Scholastic
A Canadian children's publishing and education business serving schools, families, teachers, and young readers.
Last updated October 6, 2026
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Overview
Scholastic Canada is the Canadian publishing and education operation of Scholastic Corporation, an international company focused on children's books, classroom resources, literacy programs, and school-based book distribution. The Canadian subsidiary was established in 1957, during Scholastic's early expansion beyond the United States, and operates as a locally focused arm of the wider Scholastic group. Its activities are centered on the Canadian education and children's reading markets rather than on general trade publishing for adults. The business's core offer combines publishing with direct access to schools and educators. Its portfolio includes children's fiction and nonfiction, picture books, graphic novels, classroom materials, teacher resources, literacy products, and educational publications. Scholastic's school-oriented channels, particularly book clubs and book fairs, are important to the brand's operating model because they connect publishers directly with students, teachers, parents, and school communities. These channels also allow schools to obtain books and educational supplies, sometimes through incentive programs or credits linked to purchases. Scholastic Canada benefits from the broader Scholastic catalogue and brand architecture. Internationally recognized properties associated with Scholastic include Clifford the Big Red Dog, The Magic School Bus, Goosebumps, Captain Underpants, The Baby-Sitters Club, I Spy, and other children's series. Availability, rights arrangements, formats, and marketing activity can vary by country, so the existence of a property in the wider Scholastic catalogue does not by itself establish a specific Canadian publication or distribution date. The Canadian operation nevertheless uses the group's strengths in children's literature, literacy development, classroom engagement, and educational media. The brand's positioning is practical and school-connected: it presents reading as both an educational activity and an accessible family experience. Its products are designed for different ages and reading levels, from early readers and picture books through middle-grade and young-adult titles, alongside resources intended for teachers and schools. This gives Scholastic Canada a hybrid role as publisher, distributor, education supplier, and reading-program operator. Scholastic Corporation's larger history began with youth magazines in 1920 and expanded into book clubs, book publishing, educational solutions, media, and international subsidiaries. Scholastic Canada formed part of that international development from 1957 onward. The Canadian business should be distinguished from Scholastic Corporation itself: the parent is a United States-based public company, while Scholastic Canada is its Canadian operating brand and subsidiary. Publicly available reference material provides limited standalone information about the Canadian unit's revenue, leadership, product launches, and financial performance. Those details are therefore not stated here unless specifically documented for the Canadian entity.
History
Scholastic was founded by Maurice R. Robinson near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1920. Its first publication, The Western Pennsylvania Scholastic, debuted on October 22, 1920 as a four-page magazine reporting on high-school sports and social activities. It was distributed to 50 high schools and established a relationship with schools that later became the foundation of Scholastic’s distribution system. Additional youth magazines followed under the Scholastic Magazines name. In 1948, the company entered the school book-club business. This move was strategically important because it allowed Scholastic to sell books directly through teachers and schools rather than relying only on conventional retail distribution. Scholastic incorporated Scholastic Canada in 1957 as its first international subsidiary. During the 1960s it established publishing operations or locations in England, New Zealand, and Australia, while also expanding into book publishing. In the 1970s, it created a television-entertainment division, beginning a long-term expansion from print into audiovisual adaptations and children’s media. Richard Robinson, Maurice Robinson’s son, became president and chief executive in 1975. During his tenure, Scholastic expanded its educational, trade-publishing, international, and media operations. The company went public on Nasdaq on May 12, 1987. Scholastic Book Fairs began in 1981 and developed into one of the company’s most important school-based channels, allowing schools to host temporary retail events and receive books, supplies, equipment, cash proceeds, or credits in return for participation. Scholastic expanded through acquisitions and new publishing programs. In 1996 it acquired Weston Woods, strengthening its ability to produce audiovisual adaptations of children’s books. In 2000 it purchased Grolier for $400 million, adding reference publishing, educational content, and established children’s properties. Scholastic also developed or acquired major imprints and franchises, including Graphix, Klutz, Arthur A. Levine Books, Children’s Press, and other international publishing operations. Arthur A. Levine Books became particularly notable for publishing the American editions of J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books; Arthur Levine left Scholastic in 2019, while Scholastic retained its backlist. The company’s educational technology and instructional activities grew during the 2000s and 2010s. In 2005, Scholastic worked with Tom Snyder Productions on FASTT Math, a game-based product intended to improve students’ fluency in foundational arithmetic. Scholastic later partnered with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on READ 180 and System 44, literacy programs designed for students requiring targeted reading support. Scholastic sold READ 180 to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in 2015. It also acquired Weekly Reader Publishing in 2012 and subsequently combined the publication with Scholastic News under a co-branded format. Scholastic Entertainment continued to develop television programs, films, audiobooks, interactive products, and licensed merchandise based on the company’s intellectual property. Properties such as Clifford the Big Red Dog, The Magic School Bus, Goosebumps, Captain Underpants, and The Baby-Sitters Club helped Scholastic connect publishing with entertainment and consumer products. The company launched the Scholastic Reads podcast in 2015 and continued to distribute content through broadcast, home video, streaming, and digital platforms. In 2023, Scholastic faced a public controversy over its decision to separate books addressing race, LGBTQ topics, and other diversity-related issues into an optional category at book fairs. After criticism from educators, authors, and free-expression organizations, the company said the category would be discontinued. In 2024, Scholastic expanded its media capabilities through an investment in 9 Story Media Group, obtaining complete economic interest and minority voting rights in the Canadian producer and distributor. The transaction closed in June 2024. Scholastic launched Scholastic TV on September 17, 2025, creating a free streaming outlet for children’s programming from its entertainment library. As of 2026, the corporation operates through Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution, Education Solutions, and International segments. Peter Warwick serves as president and chief executive officer, Iole Lucchese is chair of the board and president of Scholastic Entertainment, and the company remains headquartered in New York City as a publicly traded Nasdaq company.
- 2025
Scholastic TV launched
[9]Scholastic introduced a free streaming app for children featuring programming drawn from its entertainment properties.
- 2024
Investment in 9 Story Media Group
[5]Scholastic announced and completed an investment giving it complete economic interest and minority voting rights in 9 Story Media Group.
- 2020
Centennial anniversary
[7]Scholastic marked its 100th anniversary on October 22, 2020.
- 2015
READ 180 sold
[1]Scholastic sold READ 180 to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt while continuing to develop literacy and instructional offerings.
- 2012
Weekly Reader acquired
[1]Scholastic acquired Weekly Reader Publishing and later combined the publication with Scholastic News.
- 2005
FASTT Math developed
[1]Scholastic and Tom Snyder Productions developed FASTT Math, a digital program for practicing foundational arithmetic fluency.
- 2000
Grolier acquired
[1]Scholastic acquired Grolier, expanding its reference, educational, and children’s publishing assets.
- 1996
Weston Woods acquired
[1]The acquisition strengthened Scholastic’s capacity for audiovisual production and book-to-screen adaptation.
- 1987
Nasdaq listing
[1]Scholastic began trading publicly on Nasdaq on May 12, 1987.
- 1981
Scholastic Book Fairs begin
[1]The company began operating Scholastic Book Fairs, which became a major school-based distribution and fundraising channel.
Products and positioning
A child-centered content and literacy platform that connects popular books, educational programs, school distribution, and media franchises with young readers, educators, families, and institutions.
School-based book distribution · 1981
Scholastic Book Fairs
Scholastic Book Fairs are temporary retail events organized in schools, typically with teachers, librarians, families, and students selecting books from a curated assortment. Participating schools may receive books, classroom supplies, equipment, cash proceeds, or incentive credits. The program gives Scholastic a direct relationship with schools and families while combining book discovery, fundraising, and literacy promotion.
School book clubs · 1948
Scholastic Reading Clubs
Reading Clubs allow students to order age- and grade-appropriate books through their schools, usually with teachers administering the program. Schools and educators can receive classroom funds redeemable for Scholastic products. The model extends Scholastic’s original school-magazine distribution approach into recurring home delivery and classroom collection-building.
Graphic-novel publishing imprint · 2005
Graphix
Graphix is Scholastic’s graphic-novel imprint. It publishes original and licensed graphic novels for children and young adults, including fiction, nonfiction, adaptations, and series designed to support reluctant, developing, and highly engaged readers. The imprint has become an important part of Scholastic’s trade-publishing portfolio and of the company’s strategy for reaching readers through visually driven formats.
Classroom magazine
Scholastic News
Scholastic News is a classroom periodical that presents current events, social studies, science, and reading activities for elementary and middle-school students. It is designed for teacher-guided use and connects nonfiction reading with discussion, vocabulary, media literacy, and curriculum objectives. The publication also became the co-branded home for the former Weekly Reader in relevant school markets.
Instructional and professional learning
Scholastic Education
Scholastic Education provides supplemental instructional materials, literacy programs, intervention resources, professional learning, and school-improvement services for pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Its portfolio has included reading, writing, mathematics, assessment, classroom intervention, and educator-support products. The division is positioned around evidence-based literacy instruction and partnerships with schools, districts, states, and community organizations.
Children’s media and consumer products
Scholastic Entertainment
Scholastic Entertainment develops and manages audiovisual, interactive, audio, marketing, licensing, and consumer-product opportunities based on Scholastic’s publishing properties. Its activities include television series, films, audiobooks, digital experiences, and franchise partnerships involving properties such as Clifford the Big Red Dog, The Magic School Bus, Goosebumps, and Captain Underpants.
Streaming service · 2025
Scholastic TV
Scholastic TV is a free streaming application launched in September 2025 for children approximately two to twelve years old. It offers programming from Scholastic Entertainment, including series and specials associated with Clifford the Big Red Dog, The Magic School Bus, and other Scholastic properties. The service is available through selected connected-TV and mobile platforms.
Children’s trade publishing · 1998
Harry Potter U.S. publishing program
Scholastic holds the perpetual United States publishing rights to the Harry Potter series. The program became one of the defining properties of Scholastic’s modern trade-publishing business and helped demonstrate the commercial value of combining editorial publishing, school distribution, retail sales, marketing, and licensed entertainment.
Controversies
2025
Reported customer-data breach
Public cybersecurity reports alleged that information connected with approximately eight million Scholastic customers had been exposed or stolen, including names and contact details. The incident was circulated through Have I Been Pwned and cybersecurity reporting. The available reference material does not establish the full scope, cause, or final regulatory outcome.
2023
Book-fair diversity-category controversy
Scholastic created a separate optional category for books concerning race, LGBTQ subjects, and other diversity-related issues at school book fairs. The policy was criticized as facilitating exclusion and limiting students’ access to books. Scholastic cited a fragmented regulatory environment and state-level efforts to restrict certain books, then reversed the policy after public criticism.
Marketing campaigns
- 2025Scholastic TV launch
United States · Other markets where the service is available
Scholastic introduced a free branded streaming application centered on its children’s entertainment library and recognizable educational and literary properties.
Outcome. The initiative extended Scholastic’s direct-to-consumer presence beyond books, magazines, and school distribution into ad-supported or free digital video access.
- 2020Scholastic Centennial
Global
Scholastic marked its 100th anniversary with historical storytelling and corporate communications emphasizing its continuing mission to connect children with books, learning, and educational communities.
Outcome. The centennial reinforced Scholastic’s identity as a century-old literacy and children’s-content company.
- 1923Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
United States
Founded by Maurice R. Robinson, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards recognize creative achievement by young artists and writers. The program is administered by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers and operates as a national platform for student art and writing.
Outcome. The awards became a long-running youth-arts institution associated with Scholastic and have recognized generations of emerging artists and writers.
Brand decisions
2025
Launch Scholastic TVProduct launchBackground
Scholastic sought to extend its children’s intellectual property into a direct digital-video channel and make selected entertainment content available outside traditional television distribution.
Action taken
The company launched Scholastic TV as a free streaming application on September 17, 2025.
Aftermath
The launch expanded Scholastic’s consumer-facing digital ecosystem and created another outlet for properties such as Clifford the Big Red Dog and The Magic School Bus.
2024
Invest in 9 Story Media GroupM&ABackground
Scholastic wanted to expand the production, distribution, and licensing potential of its children’s intellectual property across television, animation, streaming, and consumer products.
Action taken
Scholastic acquired complete economic interest and minority voting rights in 9 Story Media Group.
Aftermath
The transaction added 9 Story’s production and distribution capabilities, including Brown Bag Films and related children’s-media operations, to Scholastic’s broader entertainment strategy.
Transaction value. $186 million (Announced March 12, 2024; closed June 21, 2024)
2023
Reverse optional diversity-book category policyStrategyBackground
Book bans and restrictions on books addressing race and LGBTQ topics created operational and political pressure around the content offered at school book fairs.
Action taken
After public criticism, Scholastic announced that the separate optional category for diversity-related books would be discontinued.
Aftermath
The reversal reaffirmed the company’s public commitment to broad access to stories while illustrating the tension between school distribution, state regulation, and content inclusion.
2015
Sell READ 180 to Houghton Mifflin HarcourtM&ABackground
Scholastic had developed READ 180 with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt as a literacy intervention program, but later chose to simplify its education portfolio.
Action taken
Scholastic sold READ 180 to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Aftermath
Scholastic continued to participate in literacy and educational publishing through other instructional programs and services, including System 44 and newer education offerings.
2012
Integrate Weekly Reader with Scholastic NewsStrategyBackground
After acquiring Weekly Reader Publishing, Scholastic evaluated how to manage overlapping classroom-magazine products and brands.
Action taken
Scholastic announced that separate Weekly Reader issues would be discontinued and the magazines would be co-branded as Scholastic News/Weekly Reader.
Aftermath
The decision consolidated the classroom-magazine portfolio while retaining the Weekly Reader name during the transition.
2000
Acquire GrolierM&ABackground
Scholastic sought to broaden its children’s, reference, and educational publishing portfolio beyond its magazine and school-distribution base.
Action taken
The company acquired Grolier for $400 million, adding reference products and established educational publishing assets.
Aftermath
The acquisition strengthened Scholastic’s position in reference and educational publishing and brought former Grolier properties, including Children’s Press, into the Scholastic group.
Acquisition price. $400 million (2000 transaction)
Recent events
- 2026
Jeffrey Mathews appointed President of Scholastic Education[4]
Leadership change
Jeffrey Mathews was appointed president of Scholastic Education while retaining his roles as executive vice president and chief growth officer.
- 2026
Scholastic reports fiscal 2026 results[12]
Other
Scholastic reported results for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2026, and described progress in organizational, strategic, and balance-sheet transformation.
- 2025
Scholastic launches Scholastic TV streaming app[9]
Product launch
Scholastic launched a free streaming app for children featuring entertainment properties including Clifford the Big Red Dog and The Magic School Bus.
- 2025
Reports describe a Scholastic customer-data breach[11]
Other
Reports in January 2025 alleged that data associated with approximately eight million Scholastic customers, including contact information, had been exposed or stolen. The incident was reported through Have I Been Pwned and public cybersecurity discussions.
- 2024
Scholastic announces investment in 9 Story Media Group[13]
M&A
Scholastic announced an agreement to acquire complete economic interest and minority voting rights in 9 Story Media Group for $186 million.
- 2024
Scholastic closes 9 Story Media Group transaction[6]
M&A
The 9 Story investment closed on June 21, 2024, adding a major children’s animation, production, and distribution platform to Scholastic’s media capabilities.
- 2021
Richard Robinson dies after decades leading Scholastic[8]
Leadership change
Richard Robinson, son of founder Maurice R. Robinson and Scholastic’s long-serving president and CEO, died in 2021 after leading the company from 1975.
- 2020
Scholastic celebrates its centennial[7]
Other
The company marked 100 years since the October 22, 1920 launch of The Western Pennsylvania Scholastic.
Sources18 sources
- 1Scholastic Corporationen.wikipedia.org
- 2Scholastic Annual Reports and SEC Filingsinvestor.scholastic.com
- 3Scholastic Senior Managementinvestor.scholastic.com
- 4Scholastic Appoints Jeffrey Mathews as President of Scholastic Educationscholastic.com
- 5Scholastic to Invest in 9 Story Media Groupscholastic.com
- 6Scholastic Closes Investment in 9 Story Media Group9story.com
- 7Scholastic Centennial Letterscholastic.com
- 8Richard Robinson biographyscholastic.com
- 9Scholastic TV launchedscholastic.com
- 10Scholastic Art & Writing Awardsartandwriting.org
- 11Reported customer-data breachhaveibeenpwned.com
- 12学乐公布2026财年业绩investor.scholastic.com
- 13学乐宣布投资9 Story Media Groupscholastic.com
- 14Georgia DOT Partners with Scholastic to Launch Program in Ga Middle Schools - AllOnGeorgiaallongeorgia.com
- 15Pokémon teams up with Katy Perry and other artists to celebrate 25th anniversarymobilesyrup.com
- 16Q2 teams up with Ponderosa Elementary for annual ‘If You Give a Child a Book’ campaignktvq.com
- 17Scholastic Appoints Jeffrey Mathews as President of Scholastic Education, Adding to Current Role as Chief Growth Officerprnewswire.com
- 18Stocks making the biggest moves premarket: Akamai, Synopsys, Nike & morecnbc.com
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