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Key people at The Critcal Thinking Co..
The Critical Thinking Co. develops and publishes educational materials designed to cultivate critical thinking skills across a broad spectrum of academic subjects and grade levels. The company offers a diverse portfolio of textbooks, activity books, and printable eBooks, focusing on problem-solving methodologies and analytical reasoning in disciplines such as reading, writing, mathematics, and science. Their materials are structured to enhance intellectual development from early childhood through advanced education.
The company traces its origins to 1958, when it was founded by John Baker under the initial name Midwest Publications. Starting as a publisher of math and general textbooks, Baker established the enterprise with an underlying insight into the pedagogical power of integrating logic-based problems with academic content. This foundational principle aimed to foster deeper understanding and intellectual engagement among learners.
The Critical Thinking Co. primarily serves students, educators, and homeschooling families, providing resources for kindergarten through twelfth grade and beyond. The company's overarching vision centers on empowering individuals with the cognitive tools necessary for superior academic achievement and effective real-world decision-making. They continue to emphasize the development of robust analytical abilities for future success.
The Critical Thinking Co. is a family-owned educational publisher specializing in PreK-12+ textbooks, activity books, and apps that integrate critical thinking skills into core subjects like reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.[1][2][3][6] Founded in 1958, it serves homeschoolers, teachers, public schools, tutoring centers, and gifted programs in over 57 countries, with products used by more than 36 million students worldwide, emphasizing reasoning and problem-solving over rote memorization to boost grades, test scores, and lifelong skills.[2][3][6] Its materials cover preschool to grade 12, priced from $14.99 to $42.99 per title, and include free activities, with annual donations of thousands of products to children in need.[1][2][3]
The company began in 1958 when John Baker founded Midwest Publications as a math and textbook publisher focused on logic problems and high educational standards.[1][2] Under John's leadership, it expanded beyond math; after his passing, his son Michael Baker took over as president, broadening the scope to critical thinking across subjects and renaming it The Critical Thinking Co. in 2003 to reflect this mission.[1][2] Now with over 200 titles, it remains family-owned in North Bend, Oregon, evolving from a niche textbook provider to a global leader in award-winning educational resources recommended by outlets like Learning Magazine and used in Sylvan Learning Centers.[2][3][6]
The Critical Thinking Co. rides the edtech trend of skill-based learning amid rising demand for critical thinking in an AI-driven world, where rote knowledge is commoditized and analytical abilities determine success.[1][2][3] Its timing aligns with post-pandemic homeschooling surges and global emphasis on STEM/STEAM, influencing ecosystems by equipping 36+ million students in 120+ countries via apps, printables, and school integrations.[3][6] Market forces like standardized testing pressures and parental focus on holistic development favor its non-memorization approach, positioning it to shape future educators and innovators through partnerships with tutoring giants and gifted programs.[2][4]
With digital expansions like apps and eBooks, The Critical Thinking Co. is poised to grow in hybrid learning environments, potentially scaling free resources and AI-enhanced personalization to reach more underserved students.[3][6] Trends like gamified edtech and global critical thinking mandates will amplify its influence, evolving it from print pioneer to a hybrid platform leader while upholding family values. This legacy of empowering minds since 1958 underscores its enduring role in building smarter, more resilient learners.[1][2]
Key people at The Critcal Thinking Co..
