{{Short description|Subscription based education program for children 2–8}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}{{Advert|date=September 2022}} {{Infobox website | name = ABCmouse.com | logo = | caption = Early Learning Academy | type = Education | location = Glendale, California, U.S.<ref>[https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-la-edtech-20150708-story.html "Ed-tech start-ups envision L.A. as a hub for the growing sector"] ''Los Angeles Times''. Retrieved 2018-09-28.</ref> | industry = Education | parent = Age of Learning, Inc. | url = {{URL|https://www.abcmouse.com}} | advertising = Yes | area_served = Worldwide | current_status = Active }}
'''ABCmouse.com''', doing business as '''ABCmouse''', is a digital education program targeted towards children ages 2–8, created by the educational technology company Age of Learning, Inc.<ref>{{Cite web|title = NAPPAawards.com|url = http://www.nappaawards.com/#!ABCmousecom-Early-Learning-Academy-by-Age-of-Learning-Inc/cpt1/55fb49450cf2f0ed7a19a428|website = NAPPAawards.com|access-date = 2015-10-28}}</ref><ref>[https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/jinnygudmundsen/2011-06-26-abc-mouse_n.htm "Website offers ad-free learning activities for kids"] ''USA Today''. Retrieved 2019-04-26.</ref> The program offers interactive educational content, including games, videos, and books covering multiple subjects.
In 2020, ABCmouse parent company Age of Learning, Inc., without admitting guilt, agreed to pay $10 million and settle a Federal Trade Commission complaint alleging that some of its past marketing and billing practices were unfair.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=2020-09-02|title=Children's Online Learning Program ABCmouse to Pay $10 Million to Settle FTC Charges of Illegal Marketing and Billing Practices|url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/09/childrens-online-learning-program-abcmouse-pay-10-million-settle|access-date=2020-09-05|website=Federal Trade Commission|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Singletary|first=Michelle|title=Perspective {{!}} Learning app ABCmouse pays $10 million to settle FTC complaint it trapped parents in subscription they couldn't cancel|language=en-US|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/09/04/abcmouse-10-million-ftc-settlement/|access-date=2020-09-06|issn=0190-8286}}</ref>
== <span class="anchor" id="Age of Learning, Inc."></span> Parent company == ABCmouse.com is produced by '''Age of Learning, Inc.''', a privately owned education technology company currently led by CEO Alex Galvagni.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-26 |title=Introducing our New CEO: Alex Galvagni - Age of Learning |url=https://www.ageoflearning.com/introducing-our-new-ceo-alex-galvagni/ |access-date=2023-11-09 |language=en-US}}</ref> Headquartered in Glendale, California, the company was founded in 2007 by Doug Dohring.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Age of Learning, Inc.: Private Company Information - Businessweek|url = https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=134387409|website = Businessweek.com|access-date = 2015-10-29}}</ref> Age of Learning launched ABCmouse.com in November 2010 after three years of development, guided by a team of educators, and following testing by 10,000 families.<ref>{{Cite web|title = ABCmouse.com Will Teach Your 2- to 6-Year-Old Their ABCs (And 'Thank You' & 'Please!') -- All Online!|url = http://hollywoodlife.com/2010/11/16/abcmouse-early-learning-academy-online-teaching-doug-dohring/|website = Hollywood Life|access-date = 2015-10-29|archive-date = May 11, 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140511232836/http://hollywoodlife.com/2010/11/16/abcmouse-early-learning-academy-online-teaching-doug-dohring/|url-status = dead}}</ref> The company has obtained several patents including the original patent for a vertically integrated educational system.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US9324240B2/en |title=Vertically integrated mobile educational system patent |access-date=2019-02-19}}</ref>
In 2014, at the White House Summit on Early Education, In 2015, the company partnered with another White House initiative, ''ConnectHome'', to provide ABCmouse.com for free to families living in public housing in 27 cities and one tribal nation, serving up to 65,000 children.<ref>{{Cite web|title = White House Partnership to Provide Early Learning Curriculum to Low Income Families|url = http://www.educationworld.com/a_news/white-house-partnership-provide-early-learning-curriculum-low-income-families-64026789|website = www.educationworld.com|access-date = 2015-10-29}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=ABCMouse |url=https://www.connecthomenation.org/stakeholders-abcmouse |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926042040/https://www.connecthomenation.org/stakeholders-abcmouse |archive-date=26 September 2017 |access-date=2017-09-25 |website=ConnectHome Nation |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2016, it was reported that Age of Learning raised $150 million from ICONIQ Capital, giving the company a $1 billion valuation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/05/03/age-of-learning-a-quiet-giant-in-education-apps-raised-150m-at-a-1b-valuation-from-iconiq/|title=Age of Learning, a quiet giant in education apps, raised $150M at a $1B valuation from Iconiq|last=Lunden|first=Ingrid|website=TechCrunch|date=3 May 2016 |access-date=2016-11-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.edsurge.com/news/2016-05-03-from-mouse-to-unicorn-age-of-learning-raises-150m-at-1b-valuation-to-expand-to-schools|title=From Mouse to Unicorn: Age of Learning Raises $150M at $1B Valuation, Eyes Expansion Into Schools (EdSurge News)|newspaper=EdSurge|language=en-US|access-date=2016-11-03}}</ref> Age of Learning also launched ABCmouse for Schools in 2016;<ref name="eSchool News">{{Cite news|date=2016-07-11|title=ABCmouse launches school-centered platform for K-2|language=en-US|work=eSchool News|url=https://www.eschoolnews.com/2016/07/11/abcmouse-launches-school-centered-platform-for-k-2/|access-date=2017-09-25}}</ref> the enterprise-level solution won an ISTE Best of Show Award at the annual edtech conference.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.techlearning.com/resources/0003/iste-2016-best-of-show-techlearning/70156|title=ISTE 2016 BEST OF SHOW TECH&LEARNING|last=techlearning.com|first=Classroom Technology News {{!}} Educational Apps {{!}} Bloom's Taxonomy {{!}}|access-date=2017-04-29|language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2015, the company collaborated with the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago to develop a series of web-based assessments.<ref>[http://www.norc.org/blog/pages/sparks-post.aspx?BlogId=104 "Online Assessment Tools Support Parent Engagement in Their Kids’ Education"] NORC. Retrieved 2019-05-17.</ref> The Assessment Center includes over 8,500 items<ref>[https://www.parents.com/fun/toys/kid-toys/top-ten-classic-toys/ "13 Classic Toys Upgraded for Today's Kids to Enjoy"] ''Parents''. Retrieved 2019-04-28.</ref> via 300 assessments.<ref>[https://edtechdigest.com/2019/01/31/abcmouse-assessment-center/ "ABCmouse Assessment Center"] ''EdTech Digest''. Retrieved 2019-05-31.</ref>
In 2018, the company partnered with Tencent to launch the ABCmouse English Language Learning program in China.<ref>[https://venturebeat.com/2018/04/08/tencent-partners-with-age-of-learning-for-english-learning-apps-in-china/ "Tencent partners with Age of Learning for English learning apps in China"] ''Venture Beat''. Retrieved 2019-05-17.</ref><ref>[https://techcrunch.com/2018/04/08/tencent-and-education-startup-age-of-learning-bring-popular-english-learning-app-abcmouse-to-china/ "Tencent and education startup Age of Learning bring popular English-learning app ABCmouse to China"] ''Tech Crunch''. Retrieved 2019-05-17.</ref><ref>[https://www.edsurge.com/news/2018-04-08-abcmouse-creator-age-of-learning-taps-tencent-to-lead-its-expansion-in-china "ABCmouse Creator, Age of Learning Taps Tencent to Lead Its Expansion in China"] ''EdSurge''. Retrieved 2019-05-17.</ref>
In 2019, the company launched Adventure Academy, an educational app and game for children ages 8–13. It is an MMO with three-dimensional and multi-platform support, along with a core curriculum taught in schools and thousands of education activities.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Graham |first1=Jefferson |title=Gaming school: Age of Learning aims to hook 'Fortnite' generation with new educational app |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/talkingtech/2019/05/01/gaming-meets-school-age-learnings-new-app-adventure-academy/3491496002/ |work=USA Today |date=May 1, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Petite |first1=Steven |title=Adventure Academy is an MMO for kids that combines learning with fun |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/mmo-for-kids-adventure-academy-combines-learning-with-fun/ |website=Digital Trends |date=24 May 2019 |access-date=May 24, 2019}}</ref>
In September 2020, the company agreed to settle a Federal Trade Commission complaint alleging that some of its past marketing and billing practices were unfair or deceptive. The complaint focused on the 2015 – 2018 time period and affected tens of thousands of consumers, which the company claimed to be less than 2% of ABCmouse subscribers. The company did not admit guilt but agreed to pay $10 million to settle the charges and avoid a prolonged legal dispute. They also agreed to much marketing, billing, and cancellation practices specified by the FTC, many of which the company claims had already been implemented years ago.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Bradley |first1=Brian |title=FTC Reaches $10 Million Settlement With Age of Learning |url=https://marketbrief.edweek.org/marketplace-k-12/ftc-reaches-10-million-settlement-age-learning-inc/ |website=Market Brief |date=3 September 2020}}</ref>
In June 2021, Age of Learning announced its new Schools Solutions Division and rollout of its first product offering, My Math Academy, a personalized, adaptive math program for pre-K through second grade, which has been tested in several school districts in the U.S.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Age of Learning School Solutions – Learning Platform |url=https://www.ageoflearning.com/schools/ |access-date=2023-08-18 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-03|title=Age of Learning Enters Schools Business—Launches Personalized, Adaptive Early Learning Math Program, My Math Academy|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210603005379/en/Age-of-Learning-Enters-Schools-Business%E2%80%94Launches-Personalized-Adaptive-Early-Learning-Math-Program-My-Math-Academy|access-date=2021-06-29|website=www.businesswire.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-25|title=My Math Academy Improving Early Childhood Math Skills|url=https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/my-math-academy-improving-early-childhood-math-skills|access-date=2021-06-29|website=GovTech|language=en}}</ref> In January 2022, Age of Learning's Schools Solutions launched My Reading Academy, an adaptive game-based curriculum designed to help students in pre-k-2nd grade develop strong foundational reading skills.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kuykendall |first=Kristal |title=Age of Learning Expands School Solutions with New My Reading Academy|url=https://thejournal.com/articles/2022/01/31/age-of-learning-introduces-my-reading-academy-for-young-students.aspx |access-date=2023-08-18 |date=January 31, 2022|website=THE Journal |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-14 |title=My Reading Academy - Evidence for ESSA |url=https://www.evidenceforessa.org/program/my-reading-academy/ |access-date=2023-08-18 |website=Evidence for ESSA - Find Evidence-Based PK-12 Programs}}</ref>
On June 29, 2021, it was reported that Age of Learning closed a $300 million round of funding—led by TPG, along with the Qatar Investment Authority, Madrone Capital Partners, and Tencent Holdings Ltd.—which valued the company at $3 billion. CEO Paul Candland was quoted by Bloomberg as saying the funding would be used for the company’s international expansion and development of new products.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-06-29/abcmouse-creator-valued-at-3-billion-with-tpg-led-funding-round|title=ABCmouse Creator Valued at $3 Billion With TPG-Led Funding Round|access-date=2021-06-29|newspaper=Bloomberg.com|date=29 June 2021 }}</ref>
== Content and structure == ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy content currently consists of more than 10,000 learning activities and 850 lessons.<ref name=":0" /> The preschool through second grade curriculum is laid out in a sequence called the "Step by Step Learning Path".<ref name="NAPPAawards.com">{{Cite web|title = NAPPAawards.com|url = http://www.nappaawards.com/#!ABCmousecom-Early-Learning-Academy-by-Age-of-Learning-Inc/cpt1/55fb49450cf2f0ed7a19a428|website = NAPPAawards.com|access-date = 2015-10-29}}</ref> The Learning Path is a multi-subject set of skills that are usually taught in school.<ref name="About the Learning Path">{{Cite web|title = What is included with each Learning Path Leve?|url = https://support.abcmouse.com/hc/en-us/articles/360047531194-What-is-included-with-each-Learning-Path-Level-#:~:text=The%20Learning%20Path%20is%20a,build%20comprehension%20for%20their%20level.|access-date = 2022-08-11}}</ref> Parents can register up to three children. <ref>{{Cite web|title = ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy {{!}} Children's Technology Review|url = http://childrenstech.com/blog/archives/3017|website = childrenstech.com|access-date = 2015-10-29}}</ref> Children can also use any of the content outside of the set learning path. Activities cover reading and writing, math, art, music, social studies, science, and health.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.languagemagazine.com/2017/04/summer-literacy-resources/#.WSiPMdhkbwU.facebook|title=Summer Literacy Resources - Language Magazine|date=2017-04-24|work=Language Magazine|access-date=2017-09-25|language=en-US}}</ref> There are also more than 1,000 digital books, including over 100 Stepped Readers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.languagemagazine.com/2017/04/summer-literacy-resources/|title=Summer Literacy Resources - Language Magazine|date=2017-04-24|work=Language Magazine|access-date=2017-09-25|language=en-US}}</ref> The same content is available whether children log on using their computer or mobile device (iOS, Android, Kindle).<ref>{{Cite web|title = 3 learning apps ease kids back to school|url = https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/gudmundsen/2015/09/13/3-learning-apps-ease-kids-back-school/72004368/|website = USA TODAY|access-date = 2015-10-29}}</ref><ref name="parenting.blogs.nytimes.com">{{Cite web|title = Apps to Bring Math and Science Skills Back After Summer's Slide|url = http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/08/30/apps-to-bring-math-and-science-skills-back-after-summers-slide/?_r=0|website = Motherlode Blog|date = 30 August 2015|access-date = 2015-10-29}}</ref><ref>[https://thenextweb.com/apps/2018/12/21/review-abc-mouse-learning-academy-is-my-toddlers-favorite-app/ "Review: ABCMouse Learning Academy is my toddler’s favorite app"] ''The Next Web''. Retrieved 2019-04-28.</ref><ref>[https://www.romper.com/p/is-abcmouse-good-for-teaching-kids-how-to-read-the-popular-website-has-a-lot-of-benefits-66983 "Is ABCmouse Good For Teaching Kids How To Read? The Popular Website Has A Lot Of Benefits"] ''Romper''. Retrieved 2019-04-26.</ref>
Children navigate the site with the aid of "voice-overs, images, and text", but younger children may need help.<ref name="ABCMouse.com - Website Review">{{Cite web|title = ABCMouse.com - Website Review|url = https://www.commonsensemedia.org/website-reviews/abcmousecom|website = www.commonsensemedia.org|access-date = 2015-10-29}}</ref> Children earn tickets each time they complete a learning activity, which they can use to shop at virtual stores to decorate their room or "buy" things for their pets.<ref name="Site Review: ABC Mouse">{{Cite web|title = Site Review: ABC Mouse|url = http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/site-reviews/abc-mouse.shtml|website = www.educationworld.com|access-date = 2015-10-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=ABCmouse Early Learning Academy: Review|url=http://www.smartappsforkids.com/2013/05/abcmouse-early-learning-academy-review.html|website=Smart Apps For Kids|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607221910/http://www.smartappsforkids.com/2013/05/abcmouse-early-learning-academy-review.html|archive-date=7 June 2013|access-date=2015-10-29}}</ref>
== Products == Age of Learning also launched ABCmouse Language Arts Animations, ABCmouse Mastering Math, ABCmouse Mathematics Animations, ABCmouse Science Animations, ABCmouse Music Videos, and ABCmouse Zoo apps in the same app stores. These apps can be used online or offline and are available to ABCmouse members.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=Age+of+Learning,+Inc.|title=Age of Learning, Inc. - Android Apps on Google Play|website=play.google.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-09-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apps.apple.com/us/developer/age-of-learning-inc/id375219200|title=Age of Learning, Inc. Apps on the App Store|website=iTunes|language=en|access-date=2017-09-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_mobile-apps?_encoding=UTF8&field-brandtextbin=Age%20of%20Learning,%20Inc.&node=2350149011|title=Amazon.com: Age of Learning, Inc.: Apps & Games|website=www.amazon.com|access-date=2017-09-25}}</ref>
As of 2016, ABCmouse for Teachers was used in more than 65,000 classrooms and ABCmouse for Libraries was available at one-third of U.S. public libraries,<ref>{{Cite news|date=2016-05-03|title=From Mouse to Unicorn: Age of Learning Raises $150M at $1B Valuation, Eyes Expansion Into Schools - EdSurge News|language=en-US|work=EdSurge|url=https://www.edsurge.com/news/2016-05-03-from-mouse-to-unicorn-age-of-learning-raises-150m-at-1b-valuation-to-expand-to-schools|access-date=2017-09-25}}</ref><ref name="eSchool News" /> including all branches in Los Angeles,<ref>[https://www.lapl.org/press-whats-new/new-resource-abcmousecom "New Resources"] ''Los Angeles Public Library''. Retrieved 2019-05-28.</ref> Chicago,<ref>{{Cite news|title=ABCmouse.com|language=en-US|url=https://www.chipublib.org/resource/abcmouse/|url-status=live|access-date=2017-09-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926041403/https://www.chipublib.org/resource/abcmouse/|archive-date=26 September 2017}}</ref> Houston, and Brooklyn.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Learning Resources {{!}} Brooklyn Public Library|url=https://www.bklynlibrary.org/learning-resources-detail/84892|access-date=2017-09-25|website=www.bklynlibrary.org|date=2 May 2017|language=en-us}}</ref>
Some Age of Learning apps, such as its Aesop's Fables series and Beginning Reader series, have been discontinued and are instead available on the ABCmouse.com YouTube channel.<ref>{{Cite web|title = ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy|url = https://www.youtube.com/user/ABCmouseOFFICIAL/|website = YouTube|access-date = 2015-10-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Animated Fables and Beginning Readers - YouTube|url = https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlG8Y2sj2t1HnwvSIC71lT7WUHfoBNbtO|website = www.youtube.com|access-date = 2015-10-30}}</ref>
== Educational value == In 2017, a two-year longitudinal study published in the ''Journal of Applied Research on Children'' concluded that the use of ABCmouse Early Learning Academy improved school readiness and accelerated students’ learning gains in math and literacy skills.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=K.P.|first1=Thai Ph.D.|last2=Leslie|first2=Ponciano Ph.D.|date=2016|title=Improving Outcomes for At-Risk Prekindergarten and Kindergarten Students with a Digital Learning Resource|url=http://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/childrenatrisk/vol7/iss2/8/|journal=Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk|language=en|volume=7|issue=2|issn=2155-5834}}</ref> Several randomized controlled trials have been conducted on ABCmouse showing gains in reading and math.<ref>[https://www.ageoflearning.com/research/ "Mastering Math Significantly Accelerates Early Mathematics Learning"] Age of Learning Research. Retrieved 2019-07-19.</ref>
A 2022 study in the ''Early Childhood Education Journal'' found that My Math Academy improved learning outcomes for kindergarten and first-grade students, with the greatest improvement found among children with lower initial math knowledge.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Bang |first=Hee Jin |last2=Li |first2=Linlin |last3=Flynn |first3=Kylie |date=April 2023 |title=Efficacy of an Adaptive Game-Based Math Learning App to Support Personalized Learning and Improve Early Elementary School Students’ Learning |url=https://link.springer.com/10.1007/s10643-022-01332-3 |journal=Early Childhood Education Journal |language=en |volume=51 |issue=4 |pages=717–732 |doi=10.1007/s10643-022-01332-3 |issn=1082-3301|doi-access=free }}</ref>
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == * [http://www.abcmouse.com/ ABCmouse.com] Official Website * [http://www.ageoflearning.com/ AgeofLearning.com]
Category:Virtual learning environments Category:Companies based in Glendale, California Category:American children's websites Category:Education companies established in 2010 Category:Internet properties established in 2010 Category:2010 establishments in California Category:American companies established in 2010 Category:American educational websites