Kaplan history

In 1946 he began to offer a 16-session preparatory class, charging $135.

1970: Kaplan opens first branch outside of New York, in Philadelphia; more follow.

Founded in 1973, MPW operates three schools in London, Cambridge, and Birmingham and prepares local and international students for entry into top universities in the U.K., United States, and Australia.

1979: FTC investigation proves effectiveness of Kaplan's SAT preparation courses.

Since its 1984 acquisition by the Washington Post Co., Kaplan has grown to account for nearly half the revenues of its parent firm.

1993: Printed test preparation study guides are introduced.

1994: Jonathan Grayer is appointed CEO.

The year 1995 also saw the launch of Kaplan’s first web site, www.kaplan.com.

Mid-1996 saw Kaplan’s publishing arm link with Simon & Schuster to publish its test preparation guides under the Kaplan Books imprint.

1999: Concord University of Law is formed to offer classes online.

“Kaplan Aggressively Courts Internet Alliances, Launches Sites,” Educational Marketer, April 10, 2000.

In March 2001, Kaplan’s Canadian division acquired The Study Seminar for Financial Analysts of Windsor, Ontario, which offered test preparation for the CFA exam.

In early 2002 the company bought online test-prep services firm Achieva as well as vocational education providers Texas Careers, Thomson Institute, and Technology Education College.

With Kaplan's revenues continuing to grow the Washington Post Co. began referring to itself as "a media and education company," and during 2003 revenues of the subsidiary eclipsed those of the newspaper.

The company's British presence was expanded in 2004 when it formed a partnership with Nottingham Trent University to create Nottingham Trent International College.

In 2005 a substantially revised SAT was introduced, and the firm reworked its preparation programs to address the changes.

For 2006 the firm's revenues leapt to more than $1.6 billion, or about 43 percent of its parent company's total.

In April 2007 a joint venture called Kaplan ACE was formed with ACE Education of China, which helped students prepare for admission to United States universities and also offered college and professional training programs throughout China.