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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Learning Genie provides a parent-teacher engagement platform for early childhood education, offering portfolio and assessment tools for documenting child development, observation, and rating to meet reporting requirements for funded programs. The platform supports two-way communication between teachers and families, enabling authentic assessments, analytical reporting, and personalized lesson planning. It includes a daily reporting feature that involves families by sharing learning content such as ebooks, songs, and interactive media, along with parenting tips, to strengthen home-school connections and engage parents in their children's learning. The solution helps preschools and kindergartens optimize operations, track progress, securely share information, and improve early learning outcomes through enhanced family involvement and evidence-based documentation.

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.

Teachley develops educational applications grounded in cognitive science research. It focuses on foundational math concepts, offering iPad apps like 'Addimal Adventure' for K-2 addition and 'Mt. Multiplis' for complex multiplication strategies. Teachley Analytics helps educators track student progress and differentiate instruction.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 is a cloud-based educational platform that enables schools to identify the root causes of students' learning challenges and tailor supports accordingly. The software gathers data on students’ observable behaviors through a questionnaire process to identify cognitive strengths and issues, and it algorithmically matches those findings with research-backed learning supports. It enables teachers, specialists, and psychologists to track observations, organize records, and generate reports, supporting instruction across response to intervention and multi-tier systems of support. The platform unites learning science and artificial intelligence to help educators and parents quickly understand cognitive and behavioral profiles and implement personalized interventions. Branching Minds was established in 2013 and is based in New York.

Kinems is a movement-based educational platform that combines computer-based learning games with therapeutic body movements to support students with disabilities. The platform integrates math and literacy content, offers Kinect-based games and a cloud-based monitoring system that tracks progress and documents interventions, allowing teachers, therapists, and parents to tailor settings to individual learning and development needs. It aims to improve attention, eye-hand coordination, and motor planning while aligning activities with state standards. Founded in 2013 and based in Athens, Greece, Kinems serves schools, healthcare professionals, therapists, and families seeking accessible, customized special education solutions.

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.

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.

iTherapy specializes in innovative educational tools for students with autism and other learning disabilities. Utilizing multi-sensory technology, the company enhances communication skills through engaging, science-based methods, improving teaching outcomes.

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.

CodeHS is a platform that provides a comprehensive K-12 computer science education solution for schools. It offers a web-based curriculum, a full coding learning management system, an online integrated development environment, and teacher tools to support instruction in programming, JavaScript, graphics and game design, data structures, HTML/CSS, and related topics. The service includes a free 6th-12th grade CS curriculum with additional paid features such as lesson plans, a gradebook, progress tracking, and dedicated support, along with professional development resources to help teachers deliver effective CS instruction.

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.

Speak Agent is an education technology company that operates an adaptive audiovisual learning platform focused on vocabulary instruction for English and Spanish language learners. The platform enables educators to create and share customized interactive games and activities, define vocabulary sets from a bilingual word bank, and bundle games, videos, and activities into English, Spanish, or bilingual lessons assigned to students. It supports cross‑subject learning by adapting to curricula and current practices, delivering interactive experiences that aim to improve outcomes in language and STEM subjects. Founded in 2011 and based in Rockville, Maryland, Speak Agent seeks to close the academic achievement gap for English language learners and has earned recognition from education and research organizations.

Listenwise curates engaging non-fiction stories from public radio, transforming them into educational content. Its subscription-based e-learning platform enhances student listening skills and supports literacy development.

TalkingPoints facilitates meaningful communication between educators, parents, and students by offering an AI-powered translation platform. This enables parents to engage with their children's education regardless of language barriers.

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.

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

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 is a platform that provides a comprehensive K-12 computer science education solution for schools. It offers a web-based curriculum, a full coding learning management system, an online integrated development environment, and teacher tools to support instruction in programming, JavaScript, graphics and game design, data structures, HTML/CSS, and related topics. The service includes a free 6th-12th grade CS curriculum with additional paid features such as lesson plans, a gradebook, progress tracking, and dedicated support, along with professional development resources to help teachers deliver effective CS instruction.

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.

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.

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 an educational technology company dedicated to enhancing writing skills for students in grades 4-12. Its web-based platform offers adaptive, engaging exercises and peer-review processes, along with detailed performance data for educators. Used in over half of U.S. school districts, NoRedInk aims to empower every student's writing potential.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Educreations, Inc. is an educational software company based in Palo Alto, California, founded in 2010. It provides a digital platform for iPad that empowers teachers and students to create, share, and collaborate on learning materials. The software allows educators to record their voice and iPad screen, creating dynamic video tutorials that can be enhanced with documents and images sourced from various platforms. This functionality supports engagement both inside and outside the classroom, facilitating communication with parents and capturing educational content. Educreations is dedicated to democratizing learning by enabling anyone to teach and learn through its open platform, which promotes self-paced education and the sharing of knowledge within a global community.

Engrade, founded in 2003 by a high school student aiming to enhance communication with teachers, has evolved into a comprehensive learning management system. As a division of CTB/McGraw-Hill, Engrade offers a suite of web-based tools designed to connect school administrators, educators, students, and parents. Its platform facilitates online class management, enabling users to oversee curriculum planning, assessments, and communication effectively. Engrade provides real-time access to academic information, fostering collaboration among all stakeholders involved in the educational process.

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.

MasteryConnect is an educational technology company based in Salt Lake City, Utah, founded in 2009. It specializes in developing an assessment and curriculum platform that supports educators in identifying levels of student understanding and personalizing learning. The platform allows teachers to administer formative and benchmark assessments, automate grading, and effectively monitor student performance. By providing tools for data evaluation, MasteryConnect enables educators to target interventions and enhance their teaching practices, ultimately driving student growth and facilitating communication with parents and administrators.

Grockit is a pioneering online social learning company. Grockit has proven that people learn more, faster through combining social learning mechanics and multi-media learning content to help people teach and learn from others. Grockit.com offers Test Prep services for GMAT, IIM CAT, LSAT, GRE, ACT, SAT and AP Calculus and AP History tests. Grockit has built a social learning test prep platform for license and direct-to-consumer products. Florida Virtual Schools, KIPP Schools, Georgetown University and other schools have deployed Grockit services.

BetterLesson provides a professional development platform for K-12 educators. The platform connects teachers with personal coaches to set development goals, create individualized learning plans, and refine teaching strategies. It also offers a searchable library of lesson plans, classroom materials, and instructional resources, enabling educators to share curricula and collaborate with peers. The company emphasizes research-based professional learning centered on student outcomes, offering defined learning pathways, self-directed courses, workshops, and job-embedded coaching, along with learning walks to guide district-wide improvement. Founded in 2008 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, BetterLesson supports districts and schools in building effective instruction that meets diverse student needs.

Education Elements partners with schools nationwide to create dynamic learning environments. They specialize in designing blended learning models tailored to each school's unique needs, combining expertise in education, product design, and change management. Their services include goal setting, instructional model design, content selection, professional development, and software platforms for personalized learning.

Concentric Educational Solutions, established in 2010 by David Heiber, specializes in enhancing educational environments. The company offers a range of services, including home visits, mentoring, tutoring, professional development, and support for student culture, special education, and mental health. These services aim to address barriers impacting students, families, and staff, fostering a positive school climate and improving learning outcomes.

Guaranteach is an online math tutoring platform that offers a comprehensive library of bite-sized video tutorials covering a wide range of mathematical topics, including fundamentals, geometry, calculus, and more. Founded in mid-2008, the company utilizes a community-sourced approach to content creation, allowing a diverse group of tutors to contribute videos that are subsequently screened by educational professionals to meet specific educational standards. This ensures that students have access to high-quality explanations tailored to their learning needs. Guaranteach's proprietary software personalizes the learning experience by analyzing student preferences and prioritizing video recommendations based on effectiveness. The company was initially seed-funded by Innosight Ventures and underwent multiple funding rounds before being acquired by Sophia Learning in 2011, which was later acquired by Capella University in 2012. Through its innovative approach to math education, Guaranteach aims to make learning math accessible and engaging for students.

Aspire Public Schools is a not-for-profit organization that operates 38 public charter schools across California and Tennessee, serving over 14,600 students in grades K-12. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Oakland, California, Aspire focuses on providing a rigorous education aimed at preparing students for college. The organization has achieved notable success, with nearly 100 percent of its graduating seniors being accepted into four-year colleges and universities over the past five years. In addition to its educational mission, Aspire runs the Aspire Teacher Residency program in partnership with the University of the Pacific, which trains individuals to become highly effective teachers. This program combines theoretical coursework with practical classroom experience, enabling residents to earn their teaching credentials and a master's degree in education while receiving priority for teaching positions in California and Memphis.