ClassDojo vs Skyward Student Management Suite

Canvas

KINDERPEDIA

iGradePlus

Canvas is a modern, cloud-based LMS that helps organizations of all sizes deliver impactful learning. Whether you're teaching students, onboarding new hires, or running a training program, Canvas makes it simple to build, manage, and scale engaging learning experiences.

Kinderpedia is a software that empowers teachers and managers with the tools to create a fully functional virtual school. They can mark attendance, host online classes, grade the students, and more.

Cloud-based School Management System for schools and districts and a free Online Gradebook for individual teachers.

ClassDojo helps educational institutions engage with students and parents via images, videos, and personalized messages. Teachers can create and share digital portfolios, allowing parents or students to login by scanning a QR code and record videos, write journal entries or submit work using images.

Activity Management

Activity Tracking

Alerts/Notifications

Attendance Tracking

Chat/Messaging

Class Scheduling

Course Management

For Classroom

Gradebook

Learning Management

Live Chat

Real-Time Chat

Real-Time Monitoring

Real-Time Notifications

Student Information/Records

Student Management

Student Portal

By industry, ClassDojo reviewers are most commonly professionals in education management (37%). The most frequent use case for ClassDojo cited by reviewers is classroom management (100% of reviewers).

Users and use cases

Reviewers appreciate that ClassDojo’s free version includes many core features, making it accessible. Some users say the Plus version is affordable, but some reviewers feel key features are paywalled and find the premium plan restrictive.

Value for money

ClassDojo is a classroom management solution offering key features such as real-time chat, student information and records, student management, gradebook, and course management, among others.

ClassDojo

Web-based

Android

iPad

iPhone

Windows

ParentLocker

Thinkific

Classter

Edsby

Connect

Basic

Limited free features and high cost

Something I wouldn't say I liked much is when you're going through the setup process the first time and get prompted immediately to upgrade and pay.

Head chef

The only thing I do not like about ClassDojo is that it requires upgrading to a paid version in order to unlock the premium features.

58% of reviewers feel negative about ClassDojo’s pricing. Users report frustration with the need to pay for premium features, expressing that the free version is too basic and restricts access to valuable tools. Many feel the subscription is expensive and dislike being prompted to upgrade frequently. Reviewers mention that the cost can be prohibitive for some families, and they are disappointed that essential features are locked behind a paywall, making the full experience inaccessible without payment.

Cumbersome account management

49% of reviewers feel negative about ClassDojo’s user account management. Users find the onboarding process complicated, citing the need for unique codes and multiple logins. They mention difficulties with switching profiles, editing personal details, and managing permissions. Some reviewers express concerns about privacy and the inability to customize account settings. Others report frustration with having to sign up annually or dealing with account deletion issues, which they say hinder timely access to important information.

Inconsistent and overwhelming notifications

Parent

I asked ClassDojo tech support for email notifications to be added to this system in 2017 and it still has not been done.

Assistant Property Manager 

Sometimes the push notifications don't come through and i might get information later than I would have liked.

52% of reviewers feel negative about ClassDojo’s notification system. Users report issues with delayed, missing, or excessive notifications, making it difficult to stay informed in real time. Some say notifications can be overwhelming when updates arrive in bulk, while others mention technical problems like push notifications not working or being unable to customize alert settings. Reviewers also note the lack of email notification options and occasional confusion caused by grouped or redundant alerts.

Frequent glitches and performance problems

Instructional Aide

Sometimes the app acts up, it can lag or freeze.

46% of reviewers feel negative about ClassDojo’s bugs and technical issues. Users report app crashes, freezing, lagging, and slow loading times, which disrupt communication and access to information. Some mention problems with data not updating, difficulty tracking points, and missing features like search or copy-paste. Reviewers also highlight frustrations with customer support response times and recurring glitches that require frequent restarts or updates, impacting their overall experience with the software.

Streamlined school-home communication

92% of reviewers feel positive about ClassDojo’s school communication capabilities. Users say the platform simplifies staying updated on school events, closures, and classroom activities by centralizing all communications. They appreciate the ability to have real-time conversations, share documents, and keep a record of messages for future reference. Reviewers find the system user-friendly and efficient for both group and individual communication, making it easier to maintain consistent contact between school staff and families.

Real-time child progress tracking

Founder

As a parent, I love the fact that I'm able to track my child's progress every single day as the teacher posts to the app.

99% of reviewers feel positive about ClassDojo’s child progress tracking. Reviewers appreciate being able to monitor their child’s academic and behavioral development daily, noting that real-time updates and behavior reports help them stay engaged in their child’s learning. They say the platform makes it easy to view progress, receive updates, and communicate concerns with teachers. Many users highlight the benefit of having all their children’s progress accessible in one place, making it convenient to stay informed and involved in school activities and performance.

Comprehensive student monitoring tools

Educatir

The best experience for me has been having students be able to view their own behavior tracking data and set their own goals.

94% of reviewers feel positive about ClassDojo’s student tracking features. Users say the platform enables them to monitor student behavior, assignments, and participation efficiently. They find it valuable for setting and tracking goals, awarding points for positive actions, and identifying areas needing improvement. Reviewers mention that both teachers and parents can easily access data on student performance, making classroom management and communication more effective. Many note that students themselves benefit from seeing their progress and setting personal goals.

Direct and efficient teacher messaging

92% of reviewers feel positive about ClassDojo’s teacher messaging feature. Reviewers indicate that the ability to send and receive messages directly with teachers or administrators improves response times and keeps parents informed about their child’s day. They value the convenience of private and group messaging, receiving updates, and sharing attachments. Many users mention that notifications and instant communication help them stay connected without relying on slower methods like email or paper notes.

Enhanced teacher-parent engagement

Stay at home mom 

I can see reports on how my child is behaving throughout the day, I get pictures of fun activities that they do, and if anything needs to be addressed the teacher can directly send me a message or an update or vise versa! And we get sent reminders on class dojo if there are no school days, or special events coming up, so we never miss anything.

Business Operations Manager

I like that this product allows you to see what the teacher posts for the classroom as a whole, and also allows for the teacher to communicate with you as a parent, individually.  

92% of reviewers feel positive about ClassDojo’s teacher-parent communication. Users report that the platform fosters stronger relationships by allowing real-time updates, sharing photos and classroom activities, and providing behavior reports. They say the system encourages ongoing dialogue, making it easier to address concerns and celebrate achievements. Reviewers highlight the benefit of being able to communicate individually or with the whole class, which helps them stay involved in their child’s education and daily experiences.

Well the most I like about classdojo we can have comunications with teachers about what they learning curve and curse our child doing class all day or what they have to do and the acess so easy for us like user this web site always new features and we receivig new all the time also updates

Coordinator

ClassDojo is a highly effective platform for parent engagement with their child’s performance at school. Although it requires some time to learn all the available features, it is easy to navigate for both parents and educators.

Realtor

What I like most about ClassDojo as a parent is how it keeps me connected to my child’s classroom on a daily basis.

Electrical engineering

What I like most about class dojo is that it's great for educators to construct work and assignments for students and parents

While convenient for posting photos and event flyers, ClassDojo is not as great for sharing files or documents.

It may also not always give a complete picture of my child’s day or academic progress.

Office Manager

You also has a class feed where you can see all of the activities/pictures the teacher has uploaded.

Technologist

In addition to the fact that ClassDojo can help in tracking the progress of one's child in school and giving him/her motivation through different points both in school and home; I appreciate 'Discover' section that gives opportunity for further reading and exposition.

classroom teacher

It allows my students to monitor their own points in order to be able to redeem points to shop at our class store.  

Classroom Teacher

I love that parents can be notified of activities in the classroom and how the student's feel a sense of autonomy of points.

Owner

What our Program found least about "ClassDojo" to assist our staff members would be the "Attendance Tracking" due to our Program having already established an attendance tracking system; however, if we didn't, we would gladly use "ClassDojo" Attendance Tracking.

To make it worse, last month (Aug 2023), they released an update to force users to switch to the app and no longer use the web browser (no ‘X’ on the pop up to download the app from the web browser), which meant no more email notifications. After I complained, they reverted the update to still allow web browser use.

I like using it to communicate with parents (privately or as a whole group) and to share photos and videos of what we are doing in the classroom each week on the Class Story.   

Property Manager

I was able to locate what studies they were doing and if he or she was missing an assignment and it helped keep the communication open between me, the parent, and the teacher.

My students were so invested in our class account and l loved all the features available for at home use.

I also noticed a few issues and lagging, tho it didn't last.

Teacher

I also like that parents can participate by giving their children points for doing activities around the house.  

App users get push notifications and if you log out of the app, you will receive email notifications (access through web browser).

Onsite Specialist

I have been using it for years with three of my children to easily communicate with their teacher, stay up to date on announcements and field trips, and occasionally receive a sweet picture of my student.

My students loved the interactive features.

It does not have to be things for school but things like going to bed, cleaning up toys, or eating dinner.  

Educator

Every day my daughter wants me to check how many points she received each day.  

Attorney

That way, the 'rewards' and other incentives that parents can use on their app would be visible by the child, without giving the child the computer/phone of the parent (our students all have school ipads).

I like most that I can keep parents informed about their students throughout the day.  

This feature really helped my son with some behavioral issues in 1st grade.

ClassDojo helps motivate my daughter to do well in everything she does.

Ophthalmic tech

Handles multi children under one parental account.

Analyst

I like that I can have other people added to account and use it for home

Service Analyst

I also love that I can scroll through the feed and see any pictures the teachers has posted of activities that the class has been doing recently.

it has been a great app to communicate and get daily updates on my children.

Office Manager/Estimator

I absolutely love being able to communicate with my children's teachers, get class updates and see photos they post throughout the day.

parent

Privacy concerns arise when platforms share student information, photos, or videos, as any such sharing could pose a risk to privacy.

ClassDojo is a game changer for any teacher working with kids-teens, its helpful not only in the academic areas but in teaching values as well.

The only thing that I dislike about ClassDojo is that as a parent, we're required to use this app to communicate with the teacher, but not all features are available with the free account.

How easy it is to use-formal, safe invitations straight from your child's instructor!

Not many teachers keep class dojo updates.

Features are awesome for busy parents and teachers.

I have noticed that parents love being able to see what we are doing for the day.  

I love being able to give out points to students and that parents had the ability to see their students points each day.

I appreciate that ClassDojo is geared towards parent but Kids seem to love it as well.

Human Resources Generalist

I not only like the direct contact between parent and teacher, but I like that you can send encouraging words and pictures to your child.

My child is in elementary school and her teacher has ClassDojo.  

Not knowing what functions your students' teachers use with a premium subscription is a hindrance to making that financial commitment.

Production Lead

We get messages from the principal and support staff too about school events and the level of communication is unmatched.  

Customer Service

This is a very unique and nice app in that it allows parents the ease of seeing how their child is doing throughout the day.

Every school district should have this integrated.  

I also love that the teachers can message all parents without it being a "group chat" where we have to hear everyone's comments.

You can leave notes, post photos and videos and chat with families!

Teacher-Parent Communication

Notifications

Child Progress

Video Sharing

Customer Support

Teacher Messaging

Training and Learning Curve

User Interface

Pictures and Photos

Student Tracking

Mid-size Business

Small Business

Freelancers

Large Enterprises

Alma SIS

Alma SIS streamlines PreK-12 operations with tools for attendance, grading, communication, and compliance. Secure, intuitive, and integrated with Google and key apps, Alma reduces admin tasks so educators can focus on student success. Flexible, efficient, and built for the future of education.

Gradelink

Gradelink is an easy-to-use student information system to help your private school save time, improve enrollment, and fulfill its mission.

Skyward’s Student Management Suite is a student information system that helps schools manage curriculum, student records, grades, attendance, reporting, and more. The platform stores student data in a centralized repository, so multiple users can access the information simultaneously

ClassDojo vs Skyward Student Management Suite Comparison (2026)

ClassDojo

Skyward Student Management Suite

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives