Quick Overview
- 1#1: Frontline Education - Delivers comprehensive K-12 staffing solutions including substitute teacher management, applicant tracking, and absence automation.
- 2#2: STXi - Automates substitute teacher assignments, notifications, and compliance tracking for educational institutions.
- 3#3: AbsenceSoft - Streamlines absence reporting and substitute staffing fulfillment with real-time notifications and reporting.
- 4#4: PowerSchool - Offers unified talent management for education recruiting, onboarding, performance, and staffing optimization.
- 5#5: Skyward - Provides school administrative software with integrated HR, scheduling, and staff management tools.
- 6#6: Infinite Campus - District management platform featuring HR staffing, scheduling, and employee tracking capabilities.
- 7#7: Alma - Modern SIS with talent management modules for staff hiring, scheduling, and professional development.
- 8#8: FACTS - School management system including staff scheduling, payroll integration, and HR tools for private schools.
- 9#9: Rediker - Administrative software for schools with staff management, scheduling, and attendance tracking features.
- 10#10: Veracross - Integrated ERP for independent schools handling staff onboarding, scheduling, and HR compliance.
We ranked these tools based on comprehensive feature breadth, user experience, technical robustness, and overall value, ensuring they deliver tangible benefits across staffing workflows like assignment automation, compliance tracking, and talent optimization.
Comparison Table
Education staffing software helps schools manage teams effectively, and this comparison table breaks down key features, offerings, and strengths of tools like Frontline Education, STXi, AbsenceSoft, PowerSchool, Skyward, and more. Readers will learn which platforms align with their unique staffing needs, from scheduling to resource coordination, to make informed decisions.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frontline Education Delivers comprehensive K-12 staffing solutions including substitute teacher management, applicant tracking, and absence automation. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | STXi Automates substitute teacher assignments, notifications, and compliance tracking for educational institutions. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | AbsenceSoft Streamlines absence reporting and substitute staffing fulfillment with real-time notifications and reporting. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | PowerSchool Offers unified talent management for education recruiting, onboarding, performance, and staffing optimization. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Skyward Provides school administrative software with integrated HR, scheduling, and staff management tools. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Infinite Campus District management platform featuring HR staffing, scheduling, and employee tracking capabilities. | enterprise | 7.1/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.3/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 7 | Alma Modern SIS with talent management modules for staff hiring, scheduling, and professional development. | enterprise | 7.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | FACTS School management system including staff scheduling, payroll integration, and HR tools for private schools. | enterprise | 6.8/10 | 6.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 6.7/10 |
| 9 | Rediker Administrative software for schools with staff management, scheduling, and attendance tracking features. | enterprise | 7.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | Veracross Integrated ERP for independent schools handling staff onboarding, scheduling, and HR compliance. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.7/10 | 6.9/10 |
Delivers comprehensive K-12 staffing solutions including substitute teacher management, applicant tracking, and absence automation.
Automates substitute teacher assignments, notifications, and compliance tracking for educational institutions.
Streamlines absence reporting and substitute staffing fulfillment with real-time notifications and reporting.
Offers unified talent management for education recruiting, onboarding, performance, and staffing optimization.
Provides school administrative software with integrated HR, scheduling, and staff management tools.
District management platform featuring HR staffing, scheduling, and employee tracking capabilities.
Modern SIS with talent management modules for staff hiring, scheduling, and professional development.
School management system including staff scheduling, payroll integration, and HR tools for private schools.
Administrative software for schools with staff management, scheduling, and attendance tracking features.
Integrated ERP for independent schools handling staff onboarding, scheduling, and HR compliance.
Frontline Education
enterpriseDelivers comprehensive K-12 staffing solutions including substitute teacher management, applicant tracking, and absence automation.
Frontline Registry, a massive vetted substitute teacher database with AI-powered automated matching for near-instant position fills.
Frontline Education is a leading comprehensive platform for K-12 education staffing, offering tools for absence management, substitute teacher scheduling, recruiting, applicant tracking, and professional growth. It streamlines daily operations by automating position filling, certification tracking, and compliance reporting across school districts. With robust integrations to student information systems (SIS) and a vast network of vetted substitutes, it reduces administrative burden and ensures seamless coverage.
Pros
- Extensive feature set covering recruiting, scheduling, absence management, and compliance in one ecosystem
- Large national substitute pool with automated matching and mobile apps for quick fills
- Deep integrations with major SIS like PowerSchool and Infinite Campus for seamless data flow
Cons
- High cost, especially for smaller districts without economies of scale
- Steep initial learning curve and occasional interface glitches reported by users
- Customization can require significant setup time and support involvement
Best For
Large to mid-sized school districts seeking an all-in-one, scalable solution for managing substitute staffing, absences, and hiring at enterprise level.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing per district size and modules; typically starts at $10-20 per employee annually for core staffing features, with add-ons for recruiting and analytics.
STXi
specializedAutomates substitute teacher assignments, notifications, and compliance tracking for educational institutions.
Proprietary qualification engine that verifies credentials in real-time against state regulations
STXi is a specialized education staffing software platform designed for K-12 schools and districts to manage substitute teachers, long-term placements, and compliance efficiently. It automates the staffing process with intelligent matching, real-time notifications, and qualification verification to ensure only certified personnel fill roles. The tool integrates with student information systems (SIS) for seamless absence management and reporting, reducing administrative workload significantly.
Pros
- Advanced compliance tracking and certification management
- AI-powered substitute matching and automated scheduling
- Strong integrations with popular SIS like PowerSchool and Infinite Campus
Cons
- Initial setup can be time-intensive for smaller districts
- Mobile app functionality is solid but lacks some advanced reporting
- Pricing scales higher for multi-site implementations
Best For
Mid-to-large school districts seeking robust, compliant substitute staffing with minimal manual intervention.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at around $5,000 annually per district, based on size and features.
AbsenceSoft
specializedStreamlines absence reporting and substitute staffing fulfillment with real-time notifications and reporting.
Instant AbsenceFlow engine that auto-fills 90%+ of substitute positions within minutes using AI-driven matching
AbsenceSoft is a cloud-based absence management platform tailored for K-12 schools and districts, automating the reporting of teacher absences and the assignment of substitute staff. It uses intelligent algorithms to match qualified substitutes with open positions in real-time, sending instant notifications via app, email, or text. The software also offers compliance tracking, detailed reporting, and analytics to optimize staffing workflows and reduce administrative burdens.
Pros
- Rapid automated substitute matching and notifications reduce unfilled positions significantly
- Mobile app for teachers and subs enables on-the-go absence reporting and acceptance
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics provide actionable insights into staffing patterns
Cons
- Limited integrations with some non-standard SIS platforms
- Advanced customization requires support team assistance
- Pricing scales higher for very large districts without tiered discounts
Best For
Mid-sized K-12 school districts seeking efficient, automated substitute staffing without complex enterprise HR needs.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $5-10 per certified staff member annually, scaling with district size; free demo available.
PowerSchool
enterpriseOffers unified talent management for education recruiting, onboarding, performance, and staffing optimization.
Unified HR and SIS integration for real-time staff assignment to student needs and compliance tracking
PowerSchool is a comprehensive K-12 education management platform with robust staffing modules that handle HR functions like recruitment, scheduling, certification tracking, and performance management. It integrates staff data seamlessly with its core student information system (SIS), enabling efficient substitute management, payroll processing, and professional development tracking. While not exclusively a staffing tool, its education-specific features make it suitable for districts managing large workforces alongside student operations.
Pros
- Deep integration with SIS for holistic staff-student data management
- Advanced scheduling and substitute staffing tools tailored for schools
- Scalable for large districts with compliance and reporting features
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and customization needs
- High implementation costs and ongoing fees
- Staffing modules feel secondary to core SIS functionality
Best For
Large school districts seeking an integrated platform for both student and staff management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $10-25 per student annually with additional fees for HR/staffing modules; quotes required based on district size.
Skyward
enterpriseProvides school administrative software with integrated HR, scheduling, and staff management tools.
Automated substitute staffing system with real-time availability matching and mobile app for quick fills
Skyward is a comprehensive K-12 education management platform with robust HR and staffing modules designed for school districts. It streamlines substitute teacher management, applicant tracking, employee onboarding, and payroll integration within a unified system. The software excels in automating staffing workflows while syncing seamlessly with student information and attendance data.
Pros
- Seamless integration with SIS for holistic district management
- Advanced substitute matching and automated notifications
- Strong reporting and compliance tools for HR staffing
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical users
- Custom pricing can be opaque and higher for smaller districts
- Limited customization in staffing workflows compared to dedicated HR tools
Best For
Mid-to-large K-12 school districts seeking an integrated platform for both student management and education staffing.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on district size and modules; typically $10-20 per student annually, with quotes required.
Infinite Campus
enterpriseDistrict management platform featuring HR staffing, scheduling, and employee tracking capabilities.
Integrated staff scheduling that automatically aligns with student bell schedules and rosters
Infinite Campus is a comprehensive K-12 student information system (SIS) that includes staff management tools for education staffing, such as employee records, scheduling, absence tracking, and professional development. It enables districts to manage staff data alongside student information in a unified platform, supporting tasks like time and attendance, substitute management, and HR reporting. While not a dedicated staffing solution, its integrated features make it suitable for schools needing basic staffing alongside core SIS functionalities.
Pros
- Seamless integration with student data for holistic district management
- Robust absence and substitute management tools
- Strong reporting and analytics for staff performance
Cons
- Limited advanced recruiting and applicant tracking capabilities
- Steep learning curve for full customization
- Not optimized as a standalone staffing solution
Best For
K-12 school districts already using Infinite Campus SIS who need integrated basic staff scheduling and management.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on district size and student enrollment, typically $5-10 per student annually with staffing modules included in core subscription.
Alma
enterpriseModern SIS with talent management modules for staff hiring, scheduling, and professional development.
Unified staff and student data platform for effortless cross-referencing and permissions management
Alma (getalma.com) is a cloud-based K-12 student information system (SIS) with integrated staff management tools, enabling schools to handle teacher assignments, staff directories, and basic scheduling. It supports education staffing by centralizing personnel data, permissions, and rostering alongside student records for streamlined administrative workflows. While not a dedicated staffing platform, its features aid in oversight of educators and support staff within a broader SIS ecosystem.
Pros
- Seamless integration with student data for holistic staff oversight
- Intuitive interface praised for quick adoption by school admins
- Strong analytics and reporting for staff performance insights
Cons
- Lacks specialized tools for substitute teacher scheduling or recruitment
- Limited advanced staffing features like shift bidding or compliance tracking
- Pricing scales with full SIS, which may overcharge for staffing-only needs
Best For
K-12 schools needing basic staff management embedded in a comprehensive SIS rather than standalone staffing software.
Pricing
Custom quote based on student enrollment; typically $12-18 per student/year for full platform.
FACTS
enterpriseSchool management system including staff scheduling, payroll integration, and HR tools for private schools.
Deep integration with FACTS SIS for unified student and staff data management
FACTS (factsmgt.com) is a comprehensive school management platform primarily designed for private K-12 institutions, offering an integrated Student Information System (SIS) with basic employee management tools for education staffing. It handles staff records, scheduling, attendance tracking, and certification management within its ecosystem, but lacks specialized features for substitute teacher placement or advanced applicant tracking. This makes it suitable as a supplementary staffing solution for schools already invested in the FACTS suite rather than a standalone staffing software.
Pros
- Seamless integration with FACTS SIS and financial tools
- Reliable for basic staff tracking and compliance reporting
- Strong customer support from a established education vendor
Cons
- Limited advanced staffing capabilities like automated substitute matching or robust recruitment
- Dated user interface compared to modern staffing platforms
- Higher cost structure for schools not fully utilizing the full suite
Best For
Private K-12 schools already using FACTS products that require basic integrated staff management without needing specialized staffing automation.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on school size and modules, typically $5-12 per student/month with staffing features as add-ons.
Rediker
enterpriseAdministrative software for schools with staff management, scheduling, and attendance tracking features.
Integrated staff scheduling that syncs directly with student rosters and class assignments in the SIS
Rediker Software provides a comprehensive administrative suite for K-12 schools, with staff management features including scheduling, attendance tracking, substitute teacher assignment, and basic HR tools like staff directories and certification tracking. Primarily known as a student information system (SIS), it extends to education staffing by facilitating teacher rostering and workload balancing within school operations. It's best suited for smaller private or independent schools seeking an all-in-one admin solution rather than a dedicated staffing platform.
Pros
- Strong integration with SIS for holistic school management
- Reliable basic scheduling and substitute tracking
- Cost-effective for small schools with unlimited users
Cons
- Lacks advanced recruitment, applicant tracking, or compliance automation found in dedicated staffing tools
- Primarily Windows-based with a dated interface despite cloud options
- Limited scalability for large districts or complex staffing needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized private K-12 schools needing integrated basic staff scheduling alongside student administration.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on school size; typically $3,000-$15,000 annually for cloud subscriptions, with one-time licenses available.
Veracross
enterpriseIntegrated ERP for independent schools handling staff onboarding, scheduling, and HR compliance.
Integrated faculty scheduling that syncs directly with academic calendars and student information systems
Veracross is a comprehensive ERP platform tailored for independent K-12 schools, with staffing capabilities integrated into its broader suite for admissions, academics, billing, and HR management. It enables schools to handle faculty and staff recruitment tracking, scheduling, certification compliance, professional development, and performance evaluations within a unified database. While robust for holistic school operations, its staffing tools are best leveraged as part of the full ecosystem rather than standalone solutions.
Pros
- Seamless integration with school-wide systems for unified data management
- Robust tools for staff scheduling, compliance, and professional development tracking
- High customization and scalability for growing independent schools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation process
- High cost that may not justify value for staffing-only needs
- Limited focus on advanced recruitment or applicant tracking compared to dedicated HR tools
Best For
Independent K-12 schools seeking an all-in-one ERP with solid integrated staffing management.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on school size and modules; typically $15,000–$50,000+ annually for mid-sized schools.
Conclusion
When evaluating top education staffing software, Frontline Education emerges as the leading choice, offering a robust suite of K-12 solutions that include substitute management, applicant tracking, and absence automation. While STXi and AbsenceSoft also shine—with STXi excelling in substitute assignment efficiency and compliance, and AbsenceSoft streamlining absence reporting and real-time notifications—Frontline Education’s comprehensive features make it the standout option for diverse staffing needs.
Take the first step toward smoother staff operations: explore Frontline Education to experience its seamless, end-to-end staffing management tools that empower schools and districts.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
