What is McGraw Hill, and what are its primary offerings?

McGraw Hill is an American education science company that provides educational content, software, and services. Its offerings cater to students and educators across K-12, higher education, and professional settings, including textbooks, digital learning tools, and adaptive technology. These resources are designed to enhance learning experiences and improve educational outcomes.

How does McGraw Hill rank among other major educational publishers in the United States?

McGraw Hill is recognized as one of the "big three" educational publishers in the United States, alongside Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Pearson Education. This designation signifies its prominent position and significant market share within the educational publishing industry.

What types of publications, beyond educational materials, does McGraw Hill produce?

In addition to its core educational offerings, McGraw Hill also publishes reference and trade publications tailored for professionals in the medical, business, and engineering fields. These publications provide specialized information for various industries.

Who currently owns McGraw Hill, and when was it acquired by them?

McGraw Hill is currently owned by Platinum Equity, which acquired the company in 2021 for $4.5 billion. This acquisition marked a change in ownership from its previous private equity owner.

What was the previous corporate structure of McGraw Hill, and what is its current parent company known as?

McGraw Hill was formerly a division of The McGraw Hill Companies, which was later renamed McGraw Hill Financial. This entity is now known as S&P Global. McGraw Hill Education was divested from this larger structure.

When was McGraw Hill founded, and by whom?

McGraw Hill was founded in 1888. Its origins trace back to James H. McGraw, who purchased the *American Journal of Railway Appliances*, and John A. Hill, who had established his own technical and trade publications.

How did the initial businesses of James H. McGraw and John A. Hill merge to form McGraw Hill?

James H. McGraw established The McGraw Publishing Company in 1899, while John A. Hill formed The Hill Publishing Company in 1902. In 1909, they formed an alliance and combined the book departments of their respective companies to create The McGraw-Hill Book Company. The remaining parts of their businesses were merged into The McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, Inc. in 1917.

When did McGraw Hill establish an international presence, and what were some early acquisitions related to media?

McGraw Hill founded an international division in 1946 to expand its global reach. Early acquisitions in the media space included Contemporary Films in 1972 and CRM in 1975, with their film operations combined before CRM was sold in 1987.

How did McGraw Hill become the largest educational publisher in the U.S. in the 1980s?

McGraw Hill significantly expanded its educational publishing presence by acquiring competitor The Economy Company in 1986. This strategic acquisition propelled McGraw Hill to become the largest educational publisher in the United States at that time.

What significant acquisitions did McGraw Hill make in the late 1980s and early 1990s?

In 1988, McGraw Hill acquired the school and college textbook divisions from Random House. The following year, in 1989, it formed a joint partnership with Robert Maxwell, which became the second-largest textbook publisher in the U.S. McGraw-Hill later assumed full ownership of this venture in 1993.

What strategic shifts did The McGraw-Hill Companies undertake in the early 2010s regarding its divisions?

In the early 2010s, The McGraw-Hill Companies made significant strategic decisions to exit certain sectors. This included selling its broadcasting division, McGraw-Hill Broadcasting, to Scripps in 2011, and subsequently divesting its entire education division to Apollo Global Management in 2012-2013.

What was the financial value of the sale of McGraw Hill's education division to Apollo Global Management?

The education division of McGraw Hill was initially announced to be sold for $2.5 billion in November 2012. The transaction was completed in March 2013 for $2.4 billion in cash, reflecting a substantial divestiture.

What adaptive learning and educational technology companies has McGraw Hill acquired in recent years?

McGraw Hill has strategically acquired several companies to bolster its adaptive learning and educational technology offerings. These include ALEKS in 2013, Engrade in 2014, Redbird Advanced Learning in 2016, Kidaptive in 2021, and Triad Interactive in 2021, among others.

What was the proposed merger between McGraw Hill and Cengage Group, and what was its outcome?

In May 2019, McGraw Hill announced an agreement to merge with Cengage Group, with the intention of retaining McGraw Hill as the corporate name. However, this significant merger was ultimately called off on May 1, 2020, after regulatory reviews and market conditions.

What specific educational curricula did McGraw Hill launch in 2019?

In January 2019, McGraw Hill Education launched two new curricula aimed at the K-12 market: Reveal Math and Inspire Science. These new offerings were designed to modernize and enhance instruction in these core subjects.

What was the date and value of McGraw Hill's sale to Platinum Equity?

McGraw Hill was sold to Platinum Equity in 2021 for $4.5 billion. This acquisition marked a new chapter for the company under private equity ownership, following its previous ownership by Apollo Global Management.

List some of the key companies acquired by McGraw Hill throughout its history, as detailed in the table.

Throughout its history, McGraw Hill has made numerous strategic acquisitions. Some notable examples include A.W. Shaw Company (1928), Standard & Poor's (1966), The Economy Company (1986), Times Mirror Higher Education (1996), J.D. Power & Associates (2005), and ALEKS (2013). These acquisitions span various industries, from publishing to financial services and technology.

What is the significance of the acquisition of The Economy Company in 1986 for McGraw Hill?

The acquisition of The Economy Company in 1986 was a pivotal moment for McGraw Hill, as it made the company the largest educational publisher in the United States. This acquisition significantly strengthened its market leadership and expanded its educational offerings.

Who were the first two presidents of The McGraw-Hill Book Company?

The first president of The McGraw-Hill Book Company, formed in 1909, was John A. Hill. He served from 1909 until 1917, when James H. McGraw took over the presidency of the newly merged publishing company.

Who is the current president of McGraw Hill, and when did they assume the role?

Simon Allen is the current president of McGraw Hill, having assumed the role in 2019. He has led the company through its recent ownership changes and strategic initiatives.

What controversy arose in 2015 regarding a McGraw Hill geography textbook caption?

In October 2015, McGraw Hill Education faced accusations of "whitewashing" history when a geography textbook caption referred to American slaves as "workers." This description sparked significant public criticism and calls for correction.

How did McGraw Hill respond to the controversy over the textbook caption referring to slaves as "workers"?

Following the criticism, McGraw Hill apologized for the inaccurate and offensive caption. They updated the digital version of the textbook to correct the description and offered schools replacement physical texts at no charge to rectify the error and address the historical inaccuracy.

What pricing-related criticisms has McGraw Hill faced?

McGraw Hill has faced criticism regarding its pricing strategies. This includes accusations of using online access codes bundled with textbooks to discourage the resale of used books. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company was accused of price gouging by charging significantly more for ebooks compared to print versions.

What was the nature of the lawsuit McGraw Hill filed against James Baldwin's estate?

In 1990, McGraw Hill filed a lawsuit against James Baldwin's estate to recover a $200,000 advance paid for an unfinished memoir. The company sought to reclaim the funds for a book that was not completed before Baldwin's death, though the lawsuit was later dropped.

What film production did McGraw Hill release in 1947?

In 1947, McGraw Hill released a film titled *Maintaining Classroom Discipline*. This production is noted as one of the company's specific works, indicating its involvement in educational media beyond print.

What is the NYSE ticker symbol for McGraw Hill?

McGraw Hill is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol MH. This symbol represents the company's stock on the public market.

What is the official website address for McGraw Hill?

The official website for McGraw Hill is mheducation.com. This website serves as the primary online portal for the company's educational products, services, and corporate information.

What types of technology and services does McGraw Hill offer beyond traditional books?

McGraw Hill's offerings extend beyond traditional books to include adaptive learning technology, educational software, e-books, mobile applications, and various platform services. These digital and technological solutions are designed to create more personalized and effective learning experiences.

What was the purpose of the online student study network, GradeGuru.com, launched by McGraw Hill?

GradeGuru.com, launched by McGraw Hill in 2007, was an online student study network designed to connect directly with students. It allowed students to share notes and materials in exchange for rewards, functioning as a platform for peer-to-peer academic resource sharing before its closure.

When was GradeGuru.com closed?

The online student study network GradeGuru.com, which was launched by McGraw Hill, was closed in April 2012. Its closure marked the end of that particular digital initiative.

What was the rationale behind McGraw Hill's decision to exit the broadcasting industry?

McGraw Hill decided to exit the broadcasting industry to focus more intently on its other core properties, particularly its publishing and education units. This strategic refocusing led to the sale of its broadcasting division to Scripps in 2011.

What specific educational publishing divisions did McGraw Hill acquire from Random House in 1988?

In 1988, McGraw Hill acquired the school and college textbook divisions from Random House. This acquisition significantly expanded McGraw Hill's portfolio and market presence in the educational publishing sector.

What is the approximate revenue and number of employees for McGraw Hill in 2025, according to the provided data?

According to the provided data, McGraw Hill reported an approximate revenue of $2.1 billion and employed around 4,200 individuals in 2025. These figures indicate the company's substantial operational scale and financial standing.

What is the significance of the "big three" educational publishers designation?

The designation "big three" educational publishers refers to the three largest companies dominating the educational publishing market. For McGraw Hill, being part of this group alongside Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Pearson Education signifies its leadership role and substantial influence in providing educational materials and solutions.

What was the role of James H. McGraw in the founding of the company?

James H. McGraw was a co-founder of McGraw Hill. His initial step in 1888 was purchasing the *American Journal of Railway Appliances*, which he then expanded by acquiring further publications, leading to the establishment of The McGraw Publishing Company in 1899.

What was the role of John A. Hill in the founding of the company?

John A. Hill was a co-founder of McGraw Hill. He had already established his own business, The Hill Publishing Company, in 1902, producing technical and trade publications. He later formed an alliance with James H. McGraw, serving as the first president of their combined book division.

When was the McGraw-Hill Book Company officially formed, and what did it represent?

The McGraw-Hill Book Company was officially formed in 1909 as a result of an alliance between James H. McGraw and John A. Hill. It represented the consolidation of the book departments from their respective publishing companies, marking a significant step in their collaborative venture.

What was the purpose of the *Byte* magazine acquisition in 1979?

In 1979, McGraw Hill acquired *Byte* magazine from its owner/publisher Virginia Williamson. This acquisition likely aimed to expand McGraw Hill's presence and influence within the rapidly growing technology and computing media landscape of the era.

What was the outcome of the joint venture between McGraw Hill and Robert Maxwell?

The joint venture between McGraw Hill and Robert Maxwell, formed in 1989, resulted in the creation of the second-largest textbook publisher in the United States at that time. McGraw Hill later assumed full ownership of this venture in 1993, integrating it more completely into its operations.

What specific business holdings did McGraw Hill sell to Nelson in 2017?

In May 2017, McGraw Hill Education announced the sale of the business holdings of McGraw-Hill Ryerson, which included the Ryerson Press, to the Canadian educational publisher Nelson. This transaction positioned Nelson as the largest Canadian-operated publisher in the market.

What new curricula did McGraw Hill launch in January 2019 for K-12 education?

In January 2019, McGraw Hill Education launched two new curricula aimed at K-12 education: Reveal Math and Inspire Science. These new offerings were developed to modernize and enhance instructional approaches in mathematics and science.

What was the stated reason for McGraw Hill's lawsuit against James Baldwin's estate?

McGraw Hill initiated a lawsuit against James Baldwin's estate to recover a $200,000 advance paid for an unfinished memoir. The company sought to reclaim the funds for a book that was not completed before Baldwin's death, although the lawsuit was eventually dropped.

What specific criticism did McGraw Hill face regarding its ebook pricing during the COVID-19 pandemic?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when many students transitioned to remote learning, McGraw Hill was accused of price gouging. Specifically, it was alleged that the company charged substantially higher prices for ebooks compared to their print counterparts, sometimes reportedly up to 500% more.

What is *Endless Frontiers: The Story of McGraw-Hill*?

*Endless Frontiers: The Story of McGraw-Hill* is a book written by Roger Burlingame and published in 1959 by McGraw-Hill itself. It serves as a historical account detailing the company's development and narrative over time.

What is the purpose of the "Authority control" section at the end of the article?

The "Authority control" section provides standardized identifiers for McGraw Hill across various international and national databases, such as ISNI, VIAF, Library of Congress, and BnF data. These identifiers help to uniquely identify the entity and link related information across different cataloging systems, ensuring consistency and aiding research.

What specific acquisition in 2013 aimed to enhance McGraw Hill's adaptive learning capabilities?

In 2013, McGraw Hill acquired ALEKS, a company specializing in adaptive learning technology. This acquisition was a strategic move to enhance McGraw Hill's digital and personalized learning solutions for both K-12 and higher education markets.

What was the nature of the acquisition of *California Test Bureau* in 1965?

The acquisition of *California Test Bureau* (which became CTB/McGraw-Hill) in 1965 brought a developer of educational testing systems into the McGraw Hill portfolio. This move strengthened McGraw Hill's capabilities in educational assessment and evaluation.

What did McGraw Hill acquire from Pearson in 1999?

In 1999, McGraw Hill acquired Appleton & Lange from Pearson. Appleton & Lange was a publisher focused on medical information, thereby expanding McGraw Hill's presence and offerings within the medical publishing sector.

What is the significance of the 2014 acquisition of Engrade for McGraw Hill?

The acquisition of Engrade in 2014 was significant because Engrade operates as a learning management system. This acquisition further bolstered McGraw Hill's digital platform offerings and supported its strategic shift towards Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions in the education sector.

What does the "See also" section suggest about McGraw Hill's market position?

The "See also" section lists other major educational publishing companies like Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Pearson Education, as well as related entities such as Discovery Education and S&P Global. This context highlights McGraw Hill's position as a key player within the broader educational publishing industry and acknowledges its historical corporate connections.

Mcgraw Hill Education Wiki: McGraw Hill: A Legacy in Educational Publishing

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Understanding McGraw Hill

Core Identity

McGraw Hill, officially McGraw Hill, Inc., stands as a prominent American educational publisher. Its primary mission is to deliver comprehensive educational content, sophisticated software solutions, and essential services tailored for learners and educators across the entire educational spectrum. This includes foundational K-12 education, higher education institutions, and professional development settings.

Product Portfolio

The company's offerings are diverse, encompassing traditional textbooks, cutting-edge digital learning tools, and advanced adaptive technologies designed to optimize the learning experience and improve educational outcomes. McGraw Hill is recognized as one of the "big three" educational publishers, alongside Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Pearson Education, signifying its significant market presence.

Market Reach

Beyond its core educational focus, McGraw Hill also engages in the publication of authoritative reference materials and trade publications catering to specialized professional fields such as medicine, business, and engineering. This broad scope underscores its commitment to knowledge dissemination across multiple disciplines.

Historical Trajectory

Genesis and Foundation

The origins of McGraw Hill trace back to 1888 when James H. McGraw acquired the American Journal of Railway Appliances. This marked the beginning of a publishing venture that rapidly expanded. By 1899, he established The McGraw Publishing Company. Concurrently, John A. Hill, a co-founder, was building his own portfolio of technical and trade publications, culminating in the formation of The Hill Publishing Company in 1902. The synergy between these two entities led to the formation of The McGraw-Hill Book Company in 1909, a pivotal moment that unified their book departments.

Corporate Evolution

The formal merger of the remaining business segments into The McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, Inc. occurred in 1917. The company's international presence was established in 1946 with the creation of an international division. Over the decades, McGraw Hill underwent significant transformations, including divestitures and acquisitions, notably the sale of its education division to Apollo Global Management in 2013 and its subsequent acquisition by Platinum Equity in 2021. The company's long-standing headquarters were located at 330 West 42nd Street in New York City.

Key Milestones

McGraw Hill's history is marked by strategic acquisitions that broadened its scope. Notable examples include the acquisition of Gregg Company (vocational textbooks) in the 1950s, Standard & Poor's in 1966 (financial services), and The Economy Company in 1986, which solidified its position as the largest educational publisher in the U.S. The company also ventured into broadcasting and film, later divesting these segments to focus on its core educational and publishing businesses.

Strategic Acquisitions

A History of Expansion

McGraw Hill's growth has been significantly fueled by strategic acquisitions across various sectors, particularly within educational publishing and information services. These acquisitions have consistently aimed to enhance its product offerings and market penetration.

Date	Company Acquired	Industry
1920	Newton Falls Paper Company	Paper Production
1928	A.W. Shaw Company	Publishing (Magazines, Textbooks)
1950s	Gregg Company	Vocational Textbook Publishing
1953	Companies of Warren C. Platts (incl. Platts)	Petroleum Industry Information
1954	Blakiston (from Doubleday)	Medical Textbook Publishing
1961	F.W. Dodge Corporation	Construction Industry Information
1965	California Test Bureau (CTB)	Educational Testing Systems
1966	Standard & Poor's	Financial Services
1966	Shepard's Citations	Legal Publishing
1968	National Radio Institute	Correspondence School
1970	The Ryerson Press	Educational and Trade Publishing
1972	Time Life Broadcasting Stations	Broadcasting
1979	Osborne Books	Educational and Trade Publishing
1986	The Economy Company	Educational Publishing
1988	Random House Schools and Colleges	Educational Publishing
1993	Macmillan/McGraw-Hill School Publishing Company	Educational Publishing
1996	Times Mirror Higher Education	Educational Publishing
1997	Micropal Group Limited	Financial Services
1999	Appleton & Lange (from Pearson)	Medical Information Publishing
2000	Tribune Education	Supplementary Educational Materials
2000	Mayfield Publishing Company	Humanities and Social Science Textbooks
2002	Open University Press	Academic Publishing
2005	J.D. Power & Associates	Marketing Information Provider
2013	Key Curriculum	Math Technology Firm
2013	ALEKS Corporation	Adaptive Learning Firm
2014	Area9 Aps	Adaptive Learning Firm
2014	Engrade	Learning Management System
2016	Redbird Advanced Learning	Adaptive Learning Firm
2021	Kidaptive	Adaptive Learning Firm
2021	Triad Interactive	Educational Software Firm
2021	Achieve3000	Educational Software Firm
2022	Boards & Beyond	Medical Education Platform

Leadership Through Time

Key Figures

The leadership of McGraw Hill has evolved significantly since its inception. The company was founded by James H. McGraw and John A. Hill. Over the years, numerous individuals have helmed the organization, guiding its strategic direction through various market shifts and ownership changes.

John A. Hill (1909–1917)
James H. McGraw (1917–1928)
Johnathan Heflin (1928–1948)
James McGraw Jr. (1948–1950)
Curtis W. McGraw (1950–1953)
Donald C. McGraw (1953–1968)
Shelton Fisher (1968–1974)
Harold McGraw Jr. (1974–1983)
Joseph Dionne (1983–1998)
Harold W. McGraw III (1998–2013)
Buzz Waterhouse (2013–2014)
David Levin (2014–2017)
Buzz Waterhouse (2017–2018)
Nana Banerjee (2018–2019)
Simon Allen (2019–Present)

Notable Controversies

Historical Disputes

McGraw Hill has faced several controversies throughout its history, reflecting the complex societal and ethical considerations inherent in educational publishing.

James Baldwin Lawsuit: In the late 1980s, McGraw Hill sued the estate of James Baldwin for the return of an advance paid for an unfinished manuscript. The company later dropped the suit, citing sensitivity towards Baldwin's family.
"Workers" Caption: In 2015, the company drew criticism for a textbook caption that referred to enslaved Africans as "workers." McGraw Hill issued an apology, updated digital materials, and provided replacement texts, acknowledging the issue's connection to broader curriculum debates in Texas.
Pricing Practices: McGraw Hill has been accused of employing strategies, such as mandatory online access codes, that limit the resale of used textbooks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company faced accusations of price gouging for its digital offerings, with ebooks sometimes costing significantly more than print versions.

Selected Works

Cinematic Contributions

While primarily known for its print and digital educational materials, McGraw Hill has also been involved in the production of educational films. One notable example is:

Maintaining Classroom Discipline (1947)

These cinematic contributions highlight the company's historical engagement with diverse media formats to support educational objectives.

Further Exploration

Recommended Resources

For a deeper understanding of McGraw Hill's multifaceted history and operations, the following resources are recommended:

Further Reading: Roger Burlingame's 1959 book, Endless Frontiers: The Story of McGraw-Hill, provides an foundational account of the company's early development.
External Links: Various articles and timelines offer insights into specific aspects of McGraw Hill's business, including its digital transition, historical acquisitions, and market strategies.

External Resources

Official and Related Sites

Accessing primary sources and related materials can provide valuable context:

Official Website: mheducation.com
Wikimedia Commons: Explore related media and documents at commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:McGraw-Hill_Education
Slate Article: An examination of adaptive learning's impact: "No More Pencils, No More Books"
Chicago Sun-Times: Discussion on digital sales trends: "McGraw Hill says digital sales beat print for the first time"
NIU Timeline: A historical overview of McGraw Hill: "Timeline of McGraw-Hill"

Authority Control

Identifiers

These databases provide standardized identifiers for cataloging and referencing McGraw Hill:

International Standard Name Identifier (ISNI): 000000040439027X
Virtual International Authority File (VIAF): 132714845
Library of Congress Authorities: n2001020845
Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF): cb120637083
IdRef: 22005942X

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Mcgraw Hill Education" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about mcgraw_hill_education while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

lgbtq rights in tajikistan

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the McGraw Hill Education Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This educational resource was generated by an AI, synthesizing information from publicly available data, primarily Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source of truth, the content is presented for informational and educational purposes only. It may not be exhaustive, entirely up-to-date, or reflect the most current operational status or strategic direction of McGraw Hill.

This is not professional advice. The information provided herein does not constitute business, financial, or educational consulting advice. Readers are encouraged to consult official McGraw Hill documentation and seek expert guidance for specific academic or business needs. Reliance on this information is solely at the user's own risk.

The creators of this page are not liable for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this information.

McGraw Hill: A Legacy in Educational Publishing

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Understanding McGraw Hill ℹ️

🏢 Core Identity

📚 Product Portfolio

🌐 Market Reach

Historical Trajectory 📈

📜 Genesis and Foundation

🏢 Corporate Evolution

🚀 Key Milestones

Strategic Acquisitions 🤝

📊 A History of Expansion

Leadership Through Time 👑

👨‍💼 Key Figures

Notable Controversies ⚠️

⚖️ Historical Disputes

Selected Works 🎬

🎞️ Cinematic Contributions

Further Exploration 🔍

📖 Recommended Resources

External Resources 🔗

🌐 Official and Related Sites

Authority Control 🗂️

ID Identifiers

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Understanding McGraw Hill

Core Identity

Product Portfolio

Market Reach

Historical Trajectory

Genesis and Foundation

Corporate Evolution

Key Milestones

Strategic Acquisitions

A History of Expansion

Leadership Through Time

Key Figures

Notable Controversies

Historical Disputes

Selected Works

Cinematic Contributions

Further Exploration

Recommended Resources

External Resources

Official and Related Sites

Authority Control

Identifiers

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice