10 Best K-12 Learning Management Systems

Which is the Best K-12 LMS?

The best K-12 learning management systems are easy to use and fit for remote or distance learning. Teaching, learning, communication with students and parents, and assessment become centralized and straightforward with these learning management systems.

Secure one-time login, real-time progress tracking, standards-based grading, feedback, and reporting are a few of the features common in top K-12 learning platforms.

If you are trying to understand more about K-12 learning management systems or trying to invest in one, consider this data –

• The total global expenditure on educational technology or EdTech is expected to reach $404 billion by 2025.
• Students who used learning devices for more than 60 minutes per week achieved higher academic results.

Even before COVID-19, the use of various educational technologies was commonplace. But the pandemic made such tools mainstream.

One such tool is a learning management system (LMS). While many enterprises rely on LMS solutions for employee learning & development, many educational institutions are increasingly making a beeline for these tools to make teaching and learning easier and more efficient.

Like an enterprise-grade LMS, an LMS for K-12 makes it easy to create a course or test, share them with any student, anytime and anywhere, and track progress in real-time.

In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the 10 best K-12 learning management systems for 2023.

Features and a Quick Comparison Table of the 10 Best K-12 LMS

Before we go ahead and look at these online learning management systems in greater detail, let’s quickly understand the following:

What Is K-12 LMS?

It is an LMS meant for schools from kindergarten up to 12th grade. K-12 learning management systems serve as the learning management and support tools for teachers and students in primary and secondary education. These platforms play a key role in streamlining course assignments, communication (between teachers, students, and parents), assessment, grading, and more.

Key Components of a Superior K-12 LMS

Some of the key features you’ll find in leading K-12 LMS software are:

• Customization for courses and tests according to the unique needs of the learners
• Tools for seamless communication & collaboration such as instant messaging & video conferencing
• A single login and authentication system to simplify user management and eliminate password fatigue
• Mobile-friendliness to enable learning on the go, on any device, anytime, anywhere
• Reporting & analytics on student progress and performance
• An automated grading system to replace manual grading and ensure transparency

Key Benefits of K-12 LMS

A K-12 learning platform promises several benefits. Some of them are:

• 24/7 access by teachers, students, and families
• All the educational tools, resources, and support in one place
• Centralized communication using multiple channels
• Supports different files types and engaging multimedia
• Easy monitoring and tracking of students and their learning
• Custom assessment using different templates and standards

Let’s now get back to the learning management systems and elaborate on each of them to know them better.

10 Best K-12 Learning Management Systems For 2023

1. ProProfs LMS Software

ProProfs LMS is the world’s easiest cloud LMS that people use to bring structural and functional changes in teaching and learning. Many businesses use it as online training software to deploy major training programs such as sexual harassment training.

Apart from that, several top schools and universities use this all-in-one solution as it offers everything they could possibly need to conduct online or blended learning successfully.

With ready-to-use courses, 100+ customization options, and a user-friendly interface, you can get your K-12 programs up and running in no time with the LMS.

Features

✓   Premium Course LibraryAccess a premium library of 100+ professionally designed, customizable, and ready-to-use courses on a range of educational topics. ✓   Virtual Classroom SoftwareManage students of any class size by using a centralized and secure virtual classroom. ✓   Learning PathsBundle courses together and offer guided learning paths according to the needs of each learner. ✓   Multilingual SupportProProfs speaks over 70 interface languages, enabling teachers to train a worldwide audience in a language they understand. Pros

• Easy to use
• Configurable
• Awesome customer service

Cons

• Very few features in the trial version

Pricing: $1/learner/month. Billed annually. No hidden costs.

2. Google Classroom

Coming from a top market player, Google Classroom is easy to set up and deploys in a few clicks. It is free for schools. Its offerings such as Google Workspace For Education, 24/7 support, multiple security layers, and simple and shareable devices called Chromebooks make learning fun and safe.

Using Google Classroom, educators can efficiently manage and assess learning progress while staying connected with learners in schools, homes, or on the move.

Features

✓   Free AccountGoogle Classroom accounts are free for teachers and students. However, schools must register for Google Workspace for Education. ✓   Student-Teacher CollaborationGoogle Classroom focuses on collaboration between teachers and students through tools such as Docs, Sheets, and Slides. ✓   Virtual ClassesEasily set up video classes and meetings with Google Meet. All you need to do is share a join link. ✓   Rubric GradingUse the rubric evaluation system to assess your students and share feedback. It consists of a set of criteria with numerical grades. Pros

• Simple in design
• Suitable for virtual & hybrid learning
• Helpful integrations

Cons

• No accounts for parents

Pricing:Free.

3. PowerSchool

If you’re looking for a comprehensive teaching and learning platform, then PowerSchool is the right tool. Its complete set of tools enable K-12 school districts to empower educators and improve student performance.

The LMS is powerful, flexible, and comes with over 200 pre-integrated tools, including an award-winning student information system (SIS). Its video conferencing solution makes it easy to teach students in classrooms, at homes, or both.

Features

✓   Student Information SystemOptimize how you manage and use your students’ data through real-time insights. ✓   Digital ToolsPowerSchool offers many flexible digital learning tools for personalized learning, parent engagement, interactive experiences, and more. ✓   Designed For All School TypesThe LMS is designed for K-12 grades in all school types – private/independent, charter, magnet, district, international, etc. ✓   Assessment SolutionMonitor student progress and give personalized instructions through a comprehensive assessment solution. Get a clear picture of your students. Pros

• Accurate grading
• Self-help resources
• User-friendly teacher portal

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• High annual costs

Pricing: Available on request.

4. Moodle

In the realm of online learning management systems, Moodle is comparatively a familiar name. Free and open-source, Moodle is the world’s most popular LMS. It is highly customizable and adaptable. The tool is designed in collaboration with a global community.

It empowers educators to create accessible, flexible, engaging, and safe teaching and learning spaces. An app for touch screen devices and integration with third-party platforms and services are among the offerings you can expect.

Features

✓   WCAG 2.1 CompliantMoodle is compliant with web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. Its integrated content accessibility checker is designed to help educators identify accessibility issues in their courses. ✓   Pedagogical ToolboxThis feature lets teachers build their own educational platforms and teach any number of learners the way they want. ✓   Mobile-FriendlyThe K-12 LMS supports learning on any device, no matter where the learners are. ✓   Assessment SystemMoodle supports a rich assessment system, including quizzes and workshops or peer assessments. Pros

• Free
• Regularly updated
• Great for progress monitoring & evaluations

Cons

• No video conferencing tool

Pricing: Free.

5. Canvas

Canvas LMS for K-12 empowers users to simplify teaching and learning and keep coursework organized. By letting you shift the focus from administrative tasks to teaching, the LMS helps lay a strong foundation for learning. It works on a centralized yet personalized curriculum and instructions.

The LMS’ top-rated mobile apps keep teachers, students, and parents informed and connected, on the go, on any device. Communication systems in the tool include messaging, audio, videos, and notes.

Features

✓   Cloud-BasedNo software downloads involved. Simply log into the tool from anywhere using just about any device. ✓   Unlimited File SizeDepending on the requirements, you can add as many audio, videos, and other media as you like. ✓   Easy GradingGenerate eye-opening progress reports on your students. Easily enter grades in the Gradebook. Share feedback with annotations. ✓   Video PlatformLeverage the next-gen educational video platform Canvas Studio for an engaging, dynamic, and two-way process. Pros

• Intuitive UI
• Mobile-friendly
• Grading

Cons

• No video conferencing tool
• Poor customer service

Pricing: Available on request.

6. itslearning

Built with end-users’ needs in mind, itslearning is easy, time-saving, and works for education at all levels. Its mission is to improve education through technology. itslearning works on three C’s – connect, communicate, and collaborate. Some of its intriguing features are single sign-on, mobile learning, quizzes/tests, and 360° reports. itslearning is Europe’s leading provider of LMS with millions of users worldwide.

Features

✓   Resource LibrarySimplify course creation by using a resource library. Add high-quality resources directly to your online courses and lesson plans. ✓   Mass MessagingEasily shoot instant messages en masse to large groups of people in a school or district. ✓   ConferencingConnect with other teachers or your students through live online sessions made possible by Zoom and Microsoft Teams. ✓   AssessmentMake student assessments easier and faster with self-marking quizzes and tests. These assessment tools support a variety of question types. Pros

• Instant messaging
• Communication with parents

Cons

• Problem with assignment uploads

Pricing: Available on request.

7. Otus

Otus supports a K-12 learning management system, data management, and assessment – all in one place. It is designed to help K-12 teachers, students, administrators, and parents overcome the chaos they encounter while using disconnected edtech tools.

For this, Otus offers one seamless platform to plan, teach, analyze, and grade. Other compelling features in the LMS include a technology coach for onboarding, a client success team, and one platform, one login.

Features

✓   Differentiated LearningCreate unique lessons and assessments based on the specific needs of individual students and groups. ✓   CommunicationUse different mediums such as mail, class board, and family portal to communicate with students and families. ✓   Common AssessmentsCoordinate student assessments with other teachers by sharing the assessment in one place. Ensure equal and consistent evaluations. ✓   Standards-Based GradingGet the best experience of standards-based grading. View report cards, analytics, and gradebooks based on top standards. Pros

• Extensive features
• Rich options for classroom management

Cons

• Steep learning curve

Pricing: Available on request.

8. Twine

Twine brings to the table more than 20 years of experience in serving schools of all types. Deployable in just two weeks, the LMS is designed to simplify school businesses through a community approach to learning.

Stay connected with your students in classrooms or at homes regardless of whether you’re running a private school or a charter school. Make school management less stressful with one of the best online learning platforms for K-12.

Features

✓   School AdmissionsMake it easy for parents to enroll their children. Online admissions software by Twine keeps the process simple. ✓   Online ClassroomsThese online classrooms provide students an easy and flexible way to engage with their instructors and peers, complete their assignments, and access all the resources they need. ✓   School AdministrationMake your day-to-day school administration easier and more efficient through a number of best practices. ✓   Parent CommunicationsKeep parents informed and engaged with your school so that they become supportive towards teachers and recommend your school to others. Pros

• Best for small to medium schools

Cons

• No free trial

Pricing: Starts at $100 per user, per month. No free version.

9. Blackboard Learn

One of the top reasons people choose Blackboard Learn is it is flexible enough to support any pedagogical approach. It is, thus, one of the best learning management systems on this list to engage learners and optimize their online learning experience.

Thanks to the LMS’ responsive design, teachers and students can easily teach and learn anytime, anywhere, on any device. Simplified workflows enable teachers and learners to stay organized easily and take action.

Features

✓   Digital LearningFuel digital learning with Blackboard Unite, which brings together an established digital learning platform and secure classroom-to-home communication tools. ✓   Instructor AppImprove your time management and maximize productivity with this powerful instructor-focussed app. Remove all kinds of barriers to teaching. ✓   Plagiarism Prevention ToolEnsure academic originality and integrity with Blackboard SafeAssign, a plagiarism checker tool. ✓   ReportingExtract learning insights from Blackboard Reporting. Blackboard Reporting is free for Blackboard Learn SaaS clients in eligible locations. Pros

• Simple assignment submission
• Multiple communication systems
• Supports a variety of files

Cons

• Not that user-friendly

Pricing: Available on request.

10. Edly

This cloud-based platform offers extensive features and opens up a new world of possibilities for both teachers and students. Whether you’re talking about blended learning, mobile learning, and learning analytics, Edly has got you covered.

It is an Open edX service partner for extended enterprise solutions offering a tailored platform so that its clients can grow with the LMS. Edly is driven by simplicity and UX.

Features

✓   MultisiteProvide a customized and dedicated learning portal for each category of your audience. Maintain and control each from one platform. ✓   Blended LearningEdly offers an array of advanced tools to help deliver both traditional classroom learning and edtech-based systems. ✓   AssessmentGet insights into your students’ learning patterns using a variety of templates and modes for assessment. ✓   IntegrationsUnlock teaching and learning success by linking Edly with a range of other apps and services. Pros

• Recognized by some of the world’s top educational institutions
• Assessment templates
• Custom certificates

Cons

• No free trial

Pricing: Available on request.

This K-12 learning management systems list should make your search for the best LMS easier. To make sure you land the one that’s cut out for your kind of needs, request a demo or go for a free trial with the ones that look suitable.

Choose the Best K-12 Learning Solutions!

The right online learning management systems for K-12 can supercharge teaching and learning in more than one way. So, selecting the best one on the market after thorough analysis is essential. This will make online education effective and sustainable.

ProProfs LMS software can be a solution of choice for you as it is for millions of users worldwide. Easy to understand and use, it is easily customizable and scalable as well. Using it, you can create, design, assign, and track eLearning courses and tests effortlessly.

ProProfs doesn’t just offer an LMS; it also features a library of ready-to-use courses and templates to jumpstart K-12 programs.