HeadMaster
School administration and childcare management software for private schools and daycare centers
About HeadMaster
<p>HeadMaster by ACS Technologies is a comprehensive school administration software package designed for private schools (K-12) and childcare centers. It centralizes student, parent, teacher, and staff data into one organized system, covering everything from gradebook management and attendance tracking to tuition billing and parent communication. With both web-based (OnDemand) and desktop deployment options, HeadMaster serves institutions that need an all-in-one administrative platform without relying on multiple disconnected tools.</p><p>The software includes ClassRoom Manager for teachers to post grades and track attendance, an online portal where parents can view announcements, homework, grades, and make tuition payments, and a built-in fund accounting system that links tuition payments to the general ledger. HeadMaster also features SchoolCast for mass voice, email, and text communications, plus free mobile apps for iOS and Android that give families on-the-go access to school information.</p><p>Note: As of August 2024, ACS Technologies discontinued HeadMaster School (K-12) and partnered with MySchoolWorx as a replacement. However, HeadMaster Childcare remains actively supported for daycare and preschool programs. Prospective K-12 school customers should consider MySchoolWorx or other alternatives.</p>
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent customer service and support responsiveness
- All-in-one solution covering academics, billing, and communication
- Integrated fund accounting eliminates need for separate financial software
- Free mobile app included for parent access
- Strong childcare-specific features (check-in, staffing ratios, immunization tracking)
- Both cloud and desktop deployment options available
- Built specifically for private schools and childcare centers
- SchoolCast mass communication reaches parents via multiple channels
Cons
- HeadMaster School (K-12) was discontinued in August 2024
- Interface feels dated compared to modern school management platforms
- Steep learning curve for new users and administrators
- Software updates and feature additions have been infrequent
- Limited integrations with third-party educational tools
- Remote access historically relied on older PC-based portal technology
- Pricing is quote-based and not fully transparent
- Smaller user community compared to larger SIS platforms
Key Features
Student information management (demographics, enrollment, emergency contacts)
ClassRoom Manager for grade posting and attendance
Online parent portal for grades, homework, and announcements
Tuition billing with multiple rate structures, fees, and discounts
Online payment processing for tuition and lunch balances
Immunization and health record tracking
Fund accounting system integrated with general ledger
SchoolCast mass messaging (voice, email, text)
Lunch program management with classroom ordering
Master calendar for staff and families
Check-in/check-out system for childcare attendance
Staffing level monitoring for childcare compliance
Report cards and progress reports
Free iOS and Android mobile app for parents
Web-based (OnDemand) and desktop deployment options
Student promotion and year-end rollover
Family billing with consolidated balances
Teacher-parent communication tools
Pricing
- Student & family information management
- Gradebook and attendance tracking
- Tuition billing and online payments
- Parent and teacher online portal
- ClassRoom Manager for teachers
- Reporting and data exports
- Free mobile app for parents
- SchoolCast mass communications