ClassDojo App Review: Connecting Kids, Parents, and Teachers

ClassDojo is a free school communication platform that connects teachers, parents, and students through a mobile app. This classdojo app review explains what it is, how to download it, and whether its core features for classroom communication and behavior tracking are worth adopting over alternatives.

What is ClassDojo?

ClassDojo is a mobile app for schools that provides tools for class management, student portfolios, class stories, class points, reports, and district rostering. It is designed to create a connected learning community where teachers can share updates, parents can follow their child’s progress, and students can showcase their work.

How to download the ClassDojo app and supported devices

To get the best mobile experience, download the free ClassDojo app from the App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play (for Android). If you cannot download the app, you can still use ClassDojo through the mobile website in a browser.

1. For iPhone users: ClassDojo’s help page states you need iOS 16.7.0 or later to install the latest app. Note that Apple’s App Store listing currently shows a higher requirement of iOS 18.0 or later, so the exact version may vary depending on the store listing. If you have a downloaded app not showing on iPhone? how to find apps iOS 16, check your home screen or App Library by swiping left until you reach the App Library and searching for "ClassDojo."
2. For Android users: You must be on Android 8 or later.
3. Kindle devices: ClassDojo is no longer supported on Kindle.

Key ClassDojo app features for teachers and parents

ClassDojo’s documented features focus on classroom engagement and communication. Here is a breakdown of the core tools verified by the platform’s help pages:

• Class Points and Reports: Teachers can award or deduct points for behaviors and skills, generating reports to track individual and class progress.
• Student Portfolios: Students can upload their work to a digital portfolio, which teachers can review and provide feedback on.
• Class Story: Teachers can post updates, photos, and videos to a class feed that all connected families can see.
• School-wide communication tools: Administrators can share announcements with all families through a School Story feature.
• Custom student icons: Teachers can upload their own PNG files for student icons if the preset icon packs are not satisfactory.
• Teacher Toolkit: Includes specific tools: Think-Pair-Share, Noise Meter, Group Maker, Timer, Random, Music, and Today.
• Messaging: Messages can be translated into more than 35 languages. Teachers receive a read receipt when a parent reads their message and a notification when a parent signs up to be part of the classroom. The app shows real-time availability of users.
• Student Stories: A distinct feature where students create their own stories, separate from Class Story and School Story.

How to use ClassDojo: a quick-start guide

1. Sign up as a teacher: On the web, go to www.classdojo.com and click “Teacher” to create an account. On the mobile app, open it and tap “I’m a teacher,” then “Create Teacher Account,” enter your email and password, and search for your school to join it.
2. Create a class: After signing up, click “Create a Class,” give it a name, and add students by typing their names or using the “Copy/Paste a list” option.
3. Manage notifications: Set “Quiet Hours” in your account settings to let parents know when you are unavailable. On Android, go to Account Settings > Notification Settings; on iOS, go to Account Settings > Push Notifications. Toggle Quiet Hours on, set your start and end times, and optionally mute weekends.
4. Delete a student: Open the class, tap the three-dot button, tap 'Edit Students', tap the pencil icon next to the student's name, tap 'Remove Student', and confirm with 'OK'.

ClassDojo pros and cons

Pros:

• Free to use for teachers, parents, and students.
• Intuitive user interface with simple design and layout.
• Supports sharing of phone photos and media directly from your gallery to Class Story or Student Stories.
• Consistent communication between teachers and parents through instant messaging and push notifications.
• Digital portfolios allow students to showcase their work.

Cons:

• Requires active participation from both parents and teachers for effective communication.
• Cannot upload your own custom templates for behavior categories or icons.

Top ClassDojo competitors and alternatives

• Remind: A safe, classroom-friendly communication platform that lets educators send text, audio, and video messages to individuals or groups without sharing personal contact information.
• Bloomz: A free mobile and web app that provides secure communication between teachers and parents, with tools for scheduling volunteers, sharing classroom updates, and coordinating school events.
• SchoolStatus: A communication tool that uses student data to facilitate contact between educators, administrators, and parents through text, call, and email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ClassDojo really free?

Yes, the core ClassDojo app is 100% free for teachers, parents, and students. There is a separate subscription called ClassDojo Beyond School that offers extra features for parents, but the basic classroom communication and behavior tools do not require payment. The ClassDojo Beyond School subscription can be paid monthly, bi-annually, or annually using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal.

Can parents see other students’ data in ClassDojo?

No. Parents can only view their own child’s portfolio, points, and feedback. They can see the Class Story feed, which includes general class updates, but individual student information is private.

What happens if a student loses their device or changes schools?

Student portfolios and data are stored in the cloud tied to the class account. A teacher can remove a student from a class, and if the student moves to a new school, the new teacher can add them to a new class. The student’s portfolio history may not transfer automatically between schools.

Does ClassDojo work on a computer without a phone?

Yes. You can access ClassDojo through any web browser on a laptop or desktop by visiting the ClassDojo website. The mobile app is recommended for the best experience, but the browser version provides most core features.

For the wider topic, see phone photos and media.