Standards-based grading tool · Works alongside an SIS
JumpRope is a great gradebook.
You still need an SIS underneath.
JumpRope is a standards-based gradebook – not an SIS. It integrates with 20+ SIS platforms because it needs one underneath to function. Schools on JumpRope pay for two platforms and manage two vendor relationships for what Alma delivers in one.
Alma is a full SIS with standards-based grading built in. One platform, one vendor, one bill – and analytics that cover the whole student, not just one grading philosophy.
What JumpRope is – and isn’t
JumpRope is not an SIS – it’s a standards-based gradebook that requires an existing SIS underneath. Schools pay for two platforms to do what Alma delivers in one.
– JumpRope official positioning · Gradebook-only product
“With so much functionality comes a fair amount of complexity; at times the user experience may challenge, and it takes time to learn.”
– Common Sense Education · JumpRope review
“JumpRope is the only gradebook that is 100% focused on standards-based grading.” Narrow by design – and limited by it.
– JumpRope official · Single-purpose product
Alma vs. JumpRope
JumpRope is a gradebook. Alma is a full SIS with grading built in.
Alma delivers JumpRope’s grading philosophy – plus the SIS you’re paying for separately.
| Category | Alma | JumpRope |
|---|---|---|
| Full SIS (records, scheduling, attendance) | ||
| Cloud-native platform | ||
| Built-in AI analytics | Standards-focused | |
| Integrated LMS | Gradebook only | |
| Drag-and-drop report card design | ||
| Standards-based grading | ||
| Family portal included | ||
| API available | ||
| Transparent pricing | Free for individuals; custom at scale | |
| FERPA & student data privacy | ||
| Runs as a standalone platform | ||
| One vendor, one platform |
Why schools choose Alma over JumpRope.
Alma is a full SIS with standards-based grading native – so your school doesn’t pay for two platforms to do what one should.
An SIS with standards-based grading built in
JumpRope requires an underlying SIS. Alma is the SIS – with standards-based grading native to the platform.
One platform, one vendor relationship
JumpRope plus an SIS means two vendor relationships and two invoices. Alma consolidates both into one platform.
Analytics that cover the whole student
JumpRope is 100% focused on standards. Alma’s BeaconAI looks at standards plus attendance, engagement, and behavioral patterns – the full picture.
Better for the teacher, simpler for admins
JumpRope serves teachers doing standards-based grading – nothing else. Alma delivers the same grading philosophy teachers want, plus the SIS workflows administrators, families, and students need – in one platform.
“JumpRope covered standards-based grading – one piece of what our school needed. Alma covers the same grading philosophy plus the SIS we were paying for separately.”
– Academic Director, K-12 District
The bottom line
JumpRope is a gradebook.
Alma is the whole platform, with JumpRope-quality grading built in.
Designed for educators, not administrators
Alma’s interface is built around how teachers and counselors actually work, not around database architecture. Every click is intentional.
AI that surfaces answers, not more reports
BeaconAI turns raw SIS data into early warnings and actionable insights without requiring a data team to make sense of it.
A partner that picks up the phone
Alma customers consistently call out support as a standout differentiator. Real people, fast responses, no ticket black holes.
Implementation that respects the school year
No multi-year rollouts. No mid-year chaos. Alma’s onboarding is structured to get schools and districts live and confident before students arrive.
Ready for standards-based grading and an SIS in one?
See how Alma compares in a personalized demo built around your district’s needs.
