The Best Alternative to Class Manager

If you’re searching for booking and management software for your dance school, chances are you’ve come across ClassForKids and Class Manager, two popular choices for activity providers who want to simplify bookings, payments, parent communication, and more. And while both are popular for a reason, they offer very different experiences.

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In this article, we’ll explain why ClassForKids, the UK’s only ISO-certified kids’ activity booking software with over 10 years of experience, is a better alternative to Class Manager. We’ll compare both platforms across ease of use, customer support, pricing, and business growth, exploring what each platform offers and why a longer feature list or a tempting “free” price tag doesn’t always mean better value in practice.

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Ease of Use

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Is ClassForKids or Class Manager easier to use?

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For many dance school owners, this is the first question when choosing a booking and management software provider, closely followed by the quality of support and pricing (which we’ll cover below).  

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Will the new software be easy to learn? Will parents find it straightforward to use? And what about the teachers? Learning how to navigate a new software platform is a bit like picking up a new skill; there’s that sweet spot where it feels challenging but rewarding, and then there’s the point where it just becomes frustrating.

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Independent reviewers rate ClassForKids 4.7 out of 5 for ease of use on Capterra. Class Manager scores slightly lower at 4.6. While both are generally seen as easy to use, Class Manager users often mention a cluttered interface, unexpected glitches, and time lost fixing problems.  

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So what’s the verdict according to independent reviewers?

• Class Manager offers a wide range of features, but for some users, that comes at the cost of usability. All those extras can make the platform feel cluttered and harder to navigate, especially if you don’t need every single feature. And the more complex the system, the more likely you are to run into bugs and glitches.
• ClassForKids keeps things simple without bloated extras or rushed feature releases. It gives you all the tools you need to run and grow your school without tech headaches. Plus, it’s a parent-led system, which means parents handle bookings and payments themselves, and we give them clear, helpful resources to make the process smooth.

Of course, what counts as ‘easy’ depends on your needs and how much time you want to spend learning. But for many dance studio owners, ClassForKids comes out as the stronger alternative to Class Manager, because complexity and technical glitches shouldn’t get in the way of simplifying your processes and enjoying the day-to-day of running your studio.

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Onboarding and Customer Support

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Who gives you better support when you need it, ClassForKids or Class Manager?

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Both ClassForKids and Class Manager offer a demo to show you around the software, but that’s only the beginning. The real test comes after you sign up, when it’s time to get everything set up and, later down the line, when you have questions or run into a problem.

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So once you’re past the demo, who gives you the support you need to keep things running smoothly, ClassForKids or Class Manager?

• Class Manager provides helpful online guides with step-by-step instructions for those who like to figure things out solo. Once you’re up and running, you can contact support via email, phone, or online chat.
• ClassForKids offers a free, personalised onboarding service with your onboarding specialist to help tailor the system to your business. You can be fully up and running the same day. And when you need help later, you’ll have access to our award-winning support team via online chat or email, along with detailed guides and automated answers 24/7.

If you’re happy to figure things out on your own, Class Manager might work. But if you’d prefer someone to get to know your dance school, tailor the setup to your needs, and offer real support when you need it, ClassForKids is the Class Manager alternative you’ve been looking for.  

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Pricing

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Which one gives you better value for your money, ClassForKids or Class Manager?

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When you sign up for a booking and management system, you budget for the fees you agree to. So when those fees suddenly change, it’s never a welcome surprise. That’s why at ClassForKids, we prioritise transparent conversations around pricing.

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Here’s how ClassForKids and Class Manager compare when it comes to pricing:

• Class Manager recently announced that their software would now be free. But this shift came with a surprising increase in transaction fees for online payments and a new requirement that all payments be taken online. While the software is technically free, many users felt caught off guard by the change. Those who had budgeted based on the old model found themselves spending more due to the higher fees, and lost the flexibility they once had with payment methods.
• ClassForKids charges a flat monthly licence fee and makes everything clear from the moment you get in touch with our team. That means you'll never have to deal with surprise charges or sudden changes that put a dent in your budget. You’ll also have the freedom to offer flexible payment options, from subscriptions and childcare vouchers to cash. It’s just one of the reasons so many dance schools describe us as a partner they can trust.

With ClassForKids, you don’t just get reliable features that work, transparent pricing, and customer support that’s genuinely on your side, you get a partner that’s committed to helping your business grow. Which brings us to our last question: who does more to help your dance school grow, ClassForKids or Class Manager?

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Business Growth and Marketing

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Which software is more likely to help your dance school grow, ClassForKids or Class Manager?

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Both ClassForKids and Class Manager support growth by letting you add unlimited teachers and customers, which is a big plus compared to other providers that place caps on your potential. But when it comes to actively helping your business grow, there are some key differences worth noting.  

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Let’s see what they are.

• With Class Manager, you get helpful guides on business and marketing, which can be a great starting point for activity providers looking for support.
• Being embedded in your industry means we can help you grow both personally and professionally. That’s why we go beyond blogs and guides and offer a complete package of resources and business tools tailored to dance schools like yours. With ClassForKids, you get access to:
  
  • Business competitions with prizes worth up to £10K  
  • Exclusive networking events with industry experts  
  • Partnerships with industry leaders like IDS, Scottish Dance Awards, GDA, and more
  • [.pink__text]The ClassForKids Academy[.pink__text], packed with actionable marketing and growth strategies  
  • The Discovery Site, our free class listing platform viewed by over 1 million parents across the UK

Anyone can say they offer more than just software. Few actually back it up like ClassForKids does.

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Still Looking for the Best Alternative to Class Manager?

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If you’re weighing up your options and searching for the best alternative to Class Manager, ClassForKids makes a strong case, backed by independent reviews, clear pricing, award-winning support, and resources that go beyond software. From free personalised onboarding to business growth tools you’ll actually use, we’re here to help you run your dance school your way.  

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Got questions? Want to see how it works?  

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Chat to one of our experts today and find out why more dance schools are making the switch to ClassForKids.

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