3.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Revenue Recognition

Revenues are principally earned from long-term contractual agreements to provide online curriculum, books, materials, computers and management services to virtual and blended public schools, traditional schools, school districts, virtual charter schools, and private schools. In addition to providing the curriculum, books and materials, under most contracts, the Company provides management services and technology to virtual and blended public schools, including monitoring academic achievement, teacher hiring and training, compensation of school personnel, financial management, enrollment processing and development and procurement of curriculum, equipment and required services. The schools receive funding on a per student basis from the state in which the public school or school district is located. Shipments of materials for schools that occur in the fourth fiscal quarter and for the upcoming school year are recorded in deferred revenues.

Where the Company has determined that it is the primary obligor for substantially all expenses under these contracts, the Company records the associated per student revenue received by the school from its state funding school district up to the expenses incurred in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605, Revenue Recognition. As a result of being the primary obligor, amounts recorded as revenues and school operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were $62.3 million and $68.7 million, respectively. For contracts where the Company is not the primary obligor, the Company records revenue based on its net fees earned under the contractual agreement.

The Company generates revenues under turnkey management contracts with virtual and blended public schools which include multiple elements. These elements include:

providing each of a school’s students with access to the Company’s online school and lessons;

offline learning kits, which include books and materials to supplement the online lessons, where required;

the use of a personal computer and associated reclamation services, where required;

internet access and technology support services;

instruction by a state-certified teacher, where required; and

management and technology services necessary to operate a virtual public or blended school. In certain managed school contracts, revenue is determined directly by per enrollment funding.

The Company has determined that the elements of its contracts are valuable to schools in combination, but do not have standalone value. As a result, the elements within the Company’s multiple-element contracts do not qualify as separate units of accounting. Accordingly, the Company accounts for revenues under multiple element arrangements as a single unit of accounting and recognizes the entire arrangement based upon the approximate rate at which it incurs the costs associated with each element. Revenue from certain managed schools is recognized ratably over the period services are performed.

To determine the pro rata amount of revenues to recognize in a fiscal quarter, the Company estimates the total funds each school will receive in a particular school year. Total funds for a school are primarily a function of the number of students enrolled in the school and established per enrollment funding levels which are generally published on an annual basis by the state or school district. The Company reviews its estimates of funding periodically, and revises as necessary, amortizing any adjustments to earned revenues over the remaining portion of the fiscal year. Actual school funding may vary from these estimates and the impact of these differences could impact the Company’s results of operations. Since the end of the school year coincides with the end of the Company’s fiscal year, annual revenues are generally based on actual school funding and actual costs incurred (including costs for the Company’s services to the schools plus other costs the schools may incur) in the calculation of school operating losses. The Company’s schools reported results are subject to annual school district financial audits, which incorporate enrollment counts, funding and other routine financial audit considerations. The results of these audits are incorporated into the Company’s monthly funding estimates and for the reported three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

Under the contracts where the Company provides turnkey management services to schools, the Company has generally agreed to absorb any operating losses of the schools in a given school year. These school operating losses represent the excess of costs incurred over revenues earned by the virtual or blended public school as reflected on its respective financial statements, including Company charges to the schools. To the extent a school does not receive funding for each student enrolled in the school, the school would still incur costs associated with serving the unfunded enrollment. If losses due to unfunded enrollments result in a net operating loss for the year that loss is reflected as a reduction in the revenue and net receivables that the Company collects from the school. A school net operating loss in one year does not necessarily mean the Company anticipates losing money on the entire contract with the school. However, a school operating loss may reduce the Company’s ability to collect its management fees in full and recognized revenues are reduced accordingly to reflect the expected cash collections from such schools. The Company amortizes the estimated school operating loss against revenues based upon the percentage of actual revenues in the period to total estimated revenues for the fiscal year.

For turnkey revenue service contracts, a school operating loss may reduce the Company’s ability to collect its management fees in full though as noted it does not necessarily mean that the Company incurs a loss during the period with respect to its services to that school. The Company recognizes revenue, net of its estimated portion of school operating losses, to reflect the expected cash collections from such schools. Revenue is recognized based on the Company’s performance of services under the contract, which it believes is proportionate to its incurrence of costs. The Company incurs costs directly related to the delivery of services. Most of these costs are recognized throughout the year; however, certain costs related to upfront delivery of printed materials, workbooks, laboratory materials and other items are provided at the beginning of the school year and are recognized as expense when shipped.

Each state or school district has variations in the school funding formulas and methodologies that it uses to estimate funding for revenue recognition at its respective schools. As the Company builds the funding estimates for each school, it is mindful of the state definition for count dates on which reported enrollment numbers will be used for per pupil funding. The parameters the Company considers in estimating funding for revenue recognition purposes include school district count definitions, withdrawal rates, average daily attendance, special needs enrollment, student demographics, academic progress and historical completion, student location, funding caps and other state specified categorical program funding. The estimates the Company makes each period on a school-by-school basis takes into account the latest information available to it and considers material relevant information at the time of the estimate.

Management periodically reviews its estimates of full-year school revenues and operating expenses and amortizes the net impact of any changes to these estimates over the remainder of the fiscal year. Actual school operating losses may vary from these estimates or revisions, and the impact of these differences could have a material impact on results of operations. Since the end of the school year coincides with the end of the Company’s fiscal year, annual revenues are generally based on actual school funding and actual costs incurred (including costs for the Company’s services to the schools plus other costs the schools may incur) in the calculation of school operating losses. For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s revenue included a reduction for these school operating losses of $14.2 million and $17.6 million, respectively.

The Company provides certain online curriculum and services to schools and school districts under subscription and perpetual license agreements. Revenue under these agreements is recognized in accordance with the ASC 605 when all of the following conditions are met: there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement; delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; the amount of fees to be paid by the customer is fixed and determinable; and the collectability of the fee is probable. Revenue from the licensing of curriculum under subscription arrangements is recognized on a ratable basis over the subscription period. Revenue from the licensing of curriculum under non-cancelable perpetual arrangements is recognized when all revenue recognition criteria have been met. Revenue from professional consulting, training and support services are deferred and recognized ratably over the service period.

Other revenues are generated from individual customers who prepay and have access for one to two years to company-provided online curriculum. The Company recognizes these revenues pro rata over the maximum term of the customer contract. Revenues from associated offline learning kits are recognized upon shipment.

During the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company had a contract with one school (different school in both years) that represented approximately 10% and 12% of revenue, respectively. Approximately 5% and 9% of accounts receivable was attributable to one contract (different school at both dates) as of September 30, 2015 and June 30, 2015.

In fiscal year 2015, the Agora Cyber Charter School (“Agora”) renegotiated its service agreement and entered into a three-year contract with the Company to purchase the Company’s curriculum and certain technology services and the school board assumed daily operational responsibilities, including its charter renewal process and marketing and enrollment activities. The net impact of this contract change on revenues for the first three months of September 30, 2015 as compared to the prior year resulted in approximately a $23.5 million decrease.

Reclassifications

The Company has reclassified certain prior year income tax accounts to conform to the current year presentation. There was no effect on related income tax assets or liabilities, or the income statement from such reclassification. The reclassification had no effect on net cash flows.

Consolidation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned and affiliated companies that the Company owns, directly or indirectly, and all controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Inventories

Inventories consist primarily of textbooks and curriculum materials, a majority of which are supplied to virtual public schools and blended public schools and utilized directly by students. Inventories represent items that are purchased and held for sale and are recorded at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market value. Excess and obsolete inventory reserves are established based upon the evaluation of the quantity on hand relative to demand. The excess and obsolete inventory reserve was $2.4 million and $2.2 million at September 30, 2015 and June 30, 2015, respectively.

Other Current Assets

Other current assets consist primarily of textbooks, curriculum materials and other supplies which are expected to be returned upon the completion of the school year. Materials not returned are expensed as part of instructional costs and services.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation expense is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset (or the lesser of the term of the lease and the estimated useful life of the asset under capital lease). Amortization of assets capitalized under capital lease arrangements is included in depreciation expense. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset. The Company determines the lease term in accordance with ASC 840, Leases, as the fixed non-cancelable term of the lease plus all periods for which failure to renew the lease imposes a penalty on the lessee in an amount such that renewal appears, at the inception of the lease, to be reasonably assured. Depreciation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $5.3 million and $7.4 million, respectively. Additionally, beginning in fiscal 2016 the Company no longer recovers peripheral equipment as it was determined to be uneconomical. Accordingly, the Company fully expenses peripherals upon shipment and the impact was immaterial.

Property and equipment are depreciated over the following useful lives:

		Useful Life
Student computers		3 years
Computer hardware		3 years
Computer software		3-5 years
Web site development costs		3 years
Office equipment		5 years
Furniture and fixtures		7 years
Leasehold improvements		3-12 years

The Company updates its estimate of unreturned computers based on an analysis of recent trends of returns and utilization rates. During the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded $0.7 million and $1.3 million in expense, respectively, related to the estimate.

Capitalized Software Costs

The Company develops software for internal use. Software development costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other. The Company amortizes these costs over the estimated useful life of the software, which is generally three years. Capitalized software development costs are stated at cost less accumulated amortization.

Capitalized software development additions totaled $9.5 million and $8.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $6.5 million and $4.8 million, respectively.

Capitalized Curriculum Development Costs

The Company internally develops curriculum, which is primarily provided as online content and accessed via the Internet. The Company also creates textbooks and other materials that are complementary to online content.

The Company capitalizes curriculum development costs incurred during the application development stage in accordance with ASC 350. The Company capitalizes curriculum development costs during the design and deployment phases of the project. Many of the Company’s new courses leverage off of proven delivery platforms and are primarily content, which has no technological hurdles. As a result, a significant portion of the Company’s courseware development costs qualify for capitalization due to the concentration of its development efforts on the content of the courseware. Capitalization ends when a course is available for general release to its customers, at which time amortization of the capitalized costs begins. The period of time over which these development costs will be amortized is generally five years.

Total capitalized curriculum development additions were $3.7 million and $3.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These amounts are recorded on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets net of amortization charges. Amortization is recorded in product development expenses on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. Amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $4.2 million and $4.0 million, respectively.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes. Under ASC 740, deferred tax assets and liabilities are computed based on the difference between the financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted marginal tax rate. ASC 740 requires that the net deferred tax asset be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax asset will not be realized.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Earnings or losses attributable to other stockholders of a consolidated affiliated company are classified separately as “noncontrolling interest” in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations. Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries that are redeemable outside of the Company’s control for cash or other assets are classified outside of permanent equity at redeemable value, which approximates fair value. However, if the redemption amount is other than fair value (e.g. fixed or variable), the redeemable noncontrolling interest is accounted for at the fixed or variable redeemable value. The redeemable noncontrolling interests are adjusted to their redeemable value at each balance sheet date. The resulting increases or decreases in the estimated redemption amount are affected by corresponding charges against retained earnings, or in the absence of retained earnings, additional paid-in-capital.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The Company records as goodwill the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Finite-lived intangible assets acquired in business combinations subject to amortization are recorded at their fair value. Finite-lived intangible assets include trade names, acquired customers and non-compete agreements. Such intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $0.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively. Future amortization of intangible assets is $2.0 million, $1.9 million, $1.9 million, $1.9 million and $1.9 million in the fiscal years ending June 30, 2016 through June 30, 2020, respectively, and $10.7 million thereafter. At both September 30, 2015 and June 30, 2015, the goodwill balance was $66.2 million.

The Company reviews its recorded finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. If the total of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, a loss is recognized for the difference between fair value and the carrying value of the asset.

ASC 350 prescribes a two-step process for impairment testing of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives, which is performed annually, as well as when an event triggering impairment may have occurred. ASC 350 also allows the Company to qualitatively assess goodwill impairment through a screening process which would permit companies to forgo Step 1 of their annual goodwill impairment process. This qualitative screening process will hereinafter be referred to as “Step 0”. Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have an indefinite life are tested for impairment on an annual basis, or earlier when events or changes in circumstances suggest the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. The Company has elected to perform its annual assessment on May 31st. The Step 0 analysis focused on a number of events and circumstances that may be considered when making this qualitative assessment.

On July 31, 2014, the Company acquired a 51% majority interest in LearnBop Inc. (“LearnBop”), for $6.5 million in cash (see Note 11). The purchase price allocation for the acquisition was finalized in fiscal year 2015.

The following table represents the balance of intangible assets as of September 30, 2015 and June 30, 2015:

Intangible Assets:

	September 30, 2015							June 30, 2015
($ in millions)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value
Trade names	$	17.5	$	(6.0	)	$	11.5	$	17.5	$	(5.7	)	$	11.8
Customer and distributor relationships	18.2		(9.4		)	8.8		18.2		(9.1		)	9.1
Developed technology	1.2		(1.2		)	—		1.2		(1.2		)	—

Other	0.5		(0.2		)	0.3		0.5		(0.2		)	0.3

	$	37.4	$	(16.8	)	$	20.6	$	37.4	$	(16.2	)	$	21.2

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets include property, equipment, capitalized curriculum and software developed or obtained for internal use. In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, management reviews the Company’s recorded long-lived assets for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. The Company determines the extent to which an asset may be impaired based upon its expectation of the asset’s future usability as well as on a reasonable assurance that the future cash flows associated with the asset will be in excess of its carrying amount. If the total of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, a loss is recognized for the difference between fair value and the carrying value of the asset. There was no such impairment charge for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

Fair Value Measurements

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability, in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

ASC 820 describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1:

Inputs based on quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets at the measurement date.


Level 2:		Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.


Level 3:		Inputs reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. The inputs are unobservable in the market and significant to the instruments valuation.

The carrying values reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, receivables and short and long term debt approximate their fair values.

The redeemable noncontrolling interest includes the Company’s joint venture with Middlebury College to form Middlebury Interactive Languages (“MIL”). Under the agreement, Middlebury College has an irrevocable election to sell all of its membership interest to the Company (put right). The fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest reflects management’s best estimate of the redemption value of the put right. As discussed below, Middlebury College exercised its put right on May 4, 2015.

The following table summarizes certain fair value information at September 30, 2015 and June 30, 2015 for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

	Fair Value Measurements Using:
			Quoted Prices
			in Active		Significant
			Markets for		Other		Significant
			Identical		Observable		Unobservable
			Assets		Input		Inputs
Description	Fair Value		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest in Middlebury Joint Venture	$	6,801	$	—	$	—	$	6,801

Total	$	6,801	$	—	$	—	$	6,801

The following table summarizes the activity during the three months ended September 30, 2015 for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
			Purchases,				Fair Value
	Fair Value		Issuances,		Unrealized		September 30,
Description	June 30, 2015		and Settlements		Gains/(Losses)		2015
	(In thousands)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest in Middlebury Joint Venture	$	6,801	$	—	$	—	$	6,801

Total	$	6,801	$	—	$	—	$	6,801

The fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest in the Middlebury Joint Venture was accounted for in accordance with ASC 480-10-S99, Accounting for Redeemable Equity Instruments. The redeemable noncontrolling interests are redeemable outside of the Company’s control and are recorded outside of permanent equity. The fair value of the Middlebury Joint Venture was based upon a valuation from a third-party valuation firm as of June 30, 2015. In determining the fair value, the valuation incorporated a number of assumptions and estimates including an income-based valuation approach. As of June 30, 2015 the fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest in the Middlebury Joint Venture was estimated at $6.8 million. As of September 30, 2015, the Company performed an internal analysis and determined there was no underlying change in the estimated fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest in the Middlebury Joint Venture.

On May 4, 2015, Middlebury College, under the joint venture agreement, exercised its right to require the Company to purchase all of its ownership interest in the joint venture at a mutually agreed upon fair market value or for a value to be determined by an independent valuation. At September 30, 2015, the Company was still in discussions with Middlebury to settle the terms under the put option. There has been no change in the fair value of the noncontrolling interest since June 30, 2015. The Company has the right to pay the redemption cost in cash, stock or a combination thereof, at the Company’s option, which form of consideration has not yet been determined.

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

The Company calculates net income (loss) per share in accordance with ASC 260, Earnings Per Share. Under ASC 260, basic net income (loss) per common share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. The weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding includes vested restricted stock awards. Diluted net income (loss) per share (“EPS”) reflect the potential dilution that could occur assuming conversion or exercise of all dilutive unexercised stock options. The dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock awards was determined using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the proceeds received from the exercise of stock options and restricted stock awards, the amount of compensation cost for future service not yet recognized by the Company and the amount of tax benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when the stock options become deductible for income tax purposes are all assumed to be used to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock. Stock options and restricted stock awards are not included in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share when they are antidilutive. Common stock outstanding reflected in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets include restricted stock awards outstanding. Securities that may participate in undistributed net income with common stock are considered participating securities.

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands except shares and
	per share data)

Basic and dilutive loss per share computation:
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(12,793	)	$	(6,776	)

Weighted average common shares — basic and diluted	37,433,493			37,695,681

Basic and diluted net loss per share	$	(0.34	)	$	(0.18	)

The basic and diluted weighted average common shares were the same for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 as the inclusion of dilutive securities would have been anti-dilutive. For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, these anti-dilutive shares totaled 237,937 and 329,979, respectively. At September 30, 2015, the Company had 42,451,114 shares issued and 38,948,516 shares outstanding.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09), which supersedes most existing revenue recognition guidance under US GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, more judgment and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than are required under existing U.S. GAAP. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods therein, using either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients, or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures). On July 9, 2015, the FASB voted to defer the effective date of the new revenue recognition standard by one year. Based on the Board’s decision, public organizations would apply the new revenue standard to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements and has not yet determined the method by which the Company will adopt the standard.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40) (“ASU 2014-15”). ASU 2014-15 addresses management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. Management’s evaluation should be based on relevant conditions and events that are known and reasonably knowable at the date that the financial statements are issued. ASU 2014-15 will be effective for the first interim period within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect to adopt this guidance early and does not believe that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures.

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-05, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement (“ASU 2015-05”). ASU 2015-05 provides guidance regarding whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the entity should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the entity should account for the arrangement as a service contract. ASU 2015-05 does not change the accounting for service contracts. ASU 2015-05 is effective for fiscal years, including interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance.