# Best K-12 Student Information Systems - Page 12

## How Many K-12 Student Information Systems Products Does G2 Track?

**Total Products under this Category:** 319

### Category Stats (Jul 2026)

- **Average Rating:** 4.02/5 (↓0.01 vs Jun 2026) The average rating of products in this category, based on all submitted ratings
- **Top Trending Product:** AdminPlus SIS (+1.69%) - Among all products in this category, AdminPlus SIS recorded the largest rating increase compared to last month

_Last updated: July 27, 2026_

## How Does G2 Rank K-12 Student Information Systems Products?

**Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:**

- 30 Analysts and Data Experts
- 3,100+ Authentic Reviews
- 319+ Products
- Unbiased Rankings

G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category.

## G2 Grid® for K-12 Student Information Systems
 ![G2 Grid® for K-12 Student Information Systems plotting products by satisfaction and market presence](https://www.g2.com/categories/k-12-student-information-systems/grids.png?focus%5B%5D=17005&focus%5B%5D=6828&focus%5B%5D=7058&focus%5B%5D=64612&focus%5B%5D=16984&focus%5B%5D=55227&focus%5B%5D=1261858&focus%5B%5D=27874)

Highlighted products: FACTS SIS (Student Information System), PowerSchool SIS, AdminPlus SIS, KINDERPEDIA, Gradelink, Blackbaud Student Information System, TUIO, and Veracross.

Underlying data: [Grid® JSON](https://www.g2.com/categories/k-12-student-information-systems/grids.json?focus%5B%5D=facts-sis-student-information-system&focus%5B%5D=powerschool-sis&focus%5B%5D=adminplus-sis&focus%5B%5D=kinderpedia&focus%5B%5D=gradelink&focus%5B%5D=blackbaud-student-information-system&focus%5B%5D=tuio-tuio&focus%5B%5D=veracross)

**Sponsored**

### Sycamore

Sycamore is a cloud-based school management software (SIS and LMS platform) that helps K–12 schools manage student data, classroom learning, communication, and financial operations in one centralized system. It is designed for administrators, teachers, parents, and students who need a reliable platform to handle academic and operational workflows efficiently. Sycamore integrates core student information management with tools that support daily classroom activities and administrative processes. Schools use it to track attendance, grades, schedules, and behavior records, while also managing communication between teachers and families. The system provides secure, role-based access for all users, ensuring data accuracy and accountability across every department. Key features and capabilities include: •  Comprehensive student information system (SIS) for attendance, grading, scheduling, and transcripts •  Learning management tools for lesson planning, assignments, and classroom communication •  Parent and student portals for transparency and engagement •  Reporting and analytics dashboards for data-driven decision-making •  Cloud hosting with secure access from any device A key component of the platform is Sycamore Payments, a built-in payment solution that allows schools to collect tuition, fees, and donations directly within the system. By integrating financial transactions with student records, Sycamore Payments helps schools reduce manual data entry, improve accuracy, and offer flexible payment options to families. Sycamore Payments offers: •  Support for credit cards, ACH, and recurring payments •  Real-time tracking and reconciliation of transactions •  Simplified billing and reporting for administrators •  A unified experience that connects financial and academic data Sycamore serves K–12 private, charter, and faith-based schools looking for a complete digital solution to manage their operations. It provides an all-in-one system that improves communication, reduces administrative workload, and keeps schools organized throughout the academic year. For schools exploring migration, the platform offers a clear transition process at https://sycamoreleaf.com/switch-now/

[Visit website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=ppc&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=1032&secure%5Bchosen_at%5D=2026-07-28T00%3A07%3A24Z&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_id%5D=1032&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bplacement_reason%5D=page_category&secure%5Bplacement_resource_ids%5D%5B%5D=1032&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=6851&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=1032&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Fk-12-student-information-systems%3Fpage%3D12&secure%5Btoken%5D=8f24a5be191e92b7577073cbd43c4aae00e1438080821689486a6e5441360430&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fsycamoreleaf.com%2Fswitch-now%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=custom_url)

### [CCE: PARIKSHAPHAL](https://www.g2.com/products/cce-parikshaphal/reviews)

Sarmang software is a fast growing open source software solution and training provider's software firm based in uttrakhand.

#### Who Is the Company Behind CCE: PARIKSHAPHAL?

- **Seller:** [CCE: PARIKSHAPHAL](https://www.g2.com/sellers/cce-parikshaphal)
- **Year Founded:** 2004
- **HQ Location:** Dehradun, IN
- **Twitter:** @sarmang (60 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** http://www.linkedin.com/company/sarmang-software (1 employees on LinkedIn®)

### [Cl9 School](https://www.g2.com/products/cl9-school/reviews)

The Cl9 school software includes GR Registration with Aadhar-dise number, Fees, Time-table, Result, Easy Import-Export, Backup Management, Inquiry, Academic year management.

#### Who Is the Company Behind Cl9 School?

- **Seller:** [Cloud9 Solutions](https://www.g2.com/sellers/cloud9-solutions)
- **Year Founded:** 2010
- **HQ Location:** Surrey, CA
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://ca.linkedin.com/company/c9sdotca (57 employees on LinkedIn®)

### [ClassBuilder](https://www.g2.com/products/classbuilder/reviews)

A Gradebook and Quiz Maker for K-12 Teachers

#### Who Is the Company Behind ClassBuilder?

- **Seller:** [ClassBuilder](https://www.g2.com/sellers/classbuilder)
- **HQ Location:** N/A
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/No-Linkedin-Presence-Added-Intentionally-By-DataOps (1 employees on LinkedIn®)

### [Class Creator](https://www.g2.com/products/class-creator/reviews)

Class Creator is a student placement software solution designed to help schools create classes optimised for success, save time and eliminate mistakes.

#### Who Is the Company Behind Class Creator?

- **Seller:** [Class Creator](https://www.g2.com/sellers/class-creator)
- **Year Founded:** 2014
- **HQ Location:** Berwick, AU
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/class-creator/ (3 employees on LinkedIn®)

### [Classpro](https://www.g2.com/products/classpro/reviews)

Classpro is a coaching management software company based in India, created with one simple goal: to make running a coaching institute easier. Over the years, it has grown into a trusted platform used by institutes of all sizes, from small neighbourhood classes to large multi-branch setups. The team behind Classpro understands the ground realities of the education business, which is why the product feels practical and owner-friendly. The software brings your entire institute under one organised system. You can manage admissions, batches, attendance, fees, staff coordination, study material, tests, and performance reports without switching between tools. It also gives you your own branded, white-label mobile app for parents and students, so schedules, results, reminders, and updates are shared under your institute’s name. Everything is designed to cut down manual work and keep information clear. The real value of Classpro is the peace of mind it gives coaching owners. It removes the daily chaos of follow-ups, unorganized records, delayed payments, and scattered WhatsApp communication. You get visibility, structure, and a smoother workflow from day one. And you’re backed by a responsive after-sales team that helps you set up, run, and grow confidently. Classpro helps owners save time, look more professional, and focus on teaching and scaling their institute.

#### Who Is the Company Behind Classpro?

- **Seller:** [Geeklabs Softwares](https://www.g2.com/sellers/geeklabs-softwares)
- **Year Founded:** 2011
- **HQ Location:** Mumbai, IN
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/classpro/ (11 employees on LinkedIn®)

### [Clofus ERP Mobility](https://www.g2.com/products/clofus-erp-mobility/reviews)

Clofus ERP Mobility is an inventory management software designed to manage inventories, orders, sales, accounting and shipping.

#### Who Is the Company Behind Clofus ERP Mobility?

- **Seller:** [Clofus Innovations Pvt, Ltd.](https://www.g2.com/sellers/clofus-innovations-pvt-ltd)
- **HQ Location:** N/A
- **Twitter:** @tryclofus (6 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/No-Linkedin-Presence-Added-Intentionally-By-DataOps (1 employees on LinkedIn®)

### [Cloud9 - School Management system](https://www.g2.com/products/cloud9-school-management-system/reviews)

Shaurya Software Pvt. Ltd. is a leading software development company with extensive experience in the area of providing the best school ERP software. Founded by Mr. Kuldeepak Gupta, a man who was the company's sole engineer, designer, and support person. The company's goal is to provide innovative and user-friendly solutions to the education sector. Their signature product, the cloud9 School ERP software, is designed to streamline and automate the daily operations of educational institutions. With over 100 built-in features, this software is fully customizable to meet the unique needs of each school. With Cloud9 School ERP Software, schools can improve efficiency, enhance communication, and focus on delivering quality education.

#### Who Is the Company Behind Cloud9 - School Management system?

- **Seller:** [Shaurya Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/shaurya-software)
- **Year Founded:** 1994
- **HQ Location:** New Delhi, IN
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/shaurya-software-pvt-ltd/ (30 employees on LinkedIn®)

### [Com School Management Software](https://www.g2.com/products/com-school-management-software/reviews)

Com School Management Software is a comprehensive software designed for managing schools and educational institutions

#### Who Is the Company Behind Com School Management Software?

- **Seller:** [School College](https://www.g2.com/sellers/school-college)
- **HQ Location:** N/A
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/No-Linkedin-Presence-Added-Intentionally-By-DataOps (1 employees on LinkedIn®)

### [ConcernCenter](https://www.g2.com/products/concerncenter/reviews)

The people you’re trying to help can’t always find answers on their own. ConcernCenter puts a prioritized list of support options in their hands based on their concern. Your version of ConcernCenter will be customized to address your organizations specific concerns, available resources, logos, and images.

#### Who Is the Company Behind ConcernCenter?

- **Seller:** [ConcernCenter](https://www.g2.com/sellers/concerncenter)
- **HQ Location:** Rochester, US
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/concerncenter/ (8 employees on LinkedIn®)

### [Cumulo Learning](https://www.g2.com/products/cumulo-learning/reviews)

Cumulo Learning is school management software and student information system that was created to connect families with schools in a way that is consistent with the world we live in.

#### Who Is the Company Behind Cumulo Learning?

- **Seller:** [H51 Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/h51-software)
- **Year Founded:** 2011
- **HQ Location:** N/A
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/No-Linkedin-Presence-Added-Intentionally-By-DataOps (1 employees on LinkedIn®)

### [DeduERP](https://www.g2.com/products/deduerp/reviews)

DeduERP is specifically developed for educational institutions to manage information.

#### Who Is the Company Behind DeduERP?

- **Seller:** [D-Sys Data Solutions Pvt Ltd](https://www.g2.com/sellers/d-sys-data-solutions-pvt-ltd)
- **HQ Location:** Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, in
- **LinkedIn® Page:** http://www.linkedin.com/company/d-sys-data-solution-pvt.ltd. (1 employees on LinkedIn®)

### [Digital Academy](https://www.g2.com/products/digital-academy/reviews)

Digital Academy is an all-in-one school management system that simplifies teaching, learning, and administration by combining a Learning Management System (LMS) and Student Information System (SIS) into one user-friendly platform. It streamlines school operations, automates tasks, and eliminates paperwork, saving time and increasing efficiency. Teachers can create dynamic lessons, track student progress, and enhance learning outcomes, while administrators manage student data, communication, and daily tasks with ease. With real-time insights, customizable reporting, and secure record-keeping, our platform strengthens school-home communication and empowers schools to make data-driven decisions for student success.

#### Who Is the Company Behind Digital Academy?

- **Seller:** [Digital Academy](https://www.g2.com/sellers/digital-academy)
- **HQ Location:** Middleburg Heights, US
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalacademylms (4 employees on LinkedIn®)

### [Edena](https://www.g2.com/products/edena/reviews)

We help schools and academies run smarter by automating finance, operations, and family communication in one platform. Edena is an all-in-one cloud ERP and mobile app designed for modern educational centers, from schools and nurseries to academies and training businesses. We replace fragmented tools and manual processes with a single system that connects administrators, teachers, families, and students. Our platform automates billing, payments, and financial workflows, reducing errors, improving cash flow, and minimizing late or missed payments. At the same time, it streamlines daily operations, from student management and enrollment to communication and reporting, saving teams hours of administrative work every week. With built-in CRM and digital onboarding, education centers can grow more efficiently by capturing leads, increasing enrollment, and delivering a seamless experience from first contact to daily engagement. We believe the future of education is operationally effortless

#### Who Is the Company Behind Edena?

- **Seller:** [Edena](https://www.g2.com/sellers/edena)
- **HQ Location:** N/A
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://linkedin.com/company/edena-finance/ (1 employees on LinkedIn®)

### [Edge Learning Solutions](https://www.g2.com/products/edge-learning-solutions/reviews)

Edge Learning Solutions offers a comprehensive Student Management System designed to streamline administrative tasks, enhance communication, and improve the educational experience for staff, students, and their families. Originating from Massey University, Edge has evolved into New Zealand's leading SMS provider, serving over 1,500 schools nationwide. The platform integrates essential functions such as blogs, learning stories, content sharing, student voice facilitation, planning, and live reporting into a seamless digital learning hub. Key Features and Functionality: - Course Creation: Develop content in various formats, delivered as microlearning or comprehensive learning paths. - Training Delivery: Offer both formal and informal learning experiences to deliver impactful training. - User Management: Customize user management to fit organizational needs and team structures at any scale. - Learner Engagement: Motivate learners by removing barriers and making learning convenient. - Analytics and Reporting: Access out-of-the-box reports to track consumption, test results, survey responses, training histories, and more. - Security and Privacy: Ensure the protection and security of data as a top priority. Primary Value and Solutions: Edge Learning Solutions addresses the complexities of school administration by providing a unified platform that reduces the need for multiple systems, thereby lowering costs and enhancing efficiency. The system offers real-time insights through advanced analytics, enabling informed decision-making. By integrating various administrative and educational functions, Edge empowers educators to focus on delivering quality education while ensuring that caregivers remain informed about their children's progress.

#### Who Is the Company Behind Edge Learning Solutions?

- **Seller:** [Edge Learning Solutions](https://www.g2.com/sellers/edge-learning-solutions)
- **Year Founded:** 1989
- **HQ Location:** N/A
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/edge-learning-solutions-nz/ (11 employees on LinkedIn®)

### [Edinfini Student](https://www.g2.com/products/edinfini-student/reviews)

Unlocking Success In Digital Transformations Starts Here With Our Campus Management System

#### Who Is the Company Behind Edinfini Student?

- **Seller:** [EDinfini](https://www.g2.com/sellers/edinfini)
- **Year Founded:** 2022
- **HQ Location:** Karachi, PK
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/edinfini (5 employees on LinkedIn®)

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Similar Categories

- [Higher Education Student Information Systems](/categories/higher-education-student-information-systems)

[Browse K-12 Student Information Systems Themes](/categories/k-12-student-information-systems/themes)

 ![Emma Stein](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Emma Stein")
ES

Researched and written by [Emma Stein](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/emma-stein)

Updated October 3, 2024

A K-12 student information system (SIS) stores and tracks all student data that teachers and/or administrators need to manage their classroom or run their schools. Information such as grades and attendance records are tracked through these platforms. Many K-12 SISs give students access to the information that pertains to them. Parents also typically have access to a K-12 SIS, which is one component that differentiates these tools from a [higher education SIS](https://www.g2.com/categories/higher-education-student-information-systems). Many K-12 student information systems have an SMS function that allow teachers and parents to communicate directly. This allows a teacher to keep that parent updated with their child’s social and academic progress in the classroom. A K-12 SIS can typically integrate with a [learning management system (LMS)](https://www.g2.com/categories/learning-management-system-lms) and a [classroom management](https://www.g2.com/categories/classroom-management) tool.

To qualify for inclusion in the K-12 Student Information System category, a product must:

- Monitor relevant student data
- Include a portal for parents to access information about their students
- Offer reporting capabilities
- Handle student admissions
- Provides a module for school staff

Show More

* * *

## How Do You Choose the Right K-12 Student Information Systems?

### What You Should Know About K-12 Student Information Systems

### What are K-12 Student Information Systems?

An effective Student Information System (SIS) is a crucial tool for enabling any modern K-12 school to function at maximum efficiency and get the best results for students. With schools handling reams of data and more demands for transparency and accessibility, K-12 SIS software products help administrators streamline communication across the institution. Countless daily tasks that were once completed manually by school staff are now automated and managed using SIS software, making these products vital tools for primary and secondary schools.

While Student Information Systems also exist for [higher education institutions](https://www.g2.com/categories/higher-education-student-information-systems), this category includes products specifically designed to serve the unique needs of K-12 schools. There are similarities between both types of SIS software, but companies usually target one market or the other with their software because the institutions have such different needs. For example, parents are typically much more involved in schooling when their children are in primary and secondary grades, so SIS products for K-12 tend to incorporate more features for communicating with parents, such as messaging functions or online parent portals. K-12 classes also often have more frequent graded assignments, quizzes, and tests, and more stringent requirements to report test results to local and state education agencies. As a result, K-12 Student Information Systems often have robust assessment features that allow administrators to run a variety of analytical reports to get the clearest picture of their students’ achievement levels.

**Key Benefits of K-12 Student Information Systems**

- Facilitates sharing of student information across departments
- Enables greater communication between administrators, teachers, parents and students
- Allows schools to assess students more effectively
- Automates reporting on key school performance indicators

### Why Use K-12 Student Information Systems?

**Information management —** K-12 administrators need student data for a variety of functions, including attendance, grades, contacting families, discipline, health records, and food service. A Student Information System houses all of this data in one integrated system, so there is a single source of truth no matter who is accessing the system. Having this information accessible in a digitized system reduces the amount of time staff spent maintaining records, makes daily tasks faster, and ensures records are accurate and up-to-date.

**Streamlined communication —** A key marker of a well-run school is that the entire school community has open channels of communication and is working together to help students be successful. K-12 Student Information Systems centralize contact information for parents and students, so teachers and staff can easily get in touch when the need arises. Most provide online portals for students and parents with self-service options for checking grades, attendance, or other information. Mass notification features provide a quick way of sending out important news or reminders to the entire community. Messaging functions allow students and parents to reach teachers to ask about grades or seek extra help, and give teachers a way to manage those requests. Mobile apps that accompany some SIS products have built-in messaging options that facilitate those lines of communication.

**Assessment and reporting —** Student learning and achievement is at the heart of everything a school does. K-12 Student Information Systems often have robust [assessment](https://www.g2.com/categories/assessment) features built in to keep tabs on how students are performing. Depending on the product, teachers can create assessments or analyze data from past assessments students have taken. The interconnected nature of an SIS allows that data to be shared across departments, so a teacher can input a student test score that might later be reviewed by a guidance counselor, a volleyball coach, or a vice principal. With the volumes of data in an SIS, administrators can run a range of reports on not only assessment results but attendance, demographic shifts, finances, and other topics.

### Who Uses K-12 Student Information Systems?

From district office officials to a single student, people in a variety of roles may use different parts of a K-12 Student Information System.

**Students —** On a daily basis, students use an SIS platform to get updates on data like their grades and attendance. Built-in messaging functions on SIS websites and in their mobile apps also allow students to easily get in touch with teachers to ask questions or get help. Some students may use the platforms to print transcripts or get information for college applications.

**Parents —** Much in the way students use SIS platforms, parents access them most frequently to keep tabs on their student’s performance in school. Parents generally have access to parent portals or mobile apps that display student grades, attendance, and behavior records. They may also be able to manage the student’s extracurricular activities, student fees, lunch plan, and health or special education records.

**Teachers —** SIS systems are probably the most-used software tools in a teacher’s typical day. Teachers use SIS platforms to take attendance, input grades, message students or parents, record behavior issues, and manage special education documentation. Reporting functions allow teachers to analyze assessment data to help them determine how to adjust their lessons to better meet student needs. Messaging functions can also help improve communication with parents and students.

**Non-faculty school staff —** Front office staff use SIS data to contact parents, update addresses, print report cards, and schedule bus pickups. Academic counselors register students for required classes or use gradebook data to help students determine which colleges to apply to. Nurses, sports coaches, food service workers, disciplinarians, maintenance staff, and bus drivers may also use SIS software or pull data from it.

**School administrators —** At the administrative level, principals and vice principals use SIS software both to view data on individual students or teachers as well as to get high-level looks at the institution’s performance. Reporting functions allow administrators to analyze academic performance across different student groups. Mass messaging allows principals to blast important news to the entire school community.

**Superintendents —** For superintendents and other district-level staff managing multiple schools, an integrated SIS gives them the power to pull data from across the entire district. Reporting tools streamline the process of gathering data required by local, state, and federal education authorities, helping school districts maintain compliance with applicable reporting laws. Those reports can also reveal areas for improvement across the district, helping leaders shape their future plans.

### Kinds of K-12 Student Information Systems

While many K-12 Student Information Systems have similar feature sets, SIS vendors have developed products that are intended to be used in specific school environments. Here are some of the markets SIS products target.

**Large K-12 schools or school districts —** More robust SIS systems can scale to handle the data needs of large institutions, managing data on potentially thousands of teachers and students. These systems often offer a variety of modules that manage functions for each of the departments that help keep larger schools running.

**Small or independent schools —** While some SIS systems can scale to manage either large or small institutions, other products are marketed specifically to smaller schools, independent schools, or charter schools. Often, these systems are customizable so they can be configured according to a small institution’s specific needs.

**Private schools or parochial schools —** These SIS products often incorporate functionality that is more commonly utilized by tuition-based private schools, managing tasks such as recruiting students, processing applications, and collecting tuition payments. Some also include tools to manage scholarships financial aid for students. For schools with ties to a religious institution, the software may integrate with [church management](https://www.g2.com/categories/church-management)software.

### K-12 Student Information Systems Features

**Admissions —** Administrators can communicate with prospective students, accept applications, make admissions decisions, and eventually enroll students in classes using admissions functions in SIS platforms.

**Student data management —** At the heart of every K-12 SIS is its ability to gather and manage large amounts of student data, such as demographic information, home addresses, emergency contact numbers, standardized test scores, special education accommodations, and medical history.

**Attendance —** Teachers can electronically record which students are present, tardy, and absent, allowing parents to view that information remotely and get automated alerts if their child is marked absent.

**Behavior management and discipline —** For students who run afoul of the school’s code of conduct, administrators and disciplinarians can record details about the incident, which can be communicated to parents or saved for future reference.

**Scheduling —** Creating a master schedule is a complex endeavor involving thousands of potential combinations of classes, teachers, and students. Built-in scheduling tools automate that process, helping administrators avoid double-booking rooms or teachers and ensuring students take the classes that meet their needs and interests. Administrators can customize class names, set graduation requirements, and modify grade scales.

**Gradebook —** Recording student grades is an essential function of an SIS. Gradebook tools allow teachers to create assignments, enter scores, and print a variety of reports. In addition to gradebooks that offer the traditional A-F grading scale, some SIS products offer standards-based grading, in which students are assessed on their proficiency on certain target skills rather than assigned letter grades or percentages. Some gradebooks also have a database of state or national standards that educators can attach to certain assignments or assessments to make it easier to analyze results or report scores to education agencies.

**Curriculum management —** Sharing lesson plans or entire course curriculums is possible in SIS systems with built-in curriculum management features. These tools are also found in stand-alone [curriculum managment](https://www.g2.com/categories/curriculum-management)software.

**Learning Management System —** Some SIS products have an integrated [LMS](https://www.g2.com/categories/learning-management-system-lms), giving teachers the ability to send digital assignments and assessments to students. Using an LMS, teachers can track student activity and communicate with students about the assignments.

**Student and parent portals —** K-12 Student Information Systems provide online portals where students can log in to check their grades, review attendance records, message their teachers, or get other information. Parents have a similar portal that allows them to keep tabs on their child’s performance at school.

**Fee management —** To make paying student fees easier, many SIS products have built-in tools that automate billing and allow parents or students to pay those fees online.

**Mobile apps —** An app built for an SIS allows students and parents to more easily accomplish tasks they would otherwise be able to do in a web browser via the SIS portal, such as check grades or message a teacher.

**Report generation —** Because SIS systems manage large volumes of student data, the ability to run reports on a variety of indicators is a crucial function. Some of the most common data pulls administrators use are generating progress reports, report cards, or transcripts to communicate the grades that a student earned in a given term. Teachers or administrators can pull up assessment results and compare student performance across different time periods, demographics, or classes. School districts are required to report certain information about students and their performance to local, state, and federal education agencies, so having the ability to automatically generate reports that meet those compliance requirements can be a huge time-saver.

**Assessment —** Built-in assessment features allow teachers to create customized quizzes or tests, administer them digitally to students, and analyze the results.

**Mass notifications —** SIS systems often have integrated mass notification features, allowing administrators to quickly contact students or parents via email or text message.

**Student services modules —** Some non-academic staff members of schools, such as the school nurse or food service workers, use SIS software modules that specifically assist with those job functions. Integrating these functions helps ensure that student data is accurate and saves staff from having to enter the same information multiple times into different systems, reducing the potential for errors.

### Trends Related to K-12 Student Information Systems

**Integrations and APIs —** Even though Student Information Systems accomplish a wide range of day-to-day tasks, they often don’t cover some aspects of a school’s operations. For that reason, it is becoming increasingly important for SIS developers to build in robust integrations with other software products to facilitate data sharing with other systems. Sometimes those integrations are with other products offered by the same vendor, while other times the product integrates with other software vendors that offer products to manage accounting, email marketing, classroom messaging, or transportation, among other responsibilities.

**Mobile access —** With the ubiquity of mobile devices in modern life, it is even more essential that Student Information Systems are compatible with those devices and have dedicated mobile apps that are available to the school community. Mobile apps allow parents and students to more easily access the information they need about the student’s grades, assignments, attendance, or behavior. [Messaging](https://www.g2.com/categories/classroom-messaging) functions also make it simple to get in touch with a child’s teacher and allow teachers to keep those messages in a centralized place. Having key student information available with only a couple taps on a phone or tablet screen makes it more likely that students and parents will be engaged and up-to-date on the child’s progress so everyone knows what the child is doing well and where they need help.

### Potential Issues with K-12 Student Information Systems

**Data privacy and security —** Cybersecurity attacks have been increasingly targeting schools in recent years, underscoring the importance of protecting the large volumes of sensitive personal data that Student Information Systems harbor. Between 2016 and early 2020, there were at least 770 cybersecurity-related incidents involving K-12 schools, according to the [K-12 Cybersecurity Resource Center](https://k12cybersecure.com/), which tracks such incidents. The actual number is likely even higher, because that total only includes incidents that were publicly disclosed. Hackers have frequently targeted schools with ransomware attacks, breaking into the school’s systems and refusing to unlock the data unless the district pays the hacker a ransom. Such attacks can be crippling for institutions that rely on Student Information Systems to accomplish daily tasks, and at times ransomware attacks have forced school districts to close until the situation is resolved. When purchasing a Student Information System, administrators must ask hard questions about how the data they store on such systems will be protected from cyberattacks. If the data is stored on-premises, the institution’s IT staff must build in sufficient protections to avoid being the next victim of a K-12 cybersecurity attack.

**Cost —** Smaller institutions, such as an independent private school or charter school, have many of the same day-to-day needs as schools in larger districts, but may not have the resources to buy an SIS from one of the larger vendors. Vendors often charge a fee that varies depending on the number of students the school serves. Some products cater specifically to smaller institutions who may not be able to afford a product from a larger vendor.

**Lack of integrations —** While some Student Information Systems integrate with hundreds of other software products, others may not offer the same level of interoperability. Administrators who are considering purchasing an SIS should carefully research its integrations to ensure it is compatible with software they already use or are planning to use alongside the SIS. If the SIS doesn’t integrate well with other software, that could mean having to enter the same data multiple times in different systems, or school departments having multiple sets of different data if the records aren’t maintained in a single system. To avoid headaches down the road, integrations are key to establish in the beginning.

### Software and Services Related to K-12 Student Information Systems

**Education ERP suites —** Many Student Information System vendors have an accompanying ERP product, which handles “back-office" business functions like finance and accounting or human resources. Adding an integrated ERP suite to an SIS provides K-12 institutions with a seamless way to manage both student data and school resources in a single system.

**School Transportation Software —** SIS systems may integrate with school transportation software products, allowing administrators to manage bus routes and ensure kids get from home to school and back safely. Integrating those systems means important information for transportation planning, like student names and home addresses, can be easily shared between the systems.

[**Special Education Software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/special-education) **—** Schools need a way to manage legally mandated records for students with special needs, including Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans. If the SIS doesn’t have a way to manage those records, there are a number of software products specifically designed to help special education teachers and case managers ensure they are meeting students’ needs.

[**Higher Education SIS**](https://www.g2.com/categories/higher-education-student-information-systems) **—** While similar in functionality in many ways to K-12 SIS systems, an SIS built for higher education will have features that help campus administrators manage processes that are more common at the college or university level. These systems often connect a variety of campus departments, including admissions, financial aid, student housing, and academic advising.