ParentSquare
ParentSquare, a new mass communication platform coming to RISD beginning in 2026-2027
ParentSquare will become RISD’s new mass communications tool for all district, school, and classroom communication and messages. Families will be able to receive updates by email, text, phone call, or through the ParentSquare app.
ParentSquare will replace Finalsite messages, TalkingPoints, and Smore newsletters. This change will help families get school information in one place.
No action is required from parents at this time. In August, before the start of the new school year, RISD will share information including login instructions and additional information to navigate ParentSquare.
One Place for School Messages
ParentSquare will make school communication easier.
Instead of checking several different tools, families will be able to find many school messages in one place.
ParentSquare will be used for:
- District, school, and classroom posts, newsletters, and direct messages
- Attendance messages
- Event reminders
- Smart and Urgent alerts
ParentSquare has over 190 languages and helps families read and send messages in their preferred language.
What Is Changing?
Starting in the 2026–2027 school year, Finalsite, RISD Mobile Parent App, TalkingPoints, and Smore newsletters will be replaced by ParentSquare.
This means families will not need to check as many places for school updates. ParentSquare will help bring all of these messages together in one place.
How ParentSquare Will Help Families
With ParentSquare, families will be able to:
- Get school messages by email, text, phone call, or app notification
- Choose how and when they get some messages
- View newsletters and posts in one feed
- Get important alerts quickly
- Send messages to teachers and staff
- Use translation tools for two-way communication
- See school events, sign-ups, forms, and other updates in one place
Do Parents Need to Do Anything Right Now?
No. Parents do not need to do anything right now.
RISD will share more information before school begins in August 2026. This will include how to log in, download the ParentSquare app, notification settings, and opt-in instructions for your 13 year old and older students to use StudentSquare.
ParentSquare accounts will be created using the contact information families already have inside of Focus. Please make sure all of your contact information is correct in Focus.
More Information Coming Soon
More details will be shared before the start of the 2026–2027 school year.
For now, families just need to know that ParentSquare is coming. It will help make school communication easier, clearer, and more connected.
Stay tuned!
While no preparation is required, students may benefit from exploring sample questions or reviewing career interest clusters.