# STAAR Online Testing Program vs GCCISD ParentSquare

The clearest difference is review sentiment: GCCISD ParentSquare at 67% against STAAR Online Testing Program's 14%. GCCISD ParentSquare also leads on rating (4.5 vs 2.2) and update cadence (weekly vs every 7 months). STAAR Online Testing Program's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

GCCISD ParentSquare holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 30 and 61 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 14% of STAAR Online Testing Program's written reviews are positive against 67% of GCCISD ParentSquare's.

STAAR Online Testing Program ships an update every 7 months, GCCISD ParentSquare weekly. The most recent releases landed on July 4, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | STAAR Online Testing Program | GCCISD ParentSquare |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.2 (30 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staar-online-testing-program/id1073653217/reviews) | **[4.5 (61 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gccisd-parentsquare/id6451158443/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 30 | **61** |
| Positive reviews | 14.3% of reviews | **66.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 216 MB | 152 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NWEA](https://appshunter.io/developer/1087546324) | [ParentSquare](https://appshunter.io/developer/908126682) |

## What reviewers say

### STAAR Online Testing Program

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staar-online-testing-program/id1073653217)

This secure browser is utilized by Texas school districts to administer state-mandated academic readiness assessments to students in grades 3-8 and for end-of-course exams. It supports various versions of the STAAR test across all applicable grades and content areas.

**Highlights:** Administers state academic readiness tests, Supports grades 3-8 assessments, Includes end-of-course exams, Covers STAAR, STAAR A, STAAR L, and SOA, Secure testing environment

**In-app purchases:** none


### GCCISD ParentSquare

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gccisd-parentsquare/id6451158443)

This app connects schools and families, providing a central hub for messages, alerts, and updates. It facilitates communication between teachers and parents, ensuring families stay informed about school activities and student progress.

**Highlights:** Centralized school and family communication, Automatic translation into 190+ languages, Direct messaging with teachers and staff, School news, updates, and photos, Important alerts and notices, Sign-ups for volunteering and conferences, Payment for school fees and invoices

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is STAAR Online Testing Program free?

STAAR Online Testing Program is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is GCCISD ParentSquare free?

GCCISD ParentSquare is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, STAAR Online Testing Program or GCCISD ParentSquare?

GCCISD ParentSquare is rated higher. STAAR Online Testing Program averages 2.2 out of 5 from 30 ratings, while GCCISD ParentSquare averages 4.5 from 61 ratings.

### Do STAAR Online Testing Program or GCCISD ParentSquare have ads?

Neither STAAR Online Testing Program nor GCCISD ParentSquare shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, STAAR Online Testing Program or GCCISD ParentSquare?

STAAR Online Testing Program ships an update every 7 months, and GCCISD ParentSquare weekly. Most recently, STAAR Online Testing Program was updated on July 4, 2026 and GCCISD ParentSquare on September 23, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*