Amira Learning

Previously known as Lexa Learning, Amira Learning is an artificial intelligence-based (AI-based) reading assessment tool. The intelligent reading assistant (Amira) recommends appropriately challenging stories, listens as students read aloud, assesses reading fluency, detects reading errors, responds with targeted interventions, and uses advanced analytics to provide insight to teachers. In 2021, the company’s AI-driven reading tutor was used by 375,000 students and over 1,800 schools.

In September 2022, the firm acquired Wonderscope, an augmented reality (AR) reading app, to integrate its AI-based solution with Wonderscope’s AR solution to support the reading process for children and create a new area of interest in the EdTech space called “intelligent instruction.” In June 2024, Amira learning merged with Istation, a company specializing in tailored learning and assessments for K-12 students, to provide more dynamic, personalized interventions to students in real-time as they learn.

Key customers and partnerships

In 2019, Amira and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt entered into a partnership to help schools achieve reading mastery within grades K-3.

Funding and financials

In April 2021, Amira Learning raised USD 11 million in funding to scale up with a new app for parents, convert those using the platform for free into paying customers, develop the product to include elementary and middle school students, and further develop its platform. Later in December, the company secured a grant of USD 3 million over three years from the US Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences (IES). The funds were earmarked to be used for supporting its “Reading Together” project, created to develop scalable and personalized tools to combat reading difficulties in the US. Through this project, Amira will collaborate with kindergarten-aged students in New York City as well as their parents and teachers to develop reading support programs to be carried out at home and in classrooms. The project will also be supported by the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, which will serve in the role of a project advisor.