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About Us

Since 1958, our award-winning products have helped students of all abilities achieve better academic results with highly effective lessons that sharpen the mind as they teach standards-based reading, writing, mathematics, science, and history. Our products are fun, easy to use, and guaranteed to produce better grades and higher test scores.

We design critical thinking into our reading, writing, math, science, and history lessons so students carefully analyze what they are learning. Deeper analysis produces deeper understanding, which results in better grades and higher test scores. Over time, students who practice critical thinking learn to apply it throughout their education and lives.

"If we teach children everything we know, their knowledge is limited to ours. If we teach children to think, their knowledge is limitless." - Michael Baker, President

We do not teach through drill and memorization or teach to the testsā€”we empower the mind! Our goals are higher grades, top test scores, and problem solving skills to meet all of lifeā€™s challenges. The Critical Thinking Co.ā„¢ is recommended by LearningĀ® Magazine, The Well-Trained Mind, College Prep Genius, Creative Child Magazine, Dr. Toy, and used by Sylvan LearningĀ® Centers, Club Z In-Home Tutoring, leading U.S. public schools, and gifted and talented programs in 57 countries throughout the world. We guarantee better grades and higher test scoresā€”or your money back.

Children love our products and you'll love what our products do for your child.

Mission Statement

The Critical Thinking Co.ā„¢ is committed to developing students' critical thinking skills for better grades, higher test scores, and success in life. We do not teach through drill and memorization or teach to the testsā€”we empower the mind!

We encourage you to contact us whenever we can provide products, services, information, or support to meet your studentā€™s learning needs.

History

The company was founded by John Baker in 1958 under the name Midwest Publications as a math and textbook company, combining powerful logic problems with high educational and editorial standards. The Critical Thinking Co.ā„¢ now boasts over 200 titles in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies and remains a family-owned business under the guidance of Johnā€™s son, Michael Baker.

In 1976, the company changed its name to Critical Thinking Press and Software. The name was further changed to Critical Thinking Books & Software in 1997. The current moniker, The Critical Thinking Co.ā„¢ was adopted in November of 2003.

What Is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is identifying and evaluating evidence to guide decision making. Critical thinkers use in-depth analysis of evidence to make decisions and communicate their beliefs clearly and accurately. Learn More Ā»

Contact Us
Monday-Thursday 8:00am-3:00pm
Friday 8:30am-12:30pm PST

Call: 800-458-4849
Email:info@criticalthinking.com
Fax: 541-756-1758
Mail: 1991 Sherman Ave. Suite 200
North Bend, OR 97459

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Share your Success Stories and let people know how Critical Thinking has worked for you!

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Our Commitment to Product Safety

We provide quality educational products that are safe for children of all ages and abilities.

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Higher Grades and Top Test Scores!
We guarantee Higher Grades & Top Test Scores! Our riddles, puzzles, games, and lessons develop thinking skills and improve standards-based learning. Each activity requires students to analyze, synthesize, and apply what they learn. The more students think about what they are learning, the more students understand what they are learning.

Empower the Mind!
Critical thinking doesnā€™t just guarantee academic success, it prepares children for the countless challenges they will encounter throughout their lives. Empowering the mind through critical thinking is one of the best ways to prepare for life's journey.

Learning Becomes Fun!
Our thinking approach makes learning fun, motivating and effective. Students enjoy our products and ask for them by name.



"My father, John Baker (1926 ā€“ 2008), founded The Critical Thinking Co.ā„¢ more than 60 years ago in the basement of our home. I grew up learning the family business and helping package orders after school. We worked side by side, and I ended each day with a sense of accomplishment. He taught me to seek out talented authors with extraordinary ideas accrued from years of teaching. From the time my sons were toddlers (now ages 21, 23, and 24), they have helped with the family business by working activities in the development process.

The Critical Thinking Co.ā„¢ remains dedicated to helping students, families, teachers, and communities through our products. Every year we donate thousands of products to children in need." - Michael Baker, President

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