Blackbaud Acquires Private School Software Provider WhippleHill for $35M

Fundraising software company Blackbaud has acquired WhippleHill Communications, a New Hampshire-based software company that offers a cloud-based LMS and other software catering to K12 private schools, in a deal said to be worth $35 million.

In addition to an LMS, WhippleHill also offers an SIS as well as software around content management and enrollment. The organization will still focus on private schools, and will merge with Blackbaud’s existing K12 education solutions group, which already includes donor outreach, financial, and student information programs.

WhippleHill works with some 400 schools across the country; the two companies already shared some customers.

"We’re pleased to bring WhippleHill’s expertise into the company," said Blackbaud President and CEO, Mike Gianoni in a statement. "By combining WhippleHill’s innovative, cloud-based front-office solutions for parents, teachers and students with Blackbaud’s preeminent back-office solutions and award-winning support, K12 private schools will have access—like never before—to a comprehensive suite of best-in-class offerings that are 'integrated by design' to help them manage the entire education lifecycle."

About the Author

Stephen Noonoo is an education technology journalist based in Los Angeles. He is on Twitter @stephenoonoo.

Featured

  • digital learning resources including a document, video tutorial, quiz checklist, pie chart, and AI cloud icon

    Quizizz Rebrands as Wayground, Announces New AI Features

    Learning platform Quizizz has become Wayground, in a rebranding meant to reflect "the platform's evolution from a quiz tool into a more versatile supplemental learning platform that's supported by AI," according to a news announcement.

  • red brick school building with a large yellow "AI" sign above its main entrance

    New National Academy for AI Instruction to Provide Free AI Training for Educators

    In an effort to "transform how artificial intelligence is taught and integrated into classrooms across the United States," the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), in partnership with Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic, and the United Federation of Teachers, is launching the National Academy for AI Instruction, a $23 million initiative that will provide access to free AI training and curriculum for all AFT members, beginning with K-12 educators.

  • stylized illustration of a desktop, laptop, tablet, and smartphone all displaying an orange AI icon

    Survey: AI Shifting from Cloud to PCs

    A recent Intel-commissioned report identifies a significant shift in AI adoption, moving away from the cloud and closer to the user. Businesses are increasingly turning to the specialized hardware of AI PCs, the survey found, recognizing their potential not just for productivity gains, but for revolutionizing IT efficiency, fortifying data security, and delivering a compelling return on investment by bringing AI capabilities directly to the edge.

  • Abstract AI circuit board pattern

    Nonprofit LawZero to Work Toward Safer, Truthful AI

    Turing Award-winning AI researcher Yoshua Bengio has launched LawZero, a nonprofit aimed at developing AI systems that prioritize safety and truthfulness over autonomy.