School platforms for kids: 6 researched, compared on ages, price, ads and data

Researched by Peabody

Facts from each maker's own pages (terms, pricing, privacy), with our one-line take. A to Z; we rank nothing until we have tried it.

Desk researchThrough schoolsNo ads
Canvas LMS
Instructure · ages grades K-12 and college
Parents do not pick Canvas, but if your school uses it, install the Parent app and ask which outside tools are connected to your child's courses.
Desk researchThrough schoolsNo ads
ClassLink LaunchPad
ClassLink, Inc. · ages grades K-12
Parents do not pick it, but should ask their district whether the selfie login is turned on and how photos are stored.
Desk researchThrough schoolsNo ads
Clever
Clever Inc. · ages grades K-12
Parents do not choose it, but it is worth knowing which apps your district connects through it.
Desk researchFreeNo ads
Connections Academy
Pearson · ages grades K-12
Worth a look for families who need school at home and have an adult free to coach; families expecting it to match a good local school should read the research first.
Desk researchFree
Educational App Store
Educational App Store Ltd · ages for parents and teachers (covers apps for ages 3-18+)
A useful place for parents and teachers to scan teacher-reviewed apps; keep in mind that makers pay to be reviewed, so cross-check before buying.

Shut down, exposed children's data, or said unsafe things in tests.

WarningPaid
2 Hour Learning
2 Hour Learning (2HR Learning), the software behind Alpha School · ages grades K-12 (about 5-18)
Families drawn to fast, mastery-based learning should read the privacy policy first; anyone uneasy with webcam and screen recording of their child should skip it.

Products G2 files here that we have not researched yet, in G2's order. Most are built for adults or businesses. G2 categories: Learning Management Systems, Curriculum Management Software, Other Education Software.