FET vs SchoolGrid

FET creates timetables for schools, high schools, and universities, with automatic, semi-automatic, and manual allocation modes. Its time and room constraints can account for teacher and student availability, preferred times and rooms, gaps, working hours, and changes between rooms or buildings. It accepts flexible XML input and imports CSV; completed schedules can be exported as HTML, XML, or CSV. The maker states algorithm limits of 500,000 activities, 30,000 student subgroups, 30,000 rooms, and 30,000 buildings. FET runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows and is free software under the GNU Affero General Public License version 3, with no stated usage limits. The maker provides a forum and documentation, including manuals, instructions, tips, and frequently asked questions. Listed third-party tools convert FET XML results to Microsoft Excel or bring FET-compatible timetables into RosarioSIS. The maker also says it may help institutions with custom variants for changes that are not too difficult, or advise on how to implement them. Stated generation times range from under five minutes for simpler schedules to hours for extremely difficult ones.

SchoolGrid is a browser-based master-scheduling app for elementary schools. It brings classrooms, specialists, interventions, lunch, recess, instructional minutes, and paraeducator coverage into one scheduling workflow. Its auto-scheduler drafts schedules from configured school constraints, and users can review and revise them in Timeline, Agenda, and Calendar views. Schedules can be exported as PDF or CSV files or published to Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive. SchoolGrid says it does not request student names, rosters, grades, or student accounts and is not designed to store student records. The app requires no installation. The Free plan is free and offers a 30-day scheduling and publishing evaluation, with up to 15 drafts during that period. Plus costs $99 a year and includes para and student-support coverage, exports, publishing, and five monthly Schedule Transfer credits. Pro costs $499 a year and supports up to three schools or sites, unlimited drafts, 15 monthly setup credits, priority email support, and three hours of video onboarding.