Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH), a global leader in K–12 education programs and services, has announced the acquisition of Classcraft, a learning management software designed to help teachers and educational institutions manage students, assessments, curriculum, etc. The acquisition will bring to HMH a best-in-class engineering team and innovative functionality that improves the customer experience, empowering educators and supporting student engagement.
The financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
Co-founded by Shawn Young and Lauren Young, Classcraft aims to motivate students to reach their full potential through playful, collaborative and sustainable learning experiences that promote growth and human connection. The platform uses science-based motivational principles to support dynamic learning processes and student engagement, achievement, and motivation.
Speaking about the acquisition, the Chief Technology Officer of HMH, Peter George, said:
HMH looks forward to welcoming the talented team from Classcraft into the HMH community. Montreal is already home to an HMH Technology Center of Excellence, and we are thrilled to begin working together to bring innovative learning experiences to even more students and educators.
Headquartered in Quebec, the startup believes that classrooms can be reimagined using modern pedagogy to create learning environments that are culturally relevant and impactful for today’s youth. Current users will continue to have access to Classcraft for the’ 23-24 school year in its existing form, and contracts with schools and districts will be honoured.
Co-founder & CEO of Classcraft, Shawn Young, commented:
At Classcraft, we seek to make school more relevant and meaningful by creating playful and collaborative learning experiences that teach the whole child. We know HMH shares that goal, and we’re excited to join them in supporting millions of educators and students.
Boston-based HMH brings learning to countless students and teachers—transforming lives, supporting communities, and making society more just and inclusive for all. The Company offers a connected system of research-backed solutions, where assessment drives instruction and learning can be personalized to meet students’ needs. Its engaging, equity-minded content and customized PD are designed to elevate the potential of every learner.
HMH is a portfolio company of Veritas Capital (“Veritas”), a leading investor at the intersection of technology and government. Veritas acquired HMH in April 2022.
Earlier this month, HMH acquired NWEA, a not-for-profit research and educational services organization serving K-12 students.
