If you’ve ever tried to manage 30 middle schoolers during the last period of the day, you know it can feel like herding caffeinated cats. Between classroom behavior, participation, transitions, and trying to actually teach, things can get overwhelming fast.
Thankfully, we live in the golden age of teacher tech—there are classroom management apps for middle school that can help manage student behavior, streamline communication, and even boost student engagement. After six years of experimenting (and failing more than once), I’ve narrowed down the best education apps that actually work in a middle school classroom.
Let’s talk about the game-changers.
Why Use Classroom Management Apps for Middle School?
Middle school is its own wild ecosystem—hormones, humor, and high-energy students packed into one room. So why bring in classroom technology?
Because the right apps for teachers can:
- Boost student engagement by tapping into what kids already love—screens.
- Streamline classroom systems like behavior tracking, communication, and classroom rewards.
- Provide consistency when routines start to unravel.
- Support data-driven decisions with real-time insights into classroom behavior and participation.
When used with purpose, these classroom tools don’t just help you stay organized—they help your classroom feel calmer, more connected, and a lot more fun.
The Best Classroom Management Apps for Middle School Teachers
1. ClassDojo – The Swiss Army Knife of Behavior Management
If you’re not using ClassDojo, it’s time to check it out. It’s the first classroom app I used, and six years later, it’s still in my toolbox.
With ClassDojo, you can:
- Give instant feedback using positive or corrective points.
- Communicate with parents via built-in messaging and announcements.
- Set class goals and track classroom rewards.
- Let students build digital portfolios that encourage reflection and accountability.
I project it on the board during independent work, and students track their points like a leaderboard—one of the simplest behavior management strategies I’ve ever used. The visual format and cute avatars are especially effective in the middle school classroom.
2. Google Classroom – The Core of Classroom Organization
While Google Classroom isn’t just for classroom management, it plays a vital role in organizing everything you need for a productive middle school classroom.
I use it to:
- Post weekly agendas and learning targets.
- Organize assignments, notes, and projects by topic.
- Use private comments to give behavior or academic feedback.
- Track participation using rubrics tied to student behavior and effort.
It integrates seamlessly with IXL for skills-based practice and Rosetta Stone for language support. Plus, I keep a “Fast Finishers” section linked to ABCya and iReady to give students choices that encourage responsibility and self-direction.
3. Remind – Classroom Communication That Actually Works
I used to dread phone calls home—until I started using Remind, a classroom communication app that makes reaching out easy and private.
I use it to:
- Send daily “shout-outs” for positive classroom behavior.
- Remind students and families about assignments, field trips, and tests.
- Alert families about patterns in student behavior—before it becomes a bigger issue.
Remind protects your number, works with or without smartphones, and encourages family involvement—a major win for classroom management.
4. Classcraft – Gamify Your Classroom Management Strategy
If your students love gaming (and let’s be honest, most of them do), Classcraft is the ultimate tool for building teamwork and managing behavior in a fun, immersive way.
Here’s how it supports classroom management:
- Students earn points for behavior and academic milestones.
- Powers and rewards motivate them to work collaboratively.
- Teams rise or fall together, promoting mutual accountability.
- You can track SEL goals and integrate custom classroom rewards.
I’ve used it during novel study units and group projects—students stayed focused longer and encouraged each other to succeed. It was especially helpful in turning reluctant learners into classroom leaders.
5. LiveSchool – Schoolwide Behavior Management Made Simple
If your school uses PBIS or wants data-driven discipline, LiveSchool is a fantastic solution that works across multiple classrooms.
Features include:
- Customizable behaviors and consequences.
- Behavior trend tracking across the school year.
- Exportable behavior data for meetings and conferences.
- A built-in store for redeeming classroom rewards and incentives.
It’s one of the strongest classroom management apps for middle school teachers looking to combine data with practical tools for classroom behavior.
6. Too Noisy Pro – Classroom Volume Control Made Visual
Too Noisy Pro gives students real-time feedback on how loud things are getting. I love projecting it during group work—when the meter spikes, students self-regulate.
- It’s fun, visual, and easy to use.
- There’s even a reward system built in.
- It helps create a calmer, more focused middle school classroom.
This app is a lifesaver during collaborative learning or transition periods when things tend to get too loud, too fast.
Other Useful Teacher Apps to Explore
- Carson Dellosa Education – Great for printable classroom tools and classroom organization systems that align with app-based routines.
- Padlet and Jamboard – Ideal for brainstorming, exit tickets, and student reflection.
- Trello or ClickUp – Great for teacher task management and planning across multiple preps.
How to Choose the Best Classroom Management Apps for Your Middle School Classroom
Not every app is going to be a perfect fit for every teacher. Here’s how I decide what’s worth trying:
- Start small. Don’t adopt five new apps in one week—choose one and master it first.
- Match your teaching style. Are you structured and routine-driven, or flexible and spontaneous? Pick tech tools that support your vibe.
- Let students help. Let them vote on avatars or classroom rewards—it creates buy-in.
- Prioritize visuals. Middle schoolers are visual learners—apps that show progress work best.
- Collaborate with your team. Ask colleagues what they use, what works, and what flopped.
What’s Working in My Classroom Right Now
Currently, I use:
- ClassDojo for behavior tracking and parent messaging.
- Google Classroom for structure, workflow, and behavior reflections.
- Remind for ongoing communication with families.
- Too Noisy Pro or Classcraft during high-energy units or before school breaks.
I’ve also added a “Behavior Reflection” Google Form linked in our Google Classroom that students fill out after disruptions. It supports accountability and gives me documentation for conferences and follow-ups.
Final Thoughts: Classroom Management Apps for Middle School Teachers Who Want Less Stress and More Control
Classroom management doesn’t have to be exhausting. With the right combination of classroom management apps for middle school, you can:
- Reinforce positive behavior
- Keep families in the loop
- Stay organized and consistent
- Create fun, engaging routines
- And ultimately—focus more on teaching
Whether you’re new to using classroom apps or looking to upgrade your tech toolkit, starting small and staying consistent is key. You don’t need to do it all—just start where it makes the biggest difference for you and your students.
