Best HR Software for Schools in 2025: The Smartest Choices for Educators

Main image courtesy of National Affairs.

Students are the cornerstone of future generations and the paths that they will take to contribute to society. Teachers play a huge role in this, helping students to expand their knowledge every day and find subjects that interest them. The school systems are important no matter if it’s for preschool, elementary, middle, high school, or even on a university level, so it’s important to keep staff and teachers’ payroll, benefits, and time off, plus other administration tasks all in one place and organized with the best HR software.

Aiken House has helped many small businesses and startups get the ball rolling with over 17+ successful stories. We’ll help guide you through the top ten best HR software and some of the necessary features that schools need to run smoothly, including:

• Comprehensive breakdown of must-have HR features for schools
• Explains how software can streamline payroll, benefits, and teacher onboarding
• Positions Aiken House as an authority in small businesses succeeding

What Schools Need from HR Software: Key Features to Look For

Schools are the foundation of education, shaping the next generation and preparing students for the future. But behind every great school is a team of dedicated teachers and staff who keep things running smoothly. From hiring new educators to managing payroll, benefits, and compliance, handling HR tasks efficiently is essential for a well-functioning school system.

Despite their best efforts, many schools struggle with outdated HR processes that create unnecessary stress for administrators. In fact, a 2024 Education HR Trends Report found that 65% of school administrators say HR and payroll management is one of their biggest operational challenges. Schools that implement modern HR software, on the other hand, report a 30% increase in efficiency, freeing up time for staff to focus on what really matters—supporting students.

So, what should schools look for in HR software? Here are the key features that make a difference:

• Hiring & Onboarding Tools – Simplifies recruiting, background checks, and new hire paperwork.
• Payroll & Benefits Management – Ensures timely, accurate payments and benefits administration.
• Time & Attendance Tracking – Automates scheduling, time-off requests, and labor law compliance.
• Performance Management – Helps track professional development and staff evaluations.
• Compliance & Record-Keeping – Keeps certifications, contracts, and legal documents in order.
• Self-Service Portals – Allows teachers and staff to access their HR info anytime.
• Seamless Integrations – Works with student information systems and school management tools.
• Scalability & Customization – Grows with your school and adapts to unique HR needs.

With the right HR software, schools can cut down on administrative headaches, stay organized, and create a better work environment for teachers and staff—so they can focus on what they do best: educating students.

10 HR Software Solutions That Make Running a School Easier

The right HR software can transform school operations, making everything from hiring teachers to managing payroll and compliance more efficient. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is best for your school?

We’ve rounded up some of the best HR software solutions designed specifically to help schools streamline their administrative processes. These platforms offer essential features such as staff management, benefits administration, payroll processing, and compliance tracking while remaining scalable and affordable for schools of all sizes.

1. BambooHR

Website: BambooHR

BambooHR is a top choice for schools looking for a comprehensive HR solution. With tools that simplify hiring, onboarding, payroll, and performance management, it allows administrators to efficiently manage teachers, staff, and even substitute educators. Its intuitive interface and self-service portals help educators and employees keep track of their information, time-off requests, and benefits, reducing administrative burdens. Many schools appreciate BambooHR’s scalability, making it an excellent fit for both small institutions and larger districts.

2. Paycor

Website: Paycor

For schools needing a robust payroll and compliance solution, Paycor is a strong contender. It automates payroll processing while ensuring tax compliance, making payroll headaches a thing of the past. With built-in benefits administration, employee self-service options, and performance tracking tools, Paycor makes managing HR functions seamless. Schools particularly value its ability to simplify labor law compliance, helping administrators stay on top of evolving education regulations.

3. Rippling

Website: Rippling

Rippling is a great option for schools that want an integrated approach to HR and IT management. This software not only automates HR functions like payroll, benefits, and compliance tracking but also helps manage school-issued devices and software access. With one-click onboarding, administrators can quickly set up new hires with the necessary tools, ensuring they have access to emails, payroll systems, and any other platforms required for their role. Schools with hybrid or digital learning programs especially benefit from Rippling’s combined HR and IT capabilities.

4. UKG Ready

Website: UKG Ready

UKG Ready is a highly customizable workforce management system designed for schools and districts handling large-scale HR operations. It provides advanced workforce scheduling, time tracking, payroll, and benefits automation. The software’s AI-driven analytics help administrators plan workforce needs efficiently, making it ideal for schools with multiple campuses or large teaching staff. Schools appreciate UKG Ready’s robust capabilities in managing large teams while maintaining compliance and efficiency.

5. Gusto

Website: Gusto

Gusto is a budget-friendly HR software solution perfect for small schools, preschools, and charter institutions that need a simple yet effective payroll and benefits management system. With an intuitive interface, direct deposit options, and automated tax filings, it eliminates administrative headaches for school leaders managing smaller teams. The affordability and ease of use make it an attractive option for schools that don’t require overly complex HR solutions but still want streamlined payroll and compliance support.

At Aiken House, we love Gusto and how easy their HR software is to operate for our employees. Sign up for Gusto using our link where you’ll get $100 off of your first payroll!

6. Factorial

Website: Factorial

For schools looking to automate HR tasks and gain insights into workforce efficiency, Factorial is an excellent choice. It offers workflow automation for hiring and onboarding, digital document management, and customizable reports that help schools track HR trends. The platform’s ability to generate real-time analytics allows administrators to make data-driven decisions, improving overall efficiency in managing school staff. Schools appreciate how Factorial reduces the time spent on manual HR tasks, freeing up resources for more strategic initiatives.

7. TriNet

Website: TriNet

TriNet is a great choice for schools that need comprehensive HR support, offering everything from payroll and benefits administration to compliance management. As a professional employer organization (PEO), TriNet takes on many of the administrative burdens of HR, allowing school administrators to focus on education rather than paperwork. Schools that lack a dedicated HR department benefit from TriNet’s outsourced HR services, including legal compliance support, employee benefits, and risk management. This makes it an ideal option for private schools, charter schools, and growing educational institutions that need HR expertise without the overhead of an in-house team.

8. Deel

Website: Deel

For schools hiring international or remote educators, Deel simplifies global payroll and compliance by supporting payroll processing in over 150 countries. It automates contract generation and ensures compliance with local labor laws and tax regulations. Schools with international partnerships or remote teaching staff benefit from Deel’s seamless payroll and tax compliance features, making it easier to manage payments across different countries.

9. ADP Workforce Now

Website: ADP Workforce Now

ADP Workforce Now is a robust HR solution designed for large schools and districts that need enterprise-level HR management. It combines payroll, benefits administration, and workforce scheduling with advanced analytics and reporting tools. Schools appreciate ADP’s ability to handle large staff rosters, automate tax filings, and provide comprehensive HR data insights. For institutions managing hundreds or thousands of employees, ADP Workforce Now ensures smooth and efficient HR operations.

10. Workday

Website: Workday

Workday is a powerful HR and financial management platform designed for universities, colleges, and large school networks. It offers AI-powered workforce insights, budgeting tools, and human capital management features tailored to the needs of higher education institutions. Schools appreciate Workday’s ability to track employee engagement, manage professional development, and streamline financial planning for HR expenses. For universities seeking a comprehensive solution to handle both HR and finance, Workday is an industry leader.

Every school has different HR needs, and the best software depends on factors like staff size, budget, and administrative complexity. Some schools may prioritize payroll and compliance management, while others may need advanced workforce analytics or seamless integration with school management systems. Choosing the right HR software can significantly reduce administrative burdens, keep teachers and staff engaged, and create a more efficient workplace. With the right solution in place, schools can focus on what matters most—providing students with a high-quality education.

Beyond Software: Aiken House’s Full-Service Business Support

Whether you’re wanting to look for ways to promote your school and show why your teachers and staff can provide a high-quality education for students, or want to get your startup business up and running, Aiken House is your best resource for website development, marketing, branding, and even for some friendly advice.

Schedule a consultation with us to get some guidance on where to go in starting your business or helping to promote it further!

In the meantime, make sure to check out the top ten best HR software programs that are perfect for any school to keep things running smoothly with no hindrance of students getting the best education possible!