Quick Overview
- 1#1: Sawyer - Marketplace and management platform for parents to discover, register, and pay for kids' after-school classes and enrichment programs.
- 2#2: Jackrabbit Class - Comprehensive class management software for after-school programs, including online registration, payments, scheduling, and parent portals.
- 3#3: iClassPro - All-in-one solution for children's activity centers handling registrations, attendance tracking, billing, and family management for after-school classes.
- 4#4: RecDesk - Cloud-based recreation management software with online registration and program management tailored for community after-school activities.
- 5#5: Studio Director - Business automation software for dance, gymnastics, and after-school programs featuring registration, invoicing, and attendance tools.
- 6#6: PerfectMind - Recreation software providing online registration, facility booking, and program management for after-school and youth programs.
- 7#7: EZFacility - Scheduling and management platform for youth sports and after-school programs with registration, payments, and reporting features.
- 8#8: Pike13 - Integrated business management software for wellness and kids' classes, supporting online bookings and after-school registrations.
- 9#9: Zen Planner - Studio management system for martial arts and fitness programs with after-school registration, billing, and member tracking.
- 10#10: Upper Hand - Youth sports and activity platform offering registration, payments, and scheduling for after-school training programs.
Tools were chosen and ranked based on comprehensive feature sets, user-friendly design, proven functionality, and overall value, ensuring they align with the demands of modern after-school programs and their stakeholders.
Comparison Table
This comparison table outlines key features, usability, and benefits of popular after school registration software tools, such as Sawyer, Jackrabbit Class, iClassPro, RecDesk, Studio Director, and more, to help readers identify the best fit for their program's specific needs, from scheduling to parent communication.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sawyer Marketplace and management platform for parents to discover, register, and pay for kids' after-school classes and enrichment programs. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Jackrabbit Class Comprehensive class management software for after-school programs, including online registration, payments, scheduling, and parent portals. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | iClassPro All-in-one solution for children's activity centers handling registrations, attendance tracking, billing, and family management for after-school classes. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | RecDesk Cloud-based recreation management software with online registration and program management tailored for community after-school activities. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Studio Director Business automation software for dance, gymnastics, and after-school programs featuring registration, invoicing, and attendance tools. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | PerfectMind Recreation software providing online registration, facility booking, and program management for after-school and youth programs. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | EZFacility Scheduling and management platform for youth sports and after-school programs with registration, payments, and reporting features. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.5/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 8 | Pike13 Integrated business management software for wellness and kids' classes, supporting online bookings and after-school registrations. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | Zen Planner Studio management system for martial arts and fitness programs with after-school registration, billing, and member tracking. | specialized | 6.8/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.0/10 |
| 10 | Upper Hand Youth sports and activity platform offering registration, payments, and scheduling for after-school training programs. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.1/10 |
Marketplace and management platform for parents to discover, register, and pay for kids' after-school classes and enrichment programs.
Comprehensive class management software for after-school programs, including online registration, payments, scheduling, and parent portals.
All-in-one solution for children's activity centers handling registrations, attendance tracking, billing, and family management for after-school classes.
Cloud-based recreation management software with online registration and program management tailored for community after-school activities.
Business automation software for dance, gymnastics, and after-school programs featuring registration, invoicing, and attendance tools.
Recreation software providing online registration, facility booking, and program management for after-school and youth programs.
Scheduling and management platform for youth sports and after-school programs with registration, payments, and reporting features.
Integrated business management software for wellness and kids' classes, supporting online bookings and after-school registrations.
Studio management system for martial arts and fitness programs with after-school registration, billing, and member tracking.
Youth sports and activity platform offering registration, payments, and scheduling for after-school training programs.
Sawyer
specializedMarketplace and management platform for parents to discover, register, and pay for kids' after-school classes and enrichment programs.
Integrated marketplace that connects providers directly with parents searching for local activities
Sawyer is a leading all-in-one platform for managing after-school programs, kids' classes, camps, and youth activities. It simplifies online registration, secure payments, scheduling, attendance tracking, and parent communications through an intuitive dashboard. Providers benefit from waitlist management, automated reminders, reporting tools, and a built-in marketplace to attract more families.
Pros
- Seamless online registration and payment processing with low fees
- User-friendly parent portal and mobile app for easy access
- Comprehensive analytics and marketing tools to grow programs
Cons
- Transaction fees can add up for high-volume providers
- Advanced customization requires higher-tier plans
- Initial setup may take time for complex schedules
Best For
After-school program directors, enrichment class providers, and youth organizations needing scalable registration and management tools.
Pricing
Free Starter plan for basics; Professional at $59/month (up to 500 students); Enterprise custom pricing; plus 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction.
Jackrabbit Class
specializedComprehensive class management software for after-school programs, including online registration, payments, scheduling, and parent portals.
Family Portal allowing parents to manage registrations, payments, and schedules for multiple children under one account
Jackrabbit Class is a cloud-based management platform tailored for after-school programs, enrichment classes, and activity centers, offering seamless online registration, payment processing, and class scheduling. It provides tools for attendance tracking, family portals, and automated communications via email and SMS to enhance parent engagement. The software supports multi-location management and detailed reporting, making it ideal for scaling operations in tutoring, arts, sports, and STEM programs.
Pros
- Robust online registration and payment gateway with waitlists and multi-child family accounts
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for enrollment trends and attendance
- Strong customer support and mobile app for on-the-go management
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with student numbers, potentially costly for very large programs
- Initial setup and customization require some learning curve
- Limited free tier or trial depth compared to some competitors
Best For
Mid-sized after-school programs or multi-location enrichment centers seeking scalable registration and management tools.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month for up to 50 students; scales to $500+/month for larger enrollments, with no long-term contracts.
iClassPro
specializedAll-in-one solution for children's activity centers handling registrations, attendance tracking, billing, and family management for after-school classes.
Advanced family portal with self-service registration, payments, and multi-child management across programs
iClassPro is a robust all-in-one management platform tailored for after-school programs, activity centers, and child enrichment providers like gymnastics, dance, and swim schools. It streamlines online registration, class scheduling, automated billing, attendance tracking, and family communications through a user-friendly parent portal. The software also offers staff scheduling, reporting dashboards, and mobile apps to enhance operational efficiency for multi-location businesses.
Pros
- Comprehensive online registration with real-time availability and waitlists
- Strong integrated billing and payment processing with QuickBooks sync
- Detailed reporting and analytics for enrollment and attendance trends
Cons
- Initial setup and learning curve can be steep for non-tech users
- Pricing scales quickly for larger programs, less ideal for very small operations
- Some advanced customizations require additional fees or support
Best For
Medium to large after-school programs and activity centers needing scalable registration and management tools for high-volume enrollments.
Pricing
Starts at $115/month for up to 100 students; scales with enrollment (e.g., $225/month for 101-250 students), plus transaction fees and add-ons.
RecDesk
enterpriseCloud-based recreation management software with online registration and program management tailored for community after-school activities.
RecDesk Mobile app for seamless participant check-ins and real-time program management
RecDesk is a cloud-based recreation management platform tailored for parks, rec departments, schools, and community organizations, excelling in handling registrations for after-school programs, camps, and classes. It provides online registration portals, automated payment processing, waitlists, and scheduling tools to streamline enrollment and program management. Additional features include facility bookings, attendance tracking, and detailed reporting, making it a robust solution for youth program coordinators.
Pros
- Comprehensive online registration with waitlists and family accounts
- Integrated payment processing and invoicing
- Strong reporting and mobile app for check-ins
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-rec professionals
- Customization options can feel limited without add-ons
- Pricing scales quickly for high-volume users
Best For
Mid-sized schools or community centers running multiple after-school programs needing integrated registration and payment tools.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting around $100-300/month based on registrations and users; includes unlimited programs.
Studio Director
specializedBusiness automation software for dance, gymnastics, and after-school programs featuring registration, invoicing, and attendance tools.
Family Portal allowing parents to self-register, pay invoices, view schedules, and update info online without staff intervention
Studio Director is a robust management platform tailored for dance studios, performing arts schools, and similar programs, offering tools for after-school registration, class scheduling, attendance tracking, and billing. It features an online parent portal for registrations, payments, and schedule viewing, alongside instructor tools for rosters and check-ins. The software supports CRM functions, reporting, and email/SMS communications to streamline operations for after-school programs.
Pros
- Comprehensive online registration and payment processing with family portal
- Strong scheduling, attendance tracking, and reporting capabilities
- Integrated billing, invoicing, and CRM for efficient program management
Cons
- Outdated user interface that feels clunky for modern users
- Steeper learning curve for setup and customization
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
Best For
After-school dance, music, or arts programs needing full-spectrum class management, parent portals, and attendance tools.
Pricing
Starts at $119/month for up to 100 students, with tiered pricing scaling to $500+/month based on enrollment size and features.
PerfectMind
enterpriseRecreation software providing online registration, facility booking, and program management for after-school and youth programs.
Integrated facility and resource booking system that prevents double-bookings across programs
PerfectMind is a cloud-based management platform tailored for recreation centers, fitness facilities, and community programs, including after-school activities. It enables seamless online registration, class scheduling, payment processing, and attendance tracking through user-friendly portals for parents and admins. The software also offers reporting, marketing tools, and mobile access to streamline operations for youth programs.
Pros
- Comprehensive registration and scheduling for multiple classes and sessions
- Integrated payment gateway with automated billing and invoicing
- Customizable parent portal and mobile app for easy access
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features and customizations
- Pricing requires custom quotes, which can be opaque for small users
- Less specialized for purely after-school needs compared to education-focused tools
Best For
Mid-sized recreation centers or after-school programs handling high-volume registrations and facility bookings.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $200/month for small organizations, scaling with users and features; includes implementation fees.
EZFacility
enterpriseScheduling and management platform for youth sports and after-school programs with registration, payments, and reporting features.
Advanced multi-facility scheduling with drag-and-drop calendars and real-time capacity management
EZFacility is a comprehensive facility management software designed primarily for sports and fitness centers, offering robust tools for online registration, scheduling, billing, and member management that can be adapted for after-school programs. It enables parents to easily register children for classes, camps, or activities via a branded portal, while administrators handle capacity limits, waitlists, and automated payments. The platform also includes reporting features to track attendance and revenue for after-school offerings.
Pros
- Powerful scheduling and online registration portal tailored for group classes and events
- Integrated billing and payment processing with automated invoicing
- Detailed reporting and analytics for program performance and attendance
Cons
- User interface feels dated and has a steeper learning curve for non-facility experts
- Overkill for small after-school programs without full facility needs
- Pricing is quote-based and can escalate with add-ons and user volume
Best For
Mid-sized after-school programs at sports facilities or community centers requiring integrated scheduling, registration, and facility booking.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $150/month for basic plans, scaling with number of users, facilities, and features.
Pike13
specializedIntegrated business management software for wellness and kids' classes, supporting online bookings and after-school registrations.
Advanced belt/rank progression tracking for martial arts-style programs, integrated with scheduling and reporting
Pike13 is a cloud-based management software primarily designed for fitness studios, martial arts schools, and boutique gyms, offering tools for class scheduling, online registration, automated billing, attendance tracking, and member management. For after-school programs, it supports efficient registration for class-based activities like sports, dance, or enrichment classes, with features for online bookings, payments, and reporting. While versatile, it's best suited for physical activity-focused programs rather than academic tutoring.
Pros
- Robust online registration and scheduling for classes
- Integrated billing with automated recurring payments
- Mobile app for quick check-ins and attendance tracking
Cons
- Primarily tailored to fitness/martial arts, less ideal for non-physical after-school programs
- Pricing scales quickly with number of members, less affordable for very small programs
- Steeper learning curve for non-gym users
Best For
After-school providers running class-based physical activities like martial arts, dance, or sports programs with moderate to high enrollment.
Pricing
Starts at around $115/month for basic plans, with pricing scaling based on active members (typically $2-5 per member/month); custom quotes available.
Zen Planner
specializedStudio management system for martial arts and fitness programs with after-school registration, billing, and member tracking.
Advanced belt/promotion tracking and curriculum builder, ideal for structured physical activity programs
Zen Planner is a management platform primarily designed for martial arts studios, gyms, and fitness centers, providing tools for online class registration, scheduling, automated billing, and member management that can be adapted for after-school programs. It features parent portals for easy sign-ups and payments, instructor apps for attendance tracking, and reporting dashboards for program oversight. While effective for physical activity-based after-school classes, it lacks specialized features for academic or enrichment programs.
Pros
- Robust online registration and scheduling for classes
- Integrated billing with automated payments and invoicing
- Mobile apps for parents, students, and staff for real-time access
Cons
- Geared more toward fitness/martial arts than general after-school programs
- Limited customization for non-physical activities like tutoring
- Pricing can be steep for small-scale after-school operations
Best For
After-school programs centered on martial arts, dance, or fitness classes needing strong membership and billing tools.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month for basic plans (up to 100 members), scales with custom quotes for larger programs; includes setup fees.
Upper Hand
specializedYouth sports and activity platform offering registration, payments, and scheduling for after-school training programs.
Advanced program scheduling with drag-and-drop calendars and automated waitlists optimized for multi-session after-school classes.
Upper Hand is a cloud-based management platform primarily designed for sports organizations, youth leagues, camps, and fitness facilities, offering robust tools for online registration, scheduling, payments, and parent communication. For after-school programs, it streamlines enrollment processes, handles waivers and forms digitally, and tracks attendance effectively. While versatile for activity-based after-school offerings like sports or fitness classes, it may require customization for non-athletic programs such as tutoring or arts.
Pros
- Comprehensive online registration with e-signatures and payment processing
- Strong parent portal and mobile app for real-time updates and communication
- Integrated scheduling and reporting tools tailored for programs and classes
Cons
- Primarily sports-focused, less intuitive for academic or arts-based after-school programs
- Custom pricing can be costly for small-scale operations
- Moderate learning curve for advanced features and setup
Best For
After-school sports clubs, fitness programs, and activity centers needing integrated registration and scheduling for youth groups.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting at around $99/month for basic plans, scaling to $499+/month for enterprise features, plus transaction fees (typically 2-3% per payment).
Conclusion
After analyzing the top 10 after school registration software tools, Sawyer claims the top spot, distinguishing itself through its user-friendly marketplace and seamless registration-payment process. Jackrabbit Class impresses with its comprehensive all-in-one management features, including scheduling and parent portals, while iClassPro stands out as an ideal solution for activity centers needing robust tracking and family management. Each tool offers distinct strengths, ensuring there is a fit for varying program sizes and operational requirements.
Ready to simplify registration and elevate the after school experience? Sawyer is the top choice—explore its platform today to connect parents with classes and manage operations with ease.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison