Archipelago Learning Selected to Deloitte’s 2011 Technology Fast 500™ as One of the Fastest Growing Companies in North America

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Archipelago Learning Inc. (NASDAQ: ARCL), a leading subscription-based, software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider of education products, today announced it ranked 196th on the Technology Fast 500™ ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and clean technology companies in North America. Archipelago Learning grew 483 percent during the five-year period from 2006-2010.

“We are proud of our growth and the role we are playing in the digital transformation of K-12 education,” said Tim McEwen chairman, chief executive officer and president of Archipelago Learning. “Educators are looking for innovative, effective and affordable solutions to enhance the learning experience, and we continue to respond, adapting to their evolving needs. Our success is built on partnering with principals, teachers and parents to improve learning outcomes for all students. Together we are shaping education in a way that engages and excites today’s technology-minded students and prepares them for college and career success.”

McEwen continued, “By staying committed to providing online, high impact, low cost educational solutions, we have extended our reach to approximately 38,700 schools and 14 million students. As we look ahead, we are focused on adding more ways to help our existing customers while attracting new customers. Our team believes that assisting fellow educators improve student academic performance, build a holistic love of learning, and create a habit of achievement is critical to the future of our country.”

Overall, 2011 Technology Fast 500 companies achieved revenue growth ranging from 134 percent to 70,211 percent from 2006 to 2010, with an average growth of 1,736 percent.

About Archipelago Learning

Archipelago Learning (NASDAQ:ARCL) is a leading subscription-based, software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider of education products used by approximately 14 million students in nearly 38,700 schools throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our comprehensive digital supplemental product suite uses technology to transform education. We make rigorous learning fun, engaging, accessible, and affordable. For more information, please visit us at www.archipelagolearning.com.

About Deloitte’s 2011 Technology Fast 500™

Technology Fast 500, which was conducted by Deloitte & Touche LLP, a subsidiary of Deloitte LLP, provides a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and clean technology companies – both public and private – in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2006 to 2010.

In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company's operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD or CD, and current-year operating revenues of at least $5 million USD or CD. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of five years, and be headquartered within North America.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the Company. These forward-looking statements are based on current information and expectations, and are subject to risks and uncertainties discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from expected results. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement contained in this release, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

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