CatapultCMS vs eChalk

CatapultCMS is a K–12 communication platform for school websites, family updates, and district-branded mobile apps. Its CMS provides a unified dashboard, drag-and-drop editing, mobile-responsive templates, role-based permissions, calendars, analytics, and staff directories. The company says its CMS includes ADA/WCAG accessibility tools. Catapult Connect sends messages by voice, text, email, push notification, web, and social media; it also supports scheduled messages, two-way replies, engagement reports, and SIS-based audience targeting. Connect can sync contact lists with student information systems, with described options including Aeries, ClassLink, PowerSchool, CSV files, and secure SFTP uploads. The district app is available for iOS and Android with push alerts, calendars, personalized feeds, and CMS and Connect updates. Catapult also lists integration with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. The company says the platform is ADA and FERPA compliant. Pricing is available on request, and the Connect agreement sets a 12-month initial term unless a signed quote specifies otherwise. Support includes tickets, a knowledge base, tutorials, webinars, and live phone support Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

eChalk provides websites for K–12 schools and districts to communicate with families, students, staff, and the wider community. Its mobile-responsive sites include a CMS with drag-and-drop navigation, page layout tools, theme changes, and automated directories. District and school websites share a hierarchy that gives district webmasters visibility and control while allowing school staff to contribute content. Classes and groups can have public webpages or password-protected spaces for students, families, and staff. eChalk says its platform conforms to WCAG 2.1 and supports ADA and Section 504/508 accessibility requirements. GUIDE identifies issues such as inaccessible PDFs, missing image alt text, and misused headings. Personal calendars can sync with Outlook and Google calendars, while eChalk Notify handles integrated mobile alerts. The website subscription includes basic support with unlimited phone and email help for Super Users during regular support hours, plus contact for critical off-hours emergencies. Users also have 24/7 access to video tutorials and help articles. The platform is available on Android, iOS, and web. Website subscription pricing is on request.