# brightwheel Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra

> Is brightwheel the right Class Registration solution for you? Explore 3256 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/144060/brightwheel/reviews

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brightwheel

4.7 (3256)

Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/)

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Last updated June 3rd, 2026

# Reviews of brightwheel

Ease of use

4.6

Customer Service

4.6

## Pros and Cons in Reviews

TB

Tamika B

Teacher AssistantChild Day Care Services, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years.

“Features like attendance tracking, parent engagement tools, and learning assessments empower educators to focus more on teaching and less on administrative tasks, making it easy for teachers and parents to stay connected.“

November 2, 2024

MC

Madolyn C

AdministrationChild Day Care Services, Self-employedUsed the software for: Less than 6 months.

“The feature that I least like about brightwheel is that it is a little difficult to update your deposit account if you do happen to change banks.“

November 17, 2024

GL

Gilberto L

Senior ConsultantBanking, 5,001 - 10,000 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years.

“With features like real-time communication, student progress tracking, and payment management, this platform simplifies the day-to-day life of teachers and administrators.“

November 8, 2024

Nicholas B

Senior AccountantConstruction, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years.

“This code doesn't change, however, for a parent who doesn't do the primary drop offs and pickups, I found myself struggling to remember the code at times.“

August 19, 2024

Logan H

DirectorChild Day Care Services, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years.

“I love how I can use it to quickly communicate with parents about schedules, behaviors, and how any staff member can see the communication“

August 2, 2025

BB

Brittney B

Marketing Project CoordinatorComputer Software, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months.

“They have a message for messaging admins but you don’t get to see who those people are so when I send a message I never know who sees it and just assume everyone does.“

September 15, 2024

GL

Gilberto L

Senior ConsultantBanking, 5,001 - 10,000 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years.

“The platform has simplified many aspects of school management, such as communicating with parents, tracking attendance, and organizing events.“

November 8, 2024

JR

Jessica R

Lead TeacherChild Day Care Services, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years.

“It's not clear how you make a template, or if that would even be helpful. And there aren't any example templates or template tutorials so you can see what that would look like.“

October 29, 2024

## Showing most helpful reviews

Showing 1-25 of 3256 Reviews

Sort by:

Most Helpful

Rating

Company Size

Reviewer's Role

Length of Use

Frequency of Use

Logan H.  
Director  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Love this! "

August 2, 2025

5.0

Pros

I love how I can use it to quickly communicate with parents about schedules, behaviors, and how any staff member can see the communication

Cons

I cannot think of any big or even consistent cons of using this program aside from having to educate new staff on how to use it

Alternatives considered

[LineLeader by ChildcareCRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/129630/Child-Care-CRM/)

Reason for choosing brightwheel

It is more user friendly and has better features

Review Source

BB

Bonnie B.  
Digital Systems Manager  
Non-Profit Organization Management  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Brightwheel for the win"

June 15, 2026

5.0

Brightwheel has knocked it out of the park, making implementation so simple, and the UI is fabulous.

Pros

Brightwheel does a great job of onboarding organizations and ensuring we're setup for success. It's also very very affordable. It's easy to use for teacher's either from the app or from the browser. Adding students, updating their information is very simple, and teachers being able to share photos from the day or activities with the parent/guardian is simple.

Cons

We do wish that Brightwheel would integrate with our CRM, but we understand that most organizations on Brightwheel are solely childcare organizations.

Alternatives considered

[Tadpoles](https://www.capterra.com/p/118895/Childcare/)

Reason for choosing brightwheel

Tadpoles UI wasn't great, hard to navigate. That was one of the key pieces for us in making a selection. We needed this to be very easy for our teachers to use and our moms as well so that it be adopted.

Switched from

[Lillio](https://www.capterra.com/p/134048/HiMama-Preschool-Child-Care-App/)

The UI was difficult and our staff just quit using it because it was so difficult.

Review Source

JB

Joyce B.  
Administrator  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Great parent interface and easy for everyone to navigate, parents and teachers!"

November 12, 2024

3.0

I was very happy with the parent interaction and the easy with the billing. If we were looking to increase our classroom visibility i.e. updates, photos etc. I would have continued to use this application.

Pros

Brightwheel is a very parent-oriented app. It is extremely user friendly. It has extensive capabilities when it comes to daily reports and updates for the child. It allows parents easy access to staff and to have a in real time picture of the child's day. From a teacher standpoint it is easy and intuitive to use. On the tuition side of things, parents have access to all of their tuition payment records and can schedule payments independently of the school. Posting payments is simple for the administration.

Cons

I would be very helpful if the data could be used for other purposes and easily adapted to such things a roll call list, classroom rosters. emergency lists etc. While you can export the data to excel spread sheets it would be very helpful if they provided pre-configured options for these necessary reports.

Review Source

TB

Tabitha B.  
Daycare Owner  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: I used a free trial

### "No App Beats BrightWheel"

June 12, 2026

5.0

Great! It tracks everything I need, allows parents to see everything their child does, and allows for quick communication.

Pros

Brightwheel is easy to use and has an aesthetic format for their platform that makes functionality better.

Cons

The price is competitive but for a good reason. Brightwheel is one of the best softwares I’ve used for my daycare.

Switched from

[Procare Solutions](https://www.capterra.com/p/23486/Procare-Child-Care-Management/)

After being introduced to Brightwheel, I liked the functionality much better.

Review Source

BJ

Belineda J.  
Family support resource Specialist  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Parent Review "

August 21, 2025

4.0

I love the app! I know the teachers and admin have to make efforts to utilize the features more but maybe a way to make it easier can make the difference.

Pros

I like that I am able to see videos and pictures of my child. I like the message option for all staff or just admin. It makes it easier as parents work throughout the day can feel connected to their children.

Cons

I wish there were ways teachers can upload or include moments in the classroom without feeling tied to a tablet. And the pay function I wish was easier to use. I don’t like putting my card info and have my account withdrawn and I was prepared for yet.

Switched from

[ProCARE Portal](https://www.capterra.com/p/140862/ProCARE-Portal/)

The switch was made because of ease and even though it was pricer the school chose to stay with Brightwheel because of the ease and features.

Review Source

OG

Olivia G.  
Teacher  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Happy teacher :) and happy parent :)"

April 23, 2026

5.0

Extremely positive. I was scared about making the switch to brightwheel but I really am glad we made the switch now.

Pros

I love how easy brightwheel is to use. Other apps that I’ve used before have not been this way to use. It is cheaper than what my company was using before and I love that. It’s so easy to manage my students and see where they are at all times. I’ve never come across any bugs or issues. I love that I can easily use it on my phone or my computer if I have more time. It’s very easy to share pictures with parents and other staff. I’ve never needed to reach out to customer support so no advice there!

Cons

I actually really love brightwheel. I haven’t come across anything that I would change about it. It’s been a breath of fresh air after the other app I came from.

Switched from

[Procare Solutions](https://www.capterra.com/p/23486/Procare-Child-Care-Management/)

We made the switch because brightwheel is Cheaper and easier to use.

Review Source

MBK

Mary Beth K.  
Enrollment Manager  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Reveiw of Bright Wheel features and Reports "

February 6, 2025

5.0

Overall great product. Families, Teachers and admisistrators love the communication feature, thanks for allowing families to be soo connecected to their child's teachers and their child day

Pros

easy of making reports, and communication between home and program

Cons

The new adminstration feature. The prior feature allowed me to delete documents from a family list if it was not applicable or if they were unable to complete online but instead in person. The families are having difficutly moving throught the enrollment process, the way it is set up now. I would love for Bright Wheel to give providers some power to delete and or go back to the previous feature of adminsitaion that was based on forms Another con is the ablity to make reports based on enrollment start and end dates, this would better assist my program in pulling reports based on dates, for our funders. I currently have to pull everyone from active and inactive to a spread sheet only to delete what I do not need based on enrollment and end dates. This is time consuming for me

Switched from

[Procare Solutions](https://www.capterra.com/p/23486/Procare-Child-Care-Management/)

BW offers me and my program the features we need to collect data for our funders.

Review Source

KO

Kaleigh O.  
Floater Teacher  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Brightwheel Review"

February 22, 2025

5.0

Overall, I love using brightwheel and think that it is an amazing and well organized system. It is easy to edit, submit, and view all data entered into the daily logs.

Pros

I love the ease of using the app and all the detail that I am able to share with the users. Brightwheel provides a lot of specific options so that daily logs are concise and organized.

Cons

I wish that there were specific categories that I could select when writing a note. (Just because I like things to have a specific label).

Switched from

[Procare Solutions](https://www.capterra.com/p/23486/Procare-Child-Care-Management/)

My company heard about brightwheel and another organization recommended it to us.

Review Source

SM

Sanaa M.  
Teacher  
Education Management  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Convenient Childcare Management App"

November 26, 2025

5.0

Pros

Brightwheel is a highly convenient childcare and student management platform. It includes features like photo sharing, announcements, direct message, and more. It can be downloaded as an easily accessible app on both mobile devices and computers.

Cons

Brightwheel does not store photos for free, requiring users to pay to access photo galleries from the past.

Switched from

[Lillio](https://www.capterra.com/p/134048/HiMama-Preschool-Child-Care-App/)

It was a company requirement that all staff switch from Lillio to Brightwheel in 2025.

Review Source

RW

Rachel W.  
Director  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Brightwheel has what we needed and more!"

April 9, 2025

5.0

The onboarding process was very smooth and the Brightwheel team was very helpful! After using Brightwheel for months now the team is still helpful anytime I have questions and they are quick with responses. I enjoy using Brightwheel in our program.

Pros

It houses all of the features we need for our child care program. Attendance, parent communications, staff information, student information and more!

Cons

The set up of facility rooms is a little difficult to make work with our AM and PM schedule of students.

Switched from

[Google Drive](https://www.capterra.com/p/161425/Drive/)

We switched because Brightwheel was being offered for free by the state and it had everything we need that we were just doing on Google Drive and then printing out on hard copies.

Review Source

AB

Alfreda B.  
Director  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Great Platform, Highly Recommend"

April 15, 2025

4.0

I would give the platform 8 out of 10. In fairness, all three of my programs use Brightwheel. I don't have experience with any other platform. I also like the fact they listen to your feedback and make improvements.

Pros

The platform is user-friendly. It's nearly an all inclusive platform to manage my program. There's trainings, how-to videos, best practices, resources for parents and the ability to integrate curriculum.

Cons

The dislikes are constraints on reporting and ability to control your own data. Also, team members that are also parents have to login separately using different email addresses.

Review Source

KW

Kandy W.  
Director  
Education Management  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Brightwheel is a HUGE time saver that simplifies everything"

December 19, 2024

5.0

Since I'm the Director, Lead Teacher, AND do 100% of the admin work, it has been a huge time saver for me! I used to hand write receipts for every payment I got AND had an old school ledger sheet to keep track of all the money. This has been wonderful. I also love being able to send photos in real time to familes throughout the day.

Pros

I love that everything is in one single app. Communicating with parents via email is hard since families get so much email that mine would sometimes get lost. The same with text messages. This just streamlines it so that families know they can go look in the BW app to find anything related to our preschool. Also, I have NEVER had a problem in regards to a response to a questions or problem I've had. You all are very quick to respond and always have a well explained answer that is easy to understand.

Cons

I can't really think of anything right now. I'm looking to see if there's a way to sort out income sources for our benefit. For example, I'd like to be able to calculate how much of our income is "tuition" or "field trip fees" or "registration fees" or "early drop off fees" etc. There may be a feature for this but I haven't even had time to dig to find out. :-)

Review Source

PD

Pat D.  
Treasurer  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "brightwheel is a must have for a growing school"

May 22, 2025

5.0

brightwheel has made payment and form collection so much easier to manage and collaboration seamless

Pros

brightwheel is the easiest platform to get forms and payment information out to parents and store in one spot

Cons

brightwheel doesn't have the best user interface so makes it harder to navigate. A strong mobile app could help

Review Source

JS

Johanna S.  
Early childhood daycare provider  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Blessing in folds"

March 27, 2025

5.0

It has been for the most part an over all blessing. I had Mother Goose years ago and it at that time was much cheaper. The price most definitely has increased greatly for sure. I wish that this was not such an issue but over all a blessing.

Pros

Everyone is very willing and able to help with your questions. If they don't know the answers they direct you to someone who knows.

Cons

Not having a direct line to call for curriculum help right away to change orders. You have to wait or send emails.... send a detailed order sheet..

Review Source

JG

Joan G.  
Director  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Director/ Owner"

March 20, 2025

5.0

For myself it has made my job easier and has given me many tools that help my facility offer a better program to parents, and staff.

Pros

The communication between parents and staff

Cons

That it didn't have the option of electronical signature but it's know they do offer ir through some programs from the state.

Switched from

[Procare Solutions](https://www.capterra.com/p/23486/Procare-Child-Care-Management/)

because of the system brightwheel offers

Review Source

AM

Annie M.  
Physician Assistant  
Health, Wellness and Fitness  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Brightwheel Review"

February 28, 2025

5.0

this app is easy to use and navigation is self explanitory

Pros

this app allows you to receive updates form your child's school as well as communicate directly with teachers

Cons

not all aspects of brightwheel are accessible without paying a fee

Review Source

KA

Khadija A.  
Talent acquisition specialist  
Education Management  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Great App that has all you need!"

December 13, 2024

4.0

It’s a good system to use for updates on your child. With ease you can view your child’s potty, meals and sleep schedule whilst viewing and liking photos of the child. It’s really user friendly and easy to message to teachers and sign forms as required.

Pros

I like the option to like photos and see real time updates with ease. Especially the part of seeing notes related to their meals.

Cons

There isn’t anything in particular that I don’t like about this app as yet. I’ve been on it since July 2024, and so far it’s meeting my expectations.

Review Source

MM

Madison M.  
Assistant Teacher  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Love Brightwheel!"

February 20, 2025

5.0

It has been a great experience! At first I was hesitant, but once I made the switch it made it so much easier to stop emailing photos to parents, writing down reports and having it all nicely in one application completely digitalized.

Pros

I like how it provides a simplified application that is helpful for both parents and teachers alike.

Cons

It took a while to get used to the application after switching from paper to digital reports.

Review Source

GL

Gilberto L.  
Senior Consultant  
Banking  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "All-in-one platform designed to make school management easier "

November 8, 2024

4.0

Personally, I have had a very positive experience using Brightwheel at my daughter's school. The platform has simplified many aspects of school management, such as communicating with parents, tracking attendance, and organizing events. Thanks to Brightwheel, the entire team has been able to work more efficiently and in a coordinated manner.

Pros

Brightwheel is a comprehensive and easy-to-use tool that allows users to manage all school-related tasks quickly and easily. With features like real-time communication, student progress tracking, and payment management, this platform simplifies the day-to-day life of teachers and administrators.

Cons

There is nothing not to like about this excellent platform. Everything it offers is very useful and makes it easy to use for people of all ages and skill levels. Plus, thanks to its instant communication features, parents can stay up to date with their children's news and activities at all times.

Review Source

CL

Christina L.  
Director and Teacher  
Political Organization  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "I Love Brightwheel!"

October 26, 2024

5.0

My job is so much easier with Brightwheel and my files are organized!!

Pros

Children's Attendance Record Staff Time Cards Parent Communication Online Payment Option

Cons

Nothing that I can think of, I love everything about Brightwheel!

Review Source

SW

Shawn W.  
Owner and Director  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Amazing!!!"

November 24, 2024

5.0

Pros

The ease in using this program is awesome. As a director, this frees up time for all the other things!!!

Cons

There is a learning curve to using all the features.

Review Source

KP

Kaylynn P.  
Learning and Development Operations Specialist  
Consumer Services  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "I like brightwheel."

November 14, 2024

5.0

Positive experience overall. I would recommend using.

Pros

All in one tool. Easy to navigate. Clean UI/UIX.

Cons

Tool can be glitchy at times. Some updates will publish/share delayed.

Review Source

CW

Carli W.  
Director  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: I used a free trial

### "Great for Childcare!"

December 3, 2024

5.0

Overall, my experience with brightwheel was exactly what I needed it to be. It was easy to use for staff and families and allowed us to cut down on a lot of pen to paper documents.

Pros

As a childcare center, Brightwheel offered an easy way to keep track of all required documentation, as well as parent contact, in an easy to use format.

Cons

For us, the only con was the price. While it is a competitive price with other programs of the same product, we were able to find a cheaper option that we are extremely happy with.

Review Source

KF

Kathryn F.  
Administrative Assistant  
Education Management  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Brightwheel Review"

October 27, 2024

5.0

Overall I believe Brightwheel is worth the cost for businesses and customers to communicate in one place. It can replace emails and phone calls/texts and allows all communication to go through the app.

Pros

Brightwheel is an online system that allows daycares to communicate with parents, send photos, and updates. It’s used as an app on your phone and is very conformant to use.

Cons

It can be expensive for schools and daycares to purchase and execute.

Review Source

MC

Madolyn C.  
Administration  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Love BrightWheel"

November 17, 2024

5.0

My experience with brightwheel has been very pleasing. No complaints.

Pros

What I love most about brightwheel is that the whole set up is easy to navigate and my clients love how easy it is to use.

Cons

The feature that I least like about brightwheel is that it is a little difficult to update your deposit account if you do happen to change banks.

Review Source