Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of consolidation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Scholastic Corporation (the “Corporation”) and all wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries (collectively, “Scholastic” or the “Company”). Intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation. These financial statements have not been audited but reflect those adjustments consisting of normal recurring items that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2012 (the “Annual Report”).

The Company’s fiscal year is not a calendar year. Accordingly, references in this document to fiscal 2012 relate to the twelve-month period ended May 31, 2012.

Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Segment

The Company determined that a software business previously reported in the Media, Licensing and Advertising segment should be reported in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment consistent with changes in the Company’s internal reporting structure. All prior periods reflect this change.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of estimates

The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. The preparation of these financial statements involves the use of estimates and assumptions by management, which affects the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, current business factors, and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, all of which are necessary in order to form a basis for determining the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates the adequacy of its reserves and the estimates used in calculations, including, but not limited to:

• Accounts receivable, returns and allowances

• Pension and other post-retirement obligations

• Uncertain tax positions

• Inventory reserves

• Gross profits for book fair operations during interim periods

• Sales taxes

• Royalty advance reserves

• Customer reward programs

• Impairment testing for goodwill, intangibles and other long-lived assets