A quick Google search for “K-12 student information system” will introduce you to many of the top players in the school software space. But not all student information systems are the same. Some offer a wide range of modules and integrations while others are limited to academic management.  

Veracross and PowerSchool are two popular K-12 student information systems. Let’s compare these top options to see how they measure up and find out which SIS is a better fit for your independent K-12 school. 

Academics vs. Robust Solutions 

From grades to attendance, course schedules to report cards, academic management is the heart of any student information system. K-12 schools need reliable software to assess how students are performing in their studies. Although Veracross and PowerSchool were both created with academic management in mind, their products have evolved in different ways. 

PowerSchool offers a range of academic solutions designed to personalize learning and prepare students for higher education and beyond. They also have an admissions and enrollment offering, but it is not as comprehensive as other solutions.  

Veracross offers that and then some. In addition to academics and student life, Veracross has robust solutions for every department on campus: admissions and enrollment, development, business, health, and marketing and communications. With Veracross, all modules are powered by a one-person, one-record database to provide accurate, real-time information across the entire school.  

Limited Integrations vs. Trusted Partners 

Every technology director dreams about having one data source for their entire school. While it’s not always possible for one software system to meet every single need on campus, most student information systems integrate with other platforms to help you get the best of both worlds.  

Veracross, for example, touts over two hundred integrations with popular learning management systems, student health platforms, emergency management tools and other leading edtech solutions. The Veracross open API is the most advanced in the industry, offering two-way connections for seamless integrations.   

Comparatively, PowerSchool offers about half the number of integrations as Veracross. 

Standard Portals vs. Configurable User Portals 

Information is everything when it comes to a connected school community. Many schools use portals to share information and keep their constituencies engaged. Think of it like a digital bulletin board that’s been tailored with relevant content for specific user groups.  

PowerSchool offers a standard set of portals to share information with families, educators, and school staff. By contrast, Veracross offers configurable user portals for every constituency at your school both on and off-campus.  

  • Want to improve the application process for prospective families? There’s a portal for that. 
  • Want to keep new families engaged before the first day of school? There’s a portal for that. 
  • Want to share sensitive information with your trustees? There’s a portal for that. 
  • Want to foster strong relationships and school support among your alumni? There’s a portal for that. 
  • Want to give your development volunteers a one-stop shop for important information? There’s a portal for that. 

With a drag-and-drop builder, Veracross portals are highly customizable and easy to use. A third-party survey ranked Veracross’s portals as number one for user experience.  

Public vs. Private SIS 

Last but certainly not least, the biggest difference between Veracross and PowerSchool is their customer base and product focus. PowerSchool serves all types of K-12 institutions including public, private, charter, and international schools. Their product is built to serve large school districts.  

Veracross, however, is designed especially for private and independent K-12 schools and understands the nuances of private versus public schools. Features like tuition management, alumni engagement, fundraising, and financial aid are vital to an independent school’s livelihood. With Veracross, these features are not only available but integrated into the same database as everything else for easy breezy operations and efficiency.  

Additionally, Veracross is highly customizable and can be modified based on a school’s unique structure or requirements. 

A Powerful Solution for Private Schools: Veracross SIS 

Although Veracross and PowerSchool are both popular solutions for K-12 schools, there are key differences between the two student information systems. With robust solutions for every department, a wide range of integrations, configurable user portals, and a clear focus on independent schools, Veracross comes out on top as a comprehensive solution for today’s K-12 private and independent schools.  

To learn more about the Veracross SIS, watch our on-demand webinar and discover the Veracross difference.