Software Challenges Unique to Schools
Schools face challenges that typical business software doesn't address:
- Academic year cycles
- Complex scheduling requirements
- Multiple stakeholder groups (students, parents, teachers, admin)
- Budget constraints
- Privacy requirements (FERPA, etc.)
Common Mistakes
Mistake #1: Buying enterprise solutions
Big education platforms often have features for districts, not individual schools. You pay for complexity you don't need.
Mistake #2: Too many disconnected tools
Using separate systems for attendance, grades, communication, and scheduling creates data silos and extra work.
Mistake #3: Ignoring teacher input
Software that makes admin life easier but frustrates teachers will fail. Teachers are the primary users.
What to Look For
Must-Haves
- Mobile-friendly (parents check on phones)
- Simple interface (teachers are busy)
- Reliable uptime
- Good support
- Data export capability
Nice-to-Haves
- Integration with existing tools
- Customizable workflows
- Parent communication features
- Reporting and analytics
The Build vs. Buy Decision
For common needs (email, documents, basic LMS), buy.
For processes unique to your school (specialized forms, custom workflows, specific integrations), consider building.
Working with Limited Budgets
Schools often have limited technology budgets. The prototype-first model works well here—you can validate that a solution will work before spending.
Grant funding can often cover custom software development if you can demonstrate clear educational outcomes.