# HeadMaster vs School Dismissal Manager (SDM)

The clearest difference is rating: School Dismissal Manager (SDM) at 2.5 against HeadMaster's 1.5. School Dismissal Manager (SDM) also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 10 months). HeadMaster's advantage is iOS requirement (6.1 vs 16.6). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

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

School Dismissal Manager (SDM) holds the better App Store score, 2.5 against 1.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 65 and 82 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 4% of HeadMaster's written reviews are positive against 11% of School Dismissal Manager (SDM)'s.

HeadMaster ships an update every 10 months, School Dismissal Manager (SDM) monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HeadMaster | School Dismissal Manager (SDM) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.5 (65 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/headmaster/id912486212/reviews) | **[2.5 (82 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/school-dismissal-manager-sdm/id1587998272/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 65 | **82** |
| Positive reviews | 4.2% of reviews | **10.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 10 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 51 MB | 44 MB |
| Requires iOS | **6.1** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ACS Technologies Group, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/291375553) | [School Dismissal Manager](https://appshunter.io/developer/663355880) |

## What reviewers say

### HeadMaster

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/headmaster/id912486212)

This app allows parents and students to access school-related information like homework, grades, and calendar events. It also provides functionality for parents to view billing details and make payments securely.

**Highlights:** Access homework assignments, View grades, Check calendar events, Access billing information, Make online payments, View school announcements

**In-app purchases:** none


### School Dismissal Manager (SDM)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/school-dismissal-manager-sdm/id1587998272)

Easily communicate your child's dismissal instructions to their school. Schedule routine and exceptional dismissal plans for up to two weeks in advance. Receive reminders for changes and streamline car line pickup.

**Highlights:** Schedule dismissal instructions, Set exceptions for any day, Add notes to instructions, Receive dismissal reminders, Car line check-in, Streamline dismissal process

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HeadMaster free?

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

### Is School Dismissal Manager (SDM) free?

School Dismissal Manager (SDM) is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, HeadMaster or School Dismissal Manager (SDM)?

School Dismissal Manager (SDM) is rated higher. HeadMaster averages 1.5 out of 5 from 65 ratings, while School Dismissal Manager (SDM) averages 2.5 from 82 ratings.

### Do HeadMaster or School Dismissal Manager (SDM) have ads?

Neither HeadMaster nor School Dismissal Manager (SDM) shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HeadMaster or School Dismissal Manager (SDM)?

HeadMaster ships an update every 10 months, and School Dismissal Manager (SDM) monthly. Most recently, HeadMaster was updated on October 26, 2026 and School Dismissal Manager (SDM) on October 25, 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.*