# READING MAGIC for Schools vs Mountain Shadows

The clearest difference is price: Mountain Shadows at Free against READING MAGIC for Schools's $3.99. Mountain Shadows also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.4) and update cadence (every 5 months vs every 13 months). READING MAGIC for Schools's advantage is iOS requirement (13.7 vs 15.1). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Mountain Shadows is free to download; READING MAGIC for Schools costs $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Mountain Shadows holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 6 respectively.

READING MAGIC for Schools ships an update every 13 months, Mountain Shadows every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | READING MAGIC for Schools | Mountain Shadows |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.4 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-for-schools/id585133208/reviews) | **[5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mountain-shadows/id6747145289/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **9** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 92.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 13 months | **Every 5 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 190 MB | 66 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.7** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048727) | [Seabird Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/901059927) |

## What reviewers say

### READING MAGIC for Schools

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-for-schools/id585133208)

This app makes learning to read an exciting adventure for young children. It uses interactive games and activities focused on CVC words and phonics principles to build essential reading skills. Designed by educators, it helps children develop phonemic awareness and phonological processing.

**Highlights:** Interactive CVC word games, Focus on phonemic awareness, Blending and segmenting practice, Science of reading-based approach, Lesson tracking and sequenced curriculum, Discourages picture guessing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Mountain Shadows

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mountain-shadows/id6747145289)

This app provides a customizable platform for parents, staff, and the community of an international Montessori school. It offers quick access to school updates, event information, contact options, and important resources, enhancing communication and engagement.

**Highlights:** School updates notifications, Absence and attendance submission, Direct school contact, Access to school websites, Event calendar, Social media and news feed, Customizable portal layout

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is READING MAGIC for Schools free?

READING MAGIC for Schools costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Mountain Shadows free?

Mountain Shadows is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, READING MAGIC for Schools or Mountain Shadows?

Mountain Shadows is rated higher. READING MAGIC for Schools averages 4.4 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while Mountain Shadows averages 5.0 from 6 ratings.

### Do READING MAGIC for Schools or Mountain Shadows have ads?

Neither READING MAGIC for Schools nor Mountain Shadows shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, READING MAGIC for Schools or Mountain Shadows?

READING MAGIC for Schools ships an update every 13 months, and Mountain Shadows every 5 months. Most recently, READING MAGIC for Schools was updated on October 7, 2026 and Mountain Shadows on October 17, 2026.

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