Renaissance Learning, commonly known as Renaissance, is a software as a service and learning analytics company that provides Pre-K–12 educational software and adaptive assessments. Founded in 1986 by Judith and Terrance Paul in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, the company initially developed the Accelerated Reader program to encourage children to read more books. Since then, Renaissance has expanded its product suite to include adaptive assessments like Star 360, and other educational tools such as myON, myIGDIs, Schoolzilla, Lalilo, and Freckle.
The company operates globally, with a presence in over 100 countries and more than 50,000 schools worldwide, including offices and subsidiaries in Canada, the United Kingdom, Korea, and Australia. Renaissance aims to enhance student learning by providing cloud-based assessment, teaching, and learning solutions that support differentiated instruction, personalized practice, and data-driven insights for educators.
Renaissance’s products focus on formative assessments and progress monitoring to improve core curricula across subjects including reading, writing, and mathematics. It has evolved through several stages, including an IPO in 1997, ownership changes involving private equity firms like Permira, Hellman & Friedman, and Francisco Partners, and strategic acquisitions such as AlphaSmart, UClass, Schoolzilla, Nearpod, Flocabulary, and the French company Lalilo.
Today, Renaissance is recognized as a leading education technology company dedicated to accelerating learning for all students through innovative software and analytics that support teachers and learners alike. The company continues to develop cloud-based solutions designed to empower educators with insights that personalize and boost student achievement globally.