School websites are often the front door to a district. Frequently, the first place families visit to learn more is websites, where they can find essential information, stay informed, and connect with their school community. Creating ADA-compliant school websites helps make sure that every family, regardless of ability, can access this information when they need it.
Why ADA-compliant school websites are essential
ADA-compliant school websites help districts create inclusive and accessible experiences for all website visitors, including those who rely on screen readers, keyboard navigation, or other assistive technologies. When websites are designed with accessibility in mind, it’s easier for families to find information, complete required actions, and stay connected with their school community.
ADA compliance also supports legal and regulatory requirements. School districts are accountable for website accessibility, and noncompliance can result in Office for Civil Rights (OCR) complaints or other legal actions. Investing in ADA-compliant school websites helps reduce risk and provides confidence that accessibility requirements are being met.
Outside of compliance, accessibility improves the overall school website experience for everyone. Like building ramps—often installed for ADA compliance but just as helpful for parents pushing strollers, delivery staff, or anyone with mobility challenges—accessible design benefits far more people than it may be intended to. Clear navigation, readable text, consistent layouts, and descriptive links improve the experience for every visitor, making school websites easier to use, easier to update, and more effective as a communication tool.
How ParentSquare Smart Sites supports ADA-compliant school websites
ParentSquare Smart Sites is built with accessibility in mind. Every Smart Sites website is designed to meet WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards, providing a strong foundation for ADA-compliant school websites.
Accessibility features include:
- Appropriate font sizes, line height, and color contrast for improved readability
- Descriptive links that don’t rely on color alone
- Alt tags for non-decorative images and accessible navigation controls
- Compatibility with screen readers, keyboards, and assistive technologies
As part of ParentSquare’s unified platform, Smart Sites also makes it easy for districts to keep content accurate and up to date by simultaneously publishing communications across multiple channels, including school websites and social media.
To help districts maintain compliance over time, ParentSquare partners with Acquia Optimize to continuously scan and monitor websites as new content is added. This allows schools to proactively identify and address accessibility issues so their sites remain ADA compliant as they grow and evolve.
Accessible by design, committed by choice
ADA-compliant school websites are about more than meeting standards: they reflect a district’s commitment to inclusion, transparency, and effective communication. With ParentSquare Smart Sites, schools gain an accessible, modern school website that serves every member of their community while reducing compliance risk.
By combining inclusive design, built-in accessibility standards, and ongoing monitoring, Smart Sites empowers districts to confidently serve every family—today and into the future.
Learn more about ParentSquare Smart Sites: https://www.parentsquare.com/school-website-design/
