ClassDojo is a popular classroom communication and management app. It connects K-8 teachers, students, and parents so they can share updates, photos, and messages. The company’s mission is “to give every child on Earth an education they love”. In practice, ClassDojo is used in almost every US elementary school and in over 180 countries worldwide. This article explores ClassDojo’s reviews, pricing, and features in 2025, and compares it to My Engineering Buddy and other alternatives. We cover user feedback, costs, how it works for students and tutors, company background, global reach, future plans (including AI), FAQs, and a conclusion with pros and cons.
ClassDojo Reviews and Testimonials
ClassDojo gets strong ratings from users. For example, Capterra shows a 4.7 out of 5 star rating from 1,038 user reviews. Parents and teachers praise ClassDojo’s ease of use and communication tools. One user wrote that ClassDojo is “very user friendly… easy to use” and helps keep parents in the loop with their child’s progress. Many users love the instant messaging and translation features: the app automatically translates messages into 35+ languages. Reviewers also note the fun point/reward system that engages students. Common complaints are minor: some features require a paid upgrade, and occasional glitches or notification delays have been reported. A few users wished more basic features were free. Overall, user feedback is overwhelmingly positive, and ClassDojo is widely seen as a legitimate, trusted platform. (Glassdoor reports 82% of employees would recommend working there, reflecting a positive company culture.)
ClassDojo Pricing
Pricing Plans
The core ClassDojo app is always free for teachers, students, and parents. ClassDojo offers an optional paid plan called ClassDojo Plus, which adds at-home reward tools and extra features. Pricing varies by country, but as an example ClassDojo Plus historically started at about $7.99 per month or $59.99 per year. In January 2024 ClassDojo announced new pricing: $15.49 per month or $109.99 per year for existing members. (Always check the official site for current regional prices.) The annual plan offers a discount versus monthly billing. Students and parents get a 7-day free trial of ClassDojo Plus before paying.
User Feedback on Pricing
Some user reviews note the ClassDojo Plus cost. A parent wrote that they “do not like the price” and hoped more features would be free. In general, free users have access to core class updates and messaging, so the paid cost only applies to extra at-home reward activities. There are no hidden fees beyond the published subscription cost. Schools and parents do not need to pay anything unless they choose the Plus plan.
Free Trial and Refund Policy
ClassDojo provides a one-week free trial of ClassDojo Plus so families can try it out. The company states that you can cancel anytime before the trial ends to avoid charges. Note that ClassDojo’s policy is that all fees are non-refundable. In other words, once a subscription renews, you cannot get a refund. Tutor and app store policies also typically do not allow refunds. Customers should check ClassDojo’s terms and contact support if they have questions.
ClassDojo Alternatives
- My Engineering Buddy – A tutoring platform focused on engineering and college subjects. It offers one-on-one help from advanced students or tutors. Unlike ClassDojo (which is for K-9 learning and class communication), My Engineering Buddy covers higher-level STEM topics. Pros: specialized engineering content and exam prep. Cons: ClassDojo supports younger grades and has a free base app, while My Engineering Buddy may charge per session and is best for older students.
- Chegg Tutors – A large U.S. tutoring service for high school and college subjects. Tutors are available 24/7 on-demand. Pros: wide subject range and flexible scheduling. Cons: Requires paid membership (Chegg Study and Tutor fees) and is generally expensive monthly; not focused on younger kids or classroom updates like ClassDojo.
- Wyzant – A U.S.-based online tutoring marketplace. Students can choose tutors for math, science, languages, etc. Pros: Flexible one-on-one scheduling and tutor variety. Cons: Tutors set their own rates (often $30–$80/hr), and there is no built-in parent-teacher communication features as in ClassDojo. ClassDojo’s core messaging is free and classroom-friendly, whereas Wyzant is only one-on-one help.
- Varsity Tutors – A tutoring platform with live online lessons. Pros: Professional tutors, many subjects, some free group classes. Cons: Subscription or per-session fees apply; still aimed at older students. ClassDojo Plus is cheaper for families, but Varsity Tutors offers deeper subject tutoring.
- Khan Academy – A free online learning site with video lessons and practice exercises. Pros: 100% free and covers math, science, and more. Cons: It is not a live tutoring or communication app; no way for teachers to send class updates or messages. ClassDojo offers real-time teacher-parent chat, which Khan does not.
- Preply – A global tutor marketplace (especially for languages). Pros: Many tutors online in multiple countries. Cons: Focus is mainly language learning, not general class management or K-8 curriculum. Unlike ClassDojo, Preply sessions are paid lessons, not free classroom updates.
How ClassDojo Works
For Students and Families
Students themselves do not usually sign up; instead, parents or guardians create accounts. To get started with tutoring, families click the “Try a Class” button on Dojo Tutor’s site and create an account. They then enter the child’s name, grade, and pick a subject (reading or math). Next they answer a few questions about the child’s needs, and schedule a 25-minute trial class on Zoom. The trial class is an assessment where the tutor gets to know the student. After the trial, parents add payment info and can book more sessions. Class schedules and changes can be managed on the family dashboard. Students connect on Zoom through the Dojo Tutor portal; they do not need to set up the Zoom link themselves. Overall, the process is online, user-friendly, and fits busy family schedules.
For Tutors
Tutors apply via ClassDojo’s website. ClassDojo looks for certified teachers or tutors with education experience. Tutors must have an education or teaching background (elementary, secondary, special ed, etc.) and live in the U.S. with reliable internet. The application process is quick: fill a short form, record a few interview videos, and complete a (paid) background check. ClassDojo provides a training session and support resources once you are approved. Tutors are independent contractors and set their own schedule; there are no fixed hours. They can teach from home at any time they choose (often evenings and weekends).
In terms of earnings, ClassDojo uses a simple pay model: tutors earn a flat $7.50 for each 25-minute trial class, and $15.00 for each 25-minute regular lesson (which is like $30/hour). If a student signs up for weekly sessions after a trial, the tutor gets both the $7.50 trial fee and a $7.50 conversion bonus (total $15 for the trial class). Payments are issued monthly via a payout system. One tutor reported making about $1,700 per month working ~20 hours/week at these rates. However, tutors note that the work is fast-paced and pay is modest. No-shows do not earn extra, but tutors still get paid for missed trials, though such absences may impact tutor ratings. In short, tutors earn roughly $30/hour with a flexible schedule, but must rely on student bookings, conversion bonuses, and maintain good reviews. ClassDojo provides a private Facebook group and support for tutors to share tips and feedback.
Tutor FAQs
- Fees and Earnings: As above, tutors get $7.50 for each trial class and $15 for each booked 25-minute class (a $7.50 bonus if the trial converts).
- Getting Students: ClassDojo matches families with tutors. Tutors do not need to find their own students; new trial requests appear in the portal. Keeping high ratings and strong trial feedback helps attract more students.
- Feedback and Ratings: After each trial, parents decide whether to book weekly sessions. Positive trial reviews can earn conversion bonuses. Tutors receive ratings and can see feedback; they should treat every trial as an audition.
- Classroom Tools: Tutors teach over Zoom but use ClassDojo’s tools (like whiteboards and recording) if needed. They must follow ClassDojo’s tutoring guidelines and do short written assessments after the trial session.
ClassDojo Company Info
Founding, Mission, and Leadership
ClassDojo was founded in 2011 by Sam Chaudhary and Liam Don. Both founders have education backgrounds and aimed to solve classroom challenges. ClassDojo grew out of Y Combinator and attracted major investors (including Tencent) due to its rapid adoption. The company is headquartered in San Francisco and has about 200 employees. Its stated mission is to connect teachers, students, and families to support Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and make learning fun. The tagline “Every kid on earth should get an education they love” reflects this vision. ClassDojo emphasizes privacy and claims to put children’s best interests first, even earning a Common Sense Privacy Seal in 2025 (it promises never to sell student data or run ads to kids).
Global Scale and Features
ClassDojo is one of the world’s largest classroom apps. It is actively used in about 95% of US K-8 schools and by over 50 million users globally. The app supports families in over 180 countries, with instant translation into 35+ languages. Key features include messaging between teachers and parents, class stories (a private feed of photos/videos), attendance tracking, and SEL tools like digital “Points” and mindfulness lessons. ClassDojo also introduced “Big Ideas” lessons (growth mindset, gratitude, etc.) and free activities. In 2024-25 ClassDojo expanded beyond individual classes: it launched school-wide and district-level features so principals can engage entire schools. (District admins get extra controls and single sign-on.)
USP and Drawbacks
ClassDojo’s unique strengths are its ease of use and community focus. It offers free tools that make school-home communication seamless and fun. The translation feature and simple interface are often cited as USPs. The positive behavior point system is another hallmark, giving kids immediate feedback. However, there are some limitations. ClassDojo mainly targets elementary and middle school (PreK–9th grade). It does not cover high school academics or specialized subjects (unlike a STEM tutor service). Some educators worry that the points system can be competitive or feel like surveillance. Also, certain premium materials (ClassDojo Plus content) require payment, which some users see as a downside. If a teacher or school does not adopt it, families can’t use it effectively. Finally, ClassDojo does not offer live tutoring or test prep beyond basic math/reading help, so it cannot replace platforms like My Engineering Buddy for college-level coursework.
Comparison with My Engineering Buddy
ClassDojo and My Engineering Buddy serve different needs. ClassDojo is a classroom engagement tool for young students, whereas My Engineering Buddy is a tutoring marketplace focused on engineering and higher education topics. ClassDojo offers free core features for K-5 classrooms, while My Engineering Buddy connects students with senior mentors for paid one-on-one tutoring. In practice, ClassDojo does not teach college subjects, and MEB does not handle parent-teacher communication. Families looking for engineering homework help might prefer My Engineering Buddy’s specialized tutors, while elementary families use ClassDojo for daily updates and positive reinforcement. Neither platform is a direct substitute for the other.
Customer Support and Policies
ClassDojo offers online support through its Help Center and email. Users can submit help tickets or browse FAQs on the ClassDojo website. For Dojo Tutor, families can email tutoring-support@classdojo.com for assistance. Policies are clearly stated: all premium fees are charged in USD and non-refundable. The company emphasizes child privacy and will not sell student data or show targeted ads. Schools and parents can trust that ClassDojo meets strict standards (Common Sense Privacy Seal). If issues arise, users must follow the terms of service and can cancel subscriptions anytime to avoid renewal. No shipping or extra hidden fees apply.
Global Reach and Localization
ClassDojo is a truly global platform. Over 50 million teachers, students, and parents use it worldwide. As mentioned, it’s active in about 95% of U.S. K-8 schools and spans 180+ countries. ClassDojo is localized in many ways. The app automatically translates chat messages and stories into 35+ languages, making it popular in bilingual communities. It is available as a web app and as free apps on iOS, Android, and even Chromebook. This broad reach means ClassDojo is used across North America, Europe (UK, etc.), Australia, and many other regions. (The platform consciously avoids using country-specific curricula, focusing on universal social-emotional skills.) Overall, localization and language support help ClassDojo serve diverse classrooms in rich countries around the world.
Future Plans
ClassDojo is investing in new technology and expansion. In 2024 it launched ClassDojo Sidekick, an AI assistant for teachers. Sidekick can draft messages, generate lesson ideas, and personalize learning content, saving teachers time. This shows ClassDojo’s push into AI-powered tools. Another recent plan is broadening its product scope: ClassDojo released new school-wide features so principals can manage entire schools, while keeping the platform free for teachers. They are also exploring virtual and gamified experiences (e.g. “Dojo Islands” and a metaverse mission) to engage students in novel ways. Looking ahead, ClassDojo plans to continue supporting SEL (mindfulness, empathy) and to add more subjects. For example, after math and reading, they may roll out tutoring in other elementary subjects. They also aim to grow internationally and deepen district partnerships. Each new feature is tested with educators first. In short, ClassDojo’s roadmap includes AI tools, larger school implementations, and expanded content, all backed by their mission.
FAQs
How does ClassDojo compare to My Engineering Buddy? ClassDojo is designed for K-8 classroom communication and basic math/reading support, while My Engineering Buddy is a specialized tutoring site for college-level engineering subjects. ClassDojo offers a free core app for parents and teachers to connect; MEB connects older students with tutors for paid sessions. They serve different age groups and subjects, so one is not a substitute for the other.
Is ClassDojo free or paid? Basic use of ClassDojo is completely free for teachers, students, and parents. Optional premium content (ClassDojo Plus) is paid. There is a free 7-day trial of Plus. If you stick to the free features (messaging, portfolio, calendar), you pay nothing. Upgrading to Plus adds family activities for home, but that costs about $7.99/month (older price) and is non-refundable.
What grades or ages use ClassDojo? ClassDojo is mainly used in pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. It’s very popular in elementary schools. ClassDojo’s Dojo Tutor service currently covers PreK–9th grade for math and reading. In practice, you will see it in almost every elementary and middle school, but not in high school. It’s not designed for adult learners or university students.
How do students or parents sign up for ClassDojo? For the classroom app, teachers invite parents and students. A parent signs up using a code from the child’s teacher. For the Dojo Tutor tutoring, families go to the ClassDojo tutoring site, click “Try a Class,” and enter their info and child’s grade. They then schedule a trial lesson. In either case, it’s an online signup. Students themselves don’t create accounts independently – they join through parent/teacher links or the tutoring platform.
What is ClassDojo used for? ClassDojo is used as a communication and community-building tool in schools. Teachers can share daily updates, photos, and classroom work with parents. Parents can message teachers directly. It also includes behavior rewards (points, badges), class calendars, and portfolios so students can showcase their work. During remote learning, it helps keep families in the loop. Overall, it’s a way to make classrooms feel connected and positive.
Is ClassDojo safe and legit? Yes. ClassDojo is a well-established education company used by tens of millions of families. It has strong data privacy commitments (Common Sense Privacy Seal) and states it will not misuse student information. All core features are free, and there is no scam element. Reviews from real teachers and parents are overwhelmingly positive, and the company is backed by reputable investors. Any paid components are clearly disclosed. In short, ClassDojo is legitimate and widely trusted in schools around the world.
Conclusion
ClassDojo is a powerful, user-friendly tool for classroom communication and student engagement. Its strengths include a free core app, easy parent-teacher messaging, translation for many languages, and fun behavior rewards that parents and kids appreciate. The platform is backed by a clear mission and has strong privacy protections. Its weaknesses are mainly scope-related: it targets younger students (PreK–8th grade) and does not offer in-depth academic tutoring in higher subjects. Some desired features (like premium content) require a paid subscription, which some parents find costly. For college-level or engineering help, My Engineering Buddy or other tutoring sites would be more appropriate, as ClassDojo does not cover that. In summary, ClassDojo excels at making school-home connection easy and engaging. Its free features and massive adoption in US schools are major strengths. Families and educators should note that advanced tutoring, high-school subjects, or specialized STEM support are beyond its current offerings. For those needs, alternatives like My Engineering Buddy, Chegg, or others may fit better. Overall, ClassDojo’s strong community focus and ongoing innovation (AI tools, school-wide features) mean it will likely remain a top choice for K-8 education communication.
