Quick Overview
- 1#1: Brightwheel - All-in-one mobile platform for childcare and after-school programs handling check-ins, payments, messaging, and daily reports.
- 2#2: Procare Software - Comprehensive childcare management system for attendance tracking, tuition billing, and parent communication in after-school care.
- 3#3: Jackrabbit Class - Class management software designed for scheduling, registration, and billing in after-school activities like dance and gymnastics.
- 4#4: iClassPro - Online business management tool for class-based after-school programs including automated billing and student tracking.
- 5#5: Sandbox Software - Cloud-based childcare solution for managing attendance, staff scheduling, and invoicing in after-school environments.
- 6#6: HiMama - Early learning app providing documentation, curriculum sharing, and family engagement for after-school programs.
- 7#7: PerfectMind - Program registration and facility management platform for community after-school activities and events.
- 8#8: ClubReady - Integrated management software for gyms, studios, and after-school clubs with scheduling and member retention tools.
- 9#9: ThinkWave - Student information system for grades, attendance, and scheduling in after-school tutoring and classes.
- 10#10: EZFacility - Scheduling and reservation software for facilities managing after-school programs and activities.
We prioritized tools with robust, purpose-built features (from attendance tracking to automated billing), intuitive interfaces, proven reliability, and clear value, ensuring they deliver lasting support for after-school providers.
Comparison Table
Looking to streamline after school operations? This comparison table details top tools like Brightwheel, Procare Software, Jackrabbit Class, iClassPro, and Sandbox Software, offering a clear overview of their strengths. Readers will gain insights into key features and suitability for diverse program needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brightwheel All-in-one mobile platform for childcare and after-school programs handling check-ins, payments, messaging, and daily reports. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | Procare Software Comprehensive childcare management system for attendance tracking, tuition billing, and parent communication in after-school care. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | Jackrabbit Class Class management software designed for scheduling, registration, and billing in after-school activities like dance and gymnastics. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | iClassPro Online business management tool for class-based after-school programs including automated billing and student tracking. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Sandbox Software Cloud-based childcare solution for managing attendance, staff scheduling, and invoicing in after-school environments. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | HiMama Early learning app providing documentation, curriculum sharing, and family engagement for after-school programs. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 7 | PerfectMind Program registration and facility management platform for community after-school activities and events. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | ClubReady Integrated management software for gyms, studios, and after-school clubs with scheduling and member retention tools. | specialized | 6.9/10 | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 6.3/10 |
| 9 | ThinkWave Student information system for grades, attendance, and scheduling in after-school tutoring and classes. | enterprise | 7.3/10 | 6.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | EZFacility Scheduling and reservation software for facilities managing after-school programs and activities. | enterprise | 6.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 6.3/10 | 6.0/10 |
All-in-one mobile platform for childcare and after-school programs handling check-ins, payments, messaging, and daily reports.
Comprehensive childcare management system for attendance tracking, tuition billing, and parent communication in after-school care.
Class management software designed for scheduling, registration, and billing in after-school activities like dance and gymnastics.
Online business management tool for class-based after-school programs including automated billing and student tracking.
Cloud-based childcare solution for managing attendance, staff scheduling, and invoicing in after-school environments.
Early learning app providing documentation, curriculum sharing, and family engagement for after-school programs.
Program registration and facility management platform for community after-school activities and events.
Integrated management software for gyms, studios, and after-school clubs with scheduling and member retention tools.
Student information system for grades, attendance, and scheduling in after-school tutoring and classes.
Scheduling and reservation software for facilities managing after-school programs and activities.
Brightwheel
specializedAll-in-one mobile platform for childcare and after-school programs handling check-ins, payments, messaging, and daily reports.
Real-time photo-verified check-in/out system ensuring secure and efficient child handoffs
Brightwheel is an all-in-one childcare management platform tailored for after-school programs, preschools, and daycares, offering tools for attendance tracking, parent communication, billing, and daily reporting. It features a user-friendly mobile app for parents and staff to handle check-ins, share real-time updates, photos, and schedules. The software simplifies administrative tasks while enhancing parent engagement and child safety through secure pick-up verification and progress tracking.
Pros
- Comprehensive parent app with real-time messaging, photos, and reports
- Streamlined attendance and check-in/out with photo verification
- Integrated billing, payments, and scheduling for efficient operations
Cons
- Premium features require paid plans which can add up for large programs
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported by users
- Limited advanced reporting customization in basic tiers
Best For
After-school programs and childcare centers prioritizing strong parent communication and seamless daily operations.
Pricing
Free Essential plan for basics; paid Childcare ($10/child/mo) and Child Plus ($20/child/mo billed annually) for advanced features.
Procare Software
enterpriseComprehensive childcare management system for attendance tracking, tuition billing, and parent communication in after-school care.
Procare Payments: Seamless, PCI-compliant integrated billing that automates collections and reduces processing costs compared to third-party gateways.
Procare Software is a robust childcare management platform tailored for daycare centers, preschools, and after-school programs, offering end-to-end tools for child registration, attendance tracking, and family management. It excels in automating tuition billing, secure check-in/out processes, and parent-staff communication via a dedicated mobile app. The system also provides compliance reporting, staff scheduling, and multi-location support, making it suitable for scaling after-school operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive billing and payment processing with low transaction fees
- Strong attendance and check-in/out security features with photo verification
- Integrated parent portal and mobile app for real-time communication and updates
Cons
- Interface feels dated in some areas, requiring a learning curve
- Pricing can add up with per-child fees and add-ons
- Limited customization for highly specialized after-school activities
Best For
Medium to large after-school programs or childcare centers needing reliable billing, attendance tracking, and multi-site management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at $129/month for base software, plus $1-2 per child/month and optional add-ons for payments or mobile features.
Jackrabbit Class
specializedClass management software designed for scheduling, registration, and billing in after-school activities like dance and gymnastics.
Jackrabbit Lingo mobile app for real-time attendance, check-ins, and parent notifications
Jackrabbit Class is a comprehensive management platform tailored for class-based programs like gymnastics, dance, martial arts, swim lessons, and after-school activities. It handles online registration, scheduling, automated billing, attendance tracking, and family communications through a user-friendly family portal. The software also offers robust reporting, staff management, and mobile apps for on-the-go access, making it suitable for multi-location operations.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including online registration and automated billing
- Strong family portal and mobile app for parents and staff
- Scalable for multi-location programs with detailed reporting
Cons
- Initial setup and learning curve can be steep
- Pricing scales quickly with student volume
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Medium to large after-school programs with multiple classes, locations, and high enrollment needing full-spectrum management.
Pricing
Starts at $125/month base for up to 100 students, plus $4-6 per active student/month; custom quotes for larger operations.
iClassPro
specializedOnline business management tool for class-based after-school programs including automated billing and student tracking.
Family accounts with unified parent portals for seamless management of multiple children, payments, and schedules in one place
iClassPro is a robust cloud-based management platform tailored for class-based businesses like after-school programs, gymnastics, dance, and enrichment centers. It streamlines operations with features for online registration, automated billing, class scheduling, attendance tracking, and family portals for parents to manage enrollments and payments. The software also offers skill tracking, reporting dashboards, and a mobile app for instructors and admins to handle daily tasks efficiently.
Pros
- Comprehensive scheduling and attendance tools with skill tracking for student progress
- Strong online parent portal and automated recurring billing
- Excellent reporting and mobile app for real-time management
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Pricing scales quickly with student numbers, less ideal for very small programs
- Limited free trial and some customization requires add-ons
Best For
Medium to large after-school programs managing multiple classes, locations, and high student volumes that need automated billing and parent self-service.
Pricing
Starts at $115/month for up to 50 students, with per-student pricing scaling from $2.75/active student thereafter; custom enterprise plans available.
Sandbox Software
specializedCloud-based childcare solution for managing attendance, staff scheduling, and invoicing in after-school environments.
Drag-and-drop program scheduler that allows easy creation and management of multi-week sessions with automatic waitlists and capacity controls
Sandbox Software is a cloud-based platform tailored for managing after-school programs, youth clubs, summer camps, and childcare services. It offers tools for online registration, payment processing, attendance tracking, staff scheduling, and parent communication via a dedicated portal. The software emphasizes simplicity and efficiency, helping administrators reduce paperwork and improve program operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick setup
- Robust parent portal for real-time updates and payments
- Excellent customer support with fast response times
Cons
- Reporting features lack depth for large-scale analytics
- Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Customization options are somewhat basic
Best For
Small to medium-sized after-school programs and youth organizations needing an affordable, straightforward management tool without advanced enterprise features.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for up to 100 active students, with tiered plans scaling by student count (e.g., $199/month for 101-300 students); includes a 30-day free trial.
HiMama
specializedEarly learning app providing documentation, curriculum sharing, and family engagement for after-school programs.
The comprehensive parent app delivering instant daily reports, photos, and milestone tracking
HiMama is a child care management platform primarily designed for early childhood programs but adaptable for after-school care, focusing on attendance tracking, parent communication, and daily activity documentation. It enables staff to log check-ins, share photos and updates via a mobile app, and generate automated reports for parents. The software also supports basic billing, scheduling, and staff management, making it suitable for smaller after-school operations within daycare settings.
Pros
- User-friendly mobile app for parents and staff with real-time updates
- Strong attendance and check-in/out tracking
- Automated daily sheets and photo sharing streamline parent communication
Cons
- Limited features tailored to school-age activities like homework tracking or transportation
- Pricing scales quickly for larger after-school programs
- Less integration with school district systems compared to education-focused tools
Best For
Small after-school programs in childcare centers emphasizing parent engagement and basic daily reporting over advanced scheduling.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at around $65/month for basic plans, scaling per child or program size (typically $5-15/child/month).
PerfectMind
enterpriseProgram registration and facility management platform for community after-school activities and events.
Integrated childcare and activity scheduling with automated waitlisting and real-time capacity management
PerfectMind is a cloud-based recreation management software tailored for community centers, fitness facilities, and after-school programs, offering tools for online registrations, scheduling, payments, and attendance tracking. It enables parents to easily enroll children in activities, manage accounts, and access real-time schedules via a self-service portal. Administrators gain insights through customizable reporting and analytics to optimize program operations and engagement.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform with strong registration and payment tools
- Mobile app for parents and staff to track attendance and schedules
- Robust reporting and integration options for multi-location programs
Cons
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive features
- Custom pricing can be expensive for small after-school setups
- Limited out-of-the-box customization for unique workflows
Best For
Mid-sized after-school programs and recreation centers seeking scalable management for classes, memberships, and family engagement.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $100-300/month depending on modules, users, and transaction volume; no public tiers.
ClubReady
specializedIntegrated management software for gyms, studios, and after-school clubs with scheduling and member retention tools.
Guardian-verified child check-in/out with photo capture and real-time notifications for secure attendance management
ClubReady is a robust management software primarily designed for fitness centers, gyms, and martial arts studios, providing tools for membership management, class scheduling, automated billing, and point-of-sale operations. For after-school programs, it supports activity-based care like sports or martial arts classes through features such as kid check-in/out, attendance tracking, and parent portals for payments and schedules. However, it lacks deep integrations with school systems or tools for academic enrichment, homework tracking, or transportation management, making it better suited for fitness-focused extracurriculars rather than comprehensive after-school childcare.
Pros
- Powerful automated billing and recurring payment processing ideal for parent subscriptions
- Effective class scheduling and mobile check-in/out for attendance tracking
- Comprehensive reporting and parent communication tools via app and portal
Cons
- Fitness-centric design lacks after-school specifics like homework logs or school SIS integrations
- Steep learning curve and customization needed for non-gym programs
- Pricing scales quickly with members, less affordable for small after-school operations
Best For
Martial arts dojos, sports clubs, or fitness-based after-school programs requiring strong membership billing and scheduling.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starts at around $119/month per location plus $1-2 per active member; includes setup fees and transaction costs.
ThinkWave
enterpriseStudent information system for grades, attendance, and scheduling in after-school tutoring and classes.
Unlimited free access for parents and students to view real-time grades and attendance
ThinkWave is a cloud-based student information system (SIS) designed primarily for K-12 schools, offering tools for online gradebooks, attendance tracking, scheduling, and parent/student portals. For after-school programs, it provides basic management of attendance, progress reports, and communication for extracurricular classes or tutoring sessions. While reliable for core tracking, it lacks specialized features for program registration, waivers, or multi-session billing typical in dedicated after-school software.
Pros
- Extremely affordable per-student pricing
- Simple, intuitive web interface with mobile access
- Robust parent and student portals for real-time updates
Cons
- Lacks after-school-specific tools like class registration or payment processing
- Primarily school-oriented, requiring workarounds for program management
- Limited advanced scheduling for rotating after-school sessions
Best For
Small after-school programs or school-affiliated clubs seeking basic, low-cost attendance and grading without complex registration needs.
Pricing
Starts at ~$1 per student per year (minimum ~$500/school annually), scalable by enrollment with no contracts or setup fees.
EZFacility
enterpriseScheduling and reservation software for facilities managing after-school programs and activities.
Advanced facility and multi-location scheduling with drag-and-drop calendars and capacity management
EZFacility is a versatile facility management platform primarily designed for gyms, fitness centers, and sports facilities, offering tools for class scheduling, member registration, billing, and reporting. For after-school programs, it supports activity scheduling, online registrations, payments, and attendance tracking, making it suitable for programs hosted in recreational spaces. However, it lacks specialized childcare features like parent portals for daily updates or behavioral tracking, requiring workarounds for full after-school needs.
Pros
- Robust scheduling for classes and facility bookings with real-time availability
- Integrated billing, invoicing, and online payment processing
- Comprehensive reporting and member management tools
Cons
- Not tailored specifically for after-school childcare, missing kid-specific features like daily check-in portals
- Interface can feel dated and has a learning curve for non-fitness users
- Pricing is opaque and scales higher for smaller programs
Best For
After-school programs operating out of sports facilities or gyms that need strong scheduling and payment integration alongside general facility management.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting around $150/month for basic plans, scaling with users, locations, and features; quotes required.
Conclusion
After reviewing the top tools, Brightwheel emerges as the clear winner, excelling with its all-in-one mobile platform for check-ins, payments, and communication. Close behind, Procare Software stands out for comprehensive management, while Jackrabbit Class shines with scheduling and registration tools for diverse after-school activities—each offering unique strengths to suit different needs.
Take the first step in enhancing your after-school program by exploring Brightwheel, where intuitive design meets essential functionality to simplify operations and strengthen connections.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison