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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

For the period ended October 31, 2002

For the transition period from ________ to ________

Commission File No. 000-29347

Lightspan, Inc.

(858) 824-8000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock
(Title of Each Class)

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter periods that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES [X] NO [   ]

     Number of shares of registrant’s common stock outstanding as of November 30, 2002: 47,416,889

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Lightspan, Inc
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements

LIGHTSPAN, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share data)

See accompanying notes.

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LIGHTSPAN, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes.

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LIGHTSPAN, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes.

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LIGHTSPAN, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

     The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Lightspan, Inc., which include the accounts of its wholly owned subsidiaries, Academic Systems Corporation (“Academic”) and Edutest, Inc. (“eduTest” or “eduTest.com”), have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items considered necessary for a fair presentation, have been included in the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Historically, the operating results for Lightspan, Inc., Academic and eduTest (collectively “Lightspan” or the “Company”) have varied significantly from quarter to quarter because of seasonal influences on demand for its Lightspan Achieve Now, fee-based subscription Internet and Academic curricula products and services based on school calendars, budget cycles, the sources and the timing of school districts’ funding. The Company’s operating results are expected to continue to vary significantly from quarter to quarter as a result of the same influences. Operating results for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2002, or for any other interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending January 31, 2003. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2002.

Organization and Business Activity

     Lightspan, Inc. (“Lightspan”) was founded in 1993. Lightspan was incorporated as The Lightspan Partnership, Inc. and changed its name to Lightspan, Inc. on April 10, 2000. Lightspan provides curriculum-based educational software and on-line products and services to schools and school districts that are used both in school and at home. Lightspan Achieve Now is an interactive CD-ROM-based software product for kindergarten through eighth grade schools, or K-8, that covers the core curriculum of language arts, reading and math. The Lightspan Achieve Now program typically includes the Lightspan Achieve Now software and a PlayStation® game console that the student uses to operate the program at home throughout the school year. The Lightspan Network is an on-line subscription service that provides curriculum-based content for classroom and home use. The Lightspan Reading Center is a complete on-line reading program that supports student achievement and helps educators make more informed instructional decisions. Lightspan eduTest Assessment is a comprehensive accountability and on-line assessment subscription program that allows educators to quickly identify district, school, class and student strengths and needs relating to state and national standards. Academic software is a series of CD-ROM-based products that serve the college market with an English and mathematics curriculum designed to meet the needs of under-prepared students. Web-enhanced versions of Academic’s Interactive Mathematics and Interactive English products allow colleges to implement the programs using client workstations that are located solely within an intranet, on the Internet in a distance learning configuration, or with a combination of intranet and Internet-based workstations.

Revenue

     We recognize revenue in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Position No. 97-2, “Software Revenue Recognition”, as amended and modified, and Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements”. The Company derives its revenues from the licensing of software, on-line subscriptions, product implementation, materials, training services, customer support services and the sale of PlayStation game consoles and accessories.

Software Licenses

     We recognize revenue from license agreements when a non-cancelable, non-contingent license agreement has been signed, the software product has been delivered, no uncertainties exist surrounding product acceptance, fees from the agreement are fixed and determinable, and collection is probable. In software arrangements that include multiple elements, such as those that include rights to software products, customer support and product implementation and training services, Lightspan allocates the total fee to each component of the arrangement based on objective evidence of its fair value, which is specific to Lightspan. The objective evidence for each element is based on the sale price of each element when sold or offered for sale separately. We use the residual method to

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recognize revenue when a license agreement includes one or more elements to be delivered at a future date if evidence of the fair value of all undelivered elements exists. If evidence of the fair value of the undelivered elements does not exist, all revenue is deferred until sufficient evidence exists or all elements have been delivered.

     Academic curriculum products are licensed to colleges and then sold by the licensing colleges to students on a student-by-student basis for use with each class, instead of a textbook. As Lightspan is not contractually obligated to provide further service after delivery of the license, Lightspan recognizes the full sales value of Academic license revenue generally upon delivery.

On-line Subscriptions

     Revenue derived from fee-based on-line subscriptions is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement, generally one year.

Professional Services

     Revenue derived from professional services, including product implementation and customer training is recognized as the services are performed. Revenue derived from telephone support and maintenance arrangements provided by the professional development organization is recognized ratably over the term of the support and maintenance period, generally one year.

Hardware

     Hardware revenue derived from the sale of PlayStation game consoles and related accessories is recognized upon shipment of the console and the related software product.

2. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

     Effective February 1, 2002, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS 142”).

Goodwill

     Under SFAS 142, goodwill is no longer amortized to expense and must be assessed on a periodic basis for impairment at the reporting unit level by applying a fair value based test with related losses, if any, recognized when incurred. We completed our initial impairment test as of February 1, 2002 during the second quarter. The initial test indicated that an impairment may or may not exist regarding our higher education segment. The Company expects to complete the final test to measure the impairment, if any, by the end of fiscal 2003. Any impairment charge resulting from these initial impairment tests will be recorded as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in the statement of operations.

     The value assigned to our assembled workforce intangible asset and related accumulated amortization which totaled $1.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively at January 31, 2002, has been reclassified and reported as goodwill and is no longer amortized beginning February 1, 2002.

     The following table presents a reconciliation of net income and per share data to what would have been reported had the new rules been in effect during the three and nine month periods ended October 31, 2001 (in thousands, except per share data):

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Other Intangible Assets

     Intangible assets subject to amortization at October 31, 2002 were as follows (in thousands):

     Amortization expense for intangible assets was $2,001 for the three months ended October 31, 2002 and 2001.

     The estimated annual amortization expense for amortized intangible assets owned as of January 31, 2002 for each of the five fiscal years is as follows (in thousands):

3. Stockholders’ Equity

     Lightspan computes net loss per share in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 128, Earnings Per Share. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 128, basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) for the period by the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive securities composed of incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants were excluded from diluted loss per share for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2002 and 2001 because the Company had a net loss for the period and the inclusion of outstanding stock options and warrants would be anti-dilutive.

4. Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     For the three and nine months ended October 31, 2002 and 2001, comprehensive loss was equal to reported net loss.

5. Reportable Segments

     Lightspan has two reportable segments: K-12 and Higher Education. Revenues derived from the K-12 segment include the sale of Lightspan Achieve Now software licenses, subscription fees for The Lightspan Network and eduTest.com products, implementation, training and support services and hardware and related accessories. Revenues derived from the Higher Education segment, comprised solely of Academic, include the sale of curriculum products licensed to colleges and then sold by the licensing colleges to students on a student-by-student basis for use with each class.

Measurement of Segment Profit or Loss and Segment Assets

     Lightspan evaluates performance and allocates resources based on profit or loss from operations before income taxes. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.

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Financial Information for Lightspan’s Segments

     The following information is for the K-12 and Higher Education segments (in thousands):

6. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

     The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, which supersedes, with exceptions, SFAS No. 121, Accounting for

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the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of. SFAS No. 144 retains the basic indicators of impairment recognition and undiscounted cash-flow measurement model of SFAS No. 121, however it removes goodwill from the scope of the analysis, as the accounting for goodwill is now subject to the provisions of SFAS Nos. 141 and 142. SFAS No. 144 also provides additional guidance in differentiating between assets held and used, held for sale and held for disposal other than by sale. This Statement was required to be adopted by companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. We adopted this Statement effective February 1, 2002. There was no impact on our consolidated financial statements as a result of the adoption of this Statement.

     In July 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Statement, or SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities” (“SFAS 146”), which addresses financial accounting and reporting associated with exit or disposal activities. Under SFAS 146, costs associated with an exit or disposal activity shall be recognized and measured at their fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred rather than at the date of a commitment to an exit or disposal plan.

     We are required to adopt SFAS 146 for all exit and disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. We are currently evaluating the provisions of this recent pronouncement, but we believe there will be no material effect on our financial position, results of operations or stockholders’ equity resulting from its adoption.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Operating Results

     Statements in this document, other than the statements of historical information, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We may identify these statements by the use of words such as “will”, “may”, “might”, “could”, “should”, “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “plan”, “predict”, “project”, “estimate”, “potential”, “continue” and similar expressions. These statements are only predictions. Actual events or results may differ materially. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and other factors which may cause our actual results in future periods to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. These risks and factors include those discussed below under the headings “Liquidity and Capital Resources” and “Risks and Uncertainties.” You should also carefully review the risks described in other documents we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We caution that the risks and factors discussed below and in such filings are not exclusive. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company. You should carefully review and consider the various disclosures in this report and in our other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission that attempt to advise you of certain risks and factors that may affect our business. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof.

     The following should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes to these consolidated financial statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires us to utilize accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements”. We believe policies and estimates related to revenue recognition, intangible assets and allowance for doubtful accounts represent our critical accounting policies. Future results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

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Revenue Recognition

     Software License Revenue. We recognize revenue from license agreements when a non-cancelable, non-contingent license agreement has been signed, the software product has been delivered, no uncertainties exist surrounding product acceptance, fees from the agreement are fixed and determinable and collection is probable. In software arrangements that include multiple elements, such as those that include rights to software products, customer support and product implementation and training services, Lightspan allocates the total fee to each component of the arrangement based on objective evidence of its fair value, which is specific to Lightspan. The objective evidence for each element is based on the sale price of each element when sold or offered for sale separately. We use the residual method to recognize revenue when a license agreement includes one or more elements to be delivered at a future date if evidence of the fair value of all undelivered elements exists. If evidence of the fair value of the undelivered elements does not exist, all revenue is deferred until sufficient evidence exists or all elements have been delivered.

     Academic curriculum products are licensed to colleges and then sold by the licensing colleges to students on a student-by-student basis for use with each class, instead of a textbook. As Lightspan is not contractually obligated to provide further service after delivery of the license, Lightspan recognizes the full sales value of Academic license revenue generally upon delivery.

     On-Line Subscriptions. Revenue derived from fee-based on-line subscriptions is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement, generally one year.

     Professional Services. Revenue derived from professional services, including product implementation and customer training is recognized as the services are performed. Revenue derived from telephone support and maintenance arrangements provided by the professional development organization is recognized over the term of the support and maintenance period, generally one year.

     Hardware. Hardware revenue derived from the sale of PlayStation game consoles and related accessories is recognized upon shipment of the console and the related software product.

     We recognize our revenue in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commissions (“SEC”) Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements” (“SAB 101”) and The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) Statement of Position (“SOP”) 97-2, “Software Revenue Recognition,” and SOP 98-9, “Modification of SOP 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition, With Respect to Certain Transactions.” We believe that our revenue recognition policy is consistent with this guidance and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. However, the accounting profession continues to discuss various provisions of these guidelines with the objective of providing additional guidance on their future application. These discussions and the issuance of new interpretations, once finalized, could lead to unanticipated changes in recognized revenue. They could also drive significant adjustments to our business practices that could result in increased administrative costs, lengthened sales cycles and other changes that could affect our results of operations.

Use of Estimates

     Valuation of Goodwill. Effective February 1, 2002, we assess the potential for impairment of our goodwill based on the provisions of SFAS 142. As required by SFAS 142, we ceased amortization of goodwill effective February 1, 2002. In lieu of amortization, we are required to perform an annual review for impairment. Goodwill is considered to be impaired if we determine that the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. In addition to the annual review, an interim review is required if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Factors that would influence the likelihood of a material change include, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulatory agency, unanticipated competition and a more-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of. If a change were to occur in any of the above-mentioned factors or estimates, the likelihood of a material change in our reported results would increase. Assessing the impairment of goodwill requires us to make assumptions and judgments regarding the fair value of the net assets of our reporting units and future cash flows of those reporting units. We completed our initial impairment test as of February 1, 2002 during the second quarter of fiscal 2003. The initial test indicated that an impairment may or may not exist regarding our higher education segment. The Company expects to complete the final test to measure the impairment, if any, by the end of fiscal 2003. Any impairment charge resulting from these initial impairment tests will be recorded as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in the statement of operations.

     Valuation of Intangible Assets. Our intangible assets were acquired as a result of our acquisitions of Academic and Global Schoolhouse in September 1999, StudyWeb in October 1999 and eduTest in June 2000. We periodically assess the impairment of

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intangible and other long-lived assets which require us to make assumptions and judgments regarding the carrying value of these assets. The assets are considered to be impaired if we determine that the carrying value may not be recoverable based upon our assessment of various events or changes in circumstances. Factors that would influence the likelihood of a material change include, loss of legal ownership or title to the asset, a significant decline in the economic and competitive environment on which the asset depends, significant changes in our strategic business objectives, utilization of the asset or a significant change in the economic conditions. If the assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment charge we recognize is the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. In addition, we base the useful lives and related amortization expense on our estimate of the period that the assets will generate revenues or otherwise be used by us. If a change were to occur in any of the above-mentioned factors or estimates, the likelihood of a material change in our reported results would increase.

     Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts that we estimate to be sufficient to provide adequate protection against losses resulting from collecting less than full payment on our receivables. A considerable amount of judgment is required when we assess the realization of receivables, including assessing the probability of collection and the current credit-worthiness of each customer. We determine the amount of the reserve by analyzing known uncollectible accounts, aged receivables, historical losses and our customers’ credit-worthiness. Amounts later determined and specifically identified to be uncollectible are charged or written off against this reserve. Should a customer’s account become past due, we generally place a hold on the account and discontinue further shipments to that customer, minimizing further risk of loss. Additionally, our policy is to fully reserve for all accounts with aged balances greater than one year. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, an additional provision for doubtful accounts may be required.

Results of Operations

     We have incurred significant losses since our inception and, as of October 31, 2002, have accumulated losses of approximately $300.2 million which excludes the $16.5 million preferred stock dividend from fiscal 2001. We expect to continue to incur operating losses for the foreseeable future.

Comparison of Three Months Ended October 31, 2002 and 2001

Revenues

     We generate revenues from the sale of software licenses, on-line subscriptions, professional services and hardware. Our total revenues decreased 6 percent to $12.6 million in the three months ended October 31, 2002 from $13.4 million in the three months ended October 31, 2001 primarily due to the decrease in software licenses and hardware revenue, offset in part by a $0.4 million increase in revenue recognized from our on-line subscription products, as described below.

     Software Licenses. Our software license revenues decreased 13 percent to $6.3 million in the three months ended October 31, 2002 from $7.2 million in the three months ended October 31, 2001 primarily due to a decrease in Lightspan Achieve Now licenses sold which decreased 19 percent in this quarter as compared to the same period in the prior year.

     On-line Subscriptions. Our on-line subscription revenues increased 19 percent to $2.7 million in the three months ended October 31, 2002 from $2.3 million in the three months ended October 31, 2001 primarily due to an increase in the base of customers subscribing to our fee-based on-line subscription products. Customers subscribing to our on-line subscription products increased 17 percent in this quarter as compared to the same period in the prior year.

     Professional Services. Our professional service revenues decreased 3 percent to $2.7 million in the three months ended October 31, 2002 from $2.8 million in the three months ended October 31, 2001. This was primarily due to a lower volume of Lightspan Achieve Now licenses and the corresponding professional service component sold in the second fiscal quarter of this year as compared to the same period in the prior year.

     Hardware and Other. Our hardware revenues decreased 20 percent to $0.9 million in the three months ended October 31, 2002 from $1.1 million in the three months ended October 31, 2001 primarily due to Sony reducing by 50 percent the price charged for PlayStations and a decrease in volume of Lightspan Achieve Now licenses sold in the current period.

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Cost of Revenues

     Our total cost of revenues decreased 9 percent to $3.9 million for the three months ended October 31, 2002 from $4.3 million for the three months ended October 31, 2001 due primarily to the decrease in software license revenues and the corresponding decrease in the related costs such as CD costs, royalties, etc. Gross margin as a percentage of total revenues increased one percentage point to 69 percent in the three months ended October 31, 2002 from 68 percent in the three months ended October 31, 2001 primarily due to a lower overall cost structure and due to the increase in on-line subscription revenues, which have relatively fixed costs associated with providing these products.

Expenses

     Sales and Marketing. Our sales and marketing expenses decreased 24 percent to $9.1 million for the three months ended October 31, 2002 from $11.9 million for the three months ended October 31, 2001 primarily due to reductions in commissions, personnel costs, travel and related selling and marketing expenses.

     Our sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of compensation and related benefits, commissions, bonuses, travel, advertising, promotional activities, customer incentive programs and research and evaluation of our current customers and markets. We continue to pursue marketing campaigns, on a more limited basis than in previous years, designed to attract new customers, retain and increase sales to current customers and broaden the markets for our Lightspan Achieve Now curriculum, fee-based subscription on-line products and Academic products.

     Technology and Development. Our technology and development expenses decreased 45 percent to $3.3 million for the three months ended October 31, 2002 from $6.0 million for the three months ended October 31, 2001 primarily due to a decrease in personnel and consulting costs associated with the completion of various development activities.

     Our development costs consist primarily of compensation and benefits of personnel for design, art, production, enhancement, maintenance and testing of our Lightspan Achieve Now curriculum, fee-based subscription on-line products and Academic products, which we expense as incurred.

     General and Administrative. Our general and administrative expenses decreased 40 percent to $2.3 million for the three months ended October 31, 2002 from $3.9 million for the three months ended October 31, 2001 due primarily to reductions in headcount and lower consulting and professional service fees in the current period as compared to the same period in the prior year.

     Our general and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation and benefits for executive and administrative personnel, professional service expenses and other general corporate expenses.

     Stock-Based Compensation. Stock-based compensation expense was $0.05 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended October 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Stock-based compensation is the result of our granting of stock options to employees with exercise prices per share below the fair values per share for our common stock on the dates those options were granted prior to our initial public offering. The deferred stock-based compensation is being amortized to expense on an accelerated basis over the vesting period of the individual options, generally four years.

     Amortization of Intangible Assets. Expense for the three months ended October 31, 2002 represented amortization of intangible assets, other than goodwill, from our previous acquisitions. Effective February 1, 2002, we adopted SFAS 142. Under SFAS 142, goodwill is no longer amortized to expense and must be periodically reviewed for impairment with any related losses recognized when incurred. The effect of any future impairment on our consolidated financial statements is unknown. Expense for the same period in 2001 included $2.5 million of goodwill amortization and $0.1 million of amortization of intangibles.

     Interest Income (Expense). Our net interest income decreased 72 percent to $0.1 million for the three months ended October 31, 2002 from $0.4 million for the three months ended October 31, 2001 as a result of lower cash balances and a significant reduction in the market yield on such investments.

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Comparison of Nine Months Ended October 31, 2002 and 2001

Revenues

     Our total revenues decreased 15 percent to $37.0 million in the nine months ended October 31, 2002 from $43.5 million in the nine months ended October 31, 2001 primarily due to the decrease in software licenses and hardware revenue, offset in part by a $1.9 million increase in revenue recognized from our on-line subscription products and a $0.6 million increase in revenue from professional services, as described below.

     Software Licenses. Our software license revenues decreased 26 percent to $19.8 million in the nine months ended October 31, 2002 from $26.9 million in the nine months ended October 31, 2001 primarily due to a decrease in Lightspan Achieve Now licenses sold which decreased 32 percent in this period as compared to the same period in the prior year.

     On-line Subscriptions. Our on-line subscription revenues increased 34 percent to $7.5 million in the nine months ended October 31, 2002 from $5.6 million in the nine months ended October 31, 2001 primarily due to an increase in the base of customers subscribing to our fee-based on-line subscription products.

     Professional Services. Our professional service revenues increased 9 percent to $7.4 million in the nine months ended October 31, 2002 from $6.8 million in the nine months ended October 31, 2001 primarily due to an approximate 6 percent price increase and an increase in the billable hours for professional services in this period as compared to the same period in the prior year.

     Hardware and Other. Our hardware revenues decreased 47 percent to $2.2 million in the nine months ended October 31, 2002 from $4.2 million in the nine months ended October 31, 2001 primarily due to Sony decreasing by 50 percent the price charged for PlayStations and a decrease in the volume of Lightspan Achieve Now licenses sold in the current period.

Cost of Revenues

     Our total cost of revenues decreased 21 percent to $10.9 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2002 from $13.8 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2001 due primarily to the decrease in software license revenues and the corresponding decrease in the related costs such as CD costs, royalties, etc. Gross margin as a percentage of total revenues increased 3 percentage points to 71 percent in the nine months ended October 31, 2002 from 68 percent in the nine months ended October 31, 2001 primarily due to a lower overall cost structure and due to the increase in on-line subscription revenues.

Expenses

     Sales and Marketing. Our sales and marketing expenses decreased 22 percent to $29.4 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2002 from $37.8 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2001 primarily due to reductions in commissions, personnel costs, travel and related selling expenses and in marketing expenses, as our marketing emphasis changed from a product branding focus to a supporting role of the existing sales organization.

     Technology and Development. Our technology and development expenses decreased 45 percent to $10.5 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2002 from $19.3 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2001 primarily due to a decrease in personnel and consulting costs associated with the completion of various development activities.

     General and Administrative. Our general and administrative expenses decreased 5 percent to $8.7 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2002 from $9.2 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2001 due primarily to reductions in headcount and lower consulting and professional service fees in the current period as compared to the same period in the prior year.

     Stock-Based Compensation. Stock-based compensation expense was $0.2 million and $0.6 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Stock-based compensation is the result of our granting of stock options to employees with exercise prices per share below the fair values per share for our common stock on the dates those options were granted prior to our initial public offering. The deferred stock-based compensation is being amortized to expense on an accelerated basis over the vesting period of the individual options, generally four years.

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     Amortization of Intangible Assets. Expense for the nine months ended October 31, 2002 represented amortization of intangible assets, other than goodwill, from our previous acquisitions. Effective February 1, 2002, we adopted SFAS 142. Under SFAS 142, goodwill is no longer amortized to expense and must be periodically reviewed for impairment with any related losses recognized when incurred. The effect of any future impairment on our consolidated financial statements is unknown. Expense for the same period in 2001 included $7.7 million of goodwill amortization and $0.2 million of amortization of intangibles. We completed our initial impairment test as of February 1, 2002 during the second quarter of fiscal 2003. The initial test indicated that an impairment may or may not exist regarding our higher education segment. The Company expects to complete the final test to measure the impairment, if any, by the end of fiscal 2003. Any impairment charge resulting from these initial impairment tests will be recorded as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in the statement of operations.

     Interest Income (Expense). Our net interest income decreased 82 percent to $0.4 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2002 from $2.2 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2001 as a result of lower cash balances and a significant reduction in the market yield on such investments.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     From inception through October 2002, we have financed our operations and met our capital expenditure requirements primarily from the net proceeds from private sales of equity securities, net proceeds from our initial public offering and the collection of revenues from the sales of our products and services. We generated cash from operations in our third fiscal quarter of fiscal 2003, offset by negative cash flows generated in the first and second fiscal quarter of this year. However, we are currently not generating sufficient revenue to consistently fund our operations. We expect our operating losses and net operating cash outflows to continue if we are unable to increase sales. If we are unable to sufficiently increase our revenues, our ability to service and maintain our products or fund our operations could be significantly impaired. At October 31, 2002, we had $19.6 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, $7.0 million in short-term investments and $0.8 million in restricted cash for a total of $27.4 million. Our business will require the use of our capital to fund operating losses, capital expenditures and working capital needs. We have incurred significant losses since our inception and may continue to incur losses. We expect to continue to incur operating losses for the foreseeable future.

     Our working capital has fluctuated significantly since our inception. This is primarily due to the timing of cash payments to vendors, cash collections from customers, varying resources required for development efforts on our product offerings, as well as receipt of cash from our preferred stock financings, initial public offering, private placements and other equity offerings. We expect our working capital requirements and cash position to fluctuate significantly from period to period for the foreseeable future for the same reasons.

     Net cash used in operating activities decreased $4.8 million in the nine months ended October 31, 2002 as compared to the nine months ended October 31, 2001 primarily due to the decrease in technology and development expenses related to decreases in personnel and consulting costs and to a decrease in sales and marketing expenses relating to reductions in commissions, personnel costs, travel and related selling and marketing expenses. Net cash provided by investing activities decreased $18.8 million in the nine months ended October 31, 2002 as compared to the nine months ended October 31, 2001 primarily due to a decrease in the maturities of our short-term investments used to fund operations during these periods. We generated cash from operations in our third fiscal quarter of fiscal 2003, offset by negative cash flows generated in the first and second fiscal quarter of this year.

     Our future capital requirements will depend on a variety of factors, including market acceptance of our products and services and the resources we devote to developing, selling, marketing and supporting our products. We expect to devote capital resources in connection with selling, marketing and maintaining our existing products and services, and continued development, expansion and maintenance of our existing software and on-line product offerings and content. In addition, we may devote capital resources to strategic partnerships, acquisitions and relationships.

     As of October 31, 2002, we believe that our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments will be sufficient to fund our operations and capital requirements through at least the next 12 months. However, the actual amount of funds that we will need during or after the next 12 months will be determined by many factors, some of which are beyond our control, and we may need funds sooner than currently anticipated.

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Risks and Uncertainties

     Additional risks not presently known to us, or that we currently deem immaterial, may also impair our business operations. Our business, financial condition or results of operations may be seriously harmed by any of these risks. You should carefully read these risks and uncertainties in evaluating our business.

We have a limited operating history that makes an evaluation of our business difficult.

     We began selling our Lightspan Achieve Now educational software in January 1996 and entered the Internet market by launching The Lightspan Network in January 1997 and through our purchase of eduTest in July 2000. Academic began selling its educational software in April 1994. Since early 1999, we have significantly increased our efforts to expand our fee-based subscription on-line businesses. As a result, our businesses have only a limited operating history on which you can base your evaluation of our business and prospects.

Our quarterly operating results are volatile and difficult to predict, and if we fail to meet the expectations of investors or security analysts, the market price of our common stock would likely decline.

     Our quarterly results have fluctuated significantly since our inception for various reasons. Our quarterly results have ranged from a net loss of $21.0 million to a net income of $17.7 million over the twenty-seven quarters ended October 31, 2002. In addition, in fiscal years 1997 and 1998 we recognized license revenue for our Lightspan Achieve Now product of $5.6 million and $14.8 million, respectively, in accordance with the accounting rules in effect at that time; while in fiscal years 1999 and 2000, we did not recognize any Lightspan Achieve Now license revenue, in accordance with new accounting rules adopted February 1, 1998. In the quarter ended April 30, 2000, we recognized $46.4 million in previously deferred revenue, resulting in an operating profit of $16.2 million. In the quarter ended July 31, 2000, we recognized the remaining $2.0 million of revenue previously deferred. The operating results for these quarters are not indicative of our underlying business in these quarters, and will not be indicative of results that may be expected for any subsequent quarter, for the full year ending January 31, 2003 or for any future years.

     We expect significant fluctuations in our quarterly revenues and operating results to continue. Demand for our products and services is subject to seasonal influences based on school calendars, budget cycles and the sources and timing of school districts’ funding. Moreover, our sales could be delayed from quarter to quarter due partly to our need to assist school district decision makers regarding the uses and benefits of our software, and the lengthy multiple approval process that typically accompanies significant expenditures by school districts. Many school districts are experiencing delays in federal funding and lower state and local tax revenues. If a significant sale that we expect to occur in a particular quarter is delayed and does not occur until a future quarter, or does not occur at all, our quarterly performance may be adversely affected to a greater degree than expected. Further, our fee-based subscription on-line efforts may contribute to fluctuations in our quarterly operating results because the sales cycles and our ability to recognize revenues derived from sales of our fee-based subscription on-line products are different than the sales cycles and our ability to recognize revenues derived from sales of our educational software. Also, our quarterly results may be impacted to the extent that outstanding warrants held by CINAR become exercisable upon completion of certain performance criteria and we are required to record a corresponding expense. If our financial results for one or more quarters fall below the expectations of analysts and investors, the trading price of our common stock may decline.

We expect net losses to continue for the foreseeable future and may never achieve or sustain profitability, which may cause our stock price to fall.

     Since our inception, we have incurred significant losses. As of October 31, 2002 we have accumulated net losses of $300.2 million. We incurred net losses of $62.2 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2002; $32.1 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2001, including the recognition of $48.1 million in revenue previously deferred in fiscal years 1999 and 2000; and $55.7 million in net losses for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2000. We expect our operating losses to continue for the foreseeable future as we incur costs and expenses related to:

	•		selling costs;
	•		continued development, and maintenance of our existing software and on-line product offerings and content;
	•		amortization or impairment of intangible assets and goodwill recorded in connection with our acquisitions of eduTest, LearningPlanet.com, Academic, Global Schoolhouse and StudyWeb; and

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•

marketing and promotional activities.

     Our ability to become profitable and maintain profitability depends on our ability to generate and sustain substantially higher revenues while maintaining a cost effective infrastructure. Although we may continue our spending on the activities listed above, these efforts may not result in increased revenues. We conduct operations using estimates as to future expense levels based on our expectations of future revenues. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to predict our future revenues accurately or that we will be able to adjust spending to compensate for any unexpected revenue shortfall. If we achieve profitability, we may not be able to sustain or increase profitability.

     From time to time, we receive inquiries from investors and other parties as to whether Lightspan will remain an independent organization. We consider those inquiries, along with our ongoing operations of the company, in determining how to best maximize stockholder value. We have engaged U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray to evaluate strategic alternatives for our business and to assist management and the Board of Directors in maximizing shareholder value.

Changes in funding for public school systems could reduce our revenues and impede the growth of our business.

     We derive a substantial portion of our revenues from public school funding, which is heavily dependent on support from federal, state and local governments. Government budget deficits may adversely affect the availability of this funding. In addition, the government appropriations process is often slow, unpredictable and subject to factors outside of our control. Curtailments, delays or reductions in the funding of schools or colleges, for example a reduction of funds allocated to schools under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, could delay or reduce our revenues, in part because schools may not have sufficient capital to purchase our products or services. Funding difficulties experienced by schools or colleges could also cause those institutions to be more resistant to price increases in our products, compared to other businesses that might better be able to pass on price increases to their customers. The growth of our business depends on continued investment by public school systems in interactive educational technology and products. Changes to funding of public school systems could slow this type of investment. In addition, a temporary or permanent delay in federal, state or local funding could adversely impact the level and timing of our revenues.

We are heavily dependent upon our relationship with Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and termination of that relationship, potential supply shortages of the PlayStation game consoles or unanticipated changes in the game consoles could reduce our Lightspan Achieve Now revenues or increase related expenses.

     We are heavily dependent upon our relationship with Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., which supplies the PlayStation game console used by the students who use our Lightspan Achieve Now educational software at home. Historically, and for the foreseeable future, sales of Lightspan Achieve Now and PlayStation game consoles have accounted for a majority of our revenue. Without incurring significant additional expense, there currently is no readily available operating platform for broad implementation of Lightspan Achieve Now in the home other than the PlayStation game console. Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. has rights to terminate their agreement with us in various circumstances, including if it elects to stop producing the PlayStation game console. If our agreement is terminated, if the PlayStation game console loses popular appeal or if we are unable to obtain an adequate supply of PlayStation game consoles on a timely basis, our ability to sell our Lightspan Achieve Now curriculum will be significantly reduced and we could incur significant additional expenses or lose substantial revenues.

     We may also experience disruption of supply of the original PlayStation game console as Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. balances its manufacturing capability between the PlayStation game console and the PlayStation 2 system. If we are unable to acquire PlayStation game consoles, our software license revenue may be deferred, as our revenue recognition policy requires that delivery of hardware along with the software is required before we can fully recognize software license revenue. “Playstation” and the “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

We may need additional financing to meet our strategic business objectives, which may not be available and, if available, might adversely impact our existing stockholders.

     We may need to raise additional funds to continue to meet operating demands or other strategic business objectives. In addition, if we enter into new areas of business, we may incur substantially increased expenses for which we do not expect investment returns for months or years in the future. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or debt securities that have rights senior to those of our current stockholders, these stockholders may experience additional dilution or may lose other rights. We cannot be certain that additional financing will be available to us on favorable terms when required, if at all. Such capital raising may be made more

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difficult if we are no longer listed on the NASDAQ National Market as a result of our failure to continue to meet the listing requirements required by NASDAQ, which is a risk we face. If we cannot raise funds on acceptable terms, if and when needed, we may not be able to take advantage of future opportunities, to continue to operate or grow our business or respond to competitive pressures or unanticipated developments.

Our continued growth will utilize our resources, and failure to manage this growth effectively could disrupt our operations and prevent us from generating the revenues we expect.

     We expect that expansion of our customer and revenue base will be required to successfully implement our business strategy. For example, the development of our business continues to require sales and marketing expenditures as well as development efforts of certain products. This may strain our management, operational, financial and technological resources, as well as the infrastructure for our Web sites and services. The growth of our Lightspan Achieve Now educational software business may strain the resources of our professional development staff during periods of heavy implementation in purchasing school districts. Our growth depends on our ability to attract and retain qualified employees (including employees of businesses that we acquire), particularly Internet systems, sales and marketing and product development personnel. Our failure to manage our growth in a manner that minimizes these strains on our resources could disrupt our operations and ultimately prevent us from generating the revenues we expect.

Our curriculum-based educational software may be unable to achieve or maintain broader market acceptance, which would cause our future revenue growth and profitability to be adversely impacted.

     We expect to continue to generate a substantial portion of our revenues from our curriculum-based educational software products such as Lightspan Achieve Now software licenses, and will need to increase these revenues in order to more effectively grow other areas of our business. Revenues from licenses will depend principally on broadening market acceptance of that software, which may not occur due to a number of factors, including:

•		teacher, parent and student preferences for interactive educational technology are subject to changes in popular entertainment and educational theory;
•		some teachers may be reluctant to use interactive educational technology to supplement their customary teaching practices;
•		we may be unable to continue to demonstrate improvements in academic performance at schools or colleges that use our educational software; and
•		our failure to detect bugs in our software could result in product failures or poor product performance.

     If market acceptance of our curriculum-based educational software is not broadened, our future revenue growth may be adversely impacted and we may never become profitable.

The success of our business model requires us to increase our revenues from our fee-based on-line subscription business, and we may never become profitable if we are unable to do so.

     To achieve our operating goals and objectives, we will need to derive an increasing portion of our revenues from our fee-based on-line subscription business. Our ability to increase revenues from our fee-based subscription on-line business depends on:

•		our ability to increase the subscriber base of our fee-based on-line subscription products while maintaining a subscription fee; and
•		improvement of the accessibility and ease of use of our Web sites.

     The future success of our fee-based on-line subscription business is highly dependent on an increase in the number of Internet users who are willing to subscribe to The Lightspan Network, Lightspan eduTest Assessment and Academic.com subscription products. The number of Internet users willing to pay for on-line educational products may not continue to increase. If the market for subscription-based on-line educational products develops more slowly than we expect, or if our efforts to attract new subscribers are not successful or cost effective our operating results and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.

     If we are unable to substantially increase our revenues from our on-line businesses, we will be unable to execute our current business model. As a result, we may need to reevaluate that business model, or we may never become profitable.

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We rely on statistical studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of our products, and our reputation and sales and marketing efforts could be adversely impacted if the results of these studies are not representative or if their integrity is questioned, which could lead to lower than expected revenues.

     We rely heavily on statistical studies to demonstrate that our curriculum-based educational software increase student achievement. We believe that these studies accurately reflect the performance of our products. However, these studies involve the following risks:

•		the limited sample sizes used in our studies may yield results that are not representative of the general population of students who use our products;
•		the methods used to gather the information upon which these studies are based depend on cooperation from students and other participants and inaccurate or incomplete responses could distort results; and
•		schools studying the effectiveness of our Lightspan Achieve Now curriculum administer different tests, and colleges and universities studying the effectiveness of our Academic Systems curriculum apply different methodologies and data collection techniques, making results difficult to aggregate and compare. We are involved in the Lightspan Achieve Now studies in the following ways:
•		we facilitate the collection and analysis of data for these studies; and
•		we select and pay researchers to aggregate and present the results of these studies and, in some cases, to conduct the studies.

     Our sales and marketing efforts, as well as our reputation, could be adversely impacted if the public, including our existing and potential customers, perceives these studies to be biased due to our involvement, or if the results of these studies are not representative, which could lead to lower than expected revenues.

If we fail to enhance our fee-based on-line subscription products and services without systems interruptions and adapt those products and services to changes in technology, our future revenue growth and profitability could be less than we expect.

     We believe that a component of our future revenue growth will depend on whether we are able to enhance and improve our fee-based on-line subscription products and services as planned. Enhancements and improvements to our fee-based subscription on-line products are currently scheduled, but we cannot assure you that those enhancements and improvements will gain market acceptance or be launched on schedule and without systems interruptions. In addition, the Internet is rapidly changing, and we expect that we will continually need to adapt our fee-based subscription on-line products and their related technology to emerging Internet standards and practices, technological advances developed by our competition, and changing subscriber and user preferences. Ongoing adaptation of our fee-based subscription on-line products and their related technology will entail significant expense and technical risk, and we may use new technologies ineffectively or fail to adapt our fee-based subscription on-line products and their related technology on a timely and cost-effective basis. If our enhancements, improvements and adaptations of our fee-based subscription on-line products and their related technologies are delayed, result in systems interruptions or do not gain market acceptance, our future revenue growth will be adversely impacted and we may never become profitable.

We expect competition to increase significantly in the future, which could prevent us from successfully implementing our business strategy.

     The educational technology market is intensely competitive and subject to increasing commercial attention. Barriers to entering Internet markets are relatively low, and we expect competition to intensify in the future, as more businesses use the Internet to enter the student, parent and teacher markets for education-oriented products and services. We also may be adversely affected by pricing and other operational decisions. For example, the decision of several of our competitors that offer educational content on the Internet to offer a free service rather than charge a fee, which could adversely impact our subscription revenues.

     Our competitors include:

•		comprehensive curriculum software publishers which offer various school-based computer-based learning systems;
•		“edutainment” software vendors, which principally target the consumer market but also sell to schools;

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•		education-oriented Internet services and the educational segments of general on-line service providers;
•		distance learning providers; and
•		programs that take over management of the school or provide substantial tutoring help.

     Many of our current and potential competitors have longer operating histories, larger customer or user bases, greater brand recognition and significantly greater financial, marketing and other resources than we do. Many of these current and potential competitors can devote substantially greater resources than we can to product development, marketing and promotional campaigns and Web site and systems development.

Our acquisitions of other businesses and involvement in strategic relationships may not be successful, which could distract our management or cause us to incur additional expenses.

     We have acquired businesses and may continue to do so in the future. Our integration of these acquisitions or any future acquisitions could distract our management or cause us to incur additional expenses, and could cause our business and operations to be adversely impacted. We also may enter into strategic relationships with complementary businesses.

If we do not successfully anticipate and adapt to changes in computer platforms and other evolving technologies, our operating results relating to sales of our software products could be adversely impacted.

     We must manage our software development efforts to anticipate and adapt to changes in popular computer operating environments and other evolving technologies. For example, we have improved the existing Academic CD-ROM-based educational software product with Internet-based enhancements. Our Lightspan Achieve Now curriculum-based educational software is currently delivered in CD-ROM format on PlayStation game consoles and on Windows-based personal computers. We will continue to evaluate other operating environments and computer platforms for our software products as they become available.

     We may decide from time to time to make our software products available in other operating environments or on other computer platforms and our efforts to do so may involve substantial costs without the realization of expected additional revenue from these activities. Market acceptance of our software products and our operating results relating to their sale could also be worse than we expect if we are unable to anticipate and adapt to changes in computer platforms and other evolving technologies in a timely and cost-effective manner.

We will not be able to grow our on-line subscription businesses if the market for those businesses does not develop.

     A key component of the success of our fee-based on-line subscription businesses will depend on the continued emergence and growth of a market for on-line educational technology products. The market for educational technology is characterized by rapid change and product innovation, unpredictable product life cycles and unpredictable preferences among students, teachers and parents. Internet commercial businesses and services are evolving markets as well, and it is difficult to estimate how and when growth or other changes in those markets will occur. We therefore cannot predict that the market for Internet-based educational technology products will continue to expand.

Our business may not succeed without the continued development and maintenance of the Internet.

     Without the continued development and maintenance of the Internet infrastructure, we could fail to generate the revenues necessary for our fee-based subscription on-line business to succeed. In addition, our Lightspan Achieve Now curriculum is very media-rich and is not currently delivered over the Internet, due to bandwidth and other limitations. The continued development of the Internet includes maintenance of a reliable network with the necessary speed, data capacity and security, as well as timely development of complementary products for providing reliable Internet access and services. Because the on-line exchange of information and global commerce on the Internet is new and evolving, we cannot predict whether the Internet will prove to be an effective vehicle for delivering commercial content or will provide a viable marketplace for electronic commerce in the long term.

     As the number of Internet users continues to increase, and as these users increase their frequency of use and bandwidth requirements, the Internet infrastructure may be unable to support the demands. In addition, increased users or bandwidth requirements may adversely impact the performance of the Internet.

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Unless we maintain a strong brand identity, our business may not grow and our financial results may be adversely impacted.

     We believe that maintaining and enhancing the value of our Lightspan, Academic and eduTest brands is critical to attracting purchasers for our curriculum-based educational software and subscribers and users of our fee-based subscription on-line businesses. Our success in maintaining brand awareness will depend on our ability to continuously provide educational technology that students enjoy using and teachers and parents consider beneficial to the learning process. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in maintaining our brand equity. In addition, to attract and retain subscribers and users and to promote and maintain the Lightspan, Academic and eduTest brands, we have spent, and may need to continue spending significant resources on a brand-enhancement strategy, which includes promotional programs and efforts by our field sales team and professional development staffs. Revenues from these activities may not be sufficient to offset associated costs.

Claims relating to data collection from our user base and content available on or accessible from our Web sites may subject us to liabilities and additional expense.

     We currently collect only the names of teachers who are registering for our on-line products. However, we may in the future collect names and other personal information relating to students, teachers and parents, and may sell our user information on an aggregated, non-individual basis; though we do not intend to sell information relating to children under the age of thirteen. We could be subject to liability claims for misuses of information collected from our users, such as for unauthorized marketing purposes, and could face additional expenses to analyze and comply with increasing regulation in this area. The Federal Trade Commission, for example, has enacted regulations governing collection of personal information from children under the age of thirteen and is expected to issue and enforce additional regulations in this area. We could also be subject to liability based on claims relating to content that is published on our Web sites or that is accessible from our network through links to other Web sites. In addition to subjecting us to potential liability, claims of this type could require us to change our Web sites in a manner that could be less attractive to our customers and divert our financial and development resources.

Our business operations could be significantly disrupted if we lose members of, or fail to properly integrate, our management team.

     Our success depends on the continued contributions of the principal members of our sales and marketing, product development, on-line services, and management departments. The loss of the services of any of our officers or senior managers could disrupt operations in their respective departments and could cause our overall financial results to be adversely impacted. Prior to January 1, 2001 we experienced greater than average turnover among our senior management. We do not maintain any “key person” life insurance policies other than on John T. Kernan, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Carl E. Zeiger, our President and Chief Operating Officer.

We may not be able to prevent others from using our trademarks, copyrights, software, characters and other intellectual property assets. If others do use these assets, their value to us, and our ability to use them to generate revenues, may decrease.

     Our intellectual property includes our trademarks and copyrights, proprietary software, characters and other proprietary rights. We believe that our intellectual property is important to our success and our competitive position, and we try to protect it. However, our efforts may be inadequate. In addition, our ability to conduct our business may be adversely impacted if others claim we violate their intellectual property rights. If successful, claims of this nature could adversely impact our business by requiring us to cease using important intellectual property or pay monetary damages. Even if unsuccessful, these claims could adversely impact our business by damaging our reputation, requiring us to incur legal costs and diverting management’s attention away from our business.

Our stock price is highly volatile.

     The market price of our common stock is likely to continue to be highly volatile due to risks and uncertainties described in this section of the Quarterly Report, as well as other factors, including:

•		conditions and publicity regarding the Internet or educational software industries generally;
•		sales of substantial amounts of our stock by existing stockholders;

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•		price and volume fluctuations in the stock market at large which do not relate to our operating performance; and
•		comments by securities analysts, or our failure to meet analysts’ or investor expectations.

     Furthermore, the stock market has from time to time experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that may be unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. In addition, class action lawsuits have historically been initiated against Internet and software companies following periods of volatility in the market prices of these companies’ stock. In general, decreases in our stock price would reduce the value of our stockholders’ investments and could limit our ability to raise necessary capital or make potential acquisitions of assets or businesses.

     If litigation were instituted on the basis of volatility or liquidity in our stock price, it could result in substantial costs and would divert management’s attention and resources. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our executive officers, directors and major stockholders control approximately 52.7% of our common stock.

     As of October 31, 2002, executive officers, directors and holders of 5% or more of our outstanding common stock, in the aggregate, owned or controlled approximately 52.7% of our outstanding common stock. These stockholders are able to influence all matters requiring approval by our stockholders, including the election of directors and the approval of corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership may also delay, deter or prevent a change in control of our company and may make some transactions more difficult or impossible to complete without the support of these stockholders.

It may be difficult for a third party to acquire our company, and this could adversely impact our stock price.

     Delaware corporate law and our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that could delay, defer or prevent a change in control of our company or our management. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for you and other stockholders to elect directors and take other corporate actions. As a result, these provisions could limit the price that investors are willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. These provisions:

•		authorize us to issue preferred stock that can be created and issued by the board of directors without prior stockholder approval, with rights senior to those of common stock;
•		provide for a staggered board of directors, so that it would take three successive annual meetings to replace all directors;
•		prohibit stockholder action by written consent; and
•		establish advance notice requirements for submitting nominations for election to the board of directors and for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at a meeting.

     Additionally, in February 2002 we adopted a Share Purchase Rights Plan. Pursuant this plan, each share of our outstanding common stock has an associated preferred share purchase right. These rights will not trade separately from our common stock until, and are exercisable only upon, the acquisition or potential acquisition by a person or group of, or the tender offer for, fifteen percent or more of our common stock.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

     Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to the increase or decrease in the amount of interest income we can earn on our investment portfolio and on the increase or decrease in the amount of interest expense we must pay with respect to our various outstanding debt instruments. Our risk associated with fluctuating interest expense is limited, however, to the interest rates which are tied to market rates, and our investments in interest sensitive financial instruments. Under our current policies, we do not use interest rate derivative instruments to manage exposure to interest rate changes and do not expect to in the future. We ensure the safety and preservation of our invested principal funds by limiting default risks, market risk and reinvestment risk. We mitigate default risk by investing in securities rated AA or better. A hypothetical 100 basis point adverse move in interest rates along

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the entire interest rate yield curve would not materially affect the fair value of our interest sensitive financial instruments at October 31, 2002. Declines in interest rates over time will, however, reduce our interest income.

Item 4. Controls And Procedures

     The Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer performed an evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on that evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective and sufficient to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

     There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls since the Evaluation Date. The Company is not aware of any significant change in any other factors that could significantly affect its internal controls subsequent to the Evaluation Date.

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Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

     None.

Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

     Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

     None.

Use of Proceeds

     The effective date of our registration statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-90103) relating to our initial public offering was February 9, 2000. A total of 8,155,150 shares of the Company’s common stock in the aggregate were sold at a price of $12.00 per share to an underwriting syndicate led by Credit Suisse First Boston, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Inc. and Thomas Weisel Partners LLC. The offering commenced on February 9, 2000, and closed on March 7, 2000. The initial public offering resulted in gross proceeds of approximately $97.9 million, of which $6.9 million was applied toward the underwriting discount. Expenses related to the offering totaled approximately $2.2 million. Net proceeds to the Company were $88.8 million. From the time of receipt through October 31, 2001, $2.6 million were used to purchase eduTest and the remaining proceeds were used primarily to fund operations or invested in short-term, interest-bearing securities rated AA or better.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

     None.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

     We held our Annual Meeting of Stockholders on August 22, 2002. At the meeting, the following nominees were elected as directors to hold office until the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their successors are elected and qualified:

     Also at the meeting, the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent public accountants for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2003 was ratified. The voting for the proposal was as follows:

There were no other proposals.

Item 5. Other Information

     Effective July 11, 2002, Barrie Usher resigned from our board of directors. Douglas Holtby was appointed by our Board as a replacement for Mr. Usher. James W. Breyer did not stand for re-election to our Board.

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

     None.

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(1)		Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company on March 1, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.
(2)		Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration Statement No. 333-90103, or amendments thereto, and incorporated herein by reference.

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SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on the 12th day of December 2002.

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I, John T. Kernan, certify that:

1.     I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Lightspan, Inc.;

2.     Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report; and

3.     Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

6.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

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Table of Contents

I, Michael A. Sicuro, certify that:

1.     I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Lightspan, Inc.;

2.     Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report; and

3.     Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

6.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

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