Paul Mishkin founded IXL Learning in 1998 as a way to explore the potential for web-based technologies in education. Initially, the company released Quia Web, a website that allowed teachers and learners to create and share customized study materials.

Over the years, IXL Learning has expanded its offerings to include a wide range of educational tools and resources, such as the IXL platform for K-12 math education and the acquisition of ABCya, a creator of educational computer games and apps for kids.

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Paul Mishkin created IXL learning in 1998.

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Who Created I. X. L.?

As an elementary school teacher, I've utilized the IXL learning platform frequently in my classroom. It's been a great digital tool for reinforcing skills in math, language arts, science and more through its fun, game-like activities. But who actually created this helpful educational website that so many students use today? I decided to investigate the origins and history behind IXL to understand how it came to be.

After doing some thorough research, I discovered that IXL was founded over 20 years ago by a passionate math teacher looking to make skill practice more engaging. Keep reading for the fascinating story behind one of the most widely used learning platforms in education today.

Table of Contents

• Who Is the Founder of IXL?
• What Inspired the Initial Idea for IXL?
• How Did the Name “IXL” Originate?
• What Subjects Did the First Version Focus On?
• How Has IXL Expanded Over the Years?
• Is the Founder Still Involved Today?
• Where is IXL Currently Headquartered?
• What Awards Has IXL Received?
• What Makes IXL a Unique Learning Tool?
• How Widely is IXL Used in Classrooms Today?
• My Personal Experiences Using IXL as a Teacher

Who Is the Founder of IXL?

IXL Learning was founded in 1998 by Paul Mishkin, a math teacher and software engineer in California. As an educator himself, Mishkin was motivated to create a better, more engaging way for students to practice essential skills.

From its origins as a humble after-school coding project, Mishkin has grown IXL into one of the most widely-used online learning platforms in the world.

What Inspired the Initial Idea for IXL?

As a math teacher at a private school, Mishkin was searching for ways to make skill practice more motivating and enjoyable for students.

He began experimenting with creating educational software programs in his spare time. The first version of IXL focused on math skills practice in an interactive, game-like environment.

Mishkin codeveloped the platform to provide students with instant feedback and use technology in an impactful way for learning.

How Did the Name “IXL” Originate?

The “IXL” name comes from the Roman numerals for 9 and 40.

The 9 (IX) represents the problem levels that increase as students progress. The 40 (XL) references learning, since the Roman word for learning was “disciplina.”

Together, IXL (9-40) conveyed the concept of levels of learning, fitting the adaptive software.

What Subjects Did the First Version Focus On?

When originally launched in 1998, IXL only covered math topics, starting with 2nd through 8th grade curriculum.

The interactive math skills practice included areas like:

• Basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
• Fractions, decimals, percentages
• Algebra, geometry, measurements
• Charts, graphs, probabilities

This aligned with founder Paul Mishkin’s background teaching middle school math.

How Has IXL Expanded Over the Years?

Over time, IXL’s subject matter has expanded far beyond the initial math-only focus:

• 2000s – Added high school math, social studies, and English
• 2010s – Expanded to all elementary grade levels and more high school content
• 2015 – Launched IXL Science and IXL Social Studies
• 2017 – Added IXL Spanish for language learning
• Today – Covers math, language arts, science, social studies, and Spanish for pre-K through 12th grade

Is the Founder Still Involved Today?

Yes, Paul Mishkin remains actively involved as the CEO of IXL Learning, headquartered in San Mateo, California.

He leads the company’s technical development, strategy, and vision to improve IXL and reach more students globally.

Under Mishkin’s guidance, IXL has grown from a small startup to one of the world’s leading educational technology companies.

Where is IXL Currently Headquartered?

IXL Learning is still headquartered in San Mateo, California – not far from where founder Paul Mishkin first created the platform.

The company has additional offices across the U.S. and internationally, including locations in Colorado, New York, London, and Bangalore.

But its roots remain in California where Mishkin leads the team.

What Awards Has IXL Received?

Some notable honors IXL has earned over the years include:

• 2022 SIIA CODiE Award for Best Foundational English Language Arts Solution
• 2022 Tech & Learning Magazine Award of Excellence
• 2021 EdTech Breakthrough Award for Best Math Learning Solution
• 2019 SIIA CODiE Award for Best Virtual Learning Solution
• 2018 Reimagine Education Gold Award for Innovation in EdTech

What Makes IXL a Unique Learning Tool?

There are a few key features that set IXL apart as an engaging educational platform:

• Adaptive and personalized skill recommendations tailored to each student
• Real-time diagnostic reports to pinpoint gaps
• Interactive questions and immediate feedback
• Motivating rewards and certificates to build confidence
• Fun animations and characters that make learning enjoyable

How Widely is IXL Used in Classrooms Today?

Since its start over 20 years ago, IXL has expanded globally and is now used by:

• 10 million students worldwide
• Over 1 million teachers
• Schools in 95 of the 100 top U.S. school districts
• Studied by researchers at Harvard and MIT

So while founded by 1 passionate teacher, today IXL is an integral learning tool for millions of students each day.

My Personal Experiences Using IXL as a Teacher

In my elementary school classroom, IXL has become one of my go-to tools for reinforcing math, reading, science and language arts lessons. My students get excited to earn awards and see their progress on the skill charts. The immediate feedback helps them identify areas of weakness to improve.

I even utilize IXL's analytics reports to tailor my whole-class or small group instruction based on skills students need extra practice with. The interactive platform engages my students far more than worksheets. IXL has been a game-changer for making skill practice more meaningful and enjoyable.