What Is School Management Software?
School management software, which encompasses various aspects of management, allows schools to automate many tasks of running an institution. The varying management software packages offer a wide range of functions, from scheduling to student performance tracking. It may help schools improve communication, offer a better analysis of student performance, and allow an increased transparency with the parents.
The basic school administration software may handle a number of common administrative tasks, including:
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Bill-pay and invoices
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Grading and progress reports
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Tracking of attendance
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Admission processes
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Schedules
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Communication
If your school has deeper needs than the basics, the right software is out there. The more advanced systems may offer other functionalities, including:
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Learning management system (LMS), which may include training programs or educational courses.
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Evaluation tools for administrators
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A parent portal
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Analytics reporting
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Tools for library or bookstore management
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Point-of-sale (POS) for the cafeteria or the campus store
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Tools for fundraising
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Health records for the school nurses
What to Look for in a School Management Software
When selecting a school management system vendor, it is vital to have a proper understanding of how the educational management software will impact your school. There are two major aspects to consider before making a purchase. First, consider the features that your school absolutely needs. Second, ensure that most, if not all, of the features you will be paying for are utilized in your school management.
Are you looking for scheduling and admission management? Or, do you need a system that allows automated grading and customized lessons plans? The quality of the school administration software depends on these features. Consider a number of aspects when selecting a School Administration System software.
Grade and Proficiency Levels
The needs of a student in grade school vastly differ from a college student or an adult. The instructional requirements for each type of student vary as much as their living situations or responsibilities. To provide the best learning experience for your students, it is important to choose a School Administration System that satisfies the different requirements.
A recent study by Christensen Institute revealed that most of grade schools require specific features from the School Administration software, including:
1. Safe and accessible way to store and manage school data
2. Quick customer service from the vendors
3. Talent management features
4. Software integration features
These may seem like non-standard features, unlike admissions or academic reporting, but they will play a major role in the effectiveness of your school management. Understanding the needs of your specific school/grade level will allow you to meet all your school’s administrative needs.
Backup and Security Functions
Securing personal information of your staff and students is one of the most important responsibilities of your school. If you choose a school information management system that fails to store that information properly, you may not only lose those files but risk a serious security breach. Consider cloud backup and security features when you choose software.
Does the software you are considering have the following features?
1. The Cloud Backup is enabled
2. If the system is completely online, there is a separate hard drive serving as the backup
3. Quality firewall protection
Remote Access and Networking Capabilities
The software you select must be accessible in and outside of the school. The off-site function will allow your teachers, staff, and administrators to access their work without having to be at school on a 24/7 basis. This function may come in handy for training new teachers or off-site data entry. This will not only increase the levels of productivity but also allow for more flexibility for your employees.
For example, GSuite for K12 Institutions provides access to school administrative data through a log-in and an internet connection. Is this something that is important to your school? Think about network capabilities and remote access when you select a software.
Student and Faculty Sizes
Student and faculty size play an important role in your selection of a school administration software. The size of the pool of data that the software must handle will impact your expenses since many vendors charge a premium amount for larger institutions. That’s why it’s important to ensure that the software is capable of not only handling your school’s data but that you don’t pay for more than you should to meet the management needs of your school.
Features of Effective School Management Software
Student Information
Student information includes all information regarding the student — attendance, disciplinary aspects, report cards, health records, parent information, etc. All of this, with appropriate safety precautions, must be accessed through the school management software.
Parent Access
A parent portal allows the parent to be a part of the student’s school activities and stay connected with their academic progress.
Benefits of a parent portal may include:
• Parents’ active participation in educational activities
• Access to up-to-date information regarding field trips, grades, parent meetings, etc.
• Attendance report and progress cards are available to parents without any delay
• Connects parents and teachers through a direct line of communication
Teacher Information
A teacher platform may allow easier scheduling, availing information regarding students, as well as gives access to teachers’ activities inside the school. It also allows to view a teacher’s class schedule, file reports efficiently etc. The database provides details regarding class timings, student’s academic progress, and classroom activities. Some other advantages include:
• Teachers can log onto their database securely to access various records
• Classroom forms and document may be filled quickly, as the information regarding the classroom and students is updated accordingly
• Teachers may quickly notify parents about their student’s reports
Artificial Intelligence Integration
AI has become a key feature of a good deal of management software systems. A great example of school management through AI is the School Bus Fleet Management. This feature allows schools to manage school buses without the need of walkie-talkies or late buses. It automates the routing system and allocation, making the process much easier than ever before. The possibilities with AI are endless and there are many options available for your school.
Fee Tracking and Online Payment
One of the most time-consuming aspects of management is keeping track of payments, preparing bills, and ensuring that the applicable fees are in place before sending out bills. A school management software may ease this process for parents, vendors, and the school overall.
Online billing allows schools to take credit card payments, so parents can make payments at home. This feature offers a simple way to manage financial transactions, including bill pay, fees, and payment delivery.
Top 10 Best School Management Software Solutions
We searched the market for administration software with not only consistent high reviews from experts, but with strong experience with the school industry. Here are our picks for the best school management software solutions on the market. Compare product features before making your selection!
1. Gradelink SIS
Gradelink helps administrators save time and improve student performance through a grade book and Student Information System software. The cloud-enabled school software includes integrated lesson plans.
Classroom Management Features:
- Built in LMS
- Report Cards
- Assessments
- Transcripts
Gradebook Features:
- Attendance Tracking
- Class Summary
- Curve Scores
- Grade Calculations
- Individualized Assessments
- Lesson Planning
- Parent Portal
- Progress Reports
- Report Cards
- Weighted Assignments
School Administration Features:
- Cafeteria Management
- Curriculum Management
- Financial Management
- Higher Education
- Online Calendar
- Online Payments
- Parent/Student Portal
- Reporting
- School District
- Special Education
2. iGradePlus
An affordable, easy-to-use, web-based grade book and school management system offering a wide array of features that appeal not only to individual teachers but to schools and districts. The software’s features include student and classroom management, tracking of attendance and behavior, plus customized report generation and user-friendly communication features. The package includes student and parent portal accounts.
Classroom Management Features:
- Built in LMS
- Report Cards
- Tests/Assessments
- Transcripts
School Administration Features:
- Curriculum Management
- Higher Education
- K-12
- Online Calendar
- Parent/Student Portal
- Reporting
- School District
- Special Education
3. Your Agora
Your Agora provides ESL Schools with valuable analytics and insights to truly optimize the school’s performance. It provides teachers with powerful, comprehensive tools to improve workflow and make teaching more collaborative and interesting. With features such as auto grading, course management, interactive assignments, a dynamic calendar, and customizable syllabi, Your Agora makes classroom management a seamless experience for both students, teachers, and administration.
Gradebook Features:
- Attendance Tracking
- Class Summary
- Curve Scores
- Grade Calculations
- Individualized Assessments
- Lesson Planning
- Parent Portal
- Progress Reports
- Report Cards
- Teacher Dashboard
- Customized Assignments
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Online Calendar
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Independent/Private
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Online Payments
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Parent/Student Portal
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Reporting/Analytics
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Classroom Management
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Electronic Assignments & Tests
4. FamilyID
FamilyID is making it easy to register and find important information on academic programs, school sports, fundraisers, clubs and activities. FamilyID's online registration management platform eases the process of registering for programs and securely keep track of the students’ personal information.
Registration Features:
- Activity Registration
- Attendance Management
- Contact Management
- Form Builder
- Online Registration
- Payment Processing
School Administration Features:
- Higher Education
- Independent/Private
- K-12
- Online Payments
- School District
- Special Education
5. FreshSchools
FreshSchools is a customizable management software, which contains end-to-end functionality to streamline the school enrollment process. This includes school selection, recruitment management, application and registration management, and year-round form for both families and school administrators. These solutions are available via user-friendly online and mobile interfaces, making them more accessible to all families.
School Administration Features:
- Independent/Private
- K-12
- Library Management
- Online Calendar
- Online Payments
- Parent/Student Portal
- Reporting/Analytics
- School District
- Special Education
- School District
- Special Education
6. ParentLocker
This web-based school management and communications software manages and streamlines all aspects of school administration. This includes report cards, assignments and tests, data analysis, scheduling, admissions, enrollment and many more. It gives parents and the school complete and seamless way to exchange important information and mentor students’ academic progress.
School Administration Features:
- Bookstore Management
- Cafeteria Management
- Independent/Private
- K-12
- Online Calendar
- Parent/Student Portal
- Reporting/Analytics
- School District
- Special Education
7. School Diary
School Diary allows schools to manage all the updates that schools send and receive every day. The various updates, including messages, notices, pictures, homework, attendance, fee reminders, etc, may be shared through a single platform. This eliminates the need for endless emails or print alerts. School Diary utilizes the push and pull mechanism to make communication easy, engaging and effective.
Classroom Management Features:
- Built-in LMS
- Collaboration Tools
- For Classroom
- For Labs
- Real-time Chat
- Remote Access/Control
- Report Cards
- Support Audio/Images/Video
- Tests/Assessments
- Transcripts
School Accounting Features:
- Accounts Payable
- Attendance Management
- Billing & Invoicing
- General Ledger
- K-12
- Payroll Management
- Purchasing
School Administration Features:
- Bookstore Management
- Financial Management
- Higher Education
- Independent/Private
- K-12
- Library Management
- Online Calendar
- Parent/Student Portal
- Reporting/Analytics
- School District
8. BoardDocs
BoardDocs has allowed over 2,000 schools and other organizations to lower operations costs, increase transparency with customers and reduce time-of-staff. The solutions are so easy to use and may be implemented right away. BoardDocs allows organizations to significantly improve the way they create and manage board packets, access information, and conduct meetings.
Board Management Features:
- Calendar Management
- Collaboration
- Document Management
- Electronic Signature
- For Nonprofits
- Member Directory
- Minutes Management
- Polls / Voting
- Role-Based Permissions
Government Features:
- Compliance Management
- Self Service Portal
- Taxation & Assessment
- Work Order Management
Meeting Features:
- Action Item Tracking
- Agenda Management
- Attendee Management
- Board Meetings
- Committee Meetings
- Internal Meetings
- Materials Management
- Meeting Preparation Tools
- Minutes Management
- Post-Meeting Tools
- Scheduling
- Travel Management
- Voting Management
School Administration Features:
- K-12
- Online Calendar
- School District
9. USA Scheduler
USA Scheduler is a master scheduling software for schools is user-friendly and highly accurate. It is cloud-based, fully automated and creates complete, accurate schedules. The company offers a free evaluation with your school's data.
School Administration Features:
- Higher Education
- Independent/Private
- K-12
- School District
- Special Education
10. Bloomz
Bloomz has the features educators need to connect, communicate and coordinate with parents. It includes features from messaging, easy photo and video sharing, schedule coordination, signup forms for volunteers, meetings and field trips. It also holds a platform for students’ behavior management and personality portfolios. The app is available on mobile.
K-12 Features:
- Communication Management
- Parent Portal
- Progress Reports
School Administration Features:
- Independent/Private
- K-12
- Online Calendar
- Parent/Student Portal
- School District
- Special Education
For a broad overview and forecast of the school administration software market of the school administration software market, visit this extensive report.
Things to Consider when Implementing a New Software
Here are some important points to keep in mind as you search for new school administration software:
Integration with other software. Make sure the system you choose can easily integrate with other software your school is already using, such as email, spreadsheet or accounting applications.
The market history of vendors. Before investing in a software, ensure that the vendor has a solid history of working with schools in particular. For your school’s administrative needs to be met, the vendor should be more than familiar with the industry.
Customization requirements. The larger the educational institution, the more complex the system configuration will be. Buyers from large institutions should look for solutions that offer high levels of customization. This allows the system to be configured to fit existing processes and workflows, rather than the other way around.
Your Agora will manage your classrooms!
Manage your school better with Your Agora. Your Agora provides teachers with a platform that tracks student performance and provides instant feedback. It provides a new way of customized learning. In addition, teachers may take advantage of a library of ESL teaching material and worksheets on various topics, as well as a number of tools for easy scheduling and grading.
Why not check it out now? Your school will thank you!