John Katzman

John Katzman is an American entrepreneur and education reformer best known for founding the test preparation company The Princeton Review. A graduate of Princeton University, he has been a pivotal figure in the education industry, later founding the online program management company 2U and the education technology network Noodle. His career has focused on leveraging technology to increase access and improve outcomes in higher education and test preparation.

Early life and education

John Katzman was born in 1959 in New York City. He attended The Dalton School, a prominent private school in Manhattan. He subsequently enrolled at Princeton University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. His undergraduate experience at the Ivy League institution provided foundational insights into the competitive landscape of college admissions, which would later inform his entrepreneurial ventures.

Career

After graduating from Princeton University, Katzman initially pursued a career in finance. He worked briefly on Wall Street but quickly became disillusioned with the field. Recognizing a significant opportunity within the burgeoning test preparation market, particularly for the SAT and other standardized exams, he shifted his focus to education. This pivot led to the creation of his first major company, which would grow to challenge the dominance of established players like Kaplan.

The Princeton Review

In 1981, Katzman founded The Princeton Review in his New York City apartment. The company distinguished itself through its innovative, often irreverent approach to SAT preparation, emphasizing strategic test-taking over rote memorization. Under his leadership as CEO, The Princeton Review expanded rapidly, offering courses for exams like the LSAT, MCAT, and GMAT. It grew into a major national competitor to Kaplan, ultimately going public and establishing a significant presence in Asia and other international markets. Katzman led the company until 2007, overseeing its acquisition by Charlesbank Capital Partners and later by ST Unitas.

Later ventures and philanthropy

Following his tenure at The Princeton Review, Katzman co-founded 2U in 2008 with Chip Paucek and Christopher Paucek. The company, which became publicly traded on the NASDAQ, partners with top-tier universities like the University of Southern California and Georgetown University to deliver online degree programs. In 2013, he founded Noodle, an education technology company that creates networks for learning and operates Noodle Partners, an online program management provider. Katzman is also an active philanthropist and advocate for education reform, having served on the board of the National Association of Independent Schools and supported various educational initiatives. He has been a vocal commentator on issues within higher education in publications like The New York Times.

Personal life

John Katzman maintains a relatively private personal life. He is known to reside in New York City and has been involved in the city's cultural and educational spheres. His work has earned him recognition, including features in prominent media outlets such as Forbes and The Wall Street Journal. Beyond his business endeavors, he is an avid supporter of the arts and continues to engage in debates about the future of education policy and technology.

Category:American entrepreneurs Category:Princeton University alumni Category:1959 births Category:Living people Category:People from New York City