Renaissance Learning: Empowering Educators and Accelerating Student Growth

Renaissance Learning (also known simply as Renaissance) is a software as a service and learning analytics company that makes Pre-K-12 educational software and adaptive assessments. More than thirty-five years ago, educator Judi Paul created Accelerated Reader to motivate her children to read over the summer months. Today, more than 40 percent of US schools rely on Renaissance solutions for data and insights to equitably move learning forward. We’re proud to support educators and students both in the US and around the world.

A Legacy of Innovation in Education

The company was founded in 1986 by Judith and Terrance Paul after Judith developed Accelerated Reader, originally named Read Up!, in the basement of her home in Port Edwards, Wisconsin. Judith designed Accelerated Reader to encourage her children to read more books. Judi Paul and her husband Terry form Advantage Learning Systems.

In June 2016, the United States Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences in What Works Clearinghouse found Accelerated Reader to have mixed effects on comprehension for beginning readers. The company's programs have been criticized for potentially limiting a student's recreational reading to a list of books that fall in their book level, in order to accrue "points", and trivializing books and undermining reading by reducing it to a competitive game. Susan Straight in The New York Times says, "the passion and serendipity of choosing a book at the library based on the subject or the cover of the first page is nearly gone, as well as the excitement of reading a book simply for pleasure.

Star Reading, a computer-adaptive assessment of students’ reading achievement, is released.

Renaissance Today: A Commitment to Growth and Innovation

As a global leader in assessment, reading, and math solutions for pre-K-12 schools and districts, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. Today, our team continues to build on this legacy, both in the US and around the world.

Awards and Recognition

Renaissance continues to be praised for our inclusive company culture & top-notch product offerings. From employer of choice certifications to EdTech awards. In 2024, Renaissance earned a consecutive Great Place to Work® certification and was named to Fast Company's list of 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators! In 2023, we were also recognized as a Best Workplace for Women by Fortune magazine.

International Expansion

Having operated in the United Kingdom since 1999, Renaissance opens its second international office, in Australia. We opened our first international office in 1999, in the United Kingdom.

Renaissance Solutions: Addressing Key Challenges in Education

Renaissance offers a range of solutions designed to address the diverse needs of educators and students.

Renaissance Fundamentals

Faced with the challenge of supporting high-achieving students grappling with anxiety and learning loss, the district found a solution in Renaissance Fundamentals.

myON

Did you know myON releases new titles in the myON Core collection several times a year? Did you know myON Curriculum-Connected Books offer pre-bundled titles designed to enhance core instruction?

Read also: Accessing Renaissance Platform

Flocabulary Español

As educators, you know that authenticity is key-especially in education. Why use Flocabulary Español ? Is Flocabulary just for elementary students?

Data Simplification

How do we simplify the data that we get? Watch to learn more about this important topic with our SVP of Sales, Jonathan Pounds.

Renaissance in the News and Events

We're proud to see our Chief People Officer Kim Mitchell, GPHR taking the stage at the upcoming ASU+GSV Summit! Together with pioneering voices from across the L&D and skills ecosystem, these leaders will converge at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit on the FORCE Multiplier…Enterprise Strikes Back Stage-exploring the new era of agility at the intersection of learning, earning, and human potential. On World Mental Health Day, we want to highlight the importance of simple daily habits in maintaining well-being.

Acquisitions

Renaissance Learning to Merge With AlphaSmart". THE Journal. 2005-03-01.
Renaissance Learning Acquires UClass". TechCrunch.
Schoolzilla Acquired by Renaissance -". THE Journal.
Renaissance Learning to Acquire Nearpod in Blockbuster $650M All-Cash Deal - EdSurge News". EdSurge. 2021-02-19.
Edtech: Lalilo racheté par le groupe américain renaissance". Les Echos.

Historical Financial Information

Advantage Learning Systems completes IPO". Milwaukee Business Journal. September 30, 1997.
Why a 30-Year-Old Education Company Just Landed a $1 Billion Valuation". 2017-02-19.
Renaissance Learning Is Sold to Hellman & Friedman for $1.1 Billion". The New York Times.
Google Capital Invests $40M In Learning Analytics Firm Renaissance Learning At $1B Valuation". techcrunch.com.
Renaissance Acquired by Francisco Partners, and New CEO Takes Helm".

Criticism

The company's programs have been criticized for potentially limiting a student's recreational reading to a list of books that fall in their book level, in order to accrue "points", and trivializing books and undermining reading by reducing it to a competitive game.

Read also: Curriculum in the Renaissance

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