive, Inc. is an educational technology company focused on developing interactive learning content for preschoolers. Founded in 2011 and based in Redwood City, California, Kidaptive offers products such as Leo's Pad, a series of interactive educational applications, and Parent's Pad, an assessment tool designed for parents. The company’s Adaptive Learning Platform (ALP) aggregates observations from diverse learning contexts to create comprehensive profiles of individual learners, enabling personalized educational experiences. By leveraging innovative technology and insights from learning sciences, Kidaptive aims to enhance engagement, optimize learning outcomes, and foster a lifelong love of learning in children. The company's mission emphasizes empowering parents and educators with tools and insights to support early learning effectively.

Securly, Inc., founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Jose, California, with additional offices in Charlotte, North Carolina; India; Mexico; Glasgow, Scotland; and London, United Kingdom, specializes in developing cloud-based filtering solutions for educational institutions. The company's platform is designed to ensure student safety online by providing web-filtering services that detect cyberbullying and self-harm behaviors through language-sentiment analysis. This enables teachers and parents to monitor and control the websites students access on school computers, both within the classroom and at home.

Newsela is an educational technology startup based in New York that publishes online news articles daily to help students develop advanced literacy skills. Founded in 2013, the company takes real-time content from trusted sources and adapts it into learning materials tailored to different reading levels. Newsela offers a range of topics including war and peace, science, health, arts, and sports, providing digital content that enhances non-fiction fluency and critical thinking for students across various grades.

Curriculet is a digital reading platform that enhances the educational experience for both teachers and students. Founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, California, Curriculet allows educators to create, customize, and share curriculum and lesson materials that align with Common Core standards. The platform also facilitates the purchase of ebooks for school districts, enabling them to expand their libraries and provide a broader selection of reading materials for students. By focusing on the integration of technology in education, Curriculet aims to make reading more enjoyable and engaging, recognizing the importance of reading as a foundational element of learning. The company operates as a subsidiary of Waterford Institute Inc. and was previously known as Gobstopper, Inc.

ReadWorks offers free, research-based, classroom-proven lessons and online training to help K-6 teachers explicitly teach the component skills and strategies of reading comprehension, while also supporting the much needed development of background knowledge and vocabulary.

NoRedInk is a web-based learning platform dedicated to enhancing the writing and grammar skills of students in grades 4-12. The platform engages learners through adaptive exercises tailored to their interests, covering topics like sports and pop culture. It identifies grammatical and other errors in students' responses, providing targeted tutorials and follow-up exercises to support improvement. Teachers receive detailed insights into each student's strengths and weaknesses, enabling personalized instruction. With a presence in over 50% of school districts across the United States, NoRedInk is committed to unlocking every writer's potential by offering an engaging, interactive approach to writing education that moves beyond traditional study methods.

Socrative, Inc. is a technology company that offers an online smart student response system aimed at enhancing classroom engagement through interactive educational exercises and games. Founded in 2011 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Socrative's software enables teachers to conduct quick polling, utilize pre-made quizzes, and facilitate open response activities using laptops, smartphones, and tablets. The platform tracks student performance and provides real-time data, allowing teachers, parents, schools, and districts to personalize and improve learning experiences. As of July 2018, Socrative operates as a subsidiary of Showbie Inc.

Ellevation, LLC is an educational technology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in developing a web-based software platform tailored for English learners (EL) and the educators who support them. Founded in 2006, the company offers a comprehensive EL program management solution that organizes student data, facilitates essential monitoring processes, and aids in instructional planning for multilingual students. Ellevation's platform is designed to improve teacher practices and enhance student achievement by providing research-based instructional strategies and activities. Additionally, the company offers Ellevation Math, which equips English learners with the necessary tools to access grade-level math content. By serving public school districts, EL coordinators, specialists, teachers, and students across the United States, Ellevation aims to foster a culture of accountability and support for the academic success of English language learners.

Schoolzilla operates as an education technology company specializing in data management and analytics for K-12 districts. It offers Mosaic District Progress Monitoring, a configurable SaaS solution built on its proprietary Schoolzilla Data Warehouse. This platform ingests, transforms, and connects data from over 100 commonly used student information systems, assessments, and operational software, turning it into interactive reports and actionable visualizations. The primary goal is to empower district leaders with data-driven insights to improve student outcomes, reduce chronic absence, enhance assessment results, address equity gaps, monitor behavior interventions, and ensure students are on track for college and career readiness.

Mytonomy, Inc. is a provider of microlearning software and cloud-based solutions designed for patient education and engagement, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. Founded in 2011, the company specializes in delivering video-based educational content that helps patients and caregivers navigate their healthcare journeys, thereby enhancing self-efficacy and health outcomes. Mytonomy's platform, used by over 70 hospitals and 200 clinics, integrates seamlessly with major electronic health record (EHR) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, offering a consumer-like experience across various medical conditions and care settings. The company's award-winning clinical studio produces high-quality, evidence-based educational materials, recognized with over 150 awards for excellence in clinical education. Mytonomy has gained recognition as a rapidly growing company, being named to the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Companies in the U.S. for four consecutive years and receiving accolades for its innovative SaaS platform in healthcare.

LearnZillion, Inc. is an educational technology company based in Washington, District of Columbia, founded in 2011. It specializes in providing open and cloud-based curricula to schools, primarily focusing on mathematics and English. The company's platform offers a range of instructional materials, including video lessons and practice problems, which support teachers in delivering effective instruction and tracking student performance. LearnZillion's solutions are designed to cater to the specific needs of students, promoting interactive learning through task-implementation guides. Additionally, the company's services are accessible via a mobile application, enhancing the teaching and learning experience. As of January 2020, LearnZillion operates as a subsidiary of Weld North Education, LLC.

Tynker is an online creative coding platform that aims to equip children aged 5 to 18 with foundational skills in computer science and programming. The platform offers self-paced courses for individual learners as well as a comprehensive curriculum tailored for educational institutions. Through its intuitive visual programming language, Tynker allows users to create a variety of projects, including web and mobile applications, animations, music, e-books, and games, while also enabling programming for robotics and drones. The organization's mission is to foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in children, preparing them for future career opportunities in a technology-driven world.

Nearpod Inc. is a cloud-based educational platform focused on enhancing the learning experience in both traditional classrooms and distance learning environments. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Aventura, Florida, Nearpod enables educators to create interactive multimedia presentations that engage students and facilitate real-time assessment. The platform supports the synchronized use of mobile devices, allowing teachers to convert existing presentations into mobile-friendly content that promotes active participation. It features a variety of interactive tools, such as polls, quizzes, and drawing activities, that provide instant feedback on student performance. Additionally, Nearpod offers a certified educator community that provides webinars, lessons, and training materials, as well as a comprehensive lesson library covering topics like digital citizenship, social-emotional learning, and career exploration.

BrightBytes Inc. operates a data analytics platform designed to enhance education by measuring and linking technology use to student learning outcomes. Founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, California, the company provides a SaaS-based solution that equips educational leaders, including government agencies, school districts, and institutions, with the tools to analyze and improve learning outcomes. Its platform aggregates and cleanses complex data from various systems, offering insights through intuitive infographics, actionable recommendations, and targeted reports. By delivering data-driven insights and prioritizing technology programs and professional development, BrightBytes enables educational stakeholders to effectively manage technology deployment and assess its impact on student achievement. The team comprises data scientists, educational researchers, developers, and data visualization experts dedicated to fostering school-wide improvements through evidence-based frameworks and peer networks.

Mytonomy, Inc. is a provider of microlearning software and cloud-based solutions designed for patient education and engagement, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. Founded in 2011, the company specializes in delivering video-based educational content that helps patients and caregivers navigate their healthcare journeys, thereby enhancing self-efficacy and health outcomes. Mytonomy's platform, used by over 70 hospitals and 200 clinics, integrates seamlessly with major electronic health record (EHR) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, offering a consumer-like experience across various medical conditions and care settings. The company's award-winning clinical studio produces high-quality, evidence-based educational materials, recognized with over 150 awards for excellence in clinical education. Mytonomy has gained recognition as a rapidly growing company, being named to the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Companies in the U.S. for four consecutive years and receiving accolades for its innovative SaaS platform in healthcare.

Ellevation, LLC is an educational technology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in developing a web-based software platform tailored for English learners (EL) and the educators who support them. Founded in 2006, the company offers a comprehensive EL program management solution that organizes student data, facilitates essential monitoring processes, and aids in instructional planning for multilingual students. Ellevation's platform is designed to improve teacher practices and enhance student achievement by providing research-based instructional strategies and activities. Additionally, the company offers Ellevation Math, which equips English learners with the necessary tools to access grade-level math content. By serving public school districts, EL coordinators, specialists, teachers, and students across the United States, Ellevation aims to foster a culture of accountability and support for the academic success of English language learners.

Goalbook is a developer of a professional learning platform aimed at assisting educators in identifying learning barriers and implementing effective instructional strategies. The company offers the Goalbook Toolkit and Goalbook Pathways, which provide instructional support and facilitate the design of multiple pathways for learning. By integrating research-based strategies and model exemplars, Goalbook enables educators to plan specialized instruction that meets the diverse needs of their students. The platform not only supports individualized learning but also promotes universal design for learning, ensuring that all students receive the necessary support for their educational activities.

eSpark, Inc. is an educational technology company that specializes in developing iPad-based applications for school students. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in San Francisco, California, eSpark aims to enhance learning experiences through its innovative tools. The company's flagship products include Frontier, which motivates students to engage in writing, and eSpark, which offers differentiated instruction in mathematics and English Language Arts for elementary school learners. eSpark is committed to creating a student-centered learning environment, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to achieve their academic and personal aspirations.

EdSurge, Inc., founded in 2011 and based in Burlingame, California, operates a platform dedicated to providing news and information on innovation in education technology. It serves a diverse audience comprising educators, entrepreneurs, and investors, helping them navigate the edtech landscape. EdSurge offers a comprehensive database of educational technology products, facilitating access to independent reviews that enable schools and colleges to select appropriate tools for their needs. The organization publishes a weekly newsletter, hosts an array of events including summits and meetups, and manages a jobs board tailored for the education sector. Additionally, it runs the Edtech Concierge service to assist education leaders in making informed technology choices. By blending technology and journalism, EdSurge aims to promote the effective adoption of educational technology through impartial reporting and community engagement.