Education management organizations, or EMOs, emerged in the early 1990s in the context of widespread interest in so-called market-based school reform proposals. Proponents of EMOs claim that they will bring a much-needed dose of entrepreneurial spirit and a competitive ethos to public education. Opponents worry that outsourcing to EMOs will result in already limited school resources being redirected for service fees and/or profits for another layer of administration. Opponents also have expressed concerns about public bodies relinquishing control or ownership of schools. The data in the annual Profiles of For-Profit Education Management Organizations reports describe general trends in the for-profit EMO industry over time. They are intended for a broad audience including policymakers, educators, school district officials, and school board members who may use this information to learn more about current or potential contractors. Investors, persons involved in the education industry, and employees of EMOs may use Profiles reports to track changes, strategize for growth, and plan investments. Finally, Profiles reports are important resources for journalists, researchers, and anyone who seeks to study and learn about education management organizations.