MAD vs CTLS Parent
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
MAD
This platform allows students and teachers to preview and showcase apps they create using a mobile app development program. It provides a space to present innovative ideas, receive feedback, and potentially gain global recognition for student-created applications.
- Preview student-created apps
- Showcase app creations
- Enter 9-digit preview codes
- Receive feedback on apps
- Potential for global publication
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MAD-store is our version of the Apple iTunes Store that allows students and teachers to preview and showcase apps they create using MAD-learn – a Mobile App Development program used to help students experience and learn the Design Thinking Process. The online tool is made up of a combination of templates and code-based screens that students use to create their apps. MAD-store gives students the opportunity to present their innovative and unique ideas and thought processes to the world to acquire recognition and feedback through a strong learning environment. Each app created through MAD-learn has its own 9-digit preview code. Once the code is entered into the MAD-store mobile app, a fully functioning version of the app can be viewed on any mobile device. Apps can also become eligible for full publication on the MAD-store or Apple iTunes Store, making them viewable to a wider, global audience.
CTLS Parent
This app connects school districts, teachers, and families in one central location. It facilitates communication through messages, alerts, and updates, ensuring families stay informed about school events and student progress. Features include direct messaging, group conversations, and event sign-ups.
- School news and classroom updates
- Direct messaging with teachers
- Automated message translation
- Important alerts and notices
- Event and volunteer sign-ups
- Absence and tardy reporting
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What is CTLS Parent? CTLS Parent helps CCSD 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, CTLS Parent makes sure families never miss a thing. Why families and teachers love CTLS Parent: • 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 CTLS Parent, families and staff save time and stay connected—so everyone can focus on helping students succeed. CTLS Parent for iOS The CLTS Parent 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 ...and much, much more!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: MAD at 67% against CTLS Parent's 22%. MAD also leads on iOS requirement (10.0 vs 17.0). CTLS Parent's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (1.2K vs 14). 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.
CTLS Parent holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CTLS Parent has 1.2K ratings behind it against 14, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 67% of MAD's written reviews are positive against 22% of CTLS Parent's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
MAD ships an update every 3 months, CTLS Parent weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | MAD | CTLS Parent |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.5 (14 ratings) | 3.8 (1.2K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews — better | 22.4% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 14 | 1.2K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Weekly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 10.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 39 MB | 153 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | MAD-learn | ParentSquare |
Customer experience
MAD
CTLS Parent
Bugs and requests
MAD
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
CTLS Parent
Reported bugs
3 issues- Bug in calendar
- Continuously showing the same July 23 message
- Stuck on the same message from JULY
Requested features
1 request- Make one for students
In-app purchases
MAD
No in-app purchases
CTLS Parent
No in-app purchases
