Analytics layer on top of an SIS · Part of SchoolMint
SchoolRunner runs on top of an SIS.
You still need one underneath.
SchoolRunner is an analytics and communication layer that sits on top of your existing SIS. For charter networks that already have an SIS and want more from it, that model has value. But it’s not a replacement for one.
Alma is a complete SIS with analytics, an integrated LMS, and family engagement built in – so your charter doesn’t need to pay for two platforms to get what one should deliver.
What SchoolRunner is – and isn’t
“Schoolrunner layers on top of your current Student Information System (SIS).” It is not itself an SIS – you need one underneath.
– SchoolRunner official positioning · Requires a separate SIS
“I’ve been using schoolrunner for almost 8 years and they need to upgrade their support.”
– Verified review · G2
“There’s no good way to track student-level notes over time. The comment thread gets buried and we lose important context on students.”
– Verified review · G2 · Limited student record depth
Alma vs. SchoolRunner
SchoolRunner needs an SIS underneath it. Alma is the SIS.
Alma delivers everything SchoolRunner adds – plus the SIS underneath that you still need.
| Category | Alma | SchoolRunner |
|---|---|---|
| Full SIS (records, scheduling, attendance) | ||
| Built-in AI analytics | Manual reports | |
| Integrated LMS | ||
| Drag-and-drop report card design | Depends on underlying SIS | |
| Standards-based grading | Depends on underlying SIS | |
| Family portal included | ||
| API available | ||
| Transparent pricing | On top of SIS cost | |
| FERPA & student data privacy | ||
| Runs as a standalone platform | ||
| Responsive support | Reviewer concerns | |
| One platform, one vendor |
Why charter networks choose Alma over SchoolRunner.
Alma is the complete SIS – with the analytics, insights, and communication SchoolRunner layers on top of someone else’s platform.
A complete SIS, not a layer on one
SchoolRunner needs an SIS beneath it. Alma is the SIS – with the analytics, communication, and insights layered in already.
One bill, not two
Running SchoolRunner means paying for both SchoolRunner and your SIS. Alma consolidates that into one platform and one cost.
AI-powered insights built in
SchoolRunner provides data views. Alma’s BeaconAI identifies at-risk students and academic patterns automatically.
A vendor that owns the whole stack
SchoolRunner’s capabilities depend on whatever SIS you’ve got underneath. Alma owns the full platform – so when something needs fixing, there’s one team to call.
“We were running SchoolRunner on top of another SIS. Moving to Alma consolidated both into one platform – and gave us better analytics in the process.”
– Director of Operations, Charter Network
The bottom line
SchoolRunner is an analytics layer.
Alma is the whole platform.
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 to stop paying for two platforms?
See how Alma compares in a personalized demo built around your district’s needs.
