PowerSchool
Provides cloud-based software platforms for K-12 education management.
Company facts
- Founded
- 1997
- Employees
- 3,500
- Headquarters
- United States
- CEO
- Hardeep Gulati
- Type
- Private
- Funding
- Private Equity · $5.6B · 2024
- Subsidiaries
- Schoology, Naviance, PeopleAdmin, Allovue, Haiku
About
What began as a student's project in 1983 has evolved into a leading force in K-12 education technology. The story of PowerSchool started when Greg Porter, then a high school student, developed a software to help his school track attendance. This early passion for solving educational challenges laid the groundwork for what was to come. In 1997, Porter officially founded PowerSchool, transforming his high school project into a full-fledged business. The initial focus was on attendance tracking, with the first implementation in Utah's South Summit School District. However, the vision was always grander. PowerSchool's key innovation at the time was its web-based Student Information System (SIS), a significant leap from the on-premise software that schools were accustomed to. This forward-thinking approach set the stage for decades of growth and innovation. The journey of PowerSchool has been marked by strategic acquisitions and significant milestones that have broadened its capabilities and reach. In 2001, the company was acquired by Apple, a testament to its early potential. It later became part of Pearson in 2006, and then in 2015, Vista Equity Partners acquired PowerSchool, ushering in a new era of expansion. Under the leadership of CEO Hardeep Gulati, who joined in 2015, the company has grown exponentially, both in its product offerings and its global footprint. Key acquisitions like Schoology, Naviance, and SchoolMessenger have been integrated into a unified platform that now serves over 55 million students in more than 90 countries. This comprehensive suite of tools supports everything from student information and enrollment to classroom management, analytics, and family engagement. In 2021, PowerSchool achieved a major milestone with its successful listing on the New York Stock Exchange, solidifying its position as a powerhouse in the education technology sector. Today, with a team of over 3,000 employees, PowerSchool continues to innovate, driven by the belief that every student deserves the best opportunities to succeed.