ParentSquare vs Ballard CSD App
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ParentSquare
This app connects schools and families, providing a central hub for communication and information. Families can receive important alerts, view school news, and message teachers directly. It aims to keep everyone informed and engaged to support student success.
- Centralized school and family communication
- Receive school news, alerts, and messages
- Direct messaging with teachers and staff
- View classroom updates and photos
- Respond to absences or tardies
- Pay school fees and invoices
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What is ParentSquare? ParentSquare helps schools and families stay connected and informed—all in one easy place. Whether it’s a quick message from a teacher, an important alert from the district, or a reminder about tomorrow’s field trip, ParentSquare makes sure families never miss a thing. Why families and teachers love ParentSquare: • Simple, easy-to-use app and website • Messages are automatically translated into 190+ languages • Best-in-class safety and security practices • One place for all school updates, alerts, and messages With ParentSquare, families and staff save time and stay connected—so everyone can focus on helping students succeed. ParentSquare for iOS The ParentSquare app makes it easy for families to stay in the loop and engage with their child’s school community. With the app, parents and guardians can: • See school news, classroom updates, and photos • Receive important notices like attendance alerts and cafeteria balances • Message teachers and staff directly • Join group conversations • Sign up for wishlist items, volunteering, and conferences • Respond to absences or tardies* • Pay school-related fees and invoices* * If included with your school's implementation
Ballard CSD App
Stay informed about the latest news, upcoming events, and important announcements from Ballard CSD. This application provides a centralized hub for community updates.
- Latest news updates
- Event calendar
- Important announcements
- Community information
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Stay connected with Ballard Community School District. Get the latest district news, upcoming events, weather alerts, school information, staff directory, and access to our Digital Backpack—all in one convenient app.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: ParentSquare at weekly against Ballard CSD App's every 20 months. ParentSquare also leads on ratings volume (81K vs 1) and chart position (#8 vs unranked). Ballard CSD App's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and iOS requirement (13.4 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Ballard CSD App holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ParentSquare has 81K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.
ParentSquare ships an update weekly, Ballard CSD App every 20 months. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | ParentSquare | Ballard CSD App |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (81K ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 50.3% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 81K — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Weekly — better | Every 20 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | #8 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 13.4 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 156 MB | 23 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | ParentSquare | Juicebox Interactive |
Customer experience
ParentSquare
Ballard CSD App
Bugs and requests
ParentSquare
Reported bugs
5 issues- Notification issues and delays
- Inconsistent app behavior across devices
- Login problems and lost user sessions
- Attachment and media viewing difficulties
- Syncing and data display errors
Requested features
5 requests- Ability to filter and customize notifications
- Improved search and organization of content
- Integration with other school/student platforms
- Enhanced mobile app functionality
- Parent-teacher group messaging capabilities
Ballard CSD App
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
ParentSquare
No in-app purchases
Ballard CSD App
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is ParentSquare free?
Is Ballard CSD App free?
Which has better reviews, ParentSquare or Ballard CSD App?
Do ParentSquare or Ballard CSD App have ads?
Which is updated more often, ParentSquare or Ballard CSD App?
Other comparisons
