Schoolnet

In 1998, Jonathan D. Harber and Denis P. Doyle founded Schoolnet in New York City with a clear purpose. They envisioned a system that could use data to improve learning. The company developed an instructional management platform designed to help teachers personalize learning for students by aligning assessments, curriculum, and reporting. This system allowed school districts to track student performance, providing insights to improve teacher effectiveness and boost student achievement. The timing was right. Schoolnet's data-driven approach gained traction, particularly in large urban school districts. The company secured multiple funding rounds, raising a total of $44.5 million from investors including The Carlyle Group and the Partnership for New York City. By 2011, its platform was being used by over five million students across the United States. The major turning point came in April 2011 when global education giant Pearson acquired Schoolnet for $230 million in cash. The acquisition was part of Pearson's broader strategy to build a 'connective digital spine for learning,' integrating Schoolnet's data and assessment capabilities into its extensive portfolio of educational products and services. Following the acquisition, Harber remained as CEO of Schoolnet, joining Pearson as a senior executive to continue the platform's mission.