Education has weathered a lot of storms over the past few years. Between school closures, navigating remote classrooms and readjusting to in-person learning, teachers and students alike could use a helping hand. One Richmond company offering that support is Great Minds PBC, a developer of digital learning curricula and aids for pre-kindergarten through grade 12. On Monday Great Minds PBC announced a $150 million investment from A-Street to help expand its digital learning experience offerings.
Founded in 2007, Great Minds PBC is a public benefit corporation and subsidiary of Great Minds, a nonprofit organization that strives to make content-rich, comprehensive education accessible to all children. This latest funding round includes $100 million in newly issued shares and $50 million to acquire a stake from nonprofit Great Minds. A-Street is now a minority stakeholder of Great Minds PBC, according to a statement.
The company writes curricula and learning material spanning numerous topics, including Eureka Math, PhD Science, Wit & Wisdom and Geodes, that reach millions of students across the country. These materials received top ratings through reviews in states like California, Louisiana, Massachusetts and Texas. Eureka Math in particular has seen significant success. According to Great Minds, it is the most widely used elementary math curriculum in the country.
In addition to the funding news, Great Minds PBC announced the appointment of former Louisiana State Superintendent of Education John White as its chief success officer. White also previously served on Great Minds PBC’s board of directors.
“Great Minds has grown exponentially over the last 15 years, from an organization advocating for high-quality, content-rich curricula to the leading creator of those resources,” Great Minds founder and CEO Lynne Munson said in a statement. “We plan to leverage this new investment and John White’s leadership to further innovate, broaden our reach and put forward new resources that personalize and improve student learning, helping all children achieve the greatness of which they’re inherently capable.”
In addition to growing its digital experiences offerings, Great Minds PBC plans to use its new funds to make all of its existing materials available through high school. Some materials are already offered at a high school level.
“Students in the U.S. have never faced challenges greater than exist today. Every child needs and deserves access to a high-quality curriculum and every teacher should be provided with the materials, training and resources to help unlock the greatness in every child,” White said in a statement. “Great Minds is working to make that a reality and I’m excited to join in their mission.”
Great Minds is currently hiring for 18 positions across departments tied to both its D.C. and Richmond offices.
