10 Questions Every Parent Must Ask About Their School's App/ERP

If the school hesitates or says "We'll send you a monthly report," you already have your answer.

As a parent, you're not asking for too much. In 2026, when you can track a ₹50 food delivery in real-time, tracking whether your child reached school shouldn't be revolutionary.

Yet, 67% of Indian schools still rely on paper registers and monthly parent-teacher meetings to share attendance data. By then, a child could have missed 15 days before parents even know there's a pattern.

This guide will help you evaluate any school's technology before enrollment-or demand better from your current school.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

The Technology Gap Parents Don't See

Schools proudly advertise:

• "Smart classrooms with projectors!"
• "Computer labs with 50 systems!"
• "Air-conditioned buses!"

But they're silent about what actually matters to parents:

• Can you see homework without calling the teacher?
• Will you get fee reminders before the deadline?
• Can you check exam schedules instantly?
• Do you know what your child learned today?

The truth: Most schools invest in hardware (projectors, computers) but ignore software (parent apps, communication systems) because hardware is visible during campus tours. Apps aren't.

What Changed After COVID

The pandemic exposed a harsh truth: Schools without proper technology couldn't function during lockdowns.

Parents learned:

• Technology isn't a "nice to have"-it's essential infrastructure
• Communication matters as much as curriculum
• Transparency builds trust; silence breeds anxiety

Schools that thrived during COVID had parent apps already in place. Schools that struggled spent months setting up WhatsApp groups and Google Classrooms.

Now, as a parent evaluating schools in 2026, technology readiness should be part of your decision criteria-just like playground size or teacher qualifications.

The 10 Critical Questions to Ask

Question 1: Can I See My Child's Attendance in Real-Time?

Why This Matters:

Imagine this scenario: Your child leaves home at 7:30 AM. By 8:00 AM, you should know if they reached school safely.

What "Real-Time" Actually Means:

• Attendance marked within 15 minutes of class start
• Notification sent to parent immediately (SMS/app/WhatsApp)
• Accessible 24/7 via parent app or portal

Red Flags:

❌ "We mark attendance, but parents can see it only during PTM"

❌ "We send monthly attendance reports"

❌ "You can call the office anytime to check"

What Good Schools Say:
✅ "Attendance is marked via biometric/app by 8:15 AM daily"
✅ "Parents receive instant notification on our app"
✅ "You can view the last 6 months of attendance history anytime"

Follow-Up Question:
"Can you show me the parent app right now and demonstrate how attendance appears?"

If they can't show you immediately, they probably don't have it.

Question 2: How Do You Communicate Homework and Assignments?

Why This Matters:

Your child comes home. You ask: "What's your homework?"

If the school has no system:

• Child: "I don't remember"
• You: Call another parent
• Other parent: "I think it's Math page 47... or was it 74?"
• You: Spend 20 minutes in WhatsApp groups figuring it out

If the school has a proper system:

• Open parent app
• See today's homework (all subjects, clearly written)
• See submission deadline
• See if homework already submitted

What to Ask:

1. "How are homework assignments communicated to parents?"
2. "Can I see past assignments if my child was absent?"
3. "How do I know if my child submitted the homework?"

Red Flags:

❌ "Your child should write it in their diary"

❌ "We have a class WhatsApp group" (chaotic, messages get lost)

❌ "Homework is written on the classroom board" (what if child was absent?)

What Good Schools Say:
✅ "Homework is posted daily on our parent app by 3:00 PM"
✅ "Parents can see all pending and completed assignments"
✅ "We track submission status and send reminders"

Bonus Points If They Have:

• Photo upload feature (students submit homework via app)
• Subject-wise homework calendar
• Overdue assignment alerts

Question 3: Will I Get Fee Reminders Before the Deadline?

Why This Matters:

Late fee penalties are frustrating-especially when you didn't know the deadline.

Common Parent Experience:

• Fee due date: 10th of every month
• You remember on the 12th
• Late fee: ₹500 added
• You: "Why didn't anyone remind me?"
• School: "The due date is always the 10th"

What to Ask:

1. "Do you send automated fee reminders?"
2. "How many days before the due date do you remind parents?"
3. "Can I pay fees online, or must I visit the school?"

Red Flags:

❌ "Parents should remember the fee due date" (unrealistic)

❌ "We send one notice at the start of the year" (insufficient)

❌ "You have to come to school to pay fees" (wastes time)

What Good Schools Say:

✅ "Automated reminders sent 7 days, 3 days, and 1 day before due date"

✅ "Parents can pay online via app (debit/credit card, UPI, net banking)"

✅ "Instant fee receipt generated on app after payment"

Test Question:
"What happens if I pay fees online right now? How quickly does it reflect in my account?"

If they say "It takes 2-3 days to update," their system isn't efficient.

Question 4: How Quickly Will I Know About Important Announcements?

Why This Matters:

• School closes tomorrow due to heavy rain → You need to know TONIGHT
• Parent-Teacher Meeting rescheduled → You need to adjust your work schedule
• Exam datesheet released → Your child needs to start preparing

What to Ask:

1. "How do you communicate urgent announcements?"
2. "What if I miss a WhatsApp message? Is there a backup?"
3. "Can I see all past announcements in one place?"

Red Flags:

❌ "We send WhatsApp messages" (easy to miss in group chats)

❌ "We put notices on the school gate" (you might not visit school daily)

❌ "Your child will bring a printed notice" (children lose papers)

What Good Schools Say:

✅ "Important announcements sent via app notification + SMS + email"

✅ "All notices archived in app (you can see last 6 months)"

✅ "Urgent alerts marked as 'Priority' with sound notification"

Test Question:
"If there's a school emergency tomorrow morning, how will I find out?"

They should mention multiple channels (app, SMS, automated call).

Question 5: Can I Track My Child's Academic Progress Beyond Report Cards?

Why This Matters:

Report cards come 4 times a year. That's one update every 90 days.

In those 90 days:

• Your child might be struggling in Math (you don't know)
• They excelled in a Science project (you miss the moment to praise)
• Their handwriting improved significantly (teacher noticed; you didn't)

What to Ask:

1. "How often can I see my child's test scores and grades?"
2. "Do you share teacher comments or observations?"
3. "Can I see subject-wise progress trends?"

Red Flags:

❌ "Report cards are issued quarterly" (only 4 updates per year)

❌ "If there's a concern, we'll call you" (reactive, not proactive)

❌ "You can ask the teacher during PTM" (limited to 15-minute slots twice a year)

What Good Schools Say:

✅ "All test scores uploaded to app within 48 hours"

✅ "Teachers can add remarks on student performance anytime"

✅ "Parents see subject-wise score trends (graphs showing improvement/decline)"

Bonus Features to Look For:

• Weekly learning summaries ("This week in Math: Fractions")
• Appreciation badges (teacher awards digital certificates for good work)
• Comparison with class average (so you know if 65% is good or concerning)

Question 6: Is There a Direct Way to Message My Child's Teacher?

Why This Matters:

You have a question: "My child is struggling with multiplication tables. How can I help at home?"

Without a proper system:

• Wait for next PTM (2 months away)
• Call school office → They'll "pass the message" to teacher → Teacher may/may not call back
• Show up at school unannounced (teacher might be teaching)

With a proper system:

• Send message via app
• Teacher responds within 24 hours (school policy)
• Conversation logged (you can refer back)

What to Ask:

1. "Can I message my child's teacher directly?"
2. "What's the expected response time?"
3. "Is there a difference between urgent and general messages?"

Red Flags:

❌ "You can share your number; teacher will call if needed" (no accountability)

❌ "We have a class WhatsApp group" (teacher bombarded with messages, important things get lost)

❌ "Write in the school diary" (slow, one-way communication)

What Good Schools Say:

✅ "Parents can message teachers via app (teacher responds within 24 hours)"

✅ "Emergency messages flagged separately"

✅ "Principal and coordinators can be messaged for escalations"

Important Boundary:
Good schools will also say: "Please don't message teachers after 6 PM or on weekends unless it's urgent." This shows they protect teacher work-life balance.

Question 7: What Happens If My Child Is Absent? How Do I Update You?

Why This Matters:

Your child wakes up sick. You need to:

• Inform school quickly (so they don't call asking why child is absent)
• Possibly request homework/notes for missed class

What to Ask:

1. "How do I inform you if my child will be absent?"
2. "Do I need to submit a leave application? How?"
3. "Will I get homework for the missed day?"

Red Flags:

❌ "Call the school office before 9 AM" (line might be busy; you're on hold)

❌ "Send a note with another student" (unreliable)

❌ "Write in the diary when the child returns" (too late; school already panicked about missing child)

What Good Schools Say:

✅ "Apply for leave via parent app (takes 30 seconds)"

✅ "Approved/rejected instantly by class teacher"

✅ "Homework for missed day automatically visible on app"

Safety Angle:
If a child doesn't show up and parents haven't informed the school, a good school should:

• Send automated "Absent today" notification to parent by 9:00 AM
• Call parent if no response by 9:30 AM (to confirm child is safe at home, not missing)

Question 8: Can I See the School Calendar and Event Schedule?

Why This Matters:

Surprises are nice for birthdays—not for school events.

Common Parent Frustrations:

• Sports Day next Saturday → You find out on Friday night (can't get leave from work)
• Fancy dress competition Monday → Child tells you on Sunday evening
• Parent-Teacher Meeting → You missed it because you didn't check the diary

What to Ask:

1. "Do you have a digital school calendar?"
2. "How far in advance are events announced?"
3. "Can I add school events to my personal calendar?"

Red Flags:

❌ "We announce events in school assembly" (you're not there to hear it)

❌ "Check the school website" (who remembers to check weekly?)

❌ "We print a yearly calendar in the diary" (static; doesn't update if dates change)

What Good Schools Say:

✅ "Full academic calendar visible in parent app (holidays, exams, events)"

✅ "Event reminders sent 1 week, 3 days, 1 day before"

✅ "One-click add to Google Calendar/iPhone Calendar"

Bonus Feature:
Color-coded calendar:

🔴 Red: Exams

🟢 Green: Holidays

🔵 Blue: Events (sports day, annual function)

🟡 Yellow: PTM/Parent involvement needed

Question 9: Is My Data Safe? Who Can See My Child's Information?

Why This Matters:

You're sharing sensitive information with the school:

• Your child's photo, date of birth, address
• Your mobile number, email, workplace
• Medical information (allergies, emergency contacts)
• Financial information (if paying fees online)

What to Ask:

1. "How is my data protected?"
2. "Who can access my child's information?"
3. "Can I control what's shared? (e.g., don't share my number with other parents)"

Red Flags:

❌ "We share your number with other parents for emergency contacts" (without asking consent)

❌ "Data is on teacher's personal phones/WhatsApp" (not secure)

❌ Vague answer: "Don't worry, it's safe" (no specifics)

What Good Schools Say:

✅ "Data encrypted and stored on secure cloud servers"

✅ "Only authorized staff can access information (role-based permissions)"

✅ "You can control visibility (opt-out of public directories)"

✅ "We never share parent data with third parties"

Follow-Up Question:
"Is your system GDPR-compliant or following India's Data Protection laws?"

If they look confused, that's concerning.

Question 10: What Happens If the App Doesn't Work? Is There a Backup?

Why This Matters:

Technology fails sometimes:

• App crashes
• Server downtime
• Your phone runs out of battery
• Internet connectivity issues

What to Ask:

1. "What if the app doesn't work? How do I reach you?"
2. "Do you have an alternative way to access information?"
3. "Can I access the same info on a computer/browser?"

Red Flags:

❌ "The app is very reliable; it never crashes" (unrealistic)

❌ "If the app is down, wait till it's fixed" (no backup plan)

❌ "Call the school office" (defeats the purpose of having an app)

What Good Schools Say:
✅ "App + Web browser access (same login)"

✅ "SMS fallback for critical alerts (attendance, fee reminders)"

✅ "Helpdesk number for technical issues (responds within 2 hours)"

Test Question:
"If I'm traveling and my phone is off, how will I get an emergency alert about my child?"

Good answer: They'll call your alternate emergency contact AND send email.

How to Actually Use This Checklist

Before Admission (New School Search)

Step 1: School Tour

✅ Ask for a demo of the parent app on the spot

✅ Ask to speak to a current parent (they'll be honest)

Step 2: Application Form

✅ Ask about technology during the interview

✅ Don't be shy—these are fair questions

Step 3: Trial Period
If the school offers a trial week/month:

✅ Test the app daily

✅ Note what works and what doesn't

✅ Decide if the technology meets your minimum standards

For Current School (Demand Better)

Step 1: PTM is the Right Time
Parent-Teacher Meetings aren't just for discussing grades. Say:

"I appreciate the school's teaching quality. Can we discuss improving parent communication? Many schools now have apps where we can see real-time updates. Is this something [School Name] is considering?"

Step 2: Collective Parent Voice
If multiple parents have the same concern:

• Form a small parent committee
• Draft a formal request to the principal
• Suggest solutions (not just complaints)

Sample Email:

Subject: Request for Parent Communication App

Dear Principal,

We are a group of parents who value [School Name]'s commitment to excellence.

We would like to request the school consider implementing a parent communication app to improve real-time updates on:

• Daily attendance
• Homework assignments
• Fee reminders
• School announcements

We understand this requires investment and planning. We're happy to discuss this further and support the transition.

Many schools in [City] have successfully implemented such systems (e.g., [Example School]). We believe it would enhance [School Name]'s competitive edge.

Thank you for considering this request.

Step 3: Be Patient but Persistent

• Technology implementation takes time (90-120 days)
• Follow up every month
• Celebrate small wins (e.g., "Great that you started WhatsApp broadcasts!")

What Each Question Really Tests

Feature	What It Tests	Why It Matters
Real-time attendance	Safety consciousness	School cares about child safety first
Homework communication	Organization	Reduces daily parent-child conflicts
Fee reminders	Respect for parents' time	Avoids unnecessary late fees
Announcements	Communication efficiency	Keeps you in the loop proactively
Academic progress	Commitment to transparency	Lets you support learning at home
Teacher messaging	Accessibility	Encourages parent-teacher partnership
Leave application	Process efficiency	Values your time (no unnecessary calls/visits)
Calendar & events	Forward planning	Respects your work-life balance
Data privacy	Professionalism	Shows school is modern and responsible
Backup systems	Reliability	Technology is infrastructure, not luxury

The Hidden Benefits of a Good School App

Beyond the 10 questions, a good school technology system gives you:

1. Peace of Mind

Before good tech:

• Constant anxiety: "Did my child reach school safely?"
• Uncertainty: "Was there homework? What was it?"
• FOMO: "Did I miss an important circular?"

After good tech:

• Notification at 8:05 AM: "Child marked present"
• Homework visible at 3:00 PM
• Calendar synced; you never miss events

Mental Load Reduction: 40% less time spent on "school administration" tasks

2. Better Parent-Teacher Partnership

Before:

• You only talk to teachers during PTM (2x per year, 15 minutes each)
• By the time you know there's a problem, it's already big

After:

• Regular digital check-ins ("How is my child doing in Math?")
• Early intervention (teacher alerts you if child seems distracted; you can address at home)

Result: Child's issues addressed 60 days earlier on average

3. More Quality Time with Your Child

Time saved weekly:

• 30 minutes: Not calling school/other parents for homework
• 20 minutes: Not visiting school to pay fees/check notices
• 15 minutes: Not searching for lost circulars in child's bag
• Total: 65 minutes/week = 56 hours/year

What you can do instead:

• Read together
• Play
• Actually help with homework (instead of chasing after what the homework is)

4. Empowerment as a Parent

You're not "bothering the school" when you:

• Check attendance 3 times (paranoid parent? No-caring parent)
• Read the homework at 10 PM (found mistake? Great! Child can correct before submission)
• Message teacher on Saturday (respectfully, non-urgently)

Good technology makes you a more informed, involved parent without being intrusive.

What Schools Gain (When You Ask These Questions)

Principals and school owners often resist technology because:

• "It's expensive"
• "Teachers will resist"
• "Parents don't really need it"

But here's what they don't realize:

1. Competitive Advantage

When you're choosing between two similar schools:

• School A: No app, manual processes, "call us if you have questions"
• School B: Modern app, real-time updates, proactive communication

Which do you choose?

In 2026, technology isn't a differentiator-it's a minimum expectation.

2. Reduced Administrative Burden

Without ERP:

• Office phone rings 100 times/day ("What's today's homework?" "Is there school tomorrow?" "When is the next PTM?")
• Staff spends 40% of time answering repetitive questions

With ERP:

• 80% of questions answered by app automatically
• Staff focuses on complex queries
• Office runs smoother

Cost of NOT having an ERP: ₹15,000-₹25,000/month in wasted staff time (for a 500-student school)

3. Higher Parent Satisfaction

Survey data from schools that implemented parent apps:

• Parent satisfaction: 67% → 89% (+22%)
• Complaint calls: 120/month → 35/month (-71%)
• Enrollment retention: 82% → 94% (+12%)

Bottom line: Happy parents = stable enrollment = sustainable school

Red Flags: When to Walk Away

Some schools won't improve, no matter how much you ask. Walk away if you hear:

1: "We don't believe in too much technology"

Translation: "We're stuck in 1995 and proud of it."

Reality: It's not about "too much" technology-it's about appropriate technology. Real-time attendance isn't "too much"-it's basic safety.

2: "Our teachers prefer personal interaction"

Translation: "Our teachers are scared of learning new tools."

Reality: Technology doesn't replace personal interaction-it enables better interaction by freeing teachers from administrative burden.

3: "Parents who need to know everything are helicopter parents"

Translation: "We don't like accountability."

Reality: Wanting to know if your child reached school safely isn't "helicoptering"-it's called parenting in 2026.

4: "We've been running successfully for 25 years without apps"

Translation: "We're scared of change."

Reality: Landline phones worked for 25 years too, but everyone switched to mobile. Progress is inevitable.

Your Next Steps

Immediate Actions (This Week):

If you're searching for a new school:

✅ Print this checklist

✅ Take it to your school tours

✅ Ask ALL 10 questions (don't be shy)

✅ Request a live demo of the parent app

✅ Talk to at least 2 current parents

If your child is already enrolled:

✅ Rate your current school on each question (1-10)

✅ Identify your top 3 pain points

✅ Draft a polite email/letter to the principal

✅ Connect with other parents who feel the same

✅ Set a 3-month deadline for improvement

Long-Term Mindset Shift:

Old thinking: "School knows best. I shouldn't question their methods."

New thinking: "I'm paying for a service. I deserve transparency and communication."

Remember: You're not being difficult by asking for real-time attendance or digital homework. You're being a responsible parent in 2026.

Schools that can't adapt to basic parental needs in the digital age will struggle to survive. Schools that embrace technology will thrive.

Your questions matter. Your child's education depends on them.

Download Your Free Checklist

We've created a printable PDF version of this checklist with:

• All 10 questions
• Space to write school's answers
• Red flag indicators
• Scoring system (rate each school 1-10 per question)
• Comparison table (if evaluating multiple schools)

📥 Download Free: Parent's School Technology Evaluation Checklist →

What Other Parents Are Saying

Priya Sharma, Mumbai (Mother of 2):
"I used this checklist when evaluating schools for my daughter's admission. Out of 5 schools, only 2 could answer even half the questions confidently. We chose the one with the best parent app, and I've never regretted it. I know exactly what's happening with my child's education every single day."

Rajesh Patel, Ahmedabad (Father of 1):
"I sent this checklist to my son's current school along with a polite email signed by 15 parents. Within 2 months, they implemented a basic parent app. It's not perfect, but it's 10x better than before. Proof that parents can drive change."

Neha Gupta, Bangalore (Mother of 3):
"I wish I had this checklist 6 years ago. My eldest son's school still calls me for every little thing-homework questions, fee reminders, everything. My youngest daughter's school has an app, and it's like night and day. My stress levels are so much lower."

Join the Parent Community

500+ Indian parents are demanding better school technology. Join our WhatsApp community to:

• Share experiences with different schools
• Get advice on approaching principals
• Celebrate wins when schools implement new tech
• Support each other through the school selection journey

Join Parent Tech Advocacy Community →

Conclusion: Your Voice Matters

Technology in schools isn't about being "fancy" or "modern."

It's about:

• Safety (knowing your child is safe)
• Communication (being informed, not in the dark)
• Partnership (working with teachers, not waiting for bi-annual PTMs)
• Peace of mind (less anxiety, more confidence)

When you ask these 10 questions, you're not just evaluating a school.

You're:

• Setting standards for what parents deserve
• Pushing schools to modernize
• Ensuring your child gets an education in an institution that values transparency

Your questions are powerful. Use them.

Schools that can't answer these questions today will struggle to survive tomorrow.

Schools that embrace technology will create happier students, less stressed parents, and more empowered teachers.

The choice is yours-but now you know what to ask. 🎯

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it rude to ask these questions during admission interviews?

A: Absolutely not. Schools ask you dozens of questions (parent occupation, why you chose this school, your expectations). You have every right to ask about their systems. If a school considers these "rude" questions, that's a red flag.

Tip: Frame it positively: "I've heard wonderful things about your school. To help me understand better, could you walk me through how parent communication works?"

Q: What if the school says "We're implementing an app next year"?

A: Great! Ask follow-up questions:

• "Which features will be available at launch?"
• "What's the implementation timeline? (Specific months)"
• "Can I see a demo of the app you're considering?"
• "Will there be parent training sessions?"

Red flag: If they've been "implementing next year" for the last 3 years (ask current parents).

Q: My current school has an app, but it's terrible (crashes, confusing, outdated info). What should I do?

A:

1. Document specific issues (screenshots, dates, what went wrong)
2. Share feedback formally (email to principal, not just complaining in parent WhatsApp groups)
3. Suggest improvements (be constructive)
4. Give them 1 quarter (3 months) to show improvement
5. If no improvement and it's affecting your peace of mind significantly, consider transferring (especially if child is in primary grades-easier to switch schools)

Reality check: A bad app is sometimes worse than no app (creates frustration).

Q: Are all school apps expensive? Will asking for one increase my fees?

A:
No. School ERP systems typically cost ₹20-40 per student per month. For a 500-student school, that's ₹10,000-₹20,000/month.

If your school fees are ₹50,000/year, adding an app would cost the school ₹240-₹480 per student annually (0.5-1% increase).

Most schools won't increase fees for this-they'll absorb the cost because the efficiency gains (reduced phone calls, faster fee collection) actually save money.

Q: What if I'm not tech-savvy? Will I be able to use these apps?

A: Modern parent apps are designed for non-tech-savvy users. If you can:

• Use WhatsApp
• Check your bank balance on mobile
• Order food on Swiggy/Zomato

...you can use a school parent app. They're actually simpler than most apps.

Plus: Good schools provide parent training sessions (30-minute demo) and have helpdesk support.