| Category | SecureSchool Only | SecureSchool + GoGuardian | GoGuardian Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Role for Chromebook Web Filtering (On-Campus & Home) | Network-based web filtering & compliance | Network-based filtering plus classroom monitoring | Classroom monitoring & extension-based filtering |
| Deployment Model | On-prem filtering appliance with cloud-supported off-campus filtering | On-prem appliance plus Chrome extension | Chrome extension only |
| Filtering Method | Network-level filtering on campus; policy extension for home use | Network-level filtering + extension-based tools | Extension-based filtering only |
| On-Site Hardware Required | ✅ Yes | ✅ (SecureSchool appliance) | ❌ No |
| Off-Campus Chromebook Filtering | ✅ Yes (cloud-supported, no VPN) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| CIPA / Compliance Support | ⬤ Strong | ⬤ Strong (via SecureSchool) | ⬤ Moderate |
| Teacher Live Screen Monitoring | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (via GoGuardian) | ✅ Yes |
| Teacher Classroom Controls (tabs, focus, messaging) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Filtering if Extension Fails | ⬤ Still enforced | ⬤ Still enforced | ⬤ Filtering may fail |
| Firewall / Infrastructure Protection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Policy Consistency (School + Home) | ⬤ High | ⬤ High | ⬤ Dependent on extension health |
| Risk of Student Bypass | ⬤ Low | ⬤ Low | ⬤ Higher |
| System Complexity | ⬤ Low | ⬤ Moderate (two systems) | ⬤ Low |
| IT Management Overhead | ⬤ Minimal | ⬤ Moderate | ⬤ Low–moderate |
| Reporting & Logging | Centralized, network-based | Split between systems | Extension-based only |
| Cost Considerations | Lowest | Higher (two products) | Moderate (per-student licensing) |
| Best Fit For | Schools prioritizing simplicity, compliance, and infrastructure control | Schools wanting both compliance and teacher visibility | Schools prioritizing classroom tools over network-level protection |
Need Help?
Have questions about SecureSchool, Chromebook filtering, or how this compares to GoGuardian?
Email support@k12usa.com or call 877-225-0100.
Email support@k12usa.com or call 877-225-0100.
