DreamBox Learning
DreamBox Learning is an American online software provider that focuses on mathematics education for elementary and middle school, and reading education for elementary through high school level. The mathematics software provides pre-kindergarten through 8th-grade students with mathematics lessons and activities, while the reading software provides students in elementary to high school levels with articles to improve their reading skills.
 | |
| Company type | Privately Held |
|---|---|
| Industry | Software |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Founders |
|
| Headquarters | Bellevue, Washington, |
Key people | Jessie Woolley-Wilson, president and chief executive officer[1] |
| Products | Mathematics and Reading Adaptive Learning Technology |
| Owner |
|
| Website | Dreambox Learning |
DreamBox Learning is an American online software provider that focuses on mathematics education for elementary and middle school, and reading education for elementary through high school level.[2][3][4][5] The mathematics software provides pre-kindergarten through 8th-grade students with mathematics lessons and activities, while the reading software provides students in elementary to high school levels with articles to improve their reading skills.[4][6][7]
Overview
[edit]DreamBox Learning Math
[edit]DreamBox Learning Math teaches mathematical subjects at the grade K-8 level through interactive and practice activities. It has a gamified interface through which students earn coins for completed lessons. These coins can be spent to customize in-app avatars, wallpapers and music.[8]
DreamBox Learning Reading
[edit]DreamBox Learning Reading teaches reading skills at the grade 3-12 level. The program utilizes an algorithm that assesses student reading level and recommends lessons based on the students' ability.[9] In 2023, DreamBox released Reading Park, a reading assessment and learning program for K-2 students.[10]
History
[edit]In 2006, DreamBox Learning was founded in Bellevue, Washington by the CEO and serial entrepreneur Lou Gray, and former Microsoft employee Ben Slivka.[11][12][13] In 2010, DreamBox Learning was acquired by the Charter School Growth Fund.[3][13] The acquisition was sponsored by Netflix CEO Reed Hastings through a program-related investment.[3][13] Jessie Woolley-Wilson became president and CEO of DreamBox Learning shortly after the acquisition.[3][13]
The software was designed for students outside the classroom to augment their mathematics education and school districts seeking to enhance their mathematics curriculum.[4][11] In 2012, the firm offered free trial licensing of lessons aligned with the Common Core State Standards Initiative to all schools within the United States.[6][14] The company released a free iOS app, DreamBox Math Learning program, in 2013.[15]
In 2014, the firm launched its Adaptive Math Curriculum for students in grades six through eight, with topics including basic functions, geometry, single-variable algebra, and ratios.[16] As of that year, DreamBox Learning is partnered with the education startup Clever[17] Also in 2014, the International Society for Technology Education reported that DreamBox added the Spanish language support to its adaptive math software for students in grades K-8.[18] In 2016, the company updated its K-8 math curriculum with the ability to create custom assignments for individual students.[19]
As of 2021, the company had raised $150 million in funding.[20] In 2023, the company was acquired by Discovery Education, a Charlotte-based education technology company backed by Clearlake Capital.[21][22]
References
[edit]- ^ "DreamBox Learning CEO: How tech will shape the future of schools". GeekWire. 21 October 2014. Retrieved 26 October 2014.
- ^ Weber, Matt. "Harvard EdCast: Adaptive Ed Tech". Harvard Graduate School of Education. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
- ^ a b c d Vander Ark, Tom (13 June 2012). "DreamBox Learning: Adaptive, Engaging, and Motivating Math". HuffPost. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
- ^ a b c Adams, Caralee. "Individualized Learning". Scholastic. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
- ^ DeSilver, Drew. "Local, national venture financing declines for fourth quarter 2011". The Seattle Times. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
- ^ a b Rotherham, Andrew J. (26 January 2012). "Can Computers Replace Teachers?". Time. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
- ^ Thompson, Dan. "DreamBox Expands Web-Based Math Learning Tool to Grade 5". The Journal. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
- ^ Brittain, Pamela (March 2023). "DreamBox Learning Math Review for Teachers". Common Sense Education. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ^ "Students reading to learn - Grades 3-12 - DreamBox Reading Plus". dreambox.com. Retrieved 12 April 2024.
- ^ Lucariello, By Kate (22 February 2023). "DreamBox Learning Launches Reading Park for PreK–2 Students -". THE Journal. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ^ a b Shepard, Kim (15 April 2012). "Counting sheep: Raise math scores at bedtime". MYNorthwest. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
- ^ Huang, Gregory T. "DreamBox Learning Bought by Netflix CEO (and Microsoft Board Member) Reed Hastings and Charter Fund—Some More Context". Xconomy. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
- ^ a b c d "DreamBox re-positions itself for focus on K-12 market". GeekWire. 23 April 2012. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
- ^ "Free DreamBox Learning for Math". Penniless Teacher. Archived from the original on 9 May 2013. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
- ^ Bolkan, Joshua (18 November 2013). "DreamBox Launches Free Math App for iPad". The Journal. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
- ^ "DreamBox Launches Adaptive Math Curriculum for Middle Schools". The Journal. Retrieved 26 October 2014.
- ^ Sailors, John (25 March 2014). "Clever nabs $10 million for education software". Silicon Valley Business Journal. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
- ^ "Fifty from ISTE: 50 new ed-tech services". eSchool News. 8 July 2014. Retrieved 26 October 2014.
- ^ "New DreamBox Learning Feature Provides Personalized Learning Experiences". Getting Smart. 29 April 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
- ^ Soper, Taylor (29 August 2023). "Seattle-area edtech company DreamBox Learning acquired by Discovery Education". GeekWire. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
- ^ FinSMEs (29 August 2023). "Discovery Education to Acquire DreamBox Learning". FinSMEs. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ "Clearlake Capital-Backed Discovery Education Completes Acquisition of DreamBox Learning". Discovery Education UK. Retrieved 18 October 2023.