Seeking an Affordable SIS for Small Private K-12 Schools

Ed Tech & Tech Integration Forum
1

I’m in the process of finding a new Student Information System (SIS) for two very small private K-12 schools, one with about 25 students and the other around 100 students. We need a system that efficiently manages grades, attendance, and other student information. Given our size, affordability is crucial. Does anyone have recommendations for SIS platforms that are well-suited for small schools and offer good value beyond just basic database functions?

2

We use FACTS SIS at my school. It supports multiple schools and caters to private institutions. I’m not sure about the cost, but it might fit your needs.

3

ace said:
We use FACTS SIS at my school. It supports multiple schools and caters to private institutions. I’m not sure about the cost, but it might fit your needs.

Thanks for the suggestion! However, I’ve heard mixed reviews about FACTS. What’s your take on it?

4

@NomadNerd
I wouldn’t recommend FACTS. Their development process is lacking, and they have significant issues with third-party integration and mobile app support.

5

@NomadNerd
I’d advise against FACTS as well. Both teachers and parents find the user interface very unfriendly.

6

We’re developing an SIS integrated with a teacher dashboard, priced at $25 per student. It includes all basic functionalities plus assignment generation. Let me know if you want more details.

7

Andy said:
We’re developing an SIS integrated with a teacher dashboard, priced at $25 per student. It includes all basic functionalities plus assignment generation. Let me know if you want more details.

That sounds intriguing! Could you send me more information about your company and the product?

8

@NomadNerd
Sure, I’ve sent you a direct message with all the details.

9

Consider checking out Jupiter Ed. It offers SIS capabilities along with Gradebook, attendance, and messaging services, and is popular among small schools.

10

EducationExpert4 said:
Consider checking out Jupiter Ed. It offers SIS capabilities along with Gradebook, attendance, and messaging services, and is popular among small schools.

Thanks for the recommendation! What’s the cost per student?

11

@NomadNerd
It starts at $16 per student, but the price can vary based on additional features like enrollment and online payments. Feel free to contact me for more detailed information.

12

Alma has been great for us!

13

Noah said:
Alma has been great for us!

Is Alma affordable for smaller institutions? I was under the impression it catered to larger schools.

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What is your budget per student per year?

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H.Greenspan said:
What is your budget per student per year?

I’m aiming for $50-75 per student per year. It’s challenging to find options for a school as small as ours.

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NomadNerd said:

H.Greenspan said:
What is your budget per student per year?

I’m aiming for $50-75 per student per year. It’s challenging to find options for a school as small as ours.

Have you looked into jmc? It might fit within your budget.

17

@H.Greenspan
jmc seems promising, I’ll give it a closer look. Thanks!

18

Are the larger SIS providers like Pearson PowerSchool or Schoology out of reach for small private schools like ours? I haven’t seen any tailored small school plans.

19

Hemsworth said:
Are the larger SIS providers like Pearson PowerSchool or Schoology out of reach for small private schools like ours? I haven’t seen any tailored small school plans.

Exactly, the major providers don’t seem to offer specialized pricing for small schools, which makes finding a suitable option all the more difficult.

20

Have you considered using a CRM instead? EspoCRM is free and could be adapted to some educational uses.