"Free" means different things across classroom apps. Some are free forever with real limits, some are free trials that expire, and some are free until the feature you actually need sits behind a paywall. This guide is honest about which is which.

Here are the best free options in 2026, by what they're good for.

1. PetClass — Free virtual pet rewards

Free tier: 1 classroom, up to 30 students, full core reward system.

Students earn points that hatch and grow virtual pets. The entire day-to-day reward loop is free — points, pets, levelling up. Paid Pro ($4.99/month) adds rare pets, extra classrooms, printable cards and certificates, but a single class of 30 or fewer never has to pay. Best for K–grade 5 teachers who want high engagement without a budget. Try it here.

2. ClassDojo — Free behaviour points and parent messaging

Free tier: Core behaviour tracking and parent communication, free for teachers.

The most widely used option. Behaviour points, parent messaging, and class story are free. Some extras (like ClassDojo Plus features for parents) are paid, but the teacher-facing core is genuinely free. Best if you want behaviour tracking and parent communication in one place.

3. ClassroomScreen — Free all-in-one display

Free tier: Most widgets free; a paid tier unlocks saving and extras.

Not a reward system, but a brilliant free classroom display tool — timers, noise meter, work symbols, random name picker, traffic lights. Pairs well with any reward system. Best as a complement, not a replacement.

4. Bouncy Balls — Completely free noise management

Free tier: Entirely free.

A single-purpose free tool: balls (or eyeballs, or bubbles) on screen bounce based on classroom noise level. Silly, effective, and free with no account needed. Great for younger classes learning volume control.

5. Google Classroom — Free for assignments and organisation

Free tier: Free with a school Google account.

Not a behaviour tool, but free and powerful for assignments, announcements, and organisation. If your school uses Google, it's the free backbone for managing work — combine it with a separate reward system for behaviour.

6. LiveSchool — Limited free use

Free tier: Limited; primarily a paid, school-licensed product.

Strong points and behaviour tracking, but mostly aimed at whole-school paid rollouts. Worth knowing about, but not the best fit if "free for one teacher" is your priority.

How to choose a free tool

Match the tool to your actual need:

  • Engagement and rewards (younger classes) → PetClass
  • Behaviour points + parent messaging → ClassDojo
  • Classroom display and timers → ClassroomScreen
  • Noise management → Bouncy Balls
  • Assignments and organisation → Google Classroom

Many teachers run two or three of these together — for example, Google Classroom for work, ClassroomScreen for the display, and PetClass for rewards. They each do one thing well and stack nicely.

Watch the limits. When trying a "free" tool, check what happens at the edge — how many students, how many classes, which features. A free tier that caps at 30 students is fine for one class but a problem for a specialist teacher who sees 200. We cover that distinction in our classroom reward ideas guide.

If you teach a single class and want maximum engagement for zero cost, PetClass's free classroom points app gives you the full reward system for up to 30 students.

Free for your whole class

The complete reward system, free for 1 classroom of up to 30 students. No credit card.

Try PetClass free →

Last updated: June 2026