Alternatives to Google in Schools – What You Can Use Right Now

Trying to move away from Google? You’re not alone. Many schools want more privacy, better pricing, or tools that fit their exact teaching style. Below are the most popular Google alternatives that actually work in a classroom setting.

Collaboration suites that keep students connected

Microsoft 365 Education offers Teams, Word, Excel and PowerPoint with school‑specific licences. It integrates video calls, real‑time document editing and assignment tracking without the data‑sharing concerns of Google. The free tier already gives you 30 GB per user, and the admin panel lets IT staff control who sees what.

Zoho Workplace is another all‑in‑one package. It includes Zoho Docs, Sheet and Show, plus a chat app called Cliq. Schools appreciate the low cost and the fact that you can host the suite on your own server for extra security.

If you only need a simple file‑sharing hub, Nextcloud works great. It’s open‑source, can be installed on school servers, and lets teachers create shared folders, calendars and video calls with only the data you choose to store.

Learning Management Systems (LMS) that replace Google Classroom

Moodle has been the go‑to LMS for years. It’s free, highly customizable, and supports quizzes, grading, and plug‑ins for everything from plagiarism checks to gamified lessons. The biggest downside? You’ll need a tech‑savvy admin to keep it running smoothly.

Canvas offers a sleek UI and strong mobile apps. Many districts choose Canvas because it integrates with existing SIS (Student Information Systems) and has built‑in analytics. It’s a paid platform, but the per‑student price is often lower than Google for Education when you count extra storage and support.

For elementary grades, Seesaw is a favorite. Kids can upload photos, voice notes or drawings, and teachers can give instant feedback. The free version supports up to 20 students per class, which is perfect for small pilot programs.

All these tools let you create assignments, collect work, grade, and provide feedback—just like Google Classroom, but with more control over data.

Switching doesn’t have to be a massive overhaul. Start with one subject or one grade, test the new platform, and gather feedback from teachers and students. Most LMSs let you import Google Classroom rosters, so the transition is smoother than you might think.

Remember, the best alternative is the one that fits your school’s budget, privacy policy, and teaching style. Try a free trial, involve your IT team early, and keep the conversation open with staff. With the right tool, you’ll get the same collaboration power without compromising on security or cost.