There are two different education systems, higher education and regular school systems. The main difference between the two systems is that higher education includes post-secondary education, while regular school only goes up to high school. In addition, higher education generally requires more expensive tuition and fees than regular school. Keep on reading to go more in-depth about these two types of systems and what features to keep in mind.

5 Crucial Features of a Higher-Ed School Management System

First, here are the five most crucial features of higher-ed school software management systems:

#1: Customizable Functionality

As every school has different needs, a one-size-fits-all solution simply won’t cut it. A good higher-ed school management system should offer various features that can be turned on or off, depending on the school’s needs. For example, some schools might need an online application portal while others might not.

#2: Integration with Student Information Systems

A good higher-ed school management system should be able to integrate with the school’s existing student information system (SIS). This way, data can be seamlessly transferred between the two systems without any manual input.

#3: Ease of Use

A higher-ed school management system should be easy to use, even for people who are not tech-savvy. It should be intuitive and self-explanatory so that users can get up and running quickly.

#4: Scalability

As a school grows, its needs will change. A good higher-ed school management system should be able to scale up or down, depending on the school’s current needs.

#5: Robust Reporting Capabilities

A good higher-ed school management system should have robust reporting capabilities so that schools can track various metrics, such as student engagement and graduation rates. These are essential things to keep track of.

Remember these five crucial features when looking into a higher ed school management software.

5 Features That Lower-Level School Systems Absolutely Need

Next, it is time to look at five important features that lower-level school management systems need:

#1: Student Registration

Every lower-level school needs a system for student registration. This system should allow parents to easily register their children for school and provide all the necessary information, such as contact details and emergency contacts.

#2: Attendance Tracking

A good attendance tracking system is essential for any school. It should be able to track student attendance in real-time and generate reports on attendance patterns. This is important for things like funding and safety.

#3: Class Scheduling

A lower-level school needs a system for class scheduling. This system should be able to create and manage class schedules easily. It should also allow for changes to be made, such as when a teacher gets sick and needs to be replaced.

#4: Transport Management

If a school provides transportation, then it needs a transport management system. This system should be able to track buses and routes. It should also have a way to notify parents if there are any changes to the schedule.

#5: Meal Management

If a school provides meals, then it needs a meal management system. This system should be able to track what students are eating, how much they are eating, and where the food is coming from. It should also have a way to generate reports on student nutrition.

These are five essential features that all lower-level school management systems need. Keep them in mind when looking for a system for your school.

Why Higher-Ed and Lower-Level Schools Should Have a Separate School Management System

Finally, here are three reasons why is it essential for higher-ed and lower-level schools to have separate school management systems:

#1: They Have Different Needs

As mentioned before, higher-ed and lower-level schools have different needs. A one-size-fits-all solution simply won’t work for both types of schools. Instead, each type of school needs to evaluate what they need in a management system and find one that works best.

#2: Higher Levels of Complexity

The tasks that need to be done in a higher-ed school are significantly more complex than the tasks that need to be done in a lower-level school. A separate school management system is necessary to handle the increased complexity. K-12 software requires much less.

#3: Different User Groups

The user groups in a higher-ed school and a lower-level school are also different. In a higher-ed school, you have students, faculty, staff, and administrators. In a lower-level school, you have students, parents, teachers, and staff. A separate system is necessary to cater to the different needs of each user group.

These are three reasons why higher-ed and lower-level schools should have separate school management systems. Remember these when researching different school management systems.

In the end, higher-ed and lower-level schools have different needs and should use separate school management systems. Higher-ed schools need a system that can handle the increased complexity of tasks. Lower-level schools need a system that is easy to use and has robust reporting capabilities. Always do your research and see what suits your school best.

SchoolCues is an all-in-one school management system for small schools with limited budgets and resources. Our solutions include admissions and enrollment, online payments, student information system, gradebook, communications, parent engagement, donations and fundraising, alumni management, and more. Schedule a demo with us today.